2 Chronicles 20:31-37, 21
The remainder of chapter 20 records a summary of Jehoshaphat's reign, a lack of genuine seeking after God by the people, and an unsuccessful alliance which Jehoshaphat made with wicked King Ahaziah of Israel to make and send ships to Tarshish.
In chapter 21 we now have the details of Jehoshaphat's eldest son, Jehoram and his 8 year reign.
Jehoram had all his brothers and many princes of Israel killed when he became king, married one of Ahab's daughters and didn't walk after the the LORD's ways. He experienced a revolt by the Edomites and Libnah, and made pagan places of worship in the mountains of Judah.
He was sent a letter from Elijah, the prophet in Israel, telling him that because of his sins the LORD would send a great destructive plague and he would have great disease in his bowels until they would 'fall out'. The LORD also stirred up the Philistines and the Arabians to attack and plunder Judah and the King's house and family, only leaving his youngest son.
After 2 years of his bowel disease he died, but no one mourned his passing and although buried in the city of David, he wasn't buried in the kings' sepulchres.
The sad account of Jehoram's wicked and unsuccessful life seems to me to be summed up in the words which were spoken to his father by a prophet, '...the LORD hath broken thy works...' (2 Chronicles 20:37).
These words describe the literal breaking up of Jehoshaphat and Ahaziah's ships, because God was displeased with their alliance and prevented their plans going any further. But they also describe the consequences of Jehoram's departure from the ways of God - we read:
Jehoram's life is an illustration of the words, 'Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain' (Psalm 127:1).
His life is a complete contrast to the following proverb, 'When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him' (Proverbs 16:7)
Jehoram's life can be a warning and yet an encouragement to the Lord's children. It reminds us to think about our circumstances - when everything seems to be going wrong, one of the reasons may be because we are displeasing the Lord in some way and he is speaking to us through them. But we can also be encouraged, that God loves to have his children seek to follow him and his ways, and will reward and bless them.
At the same time we may be puzzled and/or envious that those around us seem to walk so contrary to God's ways and seemingly get away with it - Asaph confesses such thoughts in Psalm 73, but when he goes into God's sanctuary he understands the desolation and terror at the end of their lives. He confesses his foolishness in being envious, adoring God for his care and love to him.
In Genesis 11:4 we read of men deciding to 'make a name' for themselves by building a tower which will reach heaven. My Study Bible suggests that this making a name for themselves is an indication of rebellion against God. We read that God prevented their schemes by confounding their language so that they could not understand each other, and they were scattered throughout the earth.
During this time of new year when we hear about people setting goals, going after the life that they want or making new resolutions, may we be helped to search our hearts for desires that the Lord has given us which are in accordance with his word, so that rather than having our schemes 'broken' by the Lord, we may honour and glorify him.
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