2 Chronicles 22:5

KJV

He walked also after their counsel, and went with Jehoram the son of Ahab king of Israel to war against Hazael king of Syria at Ramothgilead: and the Syrians smote Joram.

KJV (with Strong's)

He walked {H1980} also after their counsel {H6098}, and went {H3212} with Jehoram {H3088} the son {H1121} of Ahab {H256} king {H4428} of Israel {H3478} to war {H4421} against Hazael {H2371} king {H4428} of Syria {H758} at Ramothgilead {H7433}{H1568}: and the Syrians {H7421} smote {H5221} Joram {H3141}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and he lived his life by their advice. With Y'horam the son of Ach'av, king of Isra'el, he went to war against Haza'el king of Aram at Ramot-Gil'ad, where the Aramim wounded Yoram.

Berean Standard Bible

Ahaziah also followed their counsel and went with Joram son of Ahab king of Israel to fight against Hazael king of Aram at Ramoth-gilead. But the Arameans wounded Joram;

American Standard Version

He walked also after their counsel, and went with Jehoram the son of Ahab king of Israel to war against Hazael king of Syria at Ramoth-gilead: and the Syrians wounded Joram.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 22:5 details a pivotal moment in the brief and tragic reign of King Ahaziah of Judah. Having succumbed to the wicked counsel of his mother, Athaliah, and the house of Ahab, Ahaziah joins King Jehoram (Joram) of Israel in a military campaign against Hazael, king of Syria, at Ramothgilead. This alliance, born of spiritual compromise, leads directly to Joram being wounded in battle, an event that sets the stage for Ahaziah's own imminent and divinely ordained demise, illustrating the perilous consequences of ungodly associations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the Chronicler's scathing assessment of King Ahaziah's character and reign. [2 Chronicles 22:3-4](/2_chronicles/22-3 "2 Chronicles 22:3-4 - Ahaziah's Wicked Ways") explicitly states that "he walked in the ways of the house of Ahab: for his mother was his counsellor to do wickedly." Verse 5, therefore, serves as a direct illustration and consequence of this spiritual and moral corruption. It shows Ahaziah's active participation in the ungodly ways of the Omride dynasty, not merely as a passive recipient of counsel but as an active participant in their enterprises. The narrative quickly progresses from this point to Ahaziah's death in [2 Chronicles 22:7-9](/2_chronicles/22-7 "2 Chronicles 22:7-9 - Ahaziah's Death"), emphasizing the swift and direct divine judgment that follows his wicked alignment. This account is part of the Chronicler's broader theological agenda, which consistently links the prosperity or downfall of Judah's kings to their faithfulness or apostasy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described is one of complex political maneuvering and frequent conflict in the ancient Near East. Ahaziah, king of Judah, was allied by marriage to the northern kingdom of Israel through his mother, Athaliah, who was the daughter of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. This familial tie led to significant Omride influence in Judah, introducing Baal worship and other idolatrous practices. Ramothgilead, mentioned in the verse, was a strategically vital city located east of the Jordan River, frequently contested between Israel and Aram (Syria). Control of this city was crucial for trade routes and regional dominance. The specific conflict against Hazael, king of Syria, was part of a long-standing rivalry. Culturally, royal alliances were common, often cemented by marriage, but the Chronicler highlights the spiritual dangers of such alliances when they involved compromise with idolatrous nations, particularly the notoriously wicked house of Ahab. The concept of "walking after counsel" implies a deep adoption of the principles and practices of one's advisors, reflecting a king's character and the direction of his reign.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme highlighted in this verse is the **Peril of Ungodly Counsel and Alliances**. Ahaziah's decision to "walk after their counsel" refers directly to the influence of the idolatrous and wicked house of Ahab. This alliance was not merely a political or military strategy; it represented a profound spiritual compromise for the king of Judah, the inheritor of the Davidic covenant. The Bible consistently warns against being "unequally yoked" or forming close partnerships with those who lead away from God, as seen in [2 Corinthians 6:14](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked"). Ahaziah's participation in this war, initiated by Jehoram, directly resulted from his spiritual alignment with the wicked. This also underscores the **Consequences of Disobedience**, a pervasive theme in Chronicles. The Chronicler meticulously demonstrates how a king's obedience or disobedience to God directly impacts the prosperity or calamity of his reign. Ahaziah's alliance with the house of Ahab, an affront to God, led him into a dangerous situation where Jehoram was wounded, setting the stage for subsequent events that would lead to Ahaziah's demise, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 22:7](/2_chronicles/22-7 "2 Chronicles 22:7 - Ahaziah's Downfall"). The verse also touches upon the **Inter-kingdom Relations** between Judah and Israel, which, despite their shared heritage, were often fraught with conflict or, as in this case, problematic alliances that led to spiritual and physical peril.