Jehoram, also known as Joram, was the son of Jehoshaphat and the fifth king of the Kingdom of Judah. His reign is noted for significant political and spiritual decline, marked by the revolt of Edom and other adversities. Jehoram's account is primarily chronicled in 2 Kings 8:16-24 and 2 Chronicles 21.

Background and Ascension to the Throne

Jehoram ascended to the throne of Judah following the death of his father, Jehoshaphat. His reign began in the fifth year of Joram, son of Ahab, king of Israel, indicating a period of overlapping rule between the two kingdoms. Jehoram's marriage to Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, further solidified the alliance between Judah and the northern kingdom of Israel, though it also introduced idolatrous practices into Judah.

Religious and Moral Decline

Jehoram's reign was characterized by a departure from the religious reforms of his father. Influenced by his wife Athaliah, Jehoram led Judah into idolatry, erecting high places and encouraging the worship of foreign gods. This apostasy provoked the LORD's anger, as Jehoram "walked in the way of the kings of Israel, just as the house of Ahab had done" (2 Kings 8:18).

Edom's Revolt

One of the most significant events during Jehoram's reign was the revolt of Edom. Edom, a vassal state under Judah's control since the time of King David, seized the opportunity to rebel against Jehoram's weakened rule. The biblical account in 2 Kings 8:20-22 states: "In his days Edom revolted from the hand of Judah and set up a king of their own. So Jehoram crossed over to Zair with all his chariots. Then at night he and his chariot commanders attacked the Edomites who had surrounded him, but his army fled home."

Despite Jehoram's attempt to suppress the rebellion, Edom successfully gained independence, marking a significant loss of territory and influence for Judah. This revolt was a direct consequence of Jehoram's failure to maintain the spiritual and political stability established by his predecessors.

Other Adversities

Jehoram's reign was further plagued by internal and external challenges. The Philistines and Arabians invaded Judah, carrying away his possessions and family, leaving only his youngest son, Ahaziah. Additionally, Jehoram suffered from a severe and incurable disease, as prophesied by Elijah, as a divine judgment for his idolatry and the murder of his brothers (2 Chronicles 21:12-19).

Death and Legacy

Jehoram reigned for eight years and was buried in the City of David, though not in the tombs of the kings, reflecting the dishonor associated with his rule. His reign is remembered as a period of spiritual decline and political instability, setting the stage for further challenges in the Kingdom of Judah. The revolt of Edom under Jehoram's rule serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of turning away from the LORD and His commandments.2 Kings 8:20-22
In his days Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah, and made a king over themselves.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Chronicles 21:8-10
In his days the Edomites revolted from under the dominion of Judah, and made themselves a king.
Nave's Topical Index

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... of the King of heaven;** nor was Judah slow to ... to a letter from Elijah to Jehoram
of Juda (2 ... no longer occupied themselves in resisting the king, but addressed ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... chiefs of Zamua, convinced of their helplessness, purchased the king's departure
by ... be continued during the winter in another direction where revolts had taken ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

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