He also walked in the way of the house of Ahab and did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, as the house of Ahab had done, for he was son-in-law to the house of Ahab.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse doesn't just say he copied Ahab's evil; it points out the reason given: he was Ahab's son-in-law. This highlights how easily relationships and family ties can pull us into patterns of behavior that are not pleasing to God, even if we're not directly part of that original "house." It's a powerful reminder that who we associate with can have a profound, and sometimes subtle, influence on our own choices and character.
He also walked in the way of the house of Ahab and did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, as the house of Ahab had done, for he was son-in-law to the house of Ahab.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After King Jehoshaphat's faithful reign, his son Jehoram takes the throne in Judah. Though he's royalty, he marries Ahab's daughter Athaliah, a queen from the idolatrous northern kingdom of Israel. This marriage deeply influences Jehoram, leading him to adopt the wicked practices of his in-laws and turn away from the Lord, much to God's displeasure.
Ever heard the saying, 'You are who you hang out with'? This verse shows us just how powerful those connections can be, even for kings.
King Joram of Judah made a fateful choice. Instead of following his godly father, Jehoshaphat, he emulated the wicked ways of the house of Ahab, his father-in-law.
Following a Fatal Footprint
Ahab and Jezebel were notorious for their wickedness. This verse shows their evil wasn't contained to Israel; it spread like a poison through marriage.
The phrase 'the house of Ahab' is a shorthand for a legacy of idolatry, injustice, and rebellion against God.
A Pattern of Wickedness
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Understand the original words
derek · Hebrew Noun
A technical term used in historical books to describe the political and spiritual trajectory of a king, indicating his adherence to the covenant or the pattern of idolatry established by his predecessors.
ra' · Hebrew Adjective
In a biblical context, that which is morally wrong, wicked, or displeasing to God, often specifically referring to idolatry, rebellion, or covenant unfaithfulness.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The supreme, covenant-keeping God of Israel who revealed Himself to Moses; His 'sight' refers to His omniscience and His standard of holiness by which human actions are judged.
This verse highlights the devastating, generational impact of ungodly alliances. Jehoram of Judah's marriage to Athaliah, Ahab's daughter, directly linked him and his kingdom to the wicked policies and spiritual corruption of Israel's royal house, leading to continued evil despite attempts at reform.
c. 874-853 BC
Reign of Ahab and Jezebel
Ahab, king of Israel, married Jezebel of Sidon and deeply influenced Israel towards Baal worship. Their reign marked a spiritual low point, characterized by extreme wickedness and persecution of prophets.
c. 853 BC
Death of Ahab
Ahab dies in battle against the Arameans (Syrians). His son Ahaziah succeeds him, continuing the wicked legacy.
c. 853-841 BC
Reigns of Ahaziah and Jehoram of Israel
Both Ahab's sons, Ahaziah and then Jehoram, rule Israel, maintaining their father's corrupt ways and ties to Judah through alliances.
c. 853-848 BC
Reign of Jehoshaphat of Judah
Jehoshaphat rules Judah, initially making a positive alliance with the house of Ahab through marriage, but also taking steps to reform worship.
c. 848-841 BC— this verse
Reign of Jehoram of Judah
Jehoshaphat's son Jehoram takes the throne of Judah. He marries Athaliah, Ahab's daughter, further cementing the disastrous alliance.
841 BC
Jehu's Violent Revolution
The prophet Elisha anoints Jehu as king of Israel. Jehu ruthlessly eliminates the house of Ahab, including King Jehoram of Israel and Jezebel, and purges Baal worship.
This passage describes Manasseh, another king who followed the evil ways of his predecessors, mirroring the way Jehoram followed Ahab's destructive path.
1 Kings 16:30-33This shows the depth of Ahab's sin, highlighting the terrible legacy Jehoram was choosing to follow by 'walking in the way of the house of Ahab'.
Jeremiah 7:29This prophetic warning speaks to Israel's tendency to follow the ways of their ancestors, even when those ways were sinful, which is exactly what Jehoram was doing.
2 Chronicles 22:3-4This passage explicitly links Jehoram's actions to his mother Athaliah, who was Ahab's daughter, directly explaining the 'son-in-law to the house of Ahab' connection and his subsequent evil.
The verse doesn't just say he copied Ahab's evil; it points out the reason given: he was Ahab's son-in-law. This highlights how easily relationships and family ties can pull us into patterns of behavior that are not pleasing to God, even if we're not directly part of that original "house." It's a powerful reminder that who we associate with can have a profound, and sometimes subtle, influence on our own choices and character.
After King Jehoshaphat's faithful reign, his son Jehoram takes the throne in Judah. Though he's royalty, he marries Ahab's daughter Athaliah, a queen from the idolatrous northern kingdom of Israel. This marriage deeply influences Jehoram, leading him to adopt the wicked practices of his in-laws and turn away from the Lord, much to God's displeasure.
After King Jehoshaphat's faithful reign, his son Jehoram takes the throne in Judah. Though he's royalty, he marries Ahab's daughter Athaliah, a queen from the idolatrous northern kingdom of Israel. This marriage deeply influences Jehoram, leading him to adopt the wicked practices of his in-laws and turn away from the Lord, much to God's displeasure.
"He also walked in the way of the house of Ahab and did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, as the house of Ahab had done, for he was son-in-law to the house of Ahab." — The verse doesn't just say he copied Ahab's evil; it points out the reason given: he was Ahab's son-in-law. This highlights how easily relationships and family ties can pull us into patterns of b…
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Last reviewed October 2026