Topical Bible: Polygamy: Jehoram

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Jehoram, also known as Joram, was a king of Judah who reigned during the 9th century BC. He was the son of Jehoshaphat and the husband of Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, which linked the royal families of Judah and Israel. Jehoram's reign is noted for its departure from the religious reforms of his father, Jehoshaphat, and for his embrace of practices that were contrary to the Mosaic Law, including polygamy.

Biblical Context

Polygamy, the practice of having more than one wife, was not uncommon in the ancient Near East and is documented among several biblical figures. However, the Mosaic Law provided guidelines that implicitly discouraged the practice, emphasizing the ideal of monogamous marriage. Deuteronomy 17:17 warns against kings multiplying wives, a command that Jehoram, like many other kings, did not heed.

Jehoram's Reign and Marital Practices

Jehoram's marriage to Athaliah was politically motivated, strengthening ties with the northern kingdom of Israel. This alliance, however, brought negative religious influences into Judah, as Athaliah was a proponent of Baal worship, a practice condemned by the prophets of Yahweh. The Bible does not explicitly list Jehoram's other wives, but it is likely that, like other kings of his time, he had multiple wives and concubines, which was a common practice for royalty seeking to secure political alliances and produce heirs.

Religious and Moral Implications

Jehoram's polygamous practices and his marriage to Athaliah had significant religious and moral implications for the kingdom of Judah. His reign marked a period of spiritual decline, as he led the nation away from the worship of Yahweh and towards idolatry. 2 Chronicles 21:6 states, "And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as the house of Ahab had done, for Ahab’s daughter was his wife. And he did evil in the sight of the LORD."

Jehoram's actions, including his polygamous relationships, contributed to the moral and spiritual decay of Judah. His reign was characterized by violence and instability, as he murdered his own brothers to secure his throne (2 Chronicles 21:4). The prophet Elijah delivered a message of judgment against Jehoram, warning of severe consequences for his idolatry and the leading of Judah into sin (2 Chronicles 21:12-15).

Consequences of Jehoram's Actions

The consequences of Jehoram's reign were dire. His polygamous practices and alliance with the house of Ahab led to a legacy of turmoil and destruction. The LORD struck Jehoram with a painful disease, and his kingdom suffered invasions and revolts (2 Chronicles 21:16-19). His death was ignominious, and he was not honored with a burial in the tombs of the kings (2 Chronicles 21:20).

Jehoram's life serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of departing from God's commandments, including those regarding marriage. His polygamous relationships and the resulting idolatry had lasting negative effects on the kingdom of Judah, illustrating the broader biblical theme that deviation from God's design for marriage can lead to personal and national ruin.

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2 Chronicles 21:14
Behold, with a great plague will the LORD smite your people, and your children, and your wives, and all your goods:
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Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel
... the New Testament without gathering from it the conviction, that polygamy was not
the ... for the sake of connection, honour, and influence, King Jehoram offered a ...
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