2 Chronicles 20:31-37

Why does the reign’s favorable summary still include a failed alliance?

Berean Standard Bible

31 So Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah. He was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-five years. His mother’s name was Azubah daughter of Shilhi. 32 And Jehoshaphat walked in the way of his father Asa and did not turn away from it; he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD. 33 The high places, however, were not removed; the people had not yet set their hearts on the God of their fathers. 34 As for the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, from beginning to end, they are indeed written in the Chronicles of Jehu son of Hanani, which are recorded in the Book of the Kings of Israel. 35 Later, Jehoshaphat king of Judah made an alliance with Ahaziah king of Israel, who acted wickedly. 36 They agreed to make ships to go to Tarshish, and these were built in Ezion-geber. 37 Then Eliezer son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, “Because you have allied yourself with Ahaziah, the LORD has destroyed your works.” So the ships were wrecked and were unable to sail to Tarshish.

What is the context?

The summary commends Jehoshaphat’s general direction while acknowledging that the high places remain and the people’s hearts are not fully prepared. Reform has real limits.

It also records a later alliance with wicked Ahaziah to build trading ships. Eliezer announces that the works will be destroyed because of the alliance, and the ships are wrecked before sailing.

The earlier rescue and reforms do not prevent Jehoshaphat from repeating a serious error. The account preserves both the commendation and the consequences of that choice.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley regards the later alliance as especially serious after the previous correction. 1 Kings 22:41–50 records the reign and wrecked ships, but speaks of a refusal of Ahaziah’s proposal. Relating the accounts through more than one stage of cooperation is possible, yet the passages do not give every step of a complete reconstruction.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

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