And Jehoram walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, just as the house of Ahab had done. For he married a daughter of Ahab and did evil in the sight of the LORD. And Jehoram walked in the ways of the kings of IsraelJehoram, king of Judah, followed the practices of the northern kingdom of Israel, which were often characterized by idolatry and apostasy. The "ways of the kings of Israel" typically refer to the worship of Baal and other Canaanite deities, which was initiated by Jeroboam I and perpetuated by subsequent kings. This phrase indicates a departure from the Davidic tradition of worshiping Yahweh exclusively. The influence of Israel's practices on Judah highlights the political and religious entanglements between the two kingdoms during this period. just as the house of Ahab had done
The house of Ahab is notorious for its promotion of Baal worship, largely due to Ahab's marriage to Jezebel, a Phoenician princess and ardent Baal worshiper. Ahab's reign is marked by significant opposition to the prophets of Yahweh, most notably Elijah. By aligning himself with the house of Ahab, Jehoram is seen as adopting these same corrupt practices, which were condemned by the prophets. This connection underscores the pervasive influence of Ahab's dynasty on the spiritual decline of both Israel and Judah. For he married a daughter of Ahab
Jehoram's marriage to Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, was likely a political alliance intended to strengthen ties between Israel and Judah. However, this union brought the idolatrous practices of Ahab's house into Judah. Athaliah's influence is evident in the subsequent events in Judah, including her later usurpation of the throne and the promotion of Baal worship. This marriage serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of forming alliances that compromise spiritual integrity. and did evil in the sight of the LORD
The phrase "did evil in the sight of the LORD" is a common biblical expression used to describe actions that are contrary to God's commandments and expectations. In Jehoram's case, this evil is primarily associated with idolatry and the abandonment of the covenantal faithfulness required of the Davidic kings. This evaluation reflects the Deuteronomic perspective, which emphasizes obedience to God's law as the standard for righteousness. Jehoram's actions are seen as a direct affront to the LORD, leading to divine judgment and consequences for the nation. Persons / Places / Events 1. Jehoram (King of Judah)The son of Jehoshaphat, who became king of Judah and followed the sinful ways of the house of Ahab. 2. House of AhabA royal family in the Northern Kingdom of Israel known for their idolatry and evil practices, particularly under King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. 3. Ahab’s Daughter (Athaliah)The wife of Jehoram, who influenced him to follow the idolatrous practices of her family. 4. JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, where Jehoram reigned as king. 5. The LORDThe God of Israel, who is displeased with Jehoram's actions and idolatry. Teaching Points Influence of RelationshipsThe people we associate with can significantly impact our spiritual walk. Jehoram's marriage to Athaliah led him away from God. We must choose relationships that encourage us in our faith. Consequences of IdolatryIdolatry leads to separation from God and His blessings. Jehoram's reign was marked by evil because he followed the idolatrous practices of Ahab's house. We must guard against modern forms of idolatry in our lives. Legacy and LeadershipLeaders have a profound impact on their followers. Jehoram's evil reign affected the entire nation of Judah. As Christians, we are called to lead by example and uphold God's standards. Faithfulness to GodDespite external influences, we are called to remain faithful to God. Jehoram's failure serves as a warning to prioritize our relationship with God above all else. Bible Study Questions 1. How did Jehoram's marriage to Athaliah influence his reign as king of Judah, and what can we learn about the impact of our relationships on our spiritual lives? 2. In what ways do modern Christians face similar temptations of idolatry, and how can we guard against them? 3. How does Jehoram's leadership compare to that of his father, Jehoshaphat, and what lessons can we learn about the importance of godly leadership? 4. Reflect on a time when you faced pressure to conform to ungodly practices. How did you respond, and what biblical principles can help you remain faithful in such situations? 5. Considering the warnings in Deuteronomy 7:3-4, how can we apply these principles to our lives today, especially in the context of relationships and partnerships? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 16:30-33Provides background on Ahab's reign and his introduction of Baal worship in Israel, setting the stage for the influence on Jehoram. 2 Chronicles 21:6Offers a parallel account of Jehoram's reign, emphasizing his evil actions and the influence of his wife, Athaliah. Exodus 20:3-5The commandments against idolatry, highlighting the seriousness of Jehoram's actions in the sight of God. Deuteronomy 7:3-4Warns against intermarriage with those who do not follow God, as it can lead to turning away from Him, which is evident in Jehoram's life. 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 Ahab, Daughter, Evil, Family, Kings, Married, Sight, Walked, Walketh, WifeDictionary of Bible Themes 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 8:18 NIV2 Kings 8:18 NLT2 Kings 8:18 ESV2 Kings 8:18 NASB2 Kings 8:18 KJV
2 Kings 8:18 Commentaries
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