Topical Encyclopedia 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 continuation of the idolatrous practices initiated by his parents, which ultimately led to his downfall. Joram's rule is chronicled in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, where his actions and the consequences thereof are detailed.Reign and Idolatry Joram ascended to the throne of Israel after the death of his brother Ahaziah. His reign is marked by a continuation of the policies of his father, Ahab, particularly in the promotion of Baal worship. Despite this, Joram made some attempts to reform by removing the sacred pillar of Baal, as noted in 2 Kings 3:2: "He did evil in the sight of the LORD, but not like his father and mother; for he removed the sacred pillar of Baal that his father had made." Military Campaigns Joram's reign was also characterized by military conflict. He joined forces with Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, and the king of Edom to fight against Moab. This campaign is detailed in 2 Kings 3, where the coalition sought to subdue the Moabite rebellion. The alliance initially faced challenges due to a lack of water, but through the intervention of the prophet Elisha, they were able to secure a miraculous victory. Conflict with Syria Joram's reign was further troubled by ongoing hostilities with Syria. The Syrian king, Ben-Hadad, frequently engaged in raids against Israel. During one such conflict, Joram was wounded, as recorded in 2 Kings 8:28-29: "Then Joram returned to Jezreel to recover from the wounds that the Arameans had inflicted on him at Ramah when he fought against Hazael king of Aram." Prophecy and Downfall The prophet Elisha, a prominent figure during Joram's reign, played a significant role in the events leading to Joram's demise. Elisha's prophetic ministry included the anointing of Jehu, a commander in the Israelite army, as king over Israel. This act was a direct fulfillment of God's judgment against the house of Ahab, as prophesied by Elijah (1 Kings 21:21-24). Death at the Hands of Jehu Joram's death came as a result of Jehu's divinely sanctioned coup. As Joram recovered in Jezreel, Jehu approached the city. Sensing danger, Joram rode out to meet Jehu, accompanied by Ahaziah, the king of Judah. The encounter is vividly described in 2 Kings 9:22-24: "When Joram saw Jehu, he asked, 'Have you come in peace, Jehu?' Jehu replied, 'How can there be peace as long as the idolatry and witchcraft of your mother Jezebel abound?' Joram turned around and fled, calling out to Ahaziah, 'Treachery, Ahaziah!' But Jehu drew his bow and shot Joram between the shoulders. The arrow pierced his heart, and he slumped down in his chariot." Joram's death marked the end of Ahab's dynasty, fulfilling the prophetic word against his family. Jehu's rise to power was a turning point in Israel's history, as he sought to eradicate Baal worship and restore the worship of Yahweh. Joram's life and reign serve as a sobering reminder of the consequences of idolatry and disobedience to God's commands. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 9:14-26So Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat the son of Nimshi conspired against Joram. (Now Joram had kept Ramothgilead, he and all Israel, because of Hazael king of Syria. Nave's Topical Index Library The Boy Joash on the Throne of Judah The Antiquities of the Jews The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria Resources Who was King Jehoram / Joram in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was King Ahaziah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was King Joash in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Joram: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Joram: A Son of Toi: Called Hadoram Joram: Also Called Jehoram: Has War With the King of Syria Joram: Also Called Jehoram: Inquires for the Particulars Concerning Elisha's Miracles Joram: Also Called Jehoram: Killed by Jehu Joram: Also Called Jehoram: King of Israel Related Terms |
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