2 Kings 8:16-24 – Be careful who we emulate in life

In 2 Kings 8:16-24, we are given insight into the reign of another Jehoram, the son of Jehoshaphat. He was not to be mistaken with Jehoram, the king of Israel and the son of King Ahab. Here we catch the glimpse of three things that happened in his short reign. He ascended to the throne at age 32 and reign over Judah for only eight years. When he became king his brother-in-law, who shared the same name, was in the fifth year of his reign.

Firstly, we are told that he emulated King Ahab and his household, behaved like them, and sinned against the LORD. The primary reason could be traced to the fact that he was married to Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. It was bad enough to have the evil influence of his wife but to have Ahab and Jezebel as his parents-in-law would make the evil influence doubly worst. This quite easily explained why he behaved the way he did and displeased the LORD. This should make us more careful about who we mimic in life. We must not imitate the wrong of someone, even though we may share a close relationship with that person.    

Secondly, we are told why he managed to survive the eight-year reign. Verse 23 reveals to us that it was in consideration of the promise He had made to David, that a descendent of his would be kept on the throne, God was merciful to allow him to survive the eight years. Unpleasant and negative as this situation was, we are encouraged to know God is faithful and will keep His word. However, we must not take it that God is willing to condone evil. His mercy should not be taken for granted. Instead, it should be a motivating factor for us to live a God-pleasing life.

Thirdly, we are told that he was unable to quelch the revolt of the Edomites. His attempt to deal with the Edomites backfired. Verse 21 said that he “crossed over to Zair, and all his chariots with him. And he arose by night and struck the Edomites who had surrounded him and the captains of the chariots; but his army fled to their tents.” In that encounter, he and his force had to flee from the Edomites. What a humiliation! It is sad to see how badly the glory that was seen in the days of David and Solomon had sunk this low. We learn not to take our good fortune for granted. Don’t presume that our fortune will last forever. Be sure to keep our connection with God, the source of all our blessings, intact. Stay vigilant in our relationship with God. Keep short accounts with Him. Pause constantly, evaluate, and realign. God is not mocked, for what a man sows, that he shall also reap!