2 Chronicles 21:6-7
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It’s easy to blame Ahab's daughter, but the verse emphasizes that Jehoram himself chose to walk in that wicked way, following the example of Israel's kings. His marriage was the context, but the decision to do evil in God's sight was his own, a crucial distinction we see plainly laid out.
And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as the house of Ahab had done, for the daughter of Ahab was his wife. And he did what was evil in the sight of the LORD. Yet the LORD was not willing to destroy the house of David, because of the covenant that he had made with David, and since he had promised to give a lamp to him and to his sons forever.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jehoram, son of King Jehoshaphat, has just inherited the throne after his father, a good king. However, instead of following in his father's footsteps, Jehoram marries Athaliah, the daughter of the wicked King Ahab of Israel, and begins to imitate their idolatrous ways. This alliance with Ahab's evil family sets the stage for Jehoram's disastrous reign, leading him further away from the LORD.
Ever notice how certain trends or lifestyles seem to become the 'norm' in a community or even in a family? Sometimes, what's popular isn't what's right.
King Jehoram of Judah didn't just stumble into sin; he deliberately chose a path. The text says he "walked in the way of the kings of Israel." This wasn't just any bad example; it was the way of Ahab, a king known for his profound wickedness, especially for introducing Baal worship into Israel. Jehoram's choice was a conscious imitation of the worst.
Why was Ahab's way so bad?
Jehoram's adoption of this path shows us that bad examples, especially those who hold power or influence, can easily lead others astray. It’s like following a well-worn road that’s actually headed for a cliff.
Sometimes the most dangerous compromises happen in the most intimate relationships. A spouse can be a source of strength or a significant stumbling block.
The verse pinpoints a key reason for Jehoram's downfall: "for the daughter of Ahab was his wife." His marriage wasn't just a personal union; it was a gateway for Ahab's destructive influence to enter Judah's royal family.
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This wasn't a neutral relationship. Athaliah, Ahab and Jezebel's daughter, clearly inherited her parents' spirit. Her presence and likely her influence normalized and perhaps even encouraged Jehoram's turn towards the wicked ways of the northern kingdom.
What does this teach us about relationships?
What does it truly mean to do 'evil in the sight of the LORD'? It's more than just breaking rules; it's a deliberate rejection of His character and authority.
The verse concludes with a stark judgment: 'And he did what was evil in the sight of the LORD.' This phrase isn't merely a label; it’s a theological declaration.
What does 'evil in the sight of the LORD' imply?
Jehoram’s reign, therefore, wasn't just a political or social misstep; it was a profound spiritual rebellion against the God who had chosen, protected, and established his kingdom.
Understand the original words
derek · Hebrew Noun
A figurative way of describing a person’s total lifestyle, choices, and moral conduct before God. It implies a habitual pattern of behavior rather than a single action.
ra' · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Any action, thought, or condition that deviates from the holiness of God and His revealed will. It is the fundamental antithesis of God's character and standard for His people.
berit · Hebrew Noun
A formal, binding agreement between God and His people, often involving specific promises and requirements. In the context of David, it refers to the unconditional promise of an enduring royal lineage.
nir · Hebrew Noun
A metaphor for life, prosperity, a royal dynasty, or the continuing presence and witness of a person or house. God's promise of a 'lamp' to David guarantees the survival of his kingdom.
The verse highlights the devastating spiritual influence of Ahab's family, particularly his daughter Athaliah, on the southern kingdom of Judah. This marriage connected Judah directly to the corrupt worship and idolatry that characterized Israel under Ahab's rule.
c. 874-853 BC
Reign of Ahab
Ahab, son of Omri, ruled the northern Kingdom of Israel. He married Jezebel, a Sidonian princess, and heavily promoted Baal worship, leading Israel into deep spiritual corruption.
c. 853 BC
Death of Ahab
Ahab died in battle against the Arameans (Syrians) at Ramoth-Gilead. His wicked reign had a profound impact on the religious and political landscape of both Israel and Judah.
c. 853-841 BC
Reign of Jehoram of Israel
Ahab's son, Jehoram, succeeded him. While he removed some Baalistic symbols, he did not fully turn from the sins of his father and mother, Jezebel.
c. 848-841 BC— this verse
Reign of Jehoram of Judah
Jehoram of Judah, the subject of 2 Chronicles 21, reigned during this period. He was married to Athaliah, Ahab's daughter, a union that profoundly influenced his actions.
c. 841 BC
Jehoram's Downfall and Death
Jehoram of Judah faced invasions, loss of family, and a terminal illness, all attributed to his apostasy and the judgment of the LORD. His reign ended in disgrace.
This passage introduces Ahab and his wife Jezebel, highlighting their wickedness and how their influence led others astray, directly paralleling the corrupting influence on Jehoram through his wife.
1 Kings 21:25-26This text describes Ahab selling himself to do evil, emphasizing how deeply he and his household were given over to idolatry and sin, which Jehoram then emulated.
2 Kings 8:18This verse explicitly states that Jehoram walked in the ways of the kings of Israel because he married an "[d]aughter of Ahab," reinforcing the specific connection and the inherited sin through marriage.
Judges 2:10-11This passage speaks about a generation that arose after Joshua, who did not know the Lord or what He had done for Israel, leading them to do evil. It shows a recurring pattern of spiritual decline when the next generation fails to follow God.
It’s easy to blame Ahab's daughter, but the verse emphasizes that Jehoram himself chose to walk in that wicked way, following the example of Israel's kings. His marriage was the context, but the decision to do evil in God's sight was his own, a crucial distinction we see plainly laid out.
Jehoram, son of King Jehoshaphat, has just inherited the throne after his father, a good king. However, instead of following in his father's footsteps, Jehoram marries Athaliah, the daughter of the wicked King Ahab of Israel, and begins to imitate their idolatrous ways. This alliance with Ahab's evil family sets the stage for Jehoram's disastrous reign, leading him further away from the LORD.
Jehoram, son of King Jehoshaphat, has just inherited the throne after his father, a good king. However, instead of following in his father's footsteps, Jehoram marries Athaliah, the daughter of the wicked King Ahab of Israel, and begins to imitate their idolatrous ways. This alliance with Ahab's evil family sets the stage for Jehoram's disastrous reign, leading him further away from the LORD.
"And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as the house of Ahab had done, for the daughter of Ahab was his wife. And he did what was evil in the sight of the LORD. Yet the LORD was not willing to destroy the house of David, because o…" — It’s easy to blame Ahab's daughter, but the verse emphasizes that Jehoram himself chose to walk in that wicked way, following the example of Israel's kings. His marriage was the context, but the de…
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Last reviewed October 2026
