Jehoram, also known as Joram, was a king of Judah who reigned in the 9th century BC. He was the son of Jehoshaphat and the grandson of Asa, both of whom were considered righteous kings in the eyes of the Lord. However, Jehoram's reign marked a significant departure from the godly legacy of his forefathers, as he engaged in acts that were detestable to God, including the sin of fratricide.

Upon ascending to the throne, Jehoram took drastic measures to secure his position. The Bible records that he killed all his brothers with the sword, as well as some of the princes of Israel. This act of fratricide is documented in 2 Chronicles 21:4: "When Jehoram had established himself over his father’s kingdom, he strengthened his position by putting to the sword all his brothers along with some of the princes of Israel." This brutal act was not only a political maneuver to eliminate potential rivals but also a grave sin that demonstrated his departure from the ways of the Lord.

Jehoram's actions were influenced by his marriage to Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, rulers of the northern kingdom of Israel. This alliance brought the idolatrous practices of Ahab's house into Judah, further leading Jehoram away from the worship of Yahweh. The Bible notes 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 Chronicles 21:6).

The consequences of Jehoram's fratricide and idolatry were severe. The Lord stirred up the Philistines and the Arabs against him, and they invaded Judah, carrying away all the possessions found in the king's house, along with his sons and wives, leaving only his youngest son, Jehoahaz (also known as Ahaziah). Furthermore, Jehoram was struck with a painful and incurable disease, as prophesied by Elijah the prophet. The Bible describes his end in 2 Chronicles 21:18-19: "After all this, the LORD afflicted Jehoram with an incurable disease of the bowels. In the course of time, after two years had passed, his intestines came out because of his disease, and he died in severe pain."

Jehoram's reign serves as a cautionary tale of the destructive power of sin and the consequences of turning away from God. His fratricide not only led to personal and national calamity but also marked a spiritual decline in Judah, setting a precedent for future generations. The legacy of Jehoram's actions is a stark reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God's commandments and the dangers of alliances that lead one away from the truth.2 Chronicles 21:4
Now when Jehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself, and slew all his brothers with the sword, and divers also of the princes of Israel.
Nave's Topical Index

Who was Andrew in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Aaron in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What can we learn from the relationship of Moses and Aaron? | GotQuestions.org

Brother: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus