Summary:
The End of Jehoshaphat's Reign
Verses 1-3
Jehoshaphat rested with his fathers and was buried with them in the City of David. His firstborn son, Jehoram, was given the throne. His other sons - Azariah, Jehiel, Zechariah, Azariahu, Michael, and Shephatiah - were given a lot of silver, gold, articles of value, and fortified cities in Judah.
Jehoram King of Judah
Verses 4-20
Once Jehoram was established as king, he had all his brothers and some of the princes of Israel killed by the sword. He was 32 years old when crowned and he reigned for 8 years. He walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, as Ahab had done, because he had married a daughter of Ahab. He did evil in God's eyes. However, God wouldn't destroy the house of David because He'd promised David that He'd keep a lamp for him and his descendants forever.
Edom rebelled against Jehoram and set up their own king. Jehoram and his officials and chariots fought Edom. Edom surrounded them, but they got away. Edom is still in rebellion to this day.
Libnah revolted at the same time because Jehoram forsook God. Jehoram built high places on Judah's hills and made the people prostitute themselves and led Judah astray.
Elijah the prophet sent Jehoram a letter with a message from God. Since he hadn't walked in the ways of Jehoshaphat or Asa, but as the kings of Israel, murdering those of his father's house, who were better than him, the Lord would strike his family and everything he owned with a heavy blow. Jehoram would have an incurable disease that would cause his bowels to come out.
God riled up the Philistines and Arabs near the Cushites. They took the king's goods, sons, and wives. Only Ahaziah, Jehoram's youngest son was left. Jehoram died a painful death, as Elijah had prophesied. No fire was made in his honor as the people had done for his fathers. No one mourned his death. He was buried in the City of David, but not in the kings' tombs.
Lori's Thoughts:
I always said that Jehoshaphat wasn't the brightest king. He should have consulted with God before giving the throne to his firstborn son. I don't think he ever acted maliciously, just a bit foolishly.
Jehoram was evil in several ways:
1. He married a daughter of Israel's king. When Israel was one unit, God had told them not to marry outside of their tribe. This is not because interracial marriages were forbidden. It is because all other tribes were enemies of God. They lived in evil. They worshiped false gods and practiced satanic rituals, such as sacrificing their children in fire. God knew that if Israel married outside their tribe, then the devil would have a stronghold on them and influence them to sin against God. In Jehoram's case, Israel was an enemy of God, and he married one of Israel's women.
Today, anyone can be God's child. However, we should be aware of the influence other people, family, friends, or a spouse have on us. Ask God to inform you when you can be a good influence on others or when others will be a bad influence on you.
We should strive to be strong enough in our faith to lead others to God. However, ask God before you dive into a relationship. It may save your life.
2. He murdered his brothers = a direct violation of the 6th commandment. (see Exodus 20 for the Ten Commandments)
3. He built high places to worship false gods, a direct violation of the 1st commandment.
4. He led the people astray. When it says that he led the people into prostitution, I believe it means spiritually. A relationship with God is similar to a marriage, and these people cheated on God.
Now, everyone will be held accountable for their actions on judgment day. However, leaders are held more accountable because of their power and influence. They will be judged more severely. Jesus said, " '...if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck.' " (Mark 9:42)
. . .
There were those that rebelled against Judah because they kept the faith. If I was there, I hope I'd be one of these people.
However, I believe God still wouldn't have destroyed Judah, even if there weren't good rebels. " '...I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.' " (Exodus 20:5-6) So great was God's love for King David, even though he was already dead, that God honored him by taking out Jehoram and his family only. David's line was preserved.
God is just. He is also merciful.
Jehoram died a pretty gruesome death. It was not a mournful day when he died. The people respected him with a burial, but they didn't honor him.
How would you like to leave your legacy? People will mourn the loss of those that looked beyond their personal gain and helped others. Those are the true heroes. Live your life in the way you would want to be remembered.
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