2 Chron 21:20 Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years. He passed away, to no one’s regret, and was buried in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings.
How incredibly sad are the words, “He passed away, to no one’s regret.” They seem to be the polar opposite of, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Does it make me too compassionate to think that no one should die this way?
2 Chron 21:4 When Jehoram established himself firmly over his father’s kingdom, he put all his brothers to the sword, along with some of the officials of Israel.
These words leave me with so many questions: Did his wife not regret his passing? Commentary indicates that many of his vile deeds were at her prompting. Did his father-in-law, King of Israel, whose actions he seemed to emulate, not regret his passing? Was there ever a time when Jehoram contemplated turning back to God? After his wife and children were taken? After he was inflicted with an incurable disease of the bowels? What was going through his head? Did he realize he could turn back, just as he turned away?
2 Chron 21:6 He followed the ways of the kings of Israel, as the house of Ahab had done, for he married a daughter of Ahab. He did evil in the eyes of the LORD.
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the reminder that we are to show Your love and compassion to all. Help me live a life that is pleasing to You. Help me to understand that when I follow a path that takes me from Your will and Your love, all I need to do is turn around and head straight back to You. Draw me closer. Amen.
2 Chron 21:7 Nevertheless, because of the covenant the LORD had made with David, the LORD was not willing to destroy the house of David. He had promised to maintain a lamp for him and his descendants forever.
Have a blessed day.