How does Jehoram's affliction connect with Deuteronomy 28's warnings about disobedience? Jehoram’s Rebellion Sets the Stage – 2 Chronicles 21:6 reports that Jehoram “walked in the ways of the kings of Israel… and did evil in the sight of the LORD.” – He murdered his own brothers (21:4), promoted Baal worship (21:11), and led Judah astray. – Elijah’s letter warned, “the LORD will strike you with a severe illness, a disease of your bowels…” (21:12-15). The Covenant Lens of Deuteronomy 28 – Deuteronomy 28:1-14 lists blessings for obedience; verses 15-68 detail curses for disobedience. – The passage repeatedly stresses that covenant violations bring physical, national, and personal calamity. Specific Parallels: Disease of the Bowels “After all this, the LORD afflicted Jehoram with an incurable disease of the bowels… his bowels came out because of the disease, and he died in severe pain.” • v 27 “The LORD will afflict you with the boils of Egypt, with tumors, scabs, and itch, from which you cannot be healed.” • v 35 “The LORD will afflict you with painful and incurable boils on your knees and legs…” • vv 59-61 “The LORD will bring upon you and your descendants extraordinary plagues… severe and lingering illnesses… every sickness and plague not written in the book of this Law.” Connections – Both texts emphasize incurable, wasting diseases sent directly by the LORD. – Elijah’s prophecy (2 Chronicles 21:12-15) echoes Deuteronomy’s language, showing that the prophet applied the covenant curses to Jehoram’s situation. – The bowel disease fulfills the “incurable” clause of Deuteronomy 28, underscoring the literal execution of covenant warnings. God’s Faithfulness—Blessing and Curse – The same covenant that promised victory to obedient kings (e.g., 2 Chronicles 17:3-6 with Jehoshaphat) just as surely delivered judgment to a disobedient one. – Jehoram’s experience proves God keeps His word in its entirety—both promises and penalties. Reinforcing Passages – Leviticus 26:16 parallels Deuteronomy 28, predicting “wasting disease and fever” for rebellion. – 1 Kings 14:10-12 shows a similar pattern when Jeroboam’s household faces sickness because of idolatry. – Psalm 107:17-18 reflects the theme: “Fools suffered affliction because of their rebellious ways.” Takeaway Truths • Covenant disobedience invites the very judgments Scripture spells out. • God’s warnings are not empty threats; historical narratives like Jehoram’s prove them literal. • The fear of the LORD and adherence to His commands remain the path of safety and blessing (Proverbs 3:7-8; Deuteronomy 30:19-20). |
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