Bible Study

Just for your thoughts.

King Jehoram of Judah — A King Who Fell Because of a Wrong Marriage Alliance.

2 Chronicles – Bible Study Note 8
The historical incidents of killing and judgment recorded in the Old Testament should not be seen as mere events. These are not stories to be read casually; they are lessons to be meditated upon.
We can reflect on Old Testament events in three important ways:
How is Jesus Christ revealed or centered in the Old Testament?

How do theological doctrines and divine principles unfold in those events?

How do those events apply to our spiritual life today, and what lessons do they teach us?

Only when we meditate on the Old Testament with these three foundations will our study become spiritually profitable. If we read them merely as stories or historical incidents, they will not benefit us.

The Background of Jehoram
Jehoram was the son of Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah. He married Athaliah, the daughter of King Ahab of Israel— the one who led Israel away from God. Jehoshaphat, though a great king, indirectly became responsible for this marriage. It appears this marriage took place with his approval or consent.

Jehoram ruled for only eight years.
After securing his throne, he murdered his own brothers and his father’s household— people who were better than him and had never harmed him (2 Chronicles 21:6, 13).

His Life and Fall

He walked in the ways of the kings of Israel and behaved like the house of Ahab, doing what was evil in the sight of the Lord. He built high places in the mountains of Judah, led the people of Jerusalem into spiritual adultery, and caused Judah to go astray. He identified himself completely with the house of Ahab.
As prophesied by Elijah the prophet, he was struck with a severe and incurable bowel disease. His intestines came out, and after prolonged suffering, he died in great pain.

God also stirred the Philistines and the Arabians against him; they invaded his palace, plundered his wealth, and carried away his wives. Except for his youngest son Ahaziah, none of his sons survived.
Thus, his eight-year reign ended in absolute tragedy.
Spiritual Lessons from His Life
When we fail to obey God’s will in marriage alliances, we will face consequences we can never fully undo.

The first deviation in spiritual life will lead to complete deviation later.

A position of authority should not lead to pride or insecurity.

We must not hate, reject, or destroy those who are related to us or who have done no harm to us, just because we fear they may become a future competitor.
Sadly, this is seen today even within churches and ministries.

Those who once helped us should not be treated as enemies because of suspicion.
Promotion comes from God. As long as we walk in a way pleasing to Him, no one can take away the position He has given us.
“The feeling of ministerial insecurity is considered the greatest threat to the future.”
The one who handles this feeling in the right way is the true leader.