Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years. He was thirty-two years oldThis phrase introduces us to the age of Jehoram, the son of Jehoshaphat, when he ascended to the throne of Judah. The age of thirty-two signifies a period in life where one is expected to have gained maturity and wisdom. In the Hebrew context, the number thirty often symbolizes dedication to a particular task or mission, as seen with priests beginning their service at this age ( Numbers 4:3). Jehoram's age suggests he was at a point where he should have been prepared to lead with discernment and responsibility. when he became king
The transition to kingship is a significant moment, marking the beginning of Jehoram's rule over Judah. The Hebrew word for "king" is "melek," which implies not just a political leader but one who is expected to shepherd the people according to God's laws. This role was not merely administrative but spiritual, as the king was to lead the nation in covenant faithfulness to Yahweh. Jehoram's ascension to the throne was a divine appointment, yet it came with the heavy responsibility of upholding the Davidic covenant. and he reigned in Jerusalem
Jerusalem, the city of David, holds profound theological significance as the center of worship and the dwelling place of God's presence in the temple. The phrase underscores the importance of Jehoram's reign in the heart of Judah's spiritual and political life. Historically, Jerusalem was not just a capital city but a symbol of God's promise and presence among His people. Jehoram's reign in this sacred city highlights the expectation for him to maintain the spiritual integrity and legacy of his forefathers. eight years
The duration of Jehoram's reign is notably short, especially when compared to other kings of Judah. The number eight in biblical numerology often signifies new beginnings or a new order. However, in Jehoram's case, his reign was marked by apostasy and deviation from the ways of his father, Jehoshaphat. This brief period serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's commandments. Historically, Jehoram's reign was tumultuous, characterized by alliances with the house of Ahab and the introduction of idolatry, which ultimately led to his downfall and the weakening of Judah. Persons / Places / Events 1. Jehoram (also known as Joram)The son of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah. He became king at the age of thirty-two and reigned for eight years. His reign is noted for its departure from the ways of his father, Jehoshaphat, who was a godly king. 2. JerusalemThe capital city of Judah, where Jehoram reigned. It was the political and spiritual center of the kingdom of Judah. 3. JehoshaphatThe father of Jehoram, known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to rid Judah of idolatry. His reign was marked by peace and prosperity. 4. Kingdom of JudahThe southern kingdom of the divided Israelite monarchy, consisting of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. It was distinct from the northern kingdom of Israel. 5. Reign of JehoramA period marked by significant spiritual decline, as Jehoram led Judah away from the worship of Yahweh and into idolatry, influenced by his marriage to Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. Teaching Points The Importance of Godly LeadershipJehoram's reign serves as a reminder of the impact a leader can have on a nation. Godly leadership can lead to blessings, while ungodly leadership can lead to spiritual and moral decline. Consequences of IdolatryJehoram's turn to idolatry brought about negative consequences for Judah. This highlights the importance of remaining faithful to God and avoiding the worship of false gods. Influence of RelationshipsJehoram's marriage to Athaliah, who came from a family known for idolatry, influenced his departure from God. This underscores the importance of choosing relationships that encourage spiritual growth. Legacy and InfluenceThe legacy we leave is shaped by our faithfulness to God. Jehoram's negative legacy contrasts with his father Jehoshaphat's positive one, reminding us to consider the long-term impact of our actions. Repentance and ReturnDespite Jehoram's failures, the opportunity for repentance and return to God is always available. This encourages us to seek God's forgiveness and guidance when we stray. Bible Study Questions 1. How did Jehoram's leadership differ from that of his father, Jehoshaphat, and what can we learn from this contrast? 2. In what ways can idolatry manifest in our lives today, and how can we guard against it? 3. How do our relationships influence our spiritual walk, and what steps can we take to ensure they are positive influences? 4. What legacy are we building through our actions and decisions, and how can we ensure it aligns with God's will? 5. How can we apply the lessons from Jehoram's reign to our own lives, particularly in terms of repentance and returning to God? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Chronicles 21Provides a parallel account of Jehoram's reign, detailing his actions and the consequences of his departure from God’s ways. 1 Kings 22Describes the reign of Jehoshaphat, Jehoram's father, highlighting the contrast between their leadership and faithfulness to God. Exodus 20:3-5The commandments against idolatry, which Jehoram violated, leading to spiritual and national consequences for Judah. Deuteronomy 17:14-20Instructions for kings of Israel, emphasizing the importance of following God's law, which Jehoram neglected. People Ahab, Ahaziah, Aram, Athaliah, Ben, Benhadad, Ben-hadad, David, Edomites, Elisha, Gehazi, Hadad, Hazael, Israelites, Jehoram, Jehoshaphat, Jezreel, Joram, Omri, SyriansPlaces Damascus, Edom, Jerusalem, Jezreel, Libnah, Ramah, Ramoth-gilead, Samaria, Syria, ZairTopics Eight, Jerusalem, Reign, Reigned, Reigning, Ruling, Thirty, Thirty-twoDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 8:16-17 7240 Jerusalem, history 2 Kings 8:16-18 8739 evil, examples of 2 Kings 8:16-22 7245 Judah, kingdom of 2 Kings 8:16-29 5366 king Library The Story of Hazael
