2 Chronicles

2 Chronicles 21:1=11

Jehoram was the firstborn of Jehoshaphat and inherited the throne. Once again we see that the success of the father does not equate to the success of the son. Jehoram married the daughter of Ahab and this evil influence characterized his life more than his godly father. He began his reign by killing off his brothers to protect his right to the throne. He reigned eight years and God was true to his promise to protect the throne of David, even when wicked kings sat on it. The covenant promise if much more important to the chronicler than even mentioning a forgettable Jehoram.

Edom, who had feared Judah in Jehoshaphat's days now has no fear because Jehoram didn't trust in the Lord. He led Jerusalem to harlotry (probably idolatry). He led the people astray.

2 Chronicles 21:12=20

Elijah delivers a prophecy to Jehoram that should have gotten his attention. It was specific and graphic in what would happen and why. It would be a slow and painful death; certainly not an honorable death of courage on the battlefield. But one charactized by frequent bathroom breaks.

God brought this man low; first in military defeat and then disease. No one was upset at his passing. What a sad existence as he stepped into eternity.

©2017 Doug Ford