2 Kings Chapter 8 · Verse 16
And in the fifth year of Joram the son of Ahab king of Israel, Jehoshaphat being then king of Judah, Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat king of Judah began to reign.
Original Language Analysis
לְיוֹרָ֤ם
of Joram
H3141
לְיוֹרָ֤ם
of Joram
Strong's:
H3141
Word #:
3 of 16
joram, the name of three israelites and one syrian
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 16
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אַחְאָב֙
of Ahab
H256
אַחְאָב֙
of Ahab
Strong's:
H256
Word #:
5 of 16
achab, the name of a king of israel and of a prophet at babylon
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
7 of 16
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
יְהֽוֹשָׁפָ֖ט
Jehoshaphat
H3092
יְהֽוֹשָׁפָ֖ט
Jehoshaphat
Strong's:
H3092
Word #:
8 of 16
jehoshaphat, the name of six israelites; also of a valley near jerusalem
יְהוּדָֽה׃
of Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָֽה׃
of Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
10 of 16
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
מָלַ֛ךְ
began to reign
H4427
מָלַ֛ךְ
began to reign
Strong's:
H4427
Word #:
11 of 16
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
יְהוֹרָ֥ם
Jehoram
H3088
יְהוֹרָ֥ם
Jehoram
Strong's:
H3088
Word #:
12 of 16
jehoram, the name of a syrian and of three israelites
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
13 of 16
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Cross References
2 Kings 1:17So he died according to the word of the LORD which Elijah had spoken. And Jehoram reigned in his stead in the second year of Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat king of Judah; because he had no son.2 Kings 3:1Now Jehoram the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned twelve years.
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 8 takes place during the Elisha prophetic ministry, approximately 850-800 BCE. The chapter's theme (Elisha's International Influence) reflects the historical reality of God's compassionate provision through prophetic miracles while both kingdoms struggled with persistent idolatry. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 8 regarding prophetic word shapes national events?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Analysis & Commentary
And in the fifth year of Joram the son of Ahab king of Israel, Jehoshaphat being then king of Judah, Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat king of Judah began to reign.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 8: Prophetic word shapes national events. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled with persistent idolatry, particularly Baal worship introduced under Ahab and Jezebel.
The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.