2 Kings 8:18

And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as did the house of Ahab: for the daughter of Ahab was his wife: and he did evil in the sight of the LORD.

And he walked {H3212} in the way {H1870} of the kings {H4428} of Israel {H3478}, as did {H6213} the house {H1004} of Ahab {H256}: for the daughter {H1323} of Ahab {H256} was his wife {H802}: and he did {H6213} evil {H7451} in the sight {H5869} of the LORD {H3068}.

He lived after the example of the kings of Isra'el, as did the house of Ach'av; because he had married Ach'av's daughter; he did what was evil from ADONAI's perspective.

And Jehoram walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, just as the house of Ahab had done. For he married a daughter of Ahab and did evil in the sight of the LORD.

And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as did the house of Ahab: for he had the daughter of Ahab to wife; and he did that which was evil in the sight of Jehovah.

Commentary

Context of 2 Kings 8:18

This verse introduces the reign of King Jehoram (also called Joram) of Judah, son of the generally righteous King Jehoshaphat. Unlike his father, who largely sought to follow the LORD, Jehoram's rule marked a significant spiritual decline for the Southern Kingdom. The passage immediately preceding this verse (2 Kings 8:16-17) establishes Jehoram's ascension to the throne while his father, Jehoshaphat, was still alive, indicating a co-regency period before Jehoram assumed full kingship.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Corrupting Influence of Ungodly Alliances: The most striking detail is that Jehoram's wickedness is directly attributed to his marriage to "the daughter of Ahab," Athaliah. This political marriage, intended to forge an alliance between Judah and the Northern Kingdom of Israel, instead brought the idolatrous practices of Ahab's infamous reign into the heart of Judah's royal family. It highlights the profound spiritual danger of being unequally yoked, particularly in marriage, as it can lead individuals and even nations astray from God's commands.
  • Spiritual Decline and Departure from God: Jehoram's actions are explicitly contrasted with the righteous path of his father, King Jehoshaphat. His choice to "walk in the way of the kings of Israel" signifies a deliberate adoption of the idolatry and wickedness prevalent in the Northern Kingdom, particularly the Baal worship introduced by Ahab and Jezebel. This verse sets the stage for a period of judgment and hardship for Judah under Jehoram's rule.
  • Divine Judgment on Wickedness: The powerful concluding statement, "and he did evil in the sight of the LORD," is the divine verdict on Jehoram's reign. It underscores God's unwavering standard of righteousness and His clear disapproval of idolatry and ungodly behavior, regardless of one's lineage or political standing. This phrase is a recurring judgment throughout the books of Kings and Chronicles, indicating God's perspective on a ruler's obedience or disobedience.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "walked in the way" (Hebrew: halak be-derekh) is a common biblical idiom describing one's consistent conduct, lifestyle, or moral path. To "walk in the way of the kings of Israel" means to consistently follow their pattern of behavior, particularly their embrace of idolatry and disregard for the Mosaic Law. The phrase "evil in the sight of the LORD" (Hebrew: ra` b'eyney Yahweh) is a standard theological assessment, indicating that Jehoram's actions were morally reprehensible from God's divine perspective, not merely from a human viewpoint.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of our choices, especially concerning our relationships. Just as Athaliah's influence led Jehoram astray, our associations and commitments can profoundly shape our spiritual trajectory. It emphasizes the importance of:

  • Discerning Relationships: Carefully choosing partners, friends, and associates who encourage spiritual growth rather than compromise faith. The principle of not being unequally yoked remains highly relevant.
  • Personal Accountability: Despite his lineage (son of a godly king) and influences (marriage to Athaliah, who later usurped the throne), Jehoram was ultimately responsible for his own choices and their consequences. We are each accountable before God for our actions.
  • Guarding Against Compromise: The temptation to compromise faith for political gain, social acceptance, or personal comfort is ever-present. This verse warns against such compromises, highlighting their destructive spiritual outcomes.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 8:26

    Two and twenty years old [was] Ahaziah when he began to reign; and he reigned one year in Jerusalem. And his mother's name [was] Athaliah, the daughter of Omri king of Israel.

  • 2 Kings 9:7

    And thou shalt smite the house of Ahab thy master, that I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the LORD, at the hand of Jezebel.

  • 2 Kings 9:8

    For the whole house of Ahab shall perish: and I will cut off from Ahab him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel:

  • 2 Chronicles 22:1

    ¶ And the inhabitants of Jerusalem made Ahaziah his youngest son king in his stead: for the band of men that came with the Arabians to the camp had slain all the eldest. So Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah reigned.

  • 2 Chronicles 22:4

    Wherefore he did evil in the sight of the LORD like the house of Ahab: for they were his counsellors after the death of his father to his destruction.

  • 1 Kings 11:1

    ¶ But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, [and] Hittites;

  • 1 Kings 11:5

    For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.
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