The Philistines, an ancient people often in conflict with the Israelites, play a significant role in the biblical narrative, particularly during the reign of Jehoram, the king of Judah. This entry explores the divine orchestration of the Philistines as instruments of judgment against Jehoram, as recorded in the Old Testament.

Background of Jehoram

Jehoram, the son of Jehoshaphat, ascended to the throne of Judah and reigned for eight years. His reign is marked by a departure from the ways of his father, who had been a righteous king. Jehoram's marriage to Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, further influenced his turn towards idolatry and evil practices. He led Judah into sin, following the ways of the kings of Israel rather than the Davidic covenant.

Divine Judgment

Jehoram's apostasy provoked the wrath of God, who sent prophets to warn him of impending judgment. Despite these warnings, Jehoram persisted in his wickedness. Consequently, God used external forces to execute His judgment upon Jehoram and his kingdom. The Philistines, along with the Arabs, were divinely appointed as instruments of this judgment.

Biblical Account

The account of the Philistines' role in God's judgment against Jehoram is found in 2 Chronicles 21:16-17 :

"Then the LORD stirred against Jehoram the spirit of the Philistines and the Arabs who lived near the Cushites. So they came against Judah, invaded it, and carried away all the possessions found in the king’s palace, as well as his sons and wives. Not a son was left to him except Ahaziah, his youngest."

This passage highlights the sovereignty of God in using the Philistines to fulfill His purposes. The Philistines, historically known as adversaries of Israel, were stirred by God to act against Jehoram, demonstrating that even pagan nations are under His control and can be used to accomplish His divine will.

Consequences for Jehoram

The invasion by the Philistines and their allies resulted in significant loss for Jehoram. They plundered the royal palace and took captive his family, leaving only his youngest son, Ahaziah. This event was a direct consequence of Jehoram's unfaithfulness to God and served as a severe chastisement for leading Judah astray.

Theological Implications

The narrative of the Philistines being sent against Jehoram underscores several theological themes. It illustrates the principle of divine retribution, where God holds leaders accountable for their actions, especially when they lead His people into sin. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty over nations, using them as instruments to fulfill His purposes, whether for blessing or judgment.

In summary, the Philistines' invasion during Jehoram's reign serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the certainty of His righteous judgment.2 Chronicles 21:16,17
Moreover the LORD stirred up against Jehoram the spirit of the Philistines, and of the Arabians, that were near the Ethiopians:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Kingdom Op Judah.
... of Elisha, and the water which was sent to relieve ... wicked wife Athaliah, than to
obey the commands of God. ... in-road of the Arabians and Philistines, who ravaged ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vii the kingdom op.htm

God Does Whatsoever He Wills in the Hearts of Even Wicked Men.
... Still, did these Philistines and Arabians invade the land of ... [3200] Now, how does
the power of God help some ... Joash, king of Israel, said when he sent a message ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 42 xxigod does whatsoever.htm

The Fall of the House of Ahab
... The prophet sent to Jehoram of Judah a written communication, in ... "Thus saith the
Lord God of David thy ... up against Jehoram the spirit of the Philistines, and of ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 16 the fall of.htm

Concerning Jehoshaphat the King of Jerusalem and How Ahab Made an ...
... The Philistines paid their appointed tribute, and the Arabians ... that he might be produced,
Ahab sent a eunuch ... was not lawful for him to lie against God, but that ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 15 concerning jehoshaphat the.htm

The Kingdom of Samaria.
... the Canaanites had been destroyed, and the Philistines repressed, by ... an agreement
between the worship of God and of ... that of Judah, that when Amaziah sent him a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson viii the kingdom of.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... Actions Were Performed Against The Philistines By David ... And Unskilfulness Of Agrippa,
Junior, Sent Cuspius Fadus ... Izates, By The Providence Of God, Was Delivered ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

The Twelve Minor Prophets.
... earlier capture, as that by the Philistines and Arabians ... unbelief, had lost their
zeal for God's cause and ... prophets Haggai and Zechariah were sent to reprove ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxiii the twelve minor.htm

The Prophet Joel.
... by His heavenly "heroes," who are sent down [Pg ... had been carried away by the Philistines
under Jehoram ... had occupied against the teachers of God's revealed truth ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet joel.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... a parable, "The thistle that was in Lebanon sent to the ... attacks of Damascus, Moab,
Edom, or the Philistines.* The daily ... of a nation"He became the God of the ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... would reach his neighbourhood: he at once sent hostages and ... of inflated skins, he
marched his columns against Oarchemish. ... [Illustration: 057.jpg THE GOD HADAD]. ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

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