What leadership qualities should we avoid, based on Jehoram's actions in 2 Chronicles 21? Setting the Scene: Jehoram’s Night Raid “So Jehoram went out with his officers and all his chariots. At night he arose and attacked the Edomites who had surrounded him and the commanders of the chariots.” (2 Chronicles 21:9) That single verse sits in a wider narrative of a king who traded his godly heritage for self-focused ambition. From his first day on the throne (v. 4) until his painful death (v. 19), Jehoram models the very leadership traits Scripture warns us to avoid. Self-Serving Ambition • He “strengthened himself” by murdering six of his own brothers (v. 4). • Leadership lesson: Never advance your position at the expense of people God has entrusted to you. (Philippians 2:3–4) Compromised Alliances • Jehoram “walked in the ways of the kings of Israel” after marrying Ahab’s daughter (v. 6). • 1 Corinthians 15:33 reminds us, “Bad company corrupts good character.” When leaders yoke themselves to ungodly partnerships, compromise is inevitable. Abandoning God’s Word • “Jehoram did evil in the sight of the LORD” (v. 6). • Kings were commanded to keep God’s law close (Deuteronomy 17:18-20). Set Scripture aside, and a leader quickly loses moral direction. Leading Others into Sin • He “led Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem into prostitution” by building high places (v. 11). • Jesus warns, “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck” (Matthew 18:6). Influence amplifies responsibility. Prideful Dependence on Power • Verse 9 pictures Jehoram rushing out with “all his chariots,” trusting military muscle rather than the LORD. • Psalm 20:7 draws the contrast: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” Deafness to Prophetic Correction • Elijah’s letter (vv. 12-15) warned of judgment, yet Jehoram hardened his heart. • Proverbs 29:1: “A man who remains stiff-necked after much rebuke will suddenly be shattered—without remedy.” Neglecting Legacy • He died “to no one’s regret” (v. 20). • Proverbs 10:7 says, “The memory of the righteous is blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot.” Every leader is writing tomorrow’s eulogy today. Walking the Better Path Avoiding Jehoram’s missteps means embracing their opposites: – Humble service over selfish ambition (Mark 10:43-45) – God-honoring alliances over expedient ties (2 Corinthians 6:14) – Daily submission to Scripture over selective obedience (Joshua 1:8) – Protecting followers from sin rather than enticing them (Hebrews 13:17) – Trusting God’s strength over human power (2 Chronicles 20:12) – Welcoming correction over silencing it (Psalm 141:5) – Living for a legacy that blesses, not burdens, future generations (2 Timothy 4:7-8) |
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