Topical Bible: Joram: Also Called Jehoram: Has War With the King of Syria

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Joram, also known as Jehoram, was a king of Israel, the son of Ahab and Jezebel, and the brother of Ahaziah. His reign is noted for its military conflicts, particularly with the kingdom of Syria (Aram). Joram's rule is chronicled in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, where his interactions with the prophets and his military campaigns are detailed.

Background and Reign

Joram ascended to the throne of Israel after the death of his brother Ahaziah. His reign is marked by a continuation of the idolatrous practices initiated by his parents, although he did make some reforms, such as removing the sacred pillar of Baal (2 Kings 3:2). Despite these efforts, he did not fully turn away from the sins of Jeroboam, which led Israel into idolatry.

Conflict with Syria

One of the significant events during Joram's reign was his ongoing conflict with the kingdom of Syria. The Syrian king, Ben-Hadad, was a persistent adversary of Israel. The Bible records several instances of warfare between Joram and the Syrians.

In 2 Kings 6, the prophet Elisha plays a crucial role in the conflict with Syria. The Syrians, under Ben-Hadad, laid siege to Samaria, causing a severe famine. Elisha prophesied the end of the siege and the miraculous provision of food, which came to pass as the Syrian army fled in panic, leaving behind their supplies (2 Kings 7:6-7).

Another notable episode is the battle at Ramoth-gilead. Joram allied with Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, to reclaim this strategic city from the Syrians. During the battle, Joram was wounded and returned to Jezreel to recover (2 Kings 8:28-29).

Prophetic Interactions

Joram's reign was marked by significant interactions with the prophets of Israel, particularly Elisha. The prophet's influence is evident in the miraculous events that occurred during the Syrian conflicts. Elisha's guidance and divine insight were pivotal in thwarting Syrian plans and providing deliverance for Israel.

In one instance, Elisha revealed the movements of the Syrian army to Joram, allowing the king to avoid ambushes (2 Kings 6:9-10). This divine intervention frustrated the Syrian king, who suspected treachery within his ranks.

Legacy

Joram's reign was a tumultuous period in Israel's history, characterized by military strife and prophetic intervention. His conflicts with Syria highlight the ongoing struggle for power and survival in the region. Despite his efforts to stabilize his kingdom, Joram's adherence to idolatrous practices ultimately contributed to the spiritual decline of Israel. His reign ended when he was killed by Jehu, who was anointed by Elisha to become the next king of Israel (2 Kings 9:24).

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2 Kings 6:8-23
Then the king of Syria warred against Israel, and took counsel with his servants, saying, In such and such a place shall be my camp.
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2 Kings 7:1
Then Elisha said, Hear you the word of the LORD; Thus said the LORD, To morrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria.
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2 Kings 8:28,29
And he went with Joram the son of Ahab to the war against Hazael king of Syria in Ramothgilead; and the Syrians wounded Joram.
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2 Chronicles 22:5,6
He walked also after their counsel, and went with Jehoram the son of Ahab king of Israel to war against Hazael king of Syria at Ramothgilead: and the Syrians smote Joram.
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Library

The Antiquities of the Jews
... How Jehu Was Anointed King, And Slew Both Joram And Ahaziah ... As Also Concerning That
Tower Which He Called Antonia. ... Own Freed-Man, He Was Bound; How Also He, Was ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... who had been dispersed by the war, the majority ... this passage we learn that Tushkhan,
also called Tushkha, was ... Shupria or Shupri, a name which has been read ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm