Few kings took power like Jehoram. In his first act he put all of his brothers to the sword. Jehoram canceled the lives of possible rivals to his throne, along with any hope of a long and prosperous reign.

Elijah delivered a message from the Lord to the black-hearted king which included disaster on the nation as well as a lingering disease of the bowels for Jehoram, progressing until his intestines oozed from his body (maybe colorectal cancer?).

Invaders soon sacked Judah and carried off all the wealth of the nation. Jehoram died in great pain in the midst of his ravaged people. The chronicler states he passed away to no one’s regret.

Jehoram knew of the faith of the kings proceeding him to the throne. He heard the stories of David and his devotion to the Lord. The prophet Elijah lived close at hand, a man who spoke messages from God. But Jehoram instead took up with false prophets and lying gods, snubbing his nose at Jehovah.

Consequences follow those who flaunt the Lord (and unfortunately innocent people around them)—either in this life or in the next.

2 Chronicles 21 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

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