Jehoram of Judah
5th King of Judah
848–841 BC
Father
Jehoshaphat
Spouse
Athaliah
Children
Ahaziah of Judah
Biography
Jehoram became the fifth king of Judah upon the death of his father Jehoshaphat, but unlike his godly father he walked in the ways of the house of Ahab, whose daughter he had married. He murdered all six of his brothers and several princes of Israel to eliminate rivals to his throne. The prophet Elijah sent him a letter predicting he would be struck with a grievous disease of the bowels because of his wickedness, a prophecy fulfilled exactly as his intestines literally came out over the course of two years. He died in great pain and was buried in the City of David but not in the tombs of the kings, and Scripture records that "he departed with no one's regret."
Key Events
Killed all six of his brothers and several princes of Israel upon becoming king to secure his throne
Built high places in the mountains of Judah and caused Jerusalem to play the harlot, leading Judah into idolatry
Received a written prophecy from Elijah predicting military defeat, loss of family, and death by bowel disease
Lost control of Edom; Philistines and Arabians raided Judah and carried off his sons and wives
Died in great agony after two years of intestinal disease; buried without honor
Spiritual Significance
Jehoram is a sobering warning that royal lineage and a godly father cannot substitute for personal faith. Despite his father's great piety, Jehoram chose the path of wickedness and suffered utter ruin — politically, physically, and in his legacy.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
Military experience, political decisiveness in securing the throne
Weaknesses
Idolatry, fratricide, pride, complete abandonment of his father's faith
Lessons
Marriage alliances with wicked people can corrupt even those from godly households. Jehoram's marriage to Athaliah pulled an entire nation into idolatry. A leader's spiritual choices have consequences far beyond themselves.