'So Hazael went to meet him, and took a present with him, even of every good thing of Damascus, forty camels' burden, and came and stood before him, and said, Thy son Ben-hadad king of Syria hath sent me to thee, saying, Shall I recover of this disease? 10. And Elisha said unto him, Go, say unto him, Thou mayest certainly recover: howbeit the Lord hath shewed me that he shall surely die. 11. And he settled his countenance stedfastly, until he was ashamed: and the man of God wept. 12. And Hazael said, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureHazael
BY REV. J. G. GREENHOUGH, M.A. "But what, is thy servant a dog, that he should do this great thing?"--2 KINGS viii. 13. Hazael was the chief minister and prime favourite of Benhadad, the Syrian king. He had been raised from a humble lot and promoted to that high post by the partiality of his sovereign, who had doubtless discerned his exceptional abilities, and certainly placed implicit trust in him. Just now the king was dangerously ill, and Hazael had been sent to inquire of the prophet of Israel …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
Assur-nazir-pal (885-860) and Shalmaneser III. (860-825)--The kingdom of Urartu and its conquering princes: Menuas and Argistis. Assyria was the first to reappear on the scene of action. Less hampered by an ancient past than Egypt and Chaldaea, she was the sooner able to recover her strength after any disastrous crisis, and to assume again the offensive along the whole of her frontier line. Image Drawn by Faucher-Gudin, from a bas-relief at Koyunjik of the time of Sennacherib. The initial cut, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7 The Prophet Jonah.
It has been asserted without any sufficient reason, that Jonah is older than Hosea, Joel, Amos, and Obadiah,--that he is the oldest among the prophets whose written monuments have been preserved to us. The passage in 2 Kings xiv. 25, where it is said, that Jonah, the son of Amittai the prophet, prophesied to Jeroboam the happy success of his arms, and the restoration of the ancient boundaries of Israel, and that this prophecy was confirmed by the event, cannot decide in favour of this assertion, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Redemption for Man Lost to be Sought in Christ.
1. The knowledge of God the Creator of no avail without faith in Christ the Redeemer. First reason. Second reason strengthened by the testimony of an Apostle. Conclusion. This doctrine entertained by the children of God in all ages from the beginning of the world. Error of throwing open heaven to the heathen, who know nothing of Christ. The pretexts for this refuted by passages of Scripture. 2. God never was propitious to the ancient Israelites without Christ the Mediator. First reason founded on …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion The Prophet Joel.
PRELIMINARY REMARKS. The position which has been assigned to Joel in the collection of the Minor Prophets, furnishes an external argument for the determination of the time at which Joel wrote. There cannot be any doubt that the Collectors were guided by a consideration of the chronology. The circumstance, that they placed the prophecies of Joel just between the two prophets who, according to the inscriptions and contents of their prophecies, belonged to the time of Jeroboam and Uzziah, is …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Christ's Prophetic Office
'The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet,' &c. Deut 18:85. Having spoken of the person of Christ, we are next to speak of the offices of Christ. These are Prophetic, Priestly, and Regal. 'The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet.' Enunciatur hic locus de Christo. It is spoken of Christ.' There are several names given to Christ as a Prophet. He is called the Counsellor' in Isa 9:9. In uno Christo Angelus foederis completur [The Messenger of the Covenant appears in Christ alone]. …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
WHEN St. Paul wrote his Epistle to Titus about his duty as a minister, he mentioned young men as a class requiring peculiar attention. After speaking of aged men and aged women, and young women, he adds this pithy advice, "Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded" (Tit. 2:6). I am going to follow the Apostle's advice. I propose to offer a few words of friendly exhortation to young men. I am growing old myself, but there are few things I remember so well as the days of my youth. I have a most …
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times Commerce
The remarkable change which we have noticed in the views of Jewish authorities, from contempt to almost affectation of manual labour, could certainly not have been arbitrary. But as we fail to discover here any religious motive, we can only account for it on the score of altered political and social circumstances. So long as the people were, at least nominally, independent, and in possession of their own land, constant engagement in a trade would probably mark an inferior social stage, and imply …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Original Sin
Q-16: DID ALL MANKIND FALL IN ADAM'S FIRST TRANSGRESSION? A: The covenant being made with Adam, not only for himself, but for his posterity, all mankind descending from him, by ordinary generation, sinned in him, and fell with him in his first transgression. 'By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin,' &c. Rom 5:12. Adam being a representative person, while he stood, we stood; when he fell, we fell, We sinned in Adam; so it is in the text, In whom all have sinned.' Adam was the head …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Kings 8:17 NIV2 Kings 8:17 NLT2 Kings 8:17 ESV2 Kings 8:17 NASB2 Kings 8:17 KJV
2 Kings 8:17 Commentaries
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