Jehoram, the son of Jehoshaphat, was a king of Judah who reigned in the 9th century BC. His reign is marked by a significant departure from the godly legacy of his father, Jehoshaphat, and is characterized by alliances and associations with the enemies of God, which had profound implications for the kingdom of Judah.

Background and Ascension to the Throne

Jehoram became king after the death of his father, Jehoshaphat, who had been a righteous king, known for his efforts to rid Judah of idolatry and to strengthen the worship of Yahweh. Jehoshaphat had also made a strategic alliance with the northern kingdom of Israel through the marriage of his son Jehoram to Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, rulers of Israel. This marriage would later prove to be a detrimental influence on Jehoram's reign.

Idolatry and Apostasy

Upon ascending the throne, Jehoram took drastic measures to secure his position, including the murder of his own brothers and some of the princes of Israel (2 Chronicles 21:4). This act of fratricide was a stark departure from the ways of his father and set the tone for his reign. Jehoram's marriage to Athaliah brought the influence of Ahab's house into Judah, leading to the introduction and promotion of Baal worship, which was prevalent in Israel under Ahab and Jezebel.

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 Chronicles 21:6). This alliance with the house of Ahab led to a spiritual decline in Judah, as Jehoram led the people away from the worship of Yahweh and into idolatry.

Divine Judgment and Consequences

Jehoram's actions and alliances brought about divine judgment upon himself and his kingdom. The prophet Elijah sent him a letter, warning him of the consequences of his apostasy and the murder of his brothers. The letter declared, "Because you have not walked in the ways of your father Jehoshaphat or of Asa king of Judah, but have walked in the way of the kings of Israel... the LORD will strike your people, your sons, your wives, and all your possessions with a heavy blow" (2 Chronicles 21:12-14).

True to the prophecy, Jehoram's reign was plagued by turmoil and disaster. The Edomites and Libnah revolted against his rule (2 Chronicles 21:8-10), and the Philistines and Arabians invaded Judah, carrying away all his possessions, his sons, and his wives, leaving only his youngest son, Jehoahaz (also known as Ahaziah) (2 Chronicles 21:16-17).

Jehoram himself was struck with a severe and incurable disease, as foretold by Elijah. He suffered greatly and died in agony, and the Bible notes that "he departed with no one's regret" (2 Chronicles 21:20). His death marked the end of a reign that had brought much suffering and spiritual decline to Judah.

Legacy and Lessons

Jehoram's reign serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of forming alliances with those who oppose God. His marriage to Athaliah and the subsequent influence of Ahab's house led to idolatry, moral decay, and divine judgment. The consequences of his alliances were not limited to his own life but extended to his family and the entire nation of Judah.

The account of Jehoram underscores the importance of faithfulness to God and the perils of compromising with ungodly influences. It highlights the need for leaders to uphold righteousness and to avoid associations that can lead to spiritual and moral decline.2 Chronicles 21:6
And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, like as did the house of Ahab: for he had the daughter of Ahab to wife: and he worked that which was evil in the eyes of the LORD.
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