Jehoram: The previous three kings, Abijah, Asa, and Jehoshaphat, were (mainly) positive role models of the Davidic kingship in both Chronicles and Kings. (For darker episodes, see the turn of events in Asa’s and Jehoshaphat’s reigns in 16:1–14 and 20:35–37, respectively.) However, the Chronicler even enhanced their exemplary profiles with some of his own material. The same does not apply to Jehoram’s history. His portrayal is very negative, with the ominous note already sounding early in the narrative: “he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel” (21:6).

The Chronicler’s account starts with some of his own material (21:2–4), which describes Jehoram’s early moves to establish his kingship. In the next verses (21:5–7) the Chronicler gives his evaluation of this king, following the source te…