Jehoram was the world’s best-known fratricidal maniac. He waited until power was solidly in his palm, then wiped out all possible bloodline competitors. The crime carried little strategic advantage, and alternatives, such as appointing brothers to cabinet posts, might have been more effective in securing Jehoram’s reputation and power.
The crime speaks to the decrepit condition of Jehoshaphat’s family. He may have had some kingly qualities, but his fathering skills were at rock bottom. Only one of his seven sons survived, and that one was the killer of all the rest. Jehoshaphat may have learned to sing in battle (2 Chronicles 20:21), but he never learned to sing to his own kids at bedtime-and probably never taught them about the goodness of the Lord, the source of all joy and strength.
2 Chronicles 21:4 – 4 Now when Jehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself, and slew all his brethren with the sword, and divers also of the princes of Israel.