Changes

== Accession and the Anti-Moab War ==

== Accession and the Anti-Moab War ==

Jehoram succeeded his brother Ahaziah when the latter fell through a latticework, injured himself, and inquired of a [[Philistia|Philistine]] god as to whether he would recover.<ref name=GeoCities/> Jehoram, like all the Omride kings, was an "evil-doer," but he did one minor thing to distinguish himself from the rest: he put away the image of [[Baal]] that [[Ahab]] had made. Why he so acted, the Bible does not directly explain. In any event, though he did not worship Baal, he did worship the two golden calves that [[Jeroboam I]] had set up.<ref>{{Bible ref|book=II_Kings|chap=3|verses=1-3}}</ref><ref name=GeoCities/>

Jehoram succeeded his brother Ahaziah when the latter fell through a latticework, injured himself, and inquired of a [[Philistia|Philistine]] god as to whether he would recover.<ref name=GeoCities/> Jehoram, like all the Omride kings, was an "evil-doer," but he did one minor thing to distinguish himself from the rest: he put away the image of [[Baal]] that [[Ahab]] had made. Why he so acted, the Bible does not directly explain. In any event, though he did not worship Baal, he did worship the two golden calves that [[Jeroboam I]] had set up.<ref name=GeoCities/><ref>{{Bible ref|book=II_Kings|chap=3|verses=1-3}}</ref>

Almost immediately Jehoram was at war with King [[Mesha]] of [[Moab]]. He prevailed upon his [[Southern Kingdom|Southern]] neighbor [[Jehoshaphat]] to help him quell the rebellion of the Moabites; Jehoshaphat agreed and even enlisted the king of [[Edom]] to join the coalition.<ref name=WebBible/><ref name=ColumbiaI/><ref name=GeoCities/>

Almost immediately Jehoram was at war with King [[Mesha]] of [[Moab]]. He prevailed upon his [[Southern Kingdom|Southern]] neighbor [[Jehoshaphat]] to help him quell the rebellion of the Moabites; Jehoshaphat agreed and even enlisted the king of [[Edom]] to join the coalition.<ref name=WebBible/><ref name=ColumbiaI/><ref name=GeoCities/>

The coalition marched for seven days through Edomite country, which was a desert then and is a desert today. They then ran out of water. Jehoram despaired, saying that [[God]] had brought the coalition together only to deliver them into the hands of the Moabites. Jehoshaphat urged him to inquire of a genuine prophet of God, and Jehoram suggested consulting the prophet [[Elisha]].

The coalition marched for seven days through Edomite country, which was a desert then and is a desert today. They then ran out of water. Jehoram despaired, saying that [[God]] had brought the coalition together only to deliver them into the hands of the Moabites. Jehoshaphat urged him to inquire of a genuine prophet of God, and Jehoram suggested consulting the prophet [[Elisha]].

At first, Elisha wanted nothing to do with Jehoram or his coalition, but Jehoram begged Elisha to reconsider. Elisha did--but only because Jehoshaphat was a coalition member.

At first, Elisha wanted nothing to do with Jehoram or his coalition, but Jehoram begged Elisha to reconsider. Elisha did—but only because Jehoshaphat was a coalition member.

Elisha first asked for someone to play him some [[music]]. This was done, and Elisha received a vision of what to do. He passed on a command from God to dig ditches throughout the valley, and that those ditches would soon fill with water, enough for their armies, their livestock, and their beasts of burden. He then gave them very specific commands: that they should destroy Moab's cities, fill up their wells, cut down trees, and scatter stones on every piece of arable land. The next morning, the coalition made its meat sacrifice--and found the ditches filled with water, as Elisha had said.<ref name=WebBible/><ref name=GeoCities/>

Elisha first asked for someone to play him some [[music]]. This was done, and Elisha received a vision of what to do. He passed on a command from God to dig ditches throughout the valley, and that those ditches would soon fill with water, enough for their armies, their livestock, and their beasts of burden. He then gave them very specific commands: that they should destroy Moab's cities, fill up their wells, cut down trees, and scatter stones on every piece of arable land. The next morning, the coalition made its meat sacrifice—and found the ditches filled with water, as Elisha had said.<ref name=WebBible/><ref name=GeoCities/>

