When did Jehoram, son of Ahab, start his reign as king of Israel? 2 Kings 1:17 and 2 Kings 3:1

Question

2 Kings 1:17 states Jehoram became king of Israel in the second year of the reign of Jehoram, but 2 Kings 3:1, states Jehoram became king of Israel in the eighteenth year of the reign of Jehoshaphat. When did Jehoram son of Ahab become king in Israel?

Answer

2 Kings 1:17 So he died, according to the word of the LORD that Elijah had spoken. Because Ahaziah had no son, Joram succeeded him as king in the second year of Jehoram son of Jehoshaphat king of Judah.

2 Kings 3:1 Joram son of Ahab became king of Israel in Samaria in the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and he reigned twelve years.

Probably Jehoram of Judah and his father Jehoshaphat ruled together as co-regents for approximately five years (853-848 B.C.). The second year of Jehoram (2 Kings 1:17) would be the same as the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat (2 Kings 3:1).

Reference:

Whitlock, L. G., Sproul, R. C., Waltke, B. K., & Silva, M. (1995). Reformation Study Bible. Nashville: T. Nelson.

Answer by Dr. Joseph R. Nally, Jr.

Dr. Joseph R. Nally, Jr., D.D., M.Div. is the Theological Editor at Third Millennium Ministries (Thirdmill).