Jehoram, also known as Joram, was a king of Judah whose reign is marked by significant afflictions, both personal and national, as a result of his departure from the ways of the Lord. His account is primarily found in 2 Kings 8:16-24 and 2 Chronicles 21.

Background and Reign

Jehoram was the son of Jehoshaphat, a king who had sought to follow the Lord. However, Jehoram's reign was characterized by a stark contrast to his father's faithfulness. Upon ascending to the throne, Jehoram secured his position by killing all his brothers and some of the princes of Israel (2 Chronicles 21:4). This act of fratricide set the tone for his reign, which was marked by idolatry and wickedness.

Idolatry and Apostasy

Jehoram's marriage to Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, further entrenched his commitment to idolatry. Influenced by his wife, Jehoram led Judah into the worship of Baal and other false gods, abandoning the covenantal faithfulness to Yahweh. The Bible records, "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).

Divine Judgment and Afflictions

Jehoram's apostasy brought about divine judgment. The prophet Elijah sent him a letter, warning of severe consequences due to his idolatry and the murder of his brothers. The letter declared, "The LORD is about to strike your people, your sons, your wives, and all your possessions with a heavy blow" (2 Chronicles 21:14).

True to the prophecy, Jehoram faced numerous afflictions:

1. Revolt and Loss of Territory: During his reign, Edom and Libnah revolted against Judah's rule (2 Chronicles 21:8-10). This loss of territory was a direct consequence of his unfaithfulness, as the Lord withdrew His protection and favor.

2. Invasion and Plunder: The Philistines and Arabs invaded Judah, carrying away all the king's possessions, his sons, and his wives, leaving only his youngest son, Jehoahaz (also known as Ahaziah) (2 Chronicles 21:16-17).

3. Personal Suffering: Jehoram was struck with a severe and incurable disease of the bowels. The affliction was so intense that after two years, "his intestines came out because of his disease, and he died in severe pain" (2 Chronicles 21:19).

Legacy and Death

Jehoram's reign ended in disgrace. Unlike his predecessors, he was not honored with a burial in the tombs of the kings. The people made no fire in his honor, as was customary for kings, and he "departed with no one's regret" (2 Chronicles 21:20). His life serves as a somber reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and leading others into sin.

Jehoram's afflictions underscore the biblical principle that the wicked, though they may prosper for a time, ultimately face divine judgment and the consequences of their actions. His account is a cautionary tale of the perils of idolatry and the importance of remaining faithful to the covenant with God.2 Chronicles 21:12-19
And there came a writing to him from Elijah the prophet, saying, Thus said the LORD God of David your father, Because you have not walked in the ways of Jehoshaphat your father, nor in the ways of Asa king of Judah,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Answer to the Jewish Rabby's Letter.
... And his father David: Many are the afflictions of the ... the way, is abomination to
the wicked [38 ... miracles, 2 Kings 4.Notwithstanding this, Jehoram, another king ...
/.../answer to the jewish rabbys.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... Of Their Country, And Experienced Great Afflictions; And When ... CHAPTER 5. Concerning
The Wickedness Of Jehoram King O ... He Did For The Punishment Of The Wicked. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

Questions.
... How did Jehoram act on coming to the throne ... What of the dying among the wicked and
the burial?"Psalm 88 ... How had they been told to meet their afflictions?"Matt ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/questions.htm

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