When the Moabites realized that they were coming under attack, they raised as large an army as they could. On the next morning, they looked out on a desert valley under a sun that made the water shine as if it were blood-red. This convinced the Moabites that the coalition soldiers were all dead. They then came down to try to despoliate the Israelites. When they had come close enough, the coalition troops rose up and counterattacked, with deadly effect. The Moabites fled in an all-out rout, and the coalition troops, in hot pursuit, destroyed everything in their path.<ref name=WebBible/><ref name=GeoCities/>

When the Moabites realized that they were coming under attack, they raised as large an army as they could. On the next morning, they looked out on a desert valley under a sun that made the water shine as if it were blood-red. This convinced the Moabites that the coalition soldiers were all dead. They then came down to try to despoliate the Israelites. When they had come close enough, the coalition troops rose up and counterattacked, with deadly effect. The Moabites fled in an all-out rout, and the coalition troops, in hot pursuit, destroyed everything in their path.<ref name=WebBible/><ref name=GeoCities/>

At last they came to the city of [[Kirharaseth]]. There [[Masha]], the king of all Moab, tried to sortie with a seven-hundred-man force to break through the line to the Edomite contingent. This failed, but Masha captured the heir to the Edomite throne. Him he offered as a whole burnt sacrifice on the city wall. The coalition, shuddering from what they had seen, retired and left the city standing.<ref>{{Bible ref|book=II_Kings|chap=3|verses=4-27}}</ref><ref name=WebBible/>

At last they came to the city of [[Kirharaseth]]. There [[Masha]], the king of all Moab, tried to sortie with a seven-hundred-man force to break through the line to the Edomite contingent. This failed, but Masha captured the heir to the Edomite throne. Him he offered as a whole burnt sacrifice on the city wall. The coalition, shuddering from what they had seen, retired and left the city standing.<ref name=WebBible/><ref>{{Bible ref|book=II_Kings|chap=3|verses=4-27}}</ref>

== The Naaman Affair ==

== The Naaman Affair ==

A few years later, Jehoram received an incredible letter from King [[Benhadad II]] of [[Syria]], asking him whether he could cure Benhadad's chief-of-staff, [[Naaman]], of leprosy. Benhadad sent massive presents--ten [[talent]]s of [[silver]], six thousand pieces of [[gold]], and ten suits of clothing. Jehoram tore his royal robes when he received this letter, thinking that it was the first step in an elaborate provocation to war--but Elisha prevailed on the king to send Naaman to ''him'' for a cure. Jehoram did so, and Naaman received his cure and went home.<ref>{{Bible ref|book=II_Kings|chap=5|verses=1-19}}</ref><ref name=GeoCities/>

A few years later, Jehoram received an incredible letter from King [[Benhadad II]] of [[Syria]], asking him whether he could cure Benhadad's chief-of-staff, [[Naaman]], of leprosy. Benhadad sent massive presents—ten [[talent]]s of [[silver]], six thousand pieces of [[gold]], and ten suits of clothing. Jehoram tore his royal robes when he received this letter, thinking that it was the first step in an elaborate provocation to war—but Elisha prevailed on the king to send Naaman to ''him'' for a cure. Jehoram did so, and Naaman received his cure and went home.<ref name=GeoCities/><ref>{{Bible ref|book=II_Kings|chap=5|verses=1-19}}</ref>

== The Second Syrian-Israeli War ==

== The Second Syrian-Israeli War ==

=== The Blinding Incident ===

=== The Blinding Incident ===

In the third or fourth year of his reign, Jehoram came under attack from Benhadad. Twice Elisha informed Jehoram of where Benhadad was planning to set up camp, and advised Jehoram each time to stay away from that spot. Subsequently Elisha appeared at [[Samaria]], the capital of the Northern Kingdom, with a large portion of the Syrian army following behind--because every soldier among them was blind. Jehoram asked Elisha's advice, and then fed the men generously and sent them home.<ref name=GeoCities/>

In the third or fourth year of his reign, Jehoram came under attack from Benhadad. Twice Elisha informed Jehoram of where Benhadad was planning to set up camp, and advised Jehoram each time to stay away from that spot. Subsequently Elisha appeared at [[Samaria]], the capital of the Northern Kingdom, with a large portion of the Syrian army following behind—because every soldier among them was blind. Jehoram asked Elisha's advice, and then fed the men generously and sent them home.<ref name=GeoCities/>

