Topical Encyclopedia Jehoram, also known as Joram, was a king of Judah who reigned in the 9th century BC. His reign is notably marked by a severe and divinely inflicted disease, which serves as a significant event in the biblical narrative concerning his life and rule. Jehoram's account is primarily found in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles.Background and Reign Jehoram was the son of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, and he ascended to the throne following his father's death. His reign is characterized by a departure from the righteous ways of his father. Jehoram married Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, which led to the introduction of idolatrous practices in Judah. The Bible records that Jehoram "walked in the way of the kings of Israel, just as the house of Ahab had done" (2 Chronicles 21:6). Divine Judgment and Disease Jehoram's apostasy and the murder of his brothers to secure his throne provoked the wrath of God. The prophet Elijah sent a letter to Jehoram, warning him of impending divine judgment due to his idolatry and fratricide. The letter declared, "The LORD is about to strike your people, your sons, your wives, and all your possessions with a heavy blow" (2 Chronicles 21:14). As part of this divine judgment, Jehoram was afflicted with a severe and incurable disease. The Bible describes this affliction in graphic terms: "The LORD struck him in his intestines with an incurable disease. In the course of time, after two years had passed, his intestines came out because of his disease, and he died in severe pain" (2 Chronicles 21:18-19). This gruesome end was a direct consequence of his unfaithfulness and the evil he had perpetrated in Judah. Theological Implications Jehoram's disease and subsequent death serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and leading others into sin. His life illustrates the biblical principle that divine retribution can manifest in physical afflictions as a form of judgment. The narrative underscores the importance of faithfulness to God's commandments and the dangers of aligning with ungodly influences. Legacy Jehoram's reign left a negative legacy in Judah. His actions and the resulting divine punishment had lasting effects on the kingdom. The people did not honor him with the customary burning of spices at his death, a sign of his unpopularity and the disgrace he brought upon himself and his house (2 Chronicles 21:19). Jehoram's account is a cautionary tale within the biblical text, emphasizing the need for righteous leadership and adherence to God's laws. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 21:12-19And there came a writing to him from Elijah the prophet, saying, Thus said the LORD God of David your father, Because you have not walked in the ways of Jehoshaphat your father, nor in the ways of Asa king of Judah, Nave's Topical Index Library Concerning the Wickedness of Jehoram King O Jerusalem; his Defeat ... Concerning Ahaziah; the King of Israel; and Again Concerning the ... The Kingdom Op Judah. The Fall of the House of Ahab The Minstrel Hazael Makes an Expedition against the People of Israel and the ... The Antiquities of the Jews Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria Resources Why is leprosy talked about so much in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God create mosquitoes? | GotQuestions.org Is it sometimes God's will for believers to be sick? | GotQuestions.org Disease: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Disease: Miraculous Healing of, a Sign to Accompany the Preaching of the Word Disease: Physicians Employed For Disease: Threatened As Judgments Disease: Treatment of Fractures Gonorrhea: General Scriptures Concerning Gout (?): General Scriptures Concerning Spermatorrhea: A Disease of the Genital Organs Related Terms Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) Kibrothhattaavah (5 Occurrences) Grain-cutting (19 Occurrences) |
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