2 Chronicles 20:37
New International Version
Eliezer son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, “Because you have made an alliance with Ahaziah, the LORD will destroy what you have made.” The ships were wrecked and were not able to set sail to trade.

New Living Translation
Then Eliezer son of Dodavahu from Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat. He said, “Because you have allied yourself with King Ahaziah, the LORD will destroy your work.” So the ships met with disaster and never put out to sea.

English Standard Version
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.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
Then Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, Because thou hast joined thyself with Ahaziah, the LORD hath broken thy works. And the ships were broken, that they were not able to go to Tarshish.

New King James Version
But Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, “Because you have allied yourself with Ahaziah, the LORD has destroyed your works.” Then the ships were wrecked, so that they were not able to go to Tarshish.

New American Standard Bible
Then Eliezer the 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 could not go to Tarshish.

NASB 1995
Then Eliezer the 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 broken and could not go to Tarshish.

NASB 1977
Then Eliezer the 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 broken and could not go to Tarshish.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Eliezer the son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat saying, “Because you have allied yourself with Ahaziah, Yahweh has destroyed your works.” So the ships were broken and could not go to Tarshish.

Amplified Bible
Then Eliezer the son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, “Because you have allied yourself with Ahaziah, the LORD has broken down what you have built.” So the ships were wrecked and were unable to go to Tarshish.

Christian Standard Bible
Then Eliezer son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, “Because you formed an alliance with Ahaziah, the LORD has broken up what you have made.” So the ships were wrecked and were not able to go to Tarshish.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then Eliezer son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, “Because you formed an alliance with Ahaziah, the LORD has broken up what you have made.” So the ships were wrecked and were not able to go to Tarshish.

American Standard Version
Then Eliezer the son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, Because thou hast joined thyself with Ahaziah, Jehovah hath destroyed thy works. And the ships were broken, so that they were not able to go to Tarshish.

Contemporary English Version
But the prophet Eliezer warned Jehoshaphat, "The LORD will destroy these ships because you have supported Ahaziah." The ships were wrecked and never sailed.

English Revised Version
Then Eliezer the son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, Because thou hast joined thyself with Ahaziah, the LORD hath destroyed thy works. And the ships were broken, that they were not able to go to Tarshish.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then Eliezer, son of Dodavahu from Mareshah, prophesied against Jehoshaphat. He said, "The LORD will destroy your work because you have allied yourself with Ahaziah." So the ships were wrecked and couldn't go to Tarshish.

Good News Translation
But Eliezer son of Dodavahu, from the town of Mareshah, warned Jehoshaphat, "Because you have made an alliance with Ahaziah, the LORD will destroy what you have built." And the ships were wrecked and never sailed.

International Standard Version
But Dodavahu's son Eliezer from Mareshah prophesied in opposition to Jehoshaphat, "Because you have entered into an alliance with Ahaziah, the LORD has destroyed your efforts." So the ships were destroyed and were never able to sail for Tarshish.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
Eliezer son of Dodavahu from Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, "Because you made an alliance with Ahaziah, the LORD will shatter what you have made." The ships were wrecked and unable to go to sea.

New Heart English Bible
Then Eliezer the son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, "Because you have joined yourself with Ahaziah, the LORD has destroyed your works." The ships were broken, so that they were not able to go to Tarshish.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, Because thou hast joined thyself with Ahaziah, the LORD hath broken thy works. And the ships were broken, that they were not able to go to Tarshish.

World English Bible
Then Eliezer the son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, “Because you have joined yourself with Ahaziah, Yahweh has destroyed your works.” The ships were wrecked, so that they were not able to go to Tarshish.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and Eliezer son of Dodavah, of Mareshah, prophesies against Jehoshaphat, saying, “For your joining yourself with Ahaziah, YHWH has broken up your works”; and the ships are broken, and have not retained [power] to go to Tarshish.

Young's Literal Translation
and prophesy doth Eliezer son of Dodavah, of Mareshah, against Jehoshaphat, saying, 'For thy joining thyself with Ahaziah, Jehovah hath broken up thy works;' and the ships are broken, and have not retained power to go unto Tarshish.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Eliezer son of Dodavah of Mareshah will prophesy against Jehoshaphat, saying, In thy joining thyself with Ahaziab, Jehovah broke thy works And the ships will be broken, and be hindered to go to Tarshish.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Eliezer the son of Dodau of Maresa prophesied to Josaphat, saying: Because thou hast made a league with Ochozias, the Lord hath destroyed thy works, and the ships are broken, and they could not go to Tharsis.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then Eliezer, the son of Dodavahu, from Mareshah, prophesied to Jehoshaphat, saying: “Because you have made a pact with Ahaziah, the Lord has struck your works, and the ships have been broken, and they have not been able to go to Tarshish.”

New American Bible
But Eliezer, son of Dodavahu from Mareshah, prophesied against Jehoshaphat. He said: “Because you have joined with Ahaziah, the LORD will shatter your work.” And the ships were wrecked and were unable to sail to Tarshish.