=== The Siege of Samaria ===

=== The Siege of Samaria ===

Several months later, Benhadad marched his entire army to Samaria and laid siege to it--and so tight was that siege that famine and scarcity were the order of the day. Prices of food and fertilizer were, by the standards of the time, astronomical. Eventually King Jehoram heard a particularly disgusting and sickening lawsuit, in which the plaintiff complained that, after surrendering her son for consumption by herself and a neighbor, now the neighbor was unwiling to return the grisly favor.<ref>{{Bible ref|book=II_Kings|chap=6|verses=24-29}}</ref><ref name=GeoCities/>

Several months later, Benhadad marched his entire army to Samaria and laid siege to it—and so tight was that siege that famine and scarcity were the order of the day. Prices of food and fertilizer were, by the standards of the time, astronomical. Eventually King Jehoram heard a particularly disgusting and sickening lawsuit, in which the plaintiff complained that, after surrendering her son for consumption by herself and a neighbor, now the neighbor was unwiling to return the grisly favor.<ref name=GeoCities/><ref>{{Bible ref|book=II_Kings|chap=6|verses=24-29}}</ref>

Jehoram tore his royal robes and wore sackcloth. But he also blamed Elisha for the famine and swore to [[God]] that he would have Elisha summarily beheaded. His messenger found Elisha shut up in his house, and there told him that the disaster was God's doing.<ref>{{Bible ref|book=II_Kings|chap=6|verses=30-33}}</ref> Elisha then assured the messenger that, on the next day, prices would fall to normal. When a nobleman and senior adviser to the king questioned that, Elisha said that he would see it happen, but would not partake of it.<ref>{{Bible ref|book=II_Kings|chap=7|verses=1-2}}</ref><ref name=GeoCities/>

Jehoram tore his royal robes and wore sackcloth. But he also blamed Elisha for the famine and swore to [[God]] that he would have Elisha summarily beheaded. His messenger found Elisha shut up in his house, and there told him that the disaster was God's doing.<ref>{{Bible ref|book=II_Kings|chap=6|verses=30-33}}</ref> Elisha then assured the messenger that, on the next day, prices would fall to normal. When a nobleman and senior adviser to the king questioned that, Elisha said that he would see it happen, but would not partake of it.<ref name=GeoCities/><ref>{{Bible ref|book=II_Kings|chap=7|verses=1-2}}</ref>

That night, four leprous men, who were camped outside the city gate, decided that surrendering themselves to the Syrians would be better than entering a starving city or sitting where they were--so they headed for the Syrian camp. They later brought back a report that Jehoram found incredible. According to this report, the lepers kept walking until they found themselves inside the Syrian camp, which they found utterly deserted. The Syrians--and so the author of I and II Kings learned perhaps from another unidentified source--had thought they heard the sound of chariots, and somehow formed the notion that Jehoram had managed to hire [[Egypt|Egyptian]] and [[Hittite]] mercenaries to slaughter them. So the Syrians made a totally disorderly retreat, and left behind camp, provisions, beasts of burden, and even some of their clothes.

That night, four leprous men, who were camped outside the city gate, decided that surrendering themselves to the Syrians would be better than entering a starving city or sitting where they were—so they headed for the Syrian camp. They later brought back a report that Jehoram found incredible. According to this report, the lepers kept walking until they found themselves inside the Syrian camp, which they found utterly deserted. The Syrians—and so the author of I and II Kings learned perhaps from another unidentified source—had thought they heard the sound of chariots, and somehow formed the notion that Jehoram had managed to hire [[Egypt]]ian and [[Hittite]] mercenaries to slaughter them. So the Syrians made a totally disorderly retreat, and left behind camp, provisions, beasts of burden, and even some of their clothes.

At first the lepers took some supplies from the first tent they came to, and hid them. They did this a second time. Then they realized the full magnitude of the blessing that the Syrians' absence represented, and returned at once to Samaria to report what they had seen.

At first the lepers took some supplies from the first tent they came to, and hid them. They did this a second time. Then they realized the full magnitude of the blessing that the Syrians' absence represented, and returned at once to Samaria to report what they had seen.

Jehoram's first thought was that the Syrians had staged the scene in order to lure the Israelites out of the city, so that they could take it. But his advisers encouraged him to send a search party. This he did, and the searchers, astride two chariot horses, confirmed the lepers' report.

