Jehoram's brothers were the sons of King Jehoshaphat of Judah, a king noted for his piety and reforms in the southern kingdom. Jehoshaphat, a descendant of King David, sought to walk in the ways of the Lord, and his reign was marked by efforts to rid the land of idolatry and to strengthen the worship of Yahweh. Jehoram, his firstborn, succeeded him as king, but his reign was notably different from that of his father.

Names and Background

Jehoram's brothers are mentioned in 2 Chronicles 21:2: "Jehoram’s brothers, the sons of Jehoshaphat, were Azariah, Jehiel, Zechariah, Azariahu, Michael, and Shephatiah. All these were the sons of Jehoshaphat king of Israel." The mention of "king of Israel" here refers to the broader sense of the united people of God, as Jehoshaphat was king over Judah.

Inheritance and Status

Jehoshaphat, in his wisdom, provided for all his sons, giving them gifts of silver, gold, and valuable possessions, along with fortified cities in Judah. However, he gave the kingdom to Jehoram because he was the firstborn (2 Chronicles 21:3). This practice was customary, as the firstborn son typically inherited the throne, ensuring the continuity of the Davidic line.

Tragic Fate

Despite the provisions made for them, Jehoram's brothers met a tragic fate. Upon securing his position as king, Jehoram acted with ruthless ambition. "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" (2 Chronicles 21:4). This act of fratricide was a stark departure from the godly example set by his father, Jehoshaphat, and it marked the beginning of a reign characterized by idolatry and bloodshed.

Spiritual and Political Implications

Jehoram's actions had significant spiritual and political implications for the kingdom of Judah. By murdering his brothers, Jehoram not only secured his political power but also brought judgment upon himself and his kingdom. The prophet Elijah sent him a letter, warning of divine retribution for his idolatry and the murder of his brothers (2 Chronicles 21:12-15). This prophecy foretold the calamities that would befall his house, including a painful disease that would eventually lead to his death.

Legacy

The legacy of Jehoram's brothers is overshadowed by the violence that ended their lives. Their deaths serve as a somber reminder of the consequences of turning away from the ways of the Lord. Jehoram's reign, marked by his initial act of fratricide, led to a period of instability and decline in Judah, contrasting sharply with the prosperity and faithfulness of his father Jehoshaphat's reign. The account of Jehoram and his brothers underscores the importance of righteous leadership and the tragic outcomes of sin and ambition unchecked by godly principles.