The King dies in agony

2 Chronicles Chapter 21

Jehoshaphat's eldest son Jehoram succeeded him. Though Jehoshaphat had six other sons, each was given valuable gifts and the ownership of some of Judah's fortified cities. But after Jehoram was established, he killed all his brothers and some of the other leaders of Israel.

Jehoram reigned for eight years and was as wicked as king Ahab, for he married one of Ahab's daughters. Though he did what was wicked in the Lord's sight, the Lord was not willing to destroy David's dynasty, for he had made a covenant with David and promised that his descendants would rule forever.

During Jehoram's reign, the Edomites revolted against Judah and crowned their own king. so Jehoram attacked Edom with his full army. The enemy surrounded Jehoram, but he escaped at night. The town of Libnah revolted because Jehoram had abandoned the Lord and built pagan shrines in the hill country and had led the people of Jerusalem and Judah to give themselves to pagan gods.

Elijah wrote Jehoram a letter (found in verses 12 through 15)in which he accused Jehoram of being evil and leading the people to worship idols. He warned that the Lord was about to strike Jehoram and his people and his family with a heavy blow and Jehoram was to be stricken with a severe intestinal disease until his bowels came out.

Then the Lord stirred up the Philistines and Arabs to attack Jehoram, and they broke down his defenses and carried away everything of value in the palace including his wives and sons. Only his youngest son Ahaziah was spared. Two years later, Jehoram died in agony of the severe intestinal disease just as Elijah predicted. His people did not build a great fire to honor him. No one was sorry when he died and he was not buried in the royal cemetery.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: Jehoram married Atheliah, a daughter of king Ahaab of Israel. Her mother was Jezebel, the most wicked woman known. His marriage began his downfall, for his wife brought her wicked influence to Judah.

HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? If we ignore God's laws, we will eventually suffer the consequences of our sin, just as the people in his chapter did. This king killed his own brothers and worshiped idols. His agony in death seems like an appropriate one for someone so evil. But it must be said that if he had turned his life around, if he had shown some kindness, if he had asked God to forgive him - God would have done so. Because our God is a merciful God. The choice for us is simple: consequences or mercy! I hope you can make the connection and spread the word of God to all who can hear you!

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH:
Update on my niece Suzanne, she is healing but her leg was crushed and will take many months of doctoring. She is in a nursing home for rehab care. Pray for her healing. Also Gabe, Wanda, Janice Long’s parents. especially her mother whose cancer has returned, and Arlene’s nephew David. Pray for my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life. Pray for Carolyn’s brother Ronald who has cancer. Pray for our friend Michelle who was diagnosed with MS. Pray for Cyndi Sullivan who was given 14 months to live with cancer, but has made it six years. The pain has returned and she needs our prayers.
UPDATE on Barb who went in for back surgery and had a heart attack and stroke, she has 90 percent of her speech back and is home , but continues to have a problem with one arm and hand. She will require long therapy and insurance may soon be a problem since her job was not held for her.
Pray for Robert Sargent with lung cancer and Marthaline Sargent with serious health issues..
Pray for Carolyn’s friend Margaret and her husband who were in a car accident. As elderly drivers they may face a life change which may cost them their independence. Let’s all raise our voices to God to hear our prayers.
Pray for the speedy recovery of Sandy in Minnesota who underwent successful brain surgery for a tumor recently.
Pray for John recovery from a heart attack and pray he can stop smoking.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter, Brian
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, survivors of Japan’s earthquake, survivors of the devastating tornadoes in our southernmost states and Joplin, Missouri. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.