Jehoram (of Judah)
Jehoram was a king of Judah who married Athaliah, daughter of Ahab, and walked in the wicked ways of the kings of Israel. He murdered all six of his brothers to secure his throne and led Judah into idolatry, receiving a written warning from the prophet Elijah. Edom and Libnah revolted against him, and he died after a horrible lingering disease, unmourned, 'without being desired.'
Biography
- Occupation
- King of Judah
- Tribe
- Judah
- Father
- Jehoshaphat
- Spouse
- Athaliah
- Era
- Divided Kingdom
- Nationality
- Israelite (Judah)
Family
Did You Know?
Jehoram secured his throne by murdering all six of his brothers (2 Chronicles 21:4), then married Athaliah of the house of Ahab, importing Baal worship into Judah.
He is the recipient of the only recorded letter from the prophet Elijah (2 Chronicles 21:12), which foretold a horrific intestinal disease as judgment - a prophecy fulfilled to the letter.
The chronicler delivers a devastating epitaph: Jehoram died 'without being desired' and was not buried in the tombs of the kings (2 Chronicles 21:20), an unusually harsh verdict on a Davidic monarch.
Key Chapters
Key Passages
Jehoram's Wicked Reign
2 Chronicles 21:4-11
Jehoram slays his brothers and leads Judah astray, marrying into the house of Ahab.
4ow when Jehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself, and slew all his brethren with the sword, and divers also of the princes of Israel.
Elijah's Letter and Jehoram's End
2 Chronicles 21:12-20
Elijah warns Jehoram of judgment, and he dies of an incurable disease, departing 'without being desired.'
12nd there came a writing to him from Elijah the prophet, saying, Thus saith the LORD God of David thy father, Because thou hast not walked in the ways of Jehoshaphat thy father, nor in the ways of Asa king of Judah,