However, in the third year
This phrase indicates a specific time frame, suggesting a period of relative peace or inactivity between the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. The "third year" refers to the third year of Jehoshaphat's reign, which began around 873 BC. This time marker is significant as it sets the stage for the events that follow, highlighting a moment of political maneuvering and alliance-building.

Jehoshaphat king of Judah
Jehoshaphat was the fourth king of the Kingdom of Judah, known for his efforts to strengthen the kingdom spiritually and militarily. He is often remembered for his reforms and his commitment to the worship of Yahweh, as seen in 2 Chronicles 17:3-6. His reign is marked by a desire for peace and cooperation with the northern kingdom, Israel, despite their historical tensions and differing religious practices.

went down to visit
The phrase "went down" is a geographical reference, as Jerusalem, the capital of Judah, is situated on higher ground compared to Samaria, the capital of Israel. This journey signifies a diplomatic mission, reflecting Jehoshaphat's willingness to engage with Ahab, the king of Israel, despite the latter's reputation for idolatry and apostasy. This visit is a precursor to the alliance that would later lead to military cooperation.

the king of Israel
At this time, the king of Israel was Ahab, known for his marriage to Jezebel and the promotion of Baal worship, which led to significant religious and moral decline in Israel. Ahab's reign is characterized by conflict with the prophets of Yahweh, most notably Elijah. The interaction between Jehoshaphat and Ahab is significant, as it represents a complex relationship between the two kingdoms, balancing political alliances with religious convictions. This meeting foreshadows the events of the battle at Ramoth-gilead, where the consequences of their alliance become evident.

1. Jehoshaphat
The king of Judah, known for his efforts to follow the ways of the Lord and for his reforms to strengthen the spiritual and military state of Judah. His visit to the king of Israel marks a significant political and spiritual event.

2. King of Israel
At this time, the king of Israel is Ahab, known for his idolatry and opposition to the prophets of the Lord. His reign is marked by conflict with the prophets and alliances that often lead Israel away from God.

3. Judah
The southern kingdom, distinct from Israel, often more faithful to the worship of Yahweh, though not without its own struggles with idolatry and disobedience.

4. Israel
The northern kingdom, frequently led by kings who did not follow the ways of the Lord, often engaging in idolatry and political alliances that compromised their faith.

5. The Third Year
This time marker indicates a period of relative peace between Israel and Judah, setting the stage for Jehoshaphat's visit and the subsequent events.The Danger of Unequal Alliances
Jehoshaphat's visit to Ahab serves as a cautionary tale about forming alliances with those who do not share a commitment to God. Believers should be discerning in their relationships and partnerships.

The Influence of Leadership
The contrasting leadership styles of Jehoshaphat and Ahab highlight the impact leaders have on their nations' spiritual health. Godly leadership can lead to blessings, while ungodly leadership can lead to downfall.

Seeking God's Guidance
Before making significant decisions or alliances, it is crucial to seek God's guidance. Jehoshaphat's later insistence on consulting a prophet of the Lord (1 Kings 22:5) underscores the importance of divine counsel.

The Consequences of Compromise
Compromising one's values for political or social gain can lead to spiritual decline. Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahab ultimately brought negative consequences for Judah.(2) Jehoshaphat the king of Judah came down.--The fuller account of the Chronicles (2 Chronicles 17) notices that the early part of his reign had been marked by a continuance or increase of the prosperity of Asa; but (1Kings 18:1) adds, in significant connection, he " had riches and honour in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab," so that this prosperity was, at any rate in part, dependent on a change of policy from enmity to alliance, with apparently some measure of dependence, dangerous alike spiritually and politically, but probably thought to be a necessity. The visit of Jehoshaphat (2Chronicles 18:2) was one of festivity, of which Ahab took advantage.

Verse 2. - And it came to pass in the third year [Of the peace; not after the death of Naboth, as Stanley], that Jehoshaphat the king of Judah came down [The journey to Jerusalem being invariably described as a "going up," one from Jerusalem to the provinces would naturally be spoken of as a "going down"] to the king of Israel. [For aught that appears, this was the first time that the monarchs of the sister kingdoms had met, except in battle, since the disruption, though the marriage of Jehoram, son of Jehoshaphat, with Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, had taken place some years before this date (2 Chronicles 18:1, 2). It is probable that it was the growing power of Syria had led to this affinity and alliance.]

Parallel Commentaries ...


However,
וַיְהִ֖י (way·hî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

in the third
הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֑ית (haš·šə·lî·šîṯ)
Article | Number - ordinal feminine singular
Strong's 7992: Third, feminine a, third, a third, a third-story cell)

year,
בַּשָּׁנָ֣ה (baš·šā·nāh)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8141: A year

Jehoshaphat
יְהוֹשָׁפָ֥ט (yə·hō·wō·šā·p̄āṭ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3092: Jehoshaphat -- 'the LORD has judged', the name of a number of Israelites

king
מֶֽלֶךְ־ (me·leḵ-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428: A king

of Judah
יְהוּדָ֖ה (yə·hū·ḏāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites

went down
וַיֵּ֛רֶד (way·yê·reḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3381: To come or go down, descend

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

[visit] the king
מֶ֥לֶךְ (me·leḵ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428: A king

of Israel,
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc


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OT History: 1 Kings 22:2 It happened in the third year that (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)