Topical Encyclopedia Joram, also known as Jehoram, was the ninth king of the northern kingdom of Israel. He was the son of Ahab and Jezebel and reigned from approximately 852 to 841 BC. His reign is chronicled in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, where he is depicted as a ruler who continued the idolatrous practices of his predecessors, albeit with some reforms.Family and Ascension to the Throne Joram was the brother of Ahaziah, who preceded him as king. After Ahaziah's death, Joram ascended to the throne. His mother, Jezebel, was a significant influence in his life, known for her promotion of Baal worship in Israel. Despite this, Joram made some attempts to distance himself from the more egregious sins of his parents. In 2 Kings 3:2-3 , it is noted, "He did evil in the sight of the LORD, but not like his father and mother, for he removed the pillar of Baal that his father had made. Nevertheless, he clung to the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, who had caused Israel to sin; he did not turn away from them." Military Campaigns and Alliances Joram's reign was marked by military conflicts and alliances. One of his notable campaigns was against Moab, which had rebelled against Israelite rule after the death of Ahab. Joram allied with Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, and the king of Edom to suppress the Moabite rebellion. The campaign is detailed in 2 Kings 3, where the coalition initially faced a dire situation due to a lack of water. However, the prophet Elisha intervened, and God provided water and victory over Moab. Joram also faced threats from the Arameans (Syrians) under King Hazael. The ongoing conflict with Aram was a significant aspect of his reign, as recorded in 2 Kings 8:28-29 : "Joram went with Jehoram son of Ahab to fight against Hazael king of Aram at Ramoth-gilead, and the Arameans wounded Joram. So King 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." Relationship with Prophets Joram's interactions with the prophets of Yahweh were complex. He sought the counsel of Elisha during the Moabite campaign, demonstrating a recognition of the prophet's authority and the power of the God of Israel. However, his overall commitment to the covenant with Yahweh was lacking, as he continued in the idolatrous practices initiated by Jeroboam. Downfall and Death Joram's reign came to a violent end through the actions of Jehu, who was anointed by Elisha's servant to become king and execute judgment on the house of Ahab. In 2 Kings 9:24 , it is recorded, "Then Jehu drew his bow and shot Joram between the shoulders, and the arrow pierced his heart, and he slumped down in his chariot." This act fulfilled the prophecy against Ahab's house, bringing Joram's rule to a close and marking a significant turning point in the history of Israel. Joram's reign is a testament to the complexities of leadership in a time of religious and political turmoil. His attempts at reform were overshadowed by his failure to fully commit to the worship of Yahweh, ultimately leading to his downfall and the end of his dynasty. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 1:17So he died according to the word of the LORD which Elijah had spoken. And Jehoram reigned in his stead in the second year of Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat king of Judah; because he had no son. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 3:1 Library Jehoram Succeeds Jehoshaphat; How Joram, his Namesake, King of ... The Antiquities of the Jews The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria Resources Who was Athaliah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was King Jehu in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What was the sin of Jeroboam? | 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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