paying a heavy price

So Edom revolted from the rule of Judah to this day. At that time Libnah also revolted from his rule, because he had forsaken the Lord, the God of his fathers.

2 Chronicles 21:10

These words were spoken about Jehoram, king of Judah and this chapter details the decline in Judah due to the king’s abandonment of God and introduction of idolatry to the nation. The consequences of these actions were catastrophic. There were spiritual consequences. The idolatry instigated by Jehoram led Judah astray. Jehoram did not honor God or the Law of God. He left the path his fathers had walked and all Judah sinned with him.

There were sinful consequences. Jehoram sought to secure his claim to the throne by murdering his own family, brothers whom God said were morally better than he was (2 Chronicles 21:13). This callous evil toward his own family was fueled by selfish greed and false worship. We see that Jehoram has absolutely evil character. God will judge this.

There were physical consequences. Jehoram eventually died in agony from an excruciating bowel disease (2 Chronicles 21:18-19) and was so wicked and despised that his own people did not mourn his passing with a state funeral. The nation also suffered, with a plague ravaging Judah as a consequence of their abandonment of the covenant (2 Chronicles 21:14).

Finally, there were social consequences. God raised up outside enemies from Philistine and Arabia who ransacked Jerusalem and the king’s palace, carrying away Jehoram’s harem and family. Judah also lost control over Edom and Libnah. The toll selfish sin takes on lives is immense! How we need God’s mercy and grace! Sin demands too high a price.