New Revised Standard Version
Then Eliezer 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.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then Eliezer the son of Jehoshaphat's uncle prophesied in the city of Mareshah against Jehoshaphat, saying, Because of your partnership with Ahaziah, the LORD has confused all your works. And the ships were damaged and were not able to go to Tarshish.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Eliazar, the son of his paternal uncle, prophesied in the city Mareshah concerning Yehoshaphat and said to him: “By your partnership with Ekhazyah, LORD JEHOVAH has brought confusion to all your Servants, and the ships are broken and they are unable to go to Tarshish.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Then Eliezer the son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying: 'Because thou hast joined thyself with Ahaziah, the LORD hath made a breach in thy works.' And the ships were broken, that they were not able to go to Tarshish.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Eliezer thee son of Dodia of Marisa prophesied against Josaphat, saying, Forasmuch as thou hast allied thyself with Ochozias, the Lord has broken thy work, and thy vessels have been wrecked. And they could not go to Tharsis.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jehoshaphat's Fleet is Wrecked
36They agreed to make ships to go to Tarshish, and these were built in Ezion-geber. 37Then 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.

Cross References
1 Kings 22:48-49
Jehoshaphat built ships of Tarshish to go to Ophir for gold, but they never set sail, because they were wrecked at Ezion-geber. / At that time Ahaziah son of Ahab said to Jehoshaphat, “Let my servants sail with your servants,” but Jehoshaphat refused.

Psalm 1:1-3
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. / But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. / He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does.

Proverbs 16:3
Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be achieved.

Isaiah 30:1-3
“Woe to the rebellious children,” declares the LORD, “to those who carry out a plan that is not Mine, who form an alliance, but against My will, heaping up sin upon sin. / They set out to go down to Egypt without asking My advice, to seek shelter under Pharaoh’s protection and take refuge in Egypt’s shade. / But Pharaoh’s protection will become your shame, and the refuge of Egypt’s shade your disgrace.

Jeremiah 17:5-8
This is what the LORD says: “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind, who makes mere flesh his strength and turns his heart from the LORD. / He will be like a shrub in the desert; he will not see when prosperity comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. / But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him. ...

Ezekiel 13:10-16
Because they have led My people astray, saying, ‘Peace,’ when there is no peace, and whitewashing any flimsy wall that is built, / tell those whitewashing the wall that it will fall. Rain will come in torrents, I will send hailstones plunging down, and a windstorm will burst forth. / Surely when the wall has fallen, you will not be asked, ‘Where is the whitewash with which you covered it?’ ...

Hosea 4:6
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you as My priests. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children.

Amos 3:3
Can two walk together without agreeing where to go?

Matthew 7:24-27
Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. / The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock. / But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. ...

Luke 6:46-49
Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ but do not do what I say? / I will show you what he is like who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them: / He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid his foundation on the rock. When the flood came, the torrent crashed against that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. ...

John 15:5
I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.

Acts 5:38-39
So in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone. Let them go! For if their purpose or endeavor is of human origin, it will fail. / But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God.”

Romans 8:31
What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

1 Corinthians 3:11-15
For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. / If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, / his workmanship will be evident, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will prove the quality of each man’s work. ...

2 Corinthians 6:14-16
Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? / What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? / What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.”


Treasury of Scripture

Then Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, Because you have joined yourself with Ahaziah, the LORD has broken your works. And the ships were broken, that they were not able to go to Tarshish.

Because

2 Chronicles 19:2
And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the LORD.

Joshua 7:11,12
Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put it even among their own stuff…

Proverbs 13:20
He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

the Lord

2 Chronicles 16:9
For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.

Proverbs 9:6
Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.

Proverbs 13:20
He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

And the ships

1 Kings 22:48
Jehoshaphat made ships of Tharshish to go to Ophir for gold: but they went not; for the ships were broken at Eziongeber.

to Tarshish

2 Chronicles 9:21
For the king's ships went to Tarshish with the servants of Huram: every three years once came the ships of Tarshish bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks.

Jump to Previous
Able Ahaziah Breach Broken Destroyed Eliezer Jehoshaphat Joined Mareshah Prophesied Ships Tarshish Thyself Works
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Able Ahaziah Breach Broken Destroyed Eliezer Jehoshaphat Joined Mareshah Prophesied Ships Tarshish Thyself Works
2 Chronicles 20
1. Jehoshaphat, invaded by Moab, proclaims a fast
5. His prayer
14. The prophecy of Jahaziel
20. Jehoshaphat exhorts the people, and sets singers to praise the Lord
22. The great overthrow of his enemies
26. The people, having blessed God at Berachah, return in triumph
31. Jehoshaphat's reign
35. His convoy of ships, according to the prophecy of Eliezer, unhappily perishes.