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Walked (Hebrew, _halak'_):** This verb is frequently used in Scripture, not just to describe physical movement, but metaphorically to denote one's conduct, lifestyle, or adherence to a particular path or set of principles. When Ahaziah "walked after their counsel," it signifies more than merely listening to advice; it implies adopting and living by that counsel, making it the guiding principle of his reign. This concept of "walking" in a certain way is a recurring biblical theme, as seen in [Psalm 1:1](/psalms/1-1 "Psalm 1:1 - The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked"), which contrasts the blessed who do not "walk in the counsel of the ungodly" with those who do.
* **Counsel (Hebrew, _ʿēṣāh'_):** This term refers to advice, plan, or purpose. In this context, it highlights the source and nature of the guidance Ahaziah chose to follow. The "counsel" here is explicitly linked to the "house of Ahab," a dynasty notorious for its idolatry and wickedness. The choice of counsel is therefore a choice of allegiance and moral direction, with profound spiritual implications.
* **Smote (Hebrew, _nākāh'_):** This verb means to strike, hit, or wound. Its use here indicates a violent and decisive action. "The Syrians smote Joram" signifies a direct and painful consequence of the military engagement, which, from the Chronicler's perspective, is an outcome of the ungodly alliance. This injury to Joram is a crucial plot point, leading to his return to Jezreel for recovery, which then provides the opportunity for Jehu's coup and Ahaziah's fatal encounter.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He walked also after their counsel":** This phrase immediately establishes Ahaziah's moral alignment. The "their" refers primarily to his mother, Athaliah, and by extension, the entire wicked house of Ahab, whose idolatrous and ungodly ways Ahaziah adopted as his own. This demonstrates a deliberate choice to follow a path contrary to God's covenant with the Davidic line.
* **"and went with Jehoram the son of Ahab king of Israel":** This details the specific, dangerous alliance. Ahaziah, king of Judah, actively joins forces with Jehoram (also known as Joram), the reigning king of Israel and a direct descendant of the notoriously wicked King Ahab. This military partnership is a tangible manifestation of Ahaziah's spiritual compromise and his entanglement with a dynasty condemned by God.
* **"to war against Hazael king of Syria at Ramothgilead":** This identifies the military objective and location. Ramothgilead was a strategically important city in Transjordan, frequently contested between Israel and Aram (Syria). The war against Hazael, the king of Syria, was a significant regional conflict, and Ahaziah's participation underscores his deep involvement in the affairs and conflicts of the northern kingdom.
* **"and the Syrians smote Joram":** This describes the immediate outcome of the battle for the king of Israel. Joram is wounded by the Syrians, forcing his retreat for recovery. This injury is a critical turning point in the narrative, as it precipitates the events leading to the anointing of Jehu and the subsequent eradication of the house of Ahab, which tragically ensnares Ahaziah.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several **Literary Devices** in this concise verse to convey profound theological meaning. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Joram's injury at Ramothgilead, a direct consequence of the battle, subtly hints at the impending doom for Ahaziah himself, who will soon meet his end in connection with the same events. There is a strong sense of **Theological Narrative**, where historical events are presented not merely as facts but as illustrations of divine judgment and the consequences of human choices, particularly concerning obedience to God's covenant. The Chronicler's emphasis on Ahaziah "walking after their counsel" uses **Metaphor** (the act of walking representing a way of life or conduct) to underscore the king's deep moral and spiritual corruption. Furthermore, the verse contributes to a broader **Irony** in the historical narrative: Ahaziah's alliance, presumably for strength and security, ultimately leads to his vulnerability and death, demonstrating that ungodly alliances lead to destruction, not salvation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The narrative of 2 Chronicles 22:5 serves as a potent theological lesson on the dangers of ungodly influence and the direct consequences of spiritual compromise. Ahaziah's decision to "walk after their counsel" is not merely a political misstep but a profound moral and spiritual failing. The Chronicler, writing from a post-exilic perspective, consistently emphasizes that the kings' adherence to or deviation from God's covenant directly impacted the nation's destiny. Ahaziah's alliance with the house of Ahab, a dynasty synonymous with idolatry and wickedness, represents a rejection of the divine wisdom and guidance available to him as a descendant of David. This verse highlights the biblical principle that associations shape destiny, and aligning with those who oppose God inevitably leads to calamity. It underscores God's justice in allowing the natural consequences of such choices to unfold, even for kings.

