2 Chronicles 20:35-37
After this Jehoshaphat king of Judah joined with Ahaziah king of Israel, who acted wickedly. He joined him in building ships to go to Tarshish, and they built the ships in Ezion-geber. Then Eliezer the son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, “Because you have joined with Ahaziah, the LORD will destroy what you have made.” And the ships were wrecked and were not able to go to Tarshish.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Here's a thought: The text subtly highlights that even after a huge victory won by trusting God, Jehoshaphat makes a disastrous alliance with someone described as "who acted wickedly." This isn't just a neutral statement; it's a stark warning that past faithfulness doesn't grant immunity from future bad choices, especially when we start seeking partnerships with those who don't honor God.
After the dramatic victory God gave Jehoshaphat against a massive invading army, he foolishly makes a treaty with the wicked king of Israel. This alliance leads to a disastrous attempt to build ships for trade, which God warns against. It's a stark reminder that even after amazing spiritual highs, we can still make terrible relational and strategic errors.
Even godly leaders can make disastrous decisions. What happens when good intentions meet bad company?
Jehoshaphat was a king who, by most accounts, sought to follow God. He had a real victory against a massive army earlier in this chapter, a testament to his faith. Yet, in 2 Chronicles 20:35, we see him forming a partnership with Ahaziah, the king of Israel, who was notoriously wicked. This alliance was not just a political move; it was a spiritual compromise. It led to disaster, including the loss of ships and resources, as the prophet Eliezer warned him (vv. 36-37). This passage is a stark reminder that our closest associations can either draw us nearer to God or pull us away. True wisdom means discerning who we align ourselves with, especially when our faith is involved.
How can a king who just experienced a miraculous deliverance from God make such a poor choice next?
It’s easy to think that after a profound spiritual experience, we’re immune to temptation or poor judgment. Jehoshaphat had just witnessed God utterly defeat Israel’s enemies with divine intervention. He saw firsthand the power and faithfulness of the Lord. Yet, immediately following this triumph, he partners with Ahaziah. This illustrates a crucial spiritual dynamic: spiritual highs can sometimes be followed by spiritual complacency or even a relapse into compromise. The enemy often attacks when we least expect it, perhaps when we feel most secure or proud of our spiritual achievements. We must remain vigilant, recognizing that our walk with God is a daily commitment, not just a series of triumphant moments.
Understand the original words
rasha' · Hebrew Verb/Adjective
To behave in a manner contrary to God's moral standards, law, or justice; characterized by rebellion against God’s character and commandments.
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The proper name of the God of Israel, the self-existent One who entered into a covenant relationship with His people. It signifies His holiness, faithfulness, and eternal nature.
naba · Hebrew Verb
A person who speaks on behalf of God, conveying His message, warnings, or future revelations to individuals or the community. They serve as divine conduits, often calling for repentance or declaring God's judgment.
parats · Hebrew Verb
A divine judgment or the bringing of something to naught, often used in the context of God breaking down or punishing disobedience. It implies the undoing of human pride or the removal of what is not aligned with God's will.
Jehoshaphat's alliance with the wicked King Ahaziah demonstrates a pattern of compromise that began with his earlier dealings with Ahab. This joining with a king known for his evil set Judah on a dangerous path, as the Bible explicitly notes Ahaziah 'acted wickedly.'
c. 874-853 BC
Reign of Ahab and Jehoshaphat
Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, reigned during a period of relative peace but also moral compromise. He aligned himself with Ahab, the wicked king of Israel, even marrying his son Jehoram to Ahab's daughter Athaliah.
c. 853 BC
Battle of Qarqar
King Ahab of Israel fought alongside a coalition of Syrian and other Levantine states against the Assyrian Empire at the Battle of Qarqar. This was a significant regional conflict impacting the balance of power.
c. 852 BC
Death of Ahab and Jehoshaphat's Compromise
Ahab died in battle, but Jehoshaphat survived. Despite Ahab's wickedness, Jehoshaphat continued his alliance, even joining Ahab's son, Jehoram, in a military campaign against Syria. This sets the stage for Jehoshaphat's later alliance with Ahaziah.
c. 853-841 BC— this verse
Reign of Ahaziah of Israel
Ahaziah, son of Ahab and Jezebel, reigned briefly as king of Israel. He followed in his parents' wicked ways, promoting Baal worship and disregarding the Lord.
This passage describes Jehoshaphat's reign starting, highlighting his good deeds, but it omits the detail of his later alliance with the wicked king of Israel that is mentioned in 2 Chronicles.
2 Chronicles 18:1This verse immediately precedes the account in chapter 20, showing Jehoshaphat's earlier alliance with Ahab (father of Ahaziah), which was a 'grave error' and led to disaster, setting the stage for his later similar mistake.
1 Kings 22:48-49This passage speaks of Jehoshaphat's attempts to engage in profitable trade and shipbuilding, a desire likely carried over into his alliance with Ahaziah, even though it was ill-advised.
Proverbs 13:20This proverb warns, 'Whoever walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm,' directly reflecting the negative consequences of Jehoshaphat's choice to associate with the wicked king Ahaziah.
Here's a thought: The text subtly highlights that even after a huge victory won by trusting God, Jehoshaphat makes a disastrous alliance with someone described as "who acted wickedly." This isn't just a neutral statement; it's a stark warning that past faithfulness doesn't grant immunity from future bad choices, especially when we start seeking partnerships with those who don't honor God.
After the dramatic victory God gave Jehoshaphat against a massive invading army, he foolishly makes a treaty with the wicked king of Israel. This alliance leads to a disastrous attempt to build ships for trade, which God warns against. It's a stark reminder that even after amazing spiritual highs, we can still make terrible relational and strategic errors.
After the dramatic victory God gave Jehoshaphat against a massive invading army, he foolishly makes a treaty with the wicked king of Israel. This alliance leads to a disastrous attempt to build ships for trade, which God warns against. It's a stark reminder that even after amazing spiritual highs, we can still make terrible relational and strategic errors.
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Tarshish · Hebrew Noun
A geographical location often associated with distant trade, wealth, and maritime travel in the Old Testament; it is frequently used as a metaphor for worldly pursuit or escaping the divine presence.
c. 852 BC
Jehoshaphat and Ahaziah's Joint Venture
Jehoshaphat king of Judah partnered with the newly reigning Ahaziah king of Israel. Together they attempted to build ships for trade, but the venture failed due to God's disapproval, highlighting the problematic nature of their alliance.
c. 841 BC
Death of Ahaziah and Fall of Omri Dynasty
Ahaziah died after a fall, and his brother Jehoram succeeded him. Soon after, Jehu would carry out a bloody purge, wiping out the house of Ahab and Jezebel, ending the Omride dynasty in Israel.
"After this Jehoshaphat king of Judah joined with Ahaziah king of Israel, who acted wickedly. He joined him in building ships to go to Tarshish, and they built the ships in Ezion-geber. Then Eliezer the son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesie…" — Here's a thought: The text subtly highlights that even after a huge victory won by trusting God, Jehoshaphat makes a disastrous alliance with someone described as "who acted wickedly." This isn't jus…
