Topical Encyclopedia Jehoram, also known as Joram, was the son of Jehoshaphat and the fifth king of the Kingdom of Judah. His reign is chronicled in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. Jehoram's rule is marked by significant religious and political changes, as well as a departure from the godly legacy of his father, Jehoshaphat.Family and Ascension to the Throne Jehoram was the eldest son of Jehoshaphat, who was a devout king known for his efforts to bring the people of Judah back to the worship of Yahweh. Jehoram married Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, which forged a political alliance with the northern Kingdom of Israel. This marriage, however, introduced the idolatrous practices of Ahab's house into Judah. Upon Jehoshaphat's death, Jehoram ascended to the throne. In a bid to secure his position, he killed all his brothers and some of the princes of Israel (2 Chronicles 21:4). This act of fratricide was a stark departure from the righteous path of his father and set the tone for his reign. Religious Apostasy and Idolatry Jehoram's reign was characterized by a significant shift towards idolatry. Influenced by his wife Athaliah, he led Judah into the worship of Baal and other foreign gods, abandoning the worship of Yahweh. The Bible records that "he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, just as the house of Ahab had done, for he had married a daughter of Ahab" (2 Kings 8:18). This apostasy provoked the anger of the Lord, and Jehoram's reign was marked by divine judgment. Divine Judgment and Political Turmoil Jehoram's departure from the ways of the Lord brought about several calamities. The prophet Elijah sent him a letter warning of severe consequences due to his idolatry and the murder of his brothers (2 Chronicles 21:12-15). As prophesied, the Lord stirred up the Philistines and the Arabians against Judah, and they invaded the land, carrying away all the king's possessions, his sons, and his wives, except for his youngest son, Jehoahaz (also known as Ahaziah). Moreover, Jehoram was struck with a severe and incurable disease of the bowels, which eventually led to his death in great agony (2 Chronicles 21:18-19). His reign lasted eight years, and he was not honored with a burial in the tombs of the kings, reflecting the people's disdain for his leadership. Legacy Jehoram's reign is often viewed as a period of decline for Judah, both spiritually and politically. His alliance with the house of Ahab and the introduction of idolatry had long-lasting effects on the kingdom. Despite his father's efforts to lead Judah in the ways of the Lord, Jehoram's actions set a precedent for future kings who would also struggle with idolatry and apostasy. Jehoram's account serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of maintaining faithfulness to His commandments. His life and reign are a reminder of the impact that leadership can have on a nation's spiritual and moral direction. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 22:50And Jehoshaphat slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father: and Jehoram his son reigned in his stead. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 8:16 1 Chronicles 3:11 2 Chronicles 21:5 Library The Kingdom Op Judah. Concerning the Wickedness of Jehoram King O Jerusalem; his Defeat ... Ahaziah The Fall of the House of Ahab God Does Whatsoever He Wills in the Hearts of Even Wicked Men. The Divided Kingdom. Jehoshaphat's Reform Hazael Makes an Expedition against the People of Israel and the ... Jehoshaphat The Kingdom of Judah. Resources Who was Elisha in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the difference between fornication and adultery? | GotQuestions.org Who/what is Edom (Obadiah 1:1, 8)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Jehoram: A Priest Commissioned to Go Through Israel and Instruct the People in the Law Jehoram: King of Judah: Ancestor of Jesus Jehoram: King of Judah: Death of Jehoram: King of Judah: Edom Revolts From Jehoram: King of Judah: Marries Athaliah, Whose Wicked Counsels Influence his Reign for Evil Jehoram: King of Judah: Murders his Brothers to Strengthen Himself in his Sovereignty Jehoram: King of Judah: Prophecy Concerning Jehoram: King of Judah: The Philistines and Arabians Invade his Territory Related Terms |
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