Then Eliezer son of Dodavahu of Mareshah
This introduction to Eliezer highlights the importance of prophetic voices in Israel's history. The name "Eliezer" means "God is my help," which is fitting for a prophet who delivers God's message. "Dodavahu" means "beloved of Yahweh," indicating a lineage that is favored by God. "Mareshah" was a city in Judah, known for its strategic location and historical significance. This setting underscores the gravity of the prophecy, as it comes from a place of strength and heritage.

prophesied against Jehoshaphat
The act of prophesying "against" someone indicates a divine message of correction or judgment. Jehoshaphat, a king known for his initial faithfulness, is here receiving a rebuke. This highlights the biblical principle that even the righteous are not above correction. Prophecy in this context serves as a divine intervention to redirect the king's actions and align them with God's will.

saying, 'Because you have made an alliance with Ahaziah
The alliance with Ahaziah, king of Israel, represents a political and spiritual compromise. Ahaziah was known for his wickedness, and Jehoshaphat's alliance with him signifies a departure from reliance on God. This phrase serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of forming alliances that are not in line with God's commands, emphasizing the need for discernment and faithfulness.

the LORD has destroyed your works
This statement is a direct consequence of Jehoshaphat's actions. The "LORD" (Yahweh) is depicted as sovereign and just, actively involved in the affairs of His people. The destruction of Jehoshaphat's works serves as a divine judgment, illustrating the biblical truth that God opposes actions that are contrary to His will. It is a reminder of the futility of human endeavors that are not rooted in obedience to God.

So the ships were wrecked
The wrecking of the ships is a tangible manifestation of God's judgment. Ships, often symbols of commerce and exploration, represent human ambition and enterprise. Their destruction signifies the collapse of plans that are not blessed by God. This serves as a powerful reminder of the need to seek God's guidance in all endeavors, trusting that His plans are superior to our own.

and were unable to sail to Tarshish
Tarshish, a distant and prosperous land, symbolizes the allure of wealth and worldly success. The inability to reach Tarshish underscores the limitations of human effort without divine favor. This phrase invites reflection on the ultimate purpose of our pursuits, encouraging believers to prioritize spiritual riches over material gain and to trust in God's provision and direction.

(37) Then.--And.

Eliezer the son of Dodavah.--A prophet who is otherwise unknown.

Dodavah.--Heb. Dod?v?h-. (Comp. Hodavy?h-. 1Chronicles 3:24; LXX., ?????, as if the Heb. were Dodiy?h; Vulg., "Dodau."

Mareshah.--See 2Chronicles 11:8.

Because thou hast joined thyself.--Comp. Jehu the son of Hanani's similar rebuke of Jenoshaphat for his alliance with Ahab (2Chronicles 19:2).

The Lord hath broken.--Shattered (parac). (Comp. 2Chronicles 24:7.) The perfect is prophetic, i.e., will certainly shatter. . . .

Verse 37. - Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mareshah. Nothing beside is known of this prophet. For Mareshah, see 2 Chronicles 11:8, and note there. The ships were broken; i.e. presumably by some storm. One general remark may be made upon these verses (34-37), together with vers. 45-50 of 1 Kings 22, viz. that the dislocation of both manner and matter, observable in both, of them, probably betrays something out of order for whatever reason or accident, in the more original source, from which both drew, the apparently disjointed mixture of matter in the parallel being the more patent of the two.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then Eliezer
אֱלִיעֶ֤זֶר (’ĕ·lî·‘e·zer)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 461: Eliezer -- 'God is help', the name of several Israelites, also of a Damascene

son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Dodavahu
דֹּדָוָ֙הוּ֙ (dō·ḏā·wā·hū)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1735: Dodavahu -- 'beloved of Yah', an Israelite name

of Mareshah
מִמָּ֣רֵשָׁ֔ה (mim·mā·rê·šāh)
Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4762: Mareshah -- a place in Judah, also two Israelites

prophesied
וַיִּתְנַבֵּ֞א (way·yiṯ·nab·bê)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5012: To prophesy, speak, by inspiration

against
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

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

saying,
לֵאמֹ֑ר (lê·mōr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Because you have allied yourself
כְּהִֽתְחַבֶּרְךָ֣ (kə·hiṯ·ḥab·ber·ḵā)
Preposition-k | Verb - Hitpael - Infinitive construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 2266: To unite, be joined, to tie a magic knot or spell, to charm

with
עִם־ (‘im-)
Preposition
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

Ahaziah,
אֲחַזְיָ֗הוּ (’ă·ḥaz·yā·hū)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 274: Ahaziah -- 'Yah has grasped', the name of several Israelites

the LORD
יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

has destroyed
פָּרַ֤ץ (pā·raṣ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6555: To break through

your works.”
מַעֲשֶׂ֔יךָ (ma·‘ă·śe·ḵā)
Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 4639: An action, a transaction, activity, a product, property

So the ships
אֳנִיּ֔וֹת (’o·nî·yō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 591: A ship

were wrecked
וַיִּשָּׁבְר֣וּ (way·yiš·šā·ḇə·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7665: To break, break in pieces

and were unable
וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

to sail
לָלֶ֥כֶת (lā·le·ḵeṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

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

Tarshish.
תַּרְשִֽׁישׁ׃ (tar·šîš)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8659: Tarshish -- a son of Javan, also a port on the Mediterranean, also a Benjamite


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OT History: 2 Chronicles 20:37 Then Eliezer the son of Dodavahu (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)
2 Chronicles 20:36
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