Chapter 21 Verses 1-5 Jehoshaphat had several sons, and chose Jehoram to succeed him because he was the firstborn son. His other sons were given gifts of silver and gold. Jehoshaphat dies and was buried with his fathers. Jehoram became king at the age of 32 and ruled for 8 years. He kills his 6 brothers so there will be no threats from them. I sense trouble brewing! Killing one's own brother is clearly sinning.
Verses 6-7 Jehoram marries a daughter of Ahab, and did evil in the eyes of the Lord. But God made a covenant with David so he does not destroy the nation, for he had promised to David he would keep his descendants forever and not end the covenant.
Verses 8-11 Edom and Libnah revolted against Judah. God allowed for peace when kings followed God. Now the kingdom is in turmoil because of Jehoram's sinful behavior and not walking with the Lord. He built high places, and Judah had prostitutes.
Verses 12-15 Elijah writes a letter to Jehoram saying God tells him to say the following:
- He has not walked in the ways of the Lord
- Led Judah to prostitution - just like Ahab did - for Israel had turned from God
- Killed his brothers who were better than him
As a consquence for his sin God will:
- Strike all his people with a heavy blow
- Suffer with a lingering disease of the bowel that will cause his bowels to come out.
Verses 16-17 More hostility brews - the Philistines and Arabs attacked Judah and the palace. Even all the sons and wives were taken except for his youngest son Ahaziah
Verses 18-20 Jehoram indeed gets the disease of the bowel and dies a long lingering painful death. When he dies no one has "a funeral" like they did for his forefathers. He was buried in Jerusalem but not in the tomb of kings. No one was sorry to see him go. Wow. This is a sobering reminder that when we turn from God, so does our fellow man. We may have a few friends to hang around with but society as a whole turns their back against us. Is our sin really worth losing the respect of others? This was difficult to read. Sometimes I get angry because sinful people seem to get away with what they are doing. This passage clearly shows that God does not let evil win after all. He loses fortune respect of his subordinates and God strikes him with an awful disease.
Father God - we have read in recent chapters about kings falling away from walking with you, but they usually come back. Jehoram however never did walk with you. You preserved Judah only because you made a covenant with David. However the nation suffered because of Jehoram's sinful nature and this led to him dying from a painful disease. His mind was rotten and his insides rotted out. Father God we ask this day that we do not turn from you. Give us mercy oh Lord to remain in your sight. When we are tempted we quickly ask for your help in turning from the temptation before it becomes full blown sin. Let us also realize that our sin not only affects us - it affects people around us. We do not deserve your love and we thank you that you are a loving God slow to anger. You will discipline us but we can come back to you. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
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