Jehoram And Ahaziah Reigns in Judah
April 19, 2022
Commentary
The scene switches to the events occurring in Judah. When Jehoshaphat died, his son Jehoram became king (v. 16). He was 32 years old when he became king, and he ruled eight years from Jerusalem (v. 17). At this point in the history of Judah, the foolish alliance Jehoshaphat had made with Ahab began to bear fruit. Part of that treaty included the marriage of Jehoram to Ahab’s and Jezebel’s daughter, Athaliah. Jehoram did not walk in the godly ways of his father, but was influenced by his wife to walk in the ways of his in-laws (v. 18). But the Lord refused to destroy Judah, because he promised someone from David’s family would always rule (v. 19). Joram ruled Judah during a time of upheaval (vv. 20-22). Both Edom and the Philistine city of Lebnah revolted and established themselves as independent. Jehoram took his army and tried to put down this rebellion, but he was unsuccessful and barely escaped with his life (v. 22). This situation politically isolated Judah and she became an island surrounded on all sides with trouble.
Joram died of a painful disease of the intestines (2 Chron. 21:18). He had been warned by Elijah earlier in his reign because of his wickedness (2 Chron. 21:12-15), but he did not change his ways and died as Elijah had prophesied. Joram’s successor was his son Ahaziah (v. 24). He was influenced by his evil mother, Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and followed in the wicked ways of his ancestors in the Northern Kingdom (v. 27). Continuing in the alliance with Israel, he engaged his troops in battle with those of his brother-in-law, Joram of Israel, at Ramoth-gilead (v. 28). Joram was wounded and returned to Jezreel to recover (v. 29). Ahaziah came from Jerusalem to visit him and while there Jehu attacked and killed Joram while Ahaziah fled to Megiddo.
Application
I am able to respond to God’s will and distinguish between good and evil because the Holy Spirit dwells within me and has redeemed me (John 14:26).
Isaiah 59:16– 21 (NET)
16 He sees there is no advocate; he is shocked that no one intervenes. So he takes matters into his own hands; his desire for justice drives him on.
17 He wears his desire for justice like body armor, and his desire to deliver is like a helmet on his head. He puts on the garments of vengeance and wears zeal like a robe.
18 He repays them for what they have done, dispensing angry judgment to his adversaries and punishing his enemies. He repays the coastlands.
19 In the west, people respect the Lord’s reputation; in the east they recognize his splendor. For he comes like a rushing stream driven on by wind sent from the Lord.
20 “A protector comes to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their rebellious deeds,” says the Lord.
21 “As for me, this is my promise to them,” says the Lord. “My Spirit, who is upon you, and my words, which I have placed in your mouth, will not depart from your mouth or from the mouths of your children and descendants from this time forward,” says the Lord.
Illustration: Little Boy Having Trouble of Dad’s Wife Too
The story is told of a little boy sitting on his front steps with his face cradled in his hands, looking so forlorn. His dad came home just then and asked him what was wrong. The little boy looked up & said, “Well, just between us, Dad, I’m having trouble getting along with your wife, too!” (Melvin Newland – Sermon Central)