Jehoram's first thought was that the Syrians had staged the scene in order to lure the Israelites out of the city, so that they could take it. But his advisers encouraged him to send a search party. This he did, and the searchers, astride two chariot horses, confirmed the lepers' report.

When the people heard this, they rushed out of the city to plunder the empty Syrian camp. But they moved so fast that they trampled to death the officer assigned to guard the gate--which officer was the same adviser who had doubted Elisha's prediction of relief from the famine.<ref>{{Bible ref|book=II_Kings|chap=7|verses=3-20}}</ref><ref name=WebBible/><ref name=GeoCities/>

When the people heard this, they rushed out of the city to plunder the empty Syrian camp. But they moved so fast that they trampled to death the officer assigned to guard the gate—which officer was the same adviser who had doubted Elisha's prediction of relief from the famine.<ref name=WebBible/><ref name=GeoCities/><ref>{{Bible ref|book=II_Kings|chap=7|verses=3-20}}</ref>

== The Seven-year Famine ==

== The Seven-year Famine ==

== Death and Succession ==

== Death and Succession ==

In the last year of his reign, Jehoram and his nephew [[Ahaziah]] of [[Southern Kingdom|Judah]], laid siege to [[Ramoth-gilead]] (which had been the site of an earlier siege that had given rise to [[Omri]]'s conspiracy). Jehoram clashed with Syrians, now under the command of King [[Hazael]], and was wounded. He retired to [[Jezreel]] and in fact took up residence on what used to be [[Naboth]]'s vineyard. Ahaziah stayed with him.<ref>{{Bible ref|book=II_Kings|chap=8|verses=28-29}}</ref><ref name=GeoCities/>

In the last year of his reign, Jehoram and his nephew [[Ahaziah]] of [[Southern Kingdom|Judah]], laid siege to [[Ramoth-gilead]] (which had been the site of an earlier siege that had given rise to [[Omri]]'s conspiracy). Jehoram clashed with Syrians, now under the command of King [[Hazael]], and was wounded. He retired to [[Jezreel]] and in fact took up residence on what used to be [[Naboth]]'s vineyard. Ahaziah stayed with him.<ref name=GeoCities/><ref>{{Bible ref|book=II_Kings|chap=8|verses=28-29}}</ref>

Soon afterward, a watchman spotted a company of men approaching the residence. Jehoram ordered the watchman to send a messenger on horseback. A messenger went, but did not return. The watchman sent out a second messenger, with the same result--but now the watchman knew, from the way the company was moving, that the leader could only be the noted officer [[Jehu]].

Soon afterward, a watchman spotted a company of men approaching the residence. Jehoram ordered the watchman to send a messenger on horseback. A messenger went, but did not return. The watchman sent out a second messenger, with the same result—but now the watchman knew, from the way the company was moving, that the leader could only be the noted officer [[Jehu]].

Jehoram and Ahaziah prepared their chariots and rode out to meet Jehu. When Jehoram drew to within shouting distance, he asked Jehu, "Is it peace?" Jehu answered that it was definitely ''not'' peace, on account of the abominable practices of the [[dowager]] [[queen]], [[Jezebel]].

Jehoram and Ahaziah prepared their chariots and rode out to meet Jehu. When Jehoram drew to within shouting distance, he asked Jehu, "Is it peace?" Jehu answered that it was definitely ''not'' peace, on account of the abominable practices of the [[dowager]] [[queen]], [[Jezebel]].

Jehoram turned and fled, and said to Ahaziah that they had been tricked. Almost at once an arrow struck him in the back between the shoulder blades and exited at his [[heart]], so that he died instantly.<ref>{{Bible ref|book=II_Kings|chap=9|verses=17-24}}</ref><ref name=WebBible/><ref name=ColumbiaI/><ref name=GeoCities/>

Jehoram turned and fled, and said to Ahaziah that they had been tricked. Almost at once an arrow struck him in the back between the shoulder blades and exited at his [[heart]], so that he died instantly.<ref name=WebBible/><ref name=ColumbiaI/><ref name=GeoCities/><ref>{{Bible ref|book=II_Kings|chap=9|verses=17-24}}</ref>

== Disputed Chronology ==

== Disputed Chronology ==

{{reflist|2}}

{{reflist|2}}

== See Also ==

== See also ==

* [[Ahaziah of Israel]]

* [[Ahaziah of Israel]]

* [[Ahaziah]]

* [[Ahaziah]]