He walked also after their counsel, and went with Jehoram the son of Ahab king of Israel to war against Hazael king of Syria at Ramothgilead: and the Syrians smote Joram.

2 CHRONICLES 22:5KJV
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2 Chronicles 22:5 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 22:5 mean?

2 Chronicles 22:5 describes how King Ahaziah of Judah followed the advice of others, joined Jehoram (the king of Israel and son of Ahab) in battle against Hazael, the king of Syria, at Ramoth-gilead, and as a result, Jehoram was wounded by the Syrians. The verse highlights Ahaziah’s choice to listen to unwise counsel, leading to disastrous consequences for those involved.

This verse is part of a historical account where the chronicler explains the downfall of Ahaziah, king of Judah. The text shows Ahaziah’s actions were influenced by the people around him, specifically the family of Ahab, and that his alliance with Israel led him into a dangerous conflict. The story is set during a time of political alliances and wars between Israel, Judah, and Syria, with Ahaziah’s decisions leading directly to harm for Jehoram.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 22:5

  • “walked” (הָלַךְ, halakh): This word means “to go” or “to walk,” but often refers to living according to someone’s advice or example. Here, it shows Ahaziah’s pattern of following the guidance of others, not just a one-time action.
  • “counsel” (עֵצָה, etsah): This word means “advice” or “plan.” The verse emphasizes that Ahaziah’s actions were shaped by the advice he received, which was not wise.
  • “smote” (נָכָה, nakhah): This word means “to strike” or “to wound.” The Syrians did not just defeat Jehoram; they actively wounded him in battle, showing the real danger and cost of the alliance.

Why 2 Chronicles 22:5 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Ahaziah’s downfall was not just personal failure but was connected to the influence of others, especially the house of Ahab, which the chronicler sees as a negative influence.
  • It connects the fate of Judah’s king to the broader political and spiritual problems of both Israel and Judah, showing how alliances and decisions have real consequences.
  • The verse sets up the tragic events that follow, helping the reader understand why these kings faced such trouble and how their choices fit into the larger story of Israel and Judah’s decline.

Where else these words appear

“Joram” Hebrew H3141 · used in 16 verses

  • 2 Samuel 8:10 Then Toi sent Joram his son unto king David, to salute him, and to bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer, and smitten him: for Hadadezer had wars with Toi. And Joram brought with him vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and vessels of brass:
  • 2 Kings 8:25 In the twelfth year of Joram the son of Ahab king of Israel did Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah begin to reign.
  • 2 Kings 9:29 And in the eleventh year of Joram the son of Ahab began Ahaziah to reign over Judah.

“Hazael” Hebrew H2371 · used in 21 verses

  • 1 Kings 19:15 And the LORD said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria:
  • 2 Kings 8:15 And it came to pass on the morrow, that he took a thick cloth, and dipped it in water, and spread it on his face, so that he died: and Hazael reigned in his stead.
  • 2 Kings 12:18 And Jehoash king of Judah took all the hallowed things that Jehoshaphat, and Jehoram, and Ahaziah, his fathers, kings of Judah, had dedicated, and his own hallowed things, and all the gold that was found in the treasures of the house of the LORD, and in the king's house, and sent it to Hazael king of Syria: and he went away from Jerusalem.

“Ramothgilead” Hebrew H7433 · used in 22 verses

  • Joshua 21:38 And out of the tribe of Gad, Ramoth in Gilead with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Mahanaim with her suburbs,
  • 1 Kings 22:20 And the LORD said, Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead? And one said on this manner, and another said on that manner.
  • 2 Chronicles 18:3 And Ahab king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat king of Judah, Wilt thou go with me to Ramothgilead? And he answered him, I am as thou art, and my people as thy people; and we will be with thee in the war.

“Jehoram” Hebrew H3088 · used in 26 verses

  • 1 Kings 22:50 And Jehoshaphat slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father: and Jehoram his son reigned in his stead.
  • 2 Kings 9:17 And there stood a watchman on the tower in Jezreel, and he spied the company of Jehu as he came, and said, I see a company. And Joram said, Take an horseman, and send to meet them, and let him say, Is it peace?
  • 2 Chronicles 21:3 And their father gave them great gifts of silver, and of gold, and of precious things, with fenced cities in Judah: but the kingdom gave he to Jehoram; because he was the firstborn.