2 Kings 8 18

2 Kings 8:18 kjv

And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as did the house of Ahab: for the daughter of Ahab was his wife: and he did evil in the sight of the LORD.

2 Kings 8:18 nkjv

And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, just as the house of Ahab had done, for the daughter of Ahab was his wife; and he did evil in the sight of the LORD.

2 Kings 8:18 niv

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.

2 Kings 8:18 esv

And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as the house of Ahab had done, for the daughter of Ahab was his wife. And he did what was evil in the sight of the LORD.

2 Kings 8:18 nlt

But Jehoram followed the example of the kings of Israel and was as wicked as King Ahab, for he had married one of Ahab's daughters. So Jehoram did what was evil in the LORD's sight.

2 Kings 8 verses

2 Kings 8 18 Meaning

Second Kings 8:18 describes King Jehoram of Judah as adopting the wicked practices and spiritual apostasy of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. His conduct directly mimicked that of the notorious house of Ahab, which was particularly known for idolatry and disobedience to the LORD. This evil way of life is explicitly linked to his marriage to Ahab's daughter, Athaliah, highlighting the destructive influence of ungodly alliances on leadership and faith. The verse concludes with the customary divine assessment: his actions were evil in the sight of the LORD.

2 Kings 8 18 Context

The verse is part of the narrative describing Jehoram's reign over Judah, immediately after his father Jehoshaphat, who largely followed the LORD. Jehoram ascended to the throne at a challenging time, amidst political alliances and moral compromises. This specific verse reveals the critical flaw in Jehoram's character and rule, establishing him as one of Judah's wicked kings. Chapter 8 details various events, including the Shunammite woman's restoration, Elisha's prophecy concerning Hazael, and ultimately, the unrighteous succession through Ahaziah, who continued the ways of Ahab. Historically, this period reflects the spiritual decline within the Southern Kingdom, directly influenced by its entanglements, particularly through marriage, with the apostate Northern Kingdom of Israel.

2 Kings 8 18 Word analysis

• He walked: The Hebrew word for "walked" (הָלַךְ, halak) is often used in the Old Testament to denote one's conduct, manner of life, or spiritual path. It signifies the overall orientation of a person's life choices and moral behavior rather than merely physical movement. Here, it clearly indicates a deliberate and persistent pattern of living.
• in the way: The "way" (דֶּרֶךְ, derekh) represents a course, a chosen path, or a manner of life. "To walk in the way of" suggests adopting the customs, religious practices, and moral standards of those specified.
• of the kings of Israel: Refers to the Northern Kingdom, which, from Jeroboam I onward, largely deviated from the LORD's covenant, establishing idol worship and failing to uphold the Law of Moses. This phrase points to a pattern of spiritual decline, idolatry, and unrighteousness as normative for Israel's monarchs.
• as the house of Ahab had done: The "house of Ahab" (בֵּית־אַחְאָב, beit-akh’av) denotes Ahab's lineage, dynasty, and, by extension, the pervasive idolatry and extreme wickedness introduced during his and Jezebel's reign (e.g., Baal worship, persecution of prophets). This comparison serves as the ultimate condemnation, as Ahab was arguably Israel's most evil king.
• for the daughter of Ahab was his wife: This explanatory clause is crucial. It directly attributes Jehoram's apostasy to his marital alliance. The daughter of Ahab, Athaliah, through her influence and the family ties she represented, drew Jehoram away from the LORD and toward the idolatry and immorality characteristic of her notorious family.
• and he did what was evil in the sight of the LORD: This is a standard assessment phrase used by the writers of Kings for wicked monarchs, emphasizing divine perspective and judgment. It declares Jehoram's actions to be abhorrent to God, violating the covenant, and bringing spiritual defilement. This phrase summarizes God's displeasure with the king's entire reign and conduct.
• Word-group Analysis:
  • "walked in the way of... as the house of Ahab had done": This phrase paints a vivid picture of mimicry and profound spiritual degeneracy. It contrasts sharply with the expectation for a king of Judah, a descendant of David, to walk in the "ways of the LORD" or "ways of David." It illustrates a fundamental failure to uphold the covenant.
  • "for the daughter of Ahab was his wife": This clearly demonstrates the theological principle that spiritual compromise often stems from ungodly relationships and alliances. It serves as a direct cause-and-effect statement, highlighting the dangers of intermarriage with those who do not worship the one true God, as forbidden by Mosaic Law.

2 Kings 8 18 Bonus section

The chronicler in 2 Chronicles 21:12-15 reveals that the prophet Elijah (even after his ascension, perhaps through a prophetic message delivered beforehand) sent a letter to Jehoram condemning his practices, explicitly mentioning his deviation from his father Jehoshaphat's path and his following the ways of Israel's kings and Ahab's house. This adds divine judgment and warning, yet Jehoram did not repent, leading to his eventual severe judgment through a painful illness and a diminished reign. This demonstrates that Jehoram's actions were not merely political blunders but direct affronts to God's covenant and explicit warnings. The legacy of his unholy marriage extended beyond his life, as Athaliah would later seize the throne of Judah, nearly obliterating the Davidic royal line (2 Kgs 11).

2 Kings 8 18 Commentary

Jehoram's reign represents a profound deviation for the Southern Kingdom, descending into the same spiritual abyss as the Northern Kingdom, particularly due to the direct influence of Queen Athaliah. The emphasis on his wife, the daughter of Ahab, underscores the theological lesson that spiritual health and obedience in leadership are intimately tied to personal integrity and righteous alliances. His "walk" in Ahab's way was not accidental but a chosen path influenced by his marital ties, demonstrating how close relationships can either fortify or dismantle one's faith and leadership. This spiritual apostasy brought negative consequences for Judah, despite the divine commitment to the Davidic line, which providentially continued even through such dark periods.