Topical Bible: Regicide of Joram

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The regicide of Joram, also known as Jehoram, is a significant event in the history of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, recorded in the Old Testament. Joram was the son of Ahab and Jezebel and reigned as king over Israel. His reign is marked by idolatry and continued apostasy, following in the footsteps of his parents, who led Israel into the worship of Baal.

Background and Reign

Joram became king of Israel after the death of his brother Ahaziah. His reign is chronicled in 2 Kings 3-9. Joram attempted to rid Israel of some of the Baal worship instituted by his parents, yet he did not fully turn away from the sins of Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, who caused Israel to sin by setting up golden calves in Bethel and Dan (2 Kings 3:2-3). His reign was characterized by political instability and conflict, particularly with Moab and Syria.

Prophetic Judgment

The prophet Elisha played a crucial role during Joram's reign. Elisha, a successor to Elijah, continued to speak against the idolatry and wickedness of Israel's kings. The judgment against the house of Ahab had been pronounced by Elijah, and Elisha was instrumental in its fulfillment. The LORD's judgment was clear: the house of Ahab would be cut off due to their idolatry and the innocent blood shed by Jezebel (1 Kings 21:21-24).

Jehu's Anointing and Mission

The regicide of Joram was executed by Jehu, a commander in the army of Israel. Elisha sent a young prophet to anoint Jehu as king over Israel, with a divine mandate to destroy the house of Ahab (2 Kings 9:1-10). Jehu's anointing was a direct fulfillment of God's judgment against Ahab's lineage, and he was tasked with eradicating Baal worship from Israel.

The Assassination of Joram

Jehu's coup against Joram was swift and decisive. As Joram was recovering from wounds sustained in battle against the Arameans, Jehu approached Jezreel, where Joram was convalescing. Upon realizing Jehu's intentions, Joram attempted to flee. However, Jehu shot an arrow that struck Joram between the shoulders, killing him instantly (2 Kings 9:24). This act of regicide was a fulfillment of the prophetic word spoken by Elijah concerning the demise of Ahab's house.

Aftermath and Significance

Following Joram's death, Jehu continued his mission by killing Ahaziah, the king of Judah, who was visiting Joram at the time, and subsequently executing Jezebel. Jehu's actions led to the extermination of Ahab's descendants and the eradication of Baal worship from Israel, albeit through violent means. Jehu's zeal for the LORD's command was noted, yet his reign was also marked by continued idolatry, as he did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam (2 Kings 10:28-31).

The regicide of Joram serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of idolatry and disobedience to God's commandments. It underscores the LORD's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His prophetic word, even through the tumultuous and often violent history of Israel's monarchy.

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2 Kings 9:24
And Jehu drew a bow with his full strength, and smote Jehoram between his arms, and the arrow went out at his heart, and he sunk down in his chariot.
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