2 Chronicles 21:11, 13 Moreover he made high places in the mountains of Judah, and caused the inhabitants of Jerusalem to commit fornication, and compelled Judah thereto….But thou hast walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and hast made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to go a whoring, like to the whoredoms of the house of Ahab, and also hast slain thy brethren of thy fathers house, which were better than thyself.
Jehoram was the son of a good and godly king, but he was one of the most evil of the kings of Judah. He married a daughter of Ahab, Israel’s most evil king. Instead of being grateful for a godly father, he walked in the ways of his spouse. His response to God’s goodness was horrific. He killed his brothers and caused Judah to worship idols, that is, commit fornication against the Lord.
It is bad enough to sin and boldly break the First Commandment, but to cause others to sin and reject God is even more heinous. It is better that a millstone be hung around his neck and cast into the sea than to cause one of these little ones to sin.
Jehoram’s reign was marked by sin and cruelty. He married an idol-worshipper, killed his six brothers, and promoted idol worship. Yet he was not killed in battle or by treachery. He died of a painful bowel disease. If we ignore God’s laws. We will eventually suffer the consequences of our sin.
Still, instead of being destroyed, the kingdom continued. God was faithful to His covenant promise to David. Thank God, He is more faithful to His Promise than we are to ours. We will fail, but Jesus never fails.