Jehoram, also known as Joram, was a king of Judah, the son of Jehoshaphat, and a descendant of King David. His reign is chronicled in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. Jehoram's ascension to the throne marked a significant and tumultuous period in the history of Judah, characterized by political alliances, religious apostasy, and divine judgment.

Ascension to the Throne

Jehoram became king of Judah following the death of his father, Jehoshaphat. His ascension is noted in 2 Kings 8:16: "In the fifth year of Joram son of Ahab king of Israel, Jehoshaphat being then king of Judah, Jehoram son of Jehoshaphat king of Judah began to reign." Jehoshaphat had been a godly king who sought to follow the ways of the Lord, but Jehoram's reign would diverge significantly from his father's path.

Upon taking the throne, Jehoram secured his position by eliminating potential rivals. 2 Chronicles 21:4 states, "When Jehoram had established himself over his father’s kingdom, he strengthened himself by putting to the sword all his brothers along with some of the princes of Israel." This act of fratricide was a stark departure from the righteous rule of his father and set the tone for his reign.

Political Alliances and Apostasy

Jehoram's marriage to Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, further influenced his reign. This alliance with the northern kingdom of Israel, known for its idolatry and wickedness, led Jehoram to adopt similar practices. 2 Kings 8:18 records, "And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, just as the house of Ahab had done, for he married a daughter of Ahab, and he did evil in the sight of the LORD."

Under Jehoram's rule, Judah experienced a spiritual decline as he led the nation into idolatry. 2 Chronicles 21:11 notes, "Jehoram had also built high places on the hills of Judah; he had caused the people of Jerusalem to prostitute themselves and had led Judah astray." This apostasy provoked the anger of the Lord, who had established a covenant with David to maintain his lineage on the throne.

Divine Judgment and Consequences

Jehoram's actions brought about divine judgment upon himself and his kingdom. The prophet Elijah sent a letter to Jehoram, warning him of the consequences of his idolatry and fratricide. 2 Chronicles 21:12-15 records Elijah's message, which foretold a great calamity upon Jehoram's family and a severe illness that would afflict the king himself.

True to the prophecy, Jehoram's reign was marked by turmoil and disaster. The Edomites and Libnah revolted against Judah's rule (2 Chronicles 21:8-10), and the Philistines and Arabians invaded, carrying away his possessions and family (2 Chronicles 21:16-17). Finally, Jehoram was struck with a painful and incurable disease, as prophesied by Elijah. 2 Chronicles 21:18-19 describes his suffering: "After all this, the LORD afflicted Jehoram with an incurable disease of the bowels. In the course of time, after the end of two years, his intestines came out because of his disease, and he died in great pain."

Jehoram's reign lasted eight years, and his death was met with little mourning. 2 Chronicles 21:20 states, "He passed away, to no one’s regret, and was buried in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings." His life and reign serve as a somber reminder of the consequences of turning away from the Lord and the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant.