### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Yᵉhôwrâm**, represented by `{{H3088}}`, means "Jehovah-raised," derived from **Yᵉhôvâh** `{{H3068}}` and the root for "to rise." It appears **29 times** across **26 unique verses** in the Bible. The name is primarily associated with two kings, one from Judah and one from Israel, as well as a priest. The name is also compared to the form **Yôwrâm** `{{H3141}}`.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3088}}` identifies key figures in the royal history of Israel and Judah. **Yᵉhôwrâm**, son of Jehoshaphat, became king of Judah and secured his reign by slaying all his brethren [[2 Chronicles 21:4]]. His father had given him the kingdom because he was the firstborn [[2 Chronicles 21:3]]. His reign was met with opposition stirred up by the LORD, including the Philistines and Arabians [[2 Chronicles 21:16]]. Another prominent figure, **Yᵉhôwrâm** son of Ahab, reigned over Israel in Samaria for twelve years [[2 Kings 3:1]]. His life ended in conflict when he was killed by Jehu, whom the LORD had anointed to cut off the house of Ahab [[2 Chronicles 22:7]]. This confrontation took place in the portion of Naboth the Jezreelite [[2 Kings 9:21]], and Jehu directly challenged him about the whoredoms of his mother Jezebel [[2 Kings 9:22]]. A third individual named **Yᵉhôwrâm** was a priest sent with Levites to teach in Judah [[2 Chronicles 17:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the lives of those named **Yᵉhôwrâm**:
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (a king): This title is central to the identity of both major figures named Jehoram, defining their authority and role in the kingdoms of Judah and Israel [[2 Kings 8:16]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (a son): Lineage is critical to the narrative, establishing Jehoram of Judah as the son of Jehoshaphat and Jehoram of Israel as the son of Ahab ([[1 Kings 22:50]], [[2 Kings 3:1]]).
* `{{H251}}` **ʼâch** (a brother): The term highlights the violent nature of Jehoram of Judah's rise to power, as he slew all his brethren to eliminate rivals to the throne [[2 Chronicles 21:4]].
* `{{H4421}}` **milchâmâh** (a battle): War was a defining feature of the era, with both kings engaging in military conflicts, such as the war against Hazael, king of Syria [[2 Chronicles 22:5]].
### Theological Significance
The accounts associated with `{{H3088}}` carry significant weight in the historical narrative.
* **Violent Succession:** The story of Jehoram of Judah illustrates a brutal consolidation of power. Despite being the designated firstborn heir, he slew his brothers to secure his kingdom, marking his reign with fratricide from the beginning [[2 Chronicles 21:3-4]].
* **Divine Judgment:** Both kings named Jehoram face consequences for their actions. The LORD stirred up the Philistines and Arabians against Jehoram of Judah [[2 Chronicles 21:16]]. Jehoram of Israel's death was a direct result of Jehu's commission from God to destroy the house of Ahab [[2 Chronicles 22:7]].
* **Intertwined Kingdoms:** The narratives of the two kingdoms are closely linked. Ahaziah, son of Jehoram of Judah, went to war with Jehoram son of Ahab against Syria [[2 Chronicles 22:5]] and went down to Jezreel to see him when he was sick [[2 Kings 8:29]], demonstrating the intertwined politics and fates of the royal families.
### Summary
In summary, **Yᵉhôwrâm** `{{H3088}}` is a name tied to pivotal moments in the history of Israel's divided monarchy. While its meaning is "Jehovah-raised," the lives of the kings who bore it were marked by violence, warfare, and divine judgment. The name is primarily remembered through the reigns of two kings whose stories of conflict and succession underscore the turbulent political and spiritual landscape of their time.
TRV