ESV Reformation Study Bible – 2 Kgs 8:18
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2 Kgs 8:18

8:18 walked in the way of the kings of Israel. Usually Judah’s kings are evaluated with reference to their own predecessors. Jehoram is purposely contrasted with the “house of Ahab” because he imitated their policies. Ahab introduced and sanctioned Baal worship in the northern kingdom of Israel, and now Jehoram does the same in Judah.

the daughter of Ahab. The ruling dynasties of north and south were now linked by ideology and by blood (v. 26; 2 Chr. 21:6). Athaliah promoted Baal worship in the south much as her mother Jezebel promoted Baal religion in the north (1 Kin. 16:31; 18:4; 19:2).