II Chronicles 21

“Because you have not walked in the ways of Jehoshaphat your father … behold, the Lord is going to strike your people” (21:12-14).  The prophet Elijah declared that King Jehoram chose to follow the evil ways of northern Israel’s king Ahab rather than the godly example of his own father.  He killed his brothers to protect his throne and led his people into idolatry (v13).  His wife was Ahab’s daughter (v6), and together they brought sin and pain to their kingdom.

While recognizing the influence of spouses, families, and traditions, Elijah held Jehoram responsible for his own choice to reject God.