מלכים ב, פרק ח׳, פסוק כ״ג

The conclusion of a king's reign often directs future generations to a broader historical record of his life. For King Joram, also known as Jehoram, the official chronicles encompass the entirety of his actions and decisions during his time on the throne [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. While the immediate account remains brief, the expanded historical records in the Book of Chronicles reveal a deeply troubling series of events.

A closer look at his rule uncovers a dark and violent history. Joram murdered all of his own brothers, the royal sons, and actively led the people of Judah into sin [מלבי״ם]. In response to these grave actions, God brought severe consequences upon the king. God stirred up the Philistines and the Arabs, who successfully invaded Judah and took all of Joram's wives and children captive. In the aftermath of this defeat, the king was left with no one except his youngest son, Jehoahaz. Ultimately, Joram's life ended in deep suffering as he died in agony from severe diseases.