Ahaziah of Judah soon met a tragic end. The surviving members of the house of Ahab were indeed "his counselors after the death of his father to his destruction." 2 Chronicles 22:3, 4. While Ahaziah was visiting his uncle at Jezreel, the prophet Elisha was divinely directed to send one of the sons of the prophets to Ramothgilead to anoint Jehu king of Israel. The combined forces of Judah and Israel were at that time engaged in a military campaign against the Syrians of Ramothgilead. Jehoram had been wounded in battle, and had returned to Jezreel, leaving Jehu in charge of the royal armies.

Ahazja af Juda fik inden længe et tragisk endeligt. Efter faderens død blev de overlevende medlemmer af Akabs hus hans rådgivere, "og det blev hans fordærv". 2Krøn. 22,3-4. Mens Ahazja aflagde besøg hos sin onkel i Jizreel, befalede Gud profeten Elisa at sende en af profetsønnerne til Ramot i Gilead for at salve Jehu til konge over Israel. Judas og Israels forenede hære kæmpede på det tidspunkt mod syrerne i Ramot i Gilead. Joram blev såret under slaget og overdrog Jehu kommandoen over de kongelige hære, mens han selv vendte tilbage til Jizreel.