Tag: Joram

This disaster is from the Lord. Why should I wait for the Lord any longer? (2 Kings 6:33)

Quick quiz: What is the name of the king of Israel in this chapter?

If you’re having trouble coming up with his name, it’s understandable. We haven’t heard it since chapter 3.

We’ve heard Elisha’s name, Jehoshaphat’s name, and even Naaman’s name more than we’ve heard the king of Israel’s name.

(It’s Joram or Jehoram, depending on your translation, by the way.)

We won’t hear his name again for another several chapters when his death is recorded.

Maybe I’m reading too much into it, but I kind of get the feeling that the author didn’t think much of Joram. And the reason is easily seen here:

Joram had very little, if any trust in God.

I think about chapter 5. You have godly parents raising a godly girl in an ungodly land. (Just see verses 28-29 of this chapter.)

And yet, this girl is captured and taken into a foreign land as a slave.

Nevertheless, we see this girl still serving the Lord. Though we see nothing of her parents, considering their daughter’s faith, I believe they held on to their faith despite their grief.

I think about Elisha, surrounded by his enemies, and yet seeing through the eyes of faith.

But this ungodly king is so quick to blame God for his troubles.

This despite seeing God help him time and again. (See chapters 3, 5, and 6 of 2 Kings.)

When troubles come, how do we respond?

Do we respond like Joram quickly questioning God’s goodness?

Or do we respond like that Elisha and that girl?

Do we respond with eyes of faith, continuing to follow and serve God.

Father, when troubles come, give me the eyes of faith. Give me the grace to continue trusting and following you.