“And he joined himself with him to make ships to go to Tarshish: and they made the ships in Ezion-geber.”– 2 Chronicles 20:36 (KJV)
“He allied himself with him to make ships to go to Tarshish, and they made the ships in Ezion Geber.”– 2 Chronicles 20:36 (NLT)
“He teamed up with him to make ships to go to Tarshish. They built the ships at Ezion-Geber.”– 2 Chronicles 20:36 (MSG)
What Does 2 Chronicles 20:36 Mean?
When we come to this verse, we are brought into the relationship between two notable figures from the Hebrew Bible: King Jehoshaphat of Judah and King Ahaziah of Israel. The context is significant, as it involves collaboration that reflects both strategic thinking and deeper spiritual implications. Alliances were common in the ancient world, where kings sought to enhance their security and economic prosperity. Jehoshaphat was known for his pursuit of doing what was right in the sight of God, while Ahaziah’s reign was marked by following in the footsteps of his wicked mother, Jezebel. This partnership raises eyebrows since it blends a godly king’s intentions with an ungodly king’s practices.
In this verse, Jehoshaphat aligns himself with Ahaziah to construct ships meant for trade and wealth. The ships were to go to Tarshish, which symbolizes far-off trade routes, representing great promise and potential wealth. However, we can question if a godly king should align himself with one whose actions and allegiances oppose the commands and will of God. It begs us to reflect on our own relationships and partnerships in life.
2 Chronicles 20:36 Explanation and Commentary
Looking more deeply, we start to see the motivations behind Jehoshaphat’s decision. Was it a bid for economic gain, an attempt to solidify a political alliance, or perhaps a misguided hope that Ahaziah could be influenced towards the worship of Yahweh? It’s essential to grasp the idea that the motivations behind our actions carry significant weight in the eyes of God. The Bible teaches us in Proverbs 16:9 that “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” When we seek to establish partnerships, especially in the spiritual sense, we must ensure that they align with God’s plans and directives.
Jehoshaphat’s actions weren’t without consequences. The story continues beyond verse 36, revealing challenges that arise from this alliance. The ships, instead of sailing to great endeavors, face immediate disaster. In 2 Chronicles 20:37, we observe that God sent a prophet to Jehoshaphat, reminding him that this partnership was unwise. We can learn the crucial lesson that not every opportunity or partnership is a blessing, especially those inviting us into potentially dangerous relationships.
Our lives are often full of choices and alliances. What can we discern from Jehoshaphat’s decision? His story invites us to pray over our decisions, to consult God before forging alliances, whether they be in business, friendship, or even in ministry. Trust that the Lord cares for our paths and will guide us toward those truly beneficial connections.
Context of 2 Chronicles 20:36
Understanding the context is vital for appreciating 2 Chronicles 20:36 fully. This verse comes after an incredible victory that Jehoshaphat experienced when he relied on God to defeat Moabites and Ammonites without drawing a sword. The people had praised God and were celebrating His faithfulness. Yet, in the aftermath of such a victory, there can often be a sense of vulnerability that leads us to seek things outside of relying on God.
The alliance with Ahaziah demonstrates Jehoshaphat’s intent to maintain strength amidst the perceived threats that surrounded his kingdom. Using allies can seem like an effective way to secure the future. Through the restoration of peace and prosperity, Jehoshaphat also swayed public sentiment. However, external strength should always derive from a firm internal foundation built on our relationship with God.
First and foremost, we should observe that God’s primary focus is always on our spiritual condition. Jehoshaphat’s devotion was praiseworthy, but the verse calls us to reflect: Did he drift from God during this endeavor? As God’s children, we must strive to keep our priorities straight. Our obedience and commitment to God must always be at the forefront of our decisions, even when everything seems favorable and prosperous.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of 2 Chronicles 20:36
The verse specifies that Jehoshaphat joined forces with Ahaziah. This choice highlights the significance of our associations. By joining Ahaziah, Jehoshaphat’s actions are under scrutiny because Ahaziah is often seen as an unworthy partner due to his wicked lineage and behavior. Becoming companions with those whose values contradict our commitment to God’s teachings can lead us toward spiritual compromise and erosion.
Next, the mission to build ships for Tarshish symbolizes not just a quest for wealth but a pursuit of things distant from God’s immediate provision. In our lives, we may find ourselves longing for distant dreams, often chasing after what appears glamorous. Instead, we should evaluate who we are inviting onto our ships. Are we moving forward with God-honoring partners, or are we willing to compromise our values for fleeting gains?
The mention of Ezion-geber as the place where ships were constructed also reveals the thought-out intention behind their plan. It was an established port with access to trade routes. It is symbolic of choosing solid foundations too. We should examine if our own foundations are built upon Christ, allowing us to discern what relationships glorify Him.
Lessons to Learn From 2 Chronicles 20:36
Studying this verse unveils invaluable lessons, reminding us of the importance of evaluating our relationships. As we pursue dreams and goals, it is crucial to seek God’s guidance and wisdom. We can reflect upon questions such as, “Are our partnerships built on shared values?” and ” Are we eager to compromise our principles for gains?” Further, Jehoshaphat’s alliance with Ahaziah points to the necessity of realigned priorities. We should always validate that our partnerships reflect fidelity to God’s commands.
It’s equally vital that we recognize when things do not go as we planned. When the ships do not sail, we need the humility to learn and redirect our paths. It encourages us to be open to God’s direction and understanding of our missteps. Picking up the pieces and returning to God, often brings blessings beyond anything we imagined. Therein lies hope and the promise of a restorative return.
Lastly, we can encourage each other to discern our paths wisely and not rush into decisions based on fear or eagerness. Instead of rushing toward distant, glittering promises, let us seek after the plain yet rich blessings of being in God’s presence and following His leading.
Final Thoughts
2 Chronicles 20:36 offers meaningful insights into our relationships, decision-making, and spiritual walk. As we study Jehoshaphat’s alliance with Ahaziah, we acknowledge the importance of seeking God’s guidance and direction while striving for partnerships that make us stronger as believers. By ensuring our paths are aligned with God’s will, we can move forward with confidence, knowing that our ships will indeed sail toward Him.
Let us seek wisdom in our partnerships and relationships, acknowledging that God desires for us to thrive spiritually and ultimately fulfill His plans for us. For those interested in digging deeper, consider exploring more biblical narratives at Bible Repository. There are wonderful accounts that share similar themes, such as 1 Chronicles 16:42 or 1 Chronicles 16:41. Each scriptural treasure can provide further enlightenment for our journey of faith.