Before Jehoshaphat died, he gave the kingdom of Judah to Jehoram, his firstborn son, according to the customs of the world. But Jehoram turned out to be a bad king. After Jehoram firmly established his hold, he killed all his brothers and some officials of Israel. Unlike his father, Jehoram followed the ways of the house of Ahab, because he had married Ahab’s daughter. Jehoram also led the people into idolatry (11). Following the ways of the world and marrying an unbeliever will lead us and others away from God. Jehoram was accountable for his actions, but Jehoshaphat set his son’s path. God punished Jehoram’s evil. Edom rebelled and he was almost killed. Libnah revolted. Elijah warned Jehoram that the LORD would strike his people and his family. Then the LORD sent the Philistines and Arabs to carry out his judgment. They killed all but his youngest son. Jehoram died from a terrible, painful disease but to no one’s regret (20).

Though Jehoram was such a wicked king, God was faithful to his covenant (7) and spared his son, Ahaziah. Even through Jehoram, God maintained his lamp, eventually sending Jesus through Jehoram’s line (Mt 1:8,16). Our evil and sin does not thwart God’s mercy and good purpose.
Application: Father, we deserve punishment for our evil and sin. Thank you for your mercy and faithfulness.
One Word: God is faithful when we are not