* [Proverbs 13:20](/proverbs/13-20 "Proverbs 13:20 - Walk with the Wise")
* [Psalm 1:1](/psalms/1-1 "Psalm 1:1 - The Blessed Man")
* [1 Kings 22](/1_kings/22 "1 Kings 22 - Ahab's Death at Ramoth-Gilead")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of King Ahaziah in 2 Chronicles 22:5 offers a timeless and sobering warning for believers today. Our lives are profoundly shaped by the counsel we heed and the company we keep. In an age saturated with information and diverse voices, the call to discernment is more critical than ever. Ahaziah's fatal error was not merely listening to wicked counsel, but "walking after" it—adopting it as his guiding principle. This compels us to examine the influences in our own lives: Are we "walking after" the counsel of worldly wisdom, popular opinion, or social pressures, or are we diligently seeking and submitting to the counsel of God's Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit? Spiritual compromise, even if seemingly minor, can lead to significant spiritual and personal peril, drawing us into situations that result in harm or separation from God's best. We are called to be proactive in cultivating godly relationships, seeking wise mentors, and immersing ourselves in Scripture, ensuring that our path is aligned with divine wisdom, not human folly.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What voices, whether from individuals, media, or cultural trends, am I "walking after" in my daily decisions?**
* **How do I actively discern between godly counsel and ungodly counsel in my life?**
* **What are the potential spiritual or practical consequences of my current closest alliances or associations?**
* **In what specific ways can I more intentionally seek God's wisdom and counsel through His Word and prayer?**

### FAQ
**Who was "their counsel" that Ahaziah walked after?**

Answer: "Their counsel" primarily refers to the advice and influence of Ahaziah's mother, Athaliah, who was the daughter of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel of Israel. By extension, it encompasses the entire house of Ahab, a dynasty notorious for its deep-seated idolatry and wickedness (as stated in [2 Chronicles 22:3](/2_chronicles/22-3 "2 Chronicles 22:3 - Ahaziah's Wicked Mother")). Ahaziah's mother actively encouraged him to do wickedly, leading him to adopt the ungodly practices and alliances of her family rather than the righteous ways of his Davidic heritage.

**What was the significance of Ramothgilead?**

Answer: Ramothgilead was a highly strategic city located in Transjordan, east of the Jordan River. Its geographical position made it a crucial point of contention between the kingdoms of Israel and Aram (Syria) for centuries. Control of Ramothgilead meant control over important trade routes and military access points. It was also a city with a significant, and often tragic, history for the kings of Israel; notably, King Ahab himself had met his death in battle at Ramothgilead (as recounted in [1 Kings 22](/1_kings/22 "1 Kings 22 - Ahab's Death at Ramoth-Gilead")), making it a site of repeated conflict and royal peril.

**Is "Jehoram" the same as "Joram" in this verse?**

Answer: Yes, "Jehoram" and "Joram" refer to the same individual in this context: the king of Israel, son of Ahab. These are simply variant spellings or shortened forms of the same Hebrew name (Yehoram), which means "Yahweh is exalted." It is common in biblical texts for names to appear in slightly different forms. The parallel account in [2 Kings 8:28](/2_kings/8-28 "2 Kings 8:28 - Joram and Ahaziah") also uses "Joram" to refer to the king of Israel wounded at Ramothgilead.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic narrative of Ahaziah, who "walked after their counsel" and suffered the consequences, powerfully contrasts with the perfect King, Jesus Christ. Ahaziah's folly lay in seeking counsel from the wicked house of Ahab, leading to spiritual compromise and physical demise. In stark opposition, Jesus is the embodiment of divine wisdom, the "Wonderful Counselor" prophesied in [Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Wonderful Counselor"). He never "walked in the counsel of the ungodly" but perfectly submitted to the will of His Father, always seeking and fulfilling divine counsel ( [Psalm 1:1](/psalms/1-1 "Psalm 1:1 - The Blessed Man")). While Joram was smitten in a battle born of human folly and ungodly alliance, Christ, the true King of Israel, was "smitten by God" ( [Isaiah 53:4](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4 - Christ's Suffering for Us")), not for His own sin, but for ours. His wounds were not a consequence of His own poor choices, but the ultimate sacrifice to redeem us from the consequences of our own ungodly counsel and sin ( [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - By His Wounds We Are Healed")). Unlike Ahaziah, whose reign was short and disastrous due to his alliances, Christ's kingdom is eternal and His alliance with His people is one of perfect love and saving power, leading to life everlasting ( [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death")). He is the King who perfectly fulfills the Davidic covenant, bringing true justice and righteousness, and offering the only counsel that leads to life.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 1:1

¶ Blessed [is] the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

2 Chronicles 18:3

And Ahab king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat king of Judah, Wilt thou go with me to Ramothgilead? And he answered him, I [am] as thou [art], and my people as thy people; and [we will be] with thee in the war.

2 Kings 8:9

So Hazael went to meet him, and took a present with him, even of every good thing of Damascus, forty camels' burden, and came and stood before him, and said, Thy son Benhadad king of Syria hath sent me to thee, saying, Shall I recover of this disease?

2 Kings 8:28

And he went with Joram the son of Ahab to the war against Hazael king of Syria in Ramothgilead; and the Syrians wounded Joram.

2 Kings 8:29

And king Joram went back to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds which the Syrians had given him at Ramah, when he fought against Hazael king of Syria. And Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah went down to see Joram the son of Ahab in Jezreel, because he was sick.

1 Kings 22:3

And the king of Israel said unto his servants, Know ye that Ramoth in Gilead [is] ours, and we [be] still, [and] take it not out of the hand of the king of Syria?

Daniel 5:22

And thou his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this;