Topical Encyclopedia
In the historical narrative of the divided monarchy of Israel and Judah, the names Jehoram and Joram appear prominently, often leading to confusion due to their similar names and overlapping reigns. Both names refer to kings who ruled during the 9th century BC, but they governed different kingdoms: Jehoram (or Joram) of Israel and Jehoram of Judah.
Jehoram (Joram) of IsraelJehoram, also referred to as Joram, was the son of Ahab and Jezebel and the brother of Ahaziah. He became king of Israel after the death of his brother Ahaziah, who had no son to succeed him. Jehoram reigned over the northern kingdom of Israel for 12 years, approximately from 852 to 841 BC. His reign is recorded in
2 Kings 3-9.
Jehoram's rule was marked by a continuation of the idolatrous practices initiated by his parents, although he did remove the sacred pillar of Baal that his father had made (
2 Kings 3:2). Despite this, he persisted in the sins of Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, which led Israel into sin (
2 Kings 3:3).
During his reign, Jehoram faced military challenges, including a notable campaign against Moab. He allied with Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, and the king of Edom to fight against Mesha, king of Moab. The campaign is detailed in
2 Kings 3, where the prophet Elisha plays a crucial role in securing a miraculous victory for the allied forces.
Jehoram's reign ended violently when he was killed by Jehu, the son of Jehoshaphat, as part of a divinely ordained judgment against the house of Ahab (
2 Kings 9:24-26). Jehu's revolt was prophesied by Elisha and marked a significant turning point in the history of Israel.
Jehoram of JudahJehoram of Judah was the son of Jehoshaphat and became king of the southern kingdom of Judah. His reign lasted for eight years, approximately from 848 to 841 BC, overlapping with Jehoram of Israel. His account is found in
2 Kings 8:16-24 and
2 Chronicles 21.
Unlike his father Jehoshaphat, who was known for his piety and reforms, Jehoram of Judah followed the ways of the kings of Israel, particularly the house of Ahab, due to his marriage to Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel (
2 Kings 8:18). This alliance led to the introduction of Baal worship in Judah, which had severe spiritual and political consequences.
Jehoram's reign was plagued by internal strife and external threats. He faced revolts from Edom and Libnah, both of which successfully gained independence from Judah during his reign (
2 Kings 8:20-22). Additionally, the Philistines and Arabians invaded Judah, carrying away his possessions and family, leaving only his youngest son, Ahaziah (
2 Chronicles 21:16-17).
Jehoram's reign ended in tragedy and divine judgment. He suffered from a severe and painful disease, as prophesied by Elijah, and died in great agony (
2 Chronicles 21:18-19). His death was met with indifference by his people, and he was not buried in the tombs of the kings (
2 Chronicles 21:20).
ConclusionThe accounts of Jehoram (Joram) of Israel and Jehoram of Judah serve as sobering reminders of the consequences of idolatry and unfaithfulness to God. Their reigns illustrate the complex interplay of political alliances, familial ties, and divine judgment in the history of the divided kingdoms.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
2 Kings 3:1-9:26Now Jehoram the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned twelve years.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Antiquities of the Jews
... Became More Wicked Than All The Kings That Had ... How Joram, His Namesake, King Of Israel,
Fought With ... CHAPTER 7. How Athaliah Reigned Over Jerusalem For Five [Six ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/
The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... immediate predecessor of Nabubaliddin, who reigned at Babylon ... was Damascus which
held sway over those territories ... he respected, and its kings, also suzerains ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm
Resources
What does it mean that Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the kings of Israel and Judah? | GotQuestions.orgWho was King Joash in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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