2 Kings 8:18
And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as did the house of Ahab: for the daughter of Ahab was his wife, and hee did euill in the sight of the Lord. 2 Kings 8:18 (KJV)
Context: Before we get into the historical context of Jehoram’s reign and the implications of the verse, it is important to understand the background of the people and events that surround the passage.
Historical Background: Before we delve into 2 Kings 8:18 specifically, it’s essential to understand the historical context of this verse. At this point in Israel’s history, the kingdom was divided into two: the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. The northern kingdom of Israel was characterised by a succession of wicked kings who followed the idolatrous ways of Jeroboam. Ahab and his wife Jezebel were infamous for their promotion of Baal worship and persecution of God’s prophets. In the southern kingdom of Judah, the line of David continued to reign, although not all the kings were righteous.
Context: Jerusalem was in a period of political and religious upheaval. King Jehoram had ascended to the throne of Judah following the death of his father, King Jehoshaphat, and faced numerous challenges that would shape the future of his kingdom. In particular, the political landscape was further complicated by the presence of the powerful and influential nation of Israel, which was ruled by King Ahab.
Relationship with the Kings of Israel: Jehoram of Judah, mentioned in 2 Kings 8:18, married the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, who were notorious for their idolatry and wickedness. This union between Jehoram and Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, further compromised his commitment to following God’s ways. By aligning himself through marriage with the house of Ahab, Jehoram showed a disregard for God’s commands, which explicitly prohibited intermarriage with idolatrous nations (Deuteronomy 7:3-4).
Walking in the Ways of the Kings of Israel: The verse states that Jehoram “walked in the way of the kings of Israel.” This phrase indicates that Jehoram adopted the practices, customs, and religious beliefs of the wicked kings of Israel, who had strayed from God’s commandments and embraced idolatry. Jehoram’s choice to follow the practices of Israel’s kings ultimately led to a decline in the spiritual and moral standards of the nation of Judah.
Doing Evil in the Sight of the LORD: The verse concludes by stating that Jehoram “did evil in the sight of the LORD.” This statement emphasises the depth of his moral corruption and the extent to which he strayed from God’s teachings. Jehoram’s evil deeds, such as idolatry, oppression, and violence, contributed to the continued deterioration of Judah’s spiritual health and set the stage for future suffering and exile.
