Topical Encyclopedia Introduction to Fellowship in Biblical ContextFellowship, in the biblical sense, refers to the companionship, association, and communion shared among individuals, particularly within the community of believers. It is a concept deeply rooted in the Scriptures, emphasizing unity, shared faith, and mutual edification. However, the Bible also warns against fellowship with the wicked, highlighting the spiritual and moral dangers of such associations. The life of Jehoram, King of Judah, serves as a poignant example of the evil that can arise from ungodly fellowship. Jehoram's Background and Reign Jehoram, the son of Jehoshaphat, reigned as king of Judah from approximately 848 to 841 BC. His reign is chronicled in 2 Kings 8:16-24 and 2 Chronicles 21. Jehoram's father, Jehoshaphat, was a righteous king who sought to follow the ways of the Lord. However, Jehoram chose a different path, influenced by his marriage to Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, the infamous rulers of the northern kingdom of Israel. The Influence of Ahab's House Jehoram's marriage to Athaliah was a political alliance that brought him into close fellowship with the house of Ahab, known for its idolatry and wickedness. This alliance had a profound impact on Jehoram's reign and spiritual life. The Bible records that Jehoram "walked in the way of the kings of Israel, just as the house of Ahab had done, for he had married a daughter of Ahab" (2 Kings 8:18). This association led him to adopt the idolatrous practices of Ahab's house, turning away from the worship of the Lord. The Consequences of Ungodly Fellowship Jehoram's fellowship with the wicked resulted in severe consequences for himself and the kingdom of Judah. Under his rule, Judah experienced moral and spiritual decline. He constructed high places, leading the people of Judah into idolatry and causing them to stray from the Lord (2 Chronicles 21:11). His actions provoked the Lord's anger, and the prophet Elijah delivered a message of judgment against him, stating, "You have walked in the ways of the kings of Israel and have led Judah and the people of Jerusalem to prostitute themselves, just as the house of Ahab did" (2 Chronicles 21:13). The judgment pronounced upon Jehoram was severe. The Lord struck his people, his sons, his wives, and all his possessions with a great calamity. Jehoram himself suffered from a painful and incurable disease, and he died in great agony (2 Chronicles 21:14-19). His death was ignominious, and he was not honored with a burial in the tombs of the kings. Lessons from Jehoram's Fellowship with the Wicked Jehoram's life serves as a stark warning about the dangers of ungodly fellowship. His alliance with the house of Ahab led him away from the righteous path and brought destruction upon himself and his kingdom. The Scriptures consistently caution against forming close associations with those who do not follow the ways of the Lord, as such relationships can lead to spiritual compromise and moral decay. The Apostle Paul echoes this warning in the New Testament, advising believers, "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company corrupts good character'" (1 Corinthians 15:33). The account of Jehoram underscores the importance of choosing one's companions wisely and maintaining fellowship with those who encourage and uphold godly values. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 21:6And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, like as did the house of Ahab: for he had the daughter of Ahab to wife: and he worked that which was evil in the eyes of the LORD. Nave's Topical Index Resources What is Bible Study Fellowship? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Christ Commission Fellowship? | GotQuestions.org What is the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship? | GotQuestions.org Fellowship: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Fellowship with the Wicked Forbidden Fellowship with the Wicked: Punishment of Fellowship: General Scriptures Concerning Fellowship: The Evil of Fellowship With the Wicked Exemplified by Ahaziah Fellowship: The Evil of Fellowship With the Wicked Exemplified by Israel Fellowship: The Evil of Fellowship With the Wicked Exemplified by Jehoram Fellowship: The Evil of Fellowship With the Wicked Exemplified by Jehoshaphat Fellowship: The Evil of Fellowship With the Wicked Exemplified by Judas Iscariot Fellowship: The Evil of Fellowship With the Wicked Exemplified by Rehoboam Fellowship: The Evil of Fellowship With the Wicked Exemplified by Solomon Fellowship: The Evil of Fellowship With the Wicked Exemplified by the Israelites Fellowship: Those Who Avoided Fellowship With the Wicked: Church of Ephesus Fellowship: Those Who Avoided Fellowship With the Wicked: David Fellowship: Those Who Avoided Fellowship With the Wicked: Jeremiah Fellowship: Those Who Avoided Fellowship With the Wicked: Joseph of Arimathaea Fellowship: Those Who Avoided Fellowship With the Wicked: Man of God Fellowship: Those Who Avoided Fellowship With the Wicked: Nehemiah Related Terms Sanctification (13 Occurrences) Unrighteousness (57 Occurrences) |