The New King of Judah Murders All Six of His Brothers with the Sword

King Joram, eldest son of Jehoshaphat, has secured the throne. He also secures it from every possible rival. His father had given his six other sons gifts of silver, gold, and fortified cities throughout Judah. Joram kills them all with the sword — along with some of the princes of Israel — and does it at the beginning of his reign, while he is still establishing himself. His father had been one of Judah's more faithful kings. His son's first act of government is fratricide multiplied six times. The text explains: he had married a daughter of Ahab.