2 Chronicles 18:31

When the chariot commanders saw Jehoshaphat, they said, "This is the king of Israel!" So they turned to fight against him, but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him. God drew them away from him.

Study Bible

When the chariot commanders saw Jehoshaphat
Jehoshaphat was the king of Judah, and his presence in the battle was due to his alliance with Ahab, the king of Israel. The chariot commanders were likely part of the Aramean army, which was fighting against Israel. This phrase highlights the confusion on the battlefield, as Jehoshaphat was mistakenly identified as Ahab. The presence of chariots indicates the military strength and technological advancement of the time, as chariots were a significant part of ancient warfare.

they said, “This is the king of Israel!”
The chariot commanders were under orders to target the king of Israel specifically, as Ahab was the primary enemy. This reflects the common ancient military strategy of targeting the leader to demoralize and disorganize the opposing forces. The confusion between Jehoshaphat and Ahab may have been due to similar royal attire or the positioning of Jehoshaphat in the battle.

So they turned to fight against him
The Aramean forces redirected their attack towards Jehoshaphat, believing him to be Ahab. This action demonstrates the intensity and chaos of ancient battles, where quick decisions were made based on limited information. It also underscores the danger Jehoshaphat faced due to his alliance with Ahab, which was politically motivated but spiritually questionable.

but Jehoshaphat cried out
Jehoshaphat's cry can be seen as a plea for divine intervention. Throughout his reign, Jehoshaphat is depicted as a king who sought the Lord, and his cry here is consistent with his character. This moment of desperation highlights the human tendency to seek God in times of crisis, and it serves as a reminder of the power of prayer.

and the LORD helped him
This divine intervention is a testament to God's faithfulness to those who seek Him. Despite Jehoshaphat's flawed alliance with Ahab, God responds to his cry for help. This reflects the biblical theme of God's mercy and willingness to deliver His people when they call upon Him, as seen in other scriptures like Psalm 34:17.

God drew them away from him
The phrase indicates a supernatural redirection of the enemy forces, emphasizing God's control over the events of the battle. This intervention not only saved Jehoshaphat but also demonstrated God's sovereignty and protection over Judah. It serves as a reminder of God's ability to alter circumstances for the benefit of His people, aligning with the broader biblical narrative of divine deliverance.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jehoshaphat
The King of Judah, known for his faithfulness to God, who allied himself with Ahab, the King of Israel, through marriage and military alliance.

2. Chariot Commanders
Military leaders of the Aramean army, tasked with targeting the king of Israel during the battle.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The God of Israel, who intervenes to protect Jehoshaphat when he cries out for help.

4. Battle of Ramoth-gilead
The conflict where Jehoshaphat and Ahab joined forces against the Arameans, leading to the events of this verse.

5. Ahab
The King of Israel, who disguised himself in battle, leaving Jehoshaphat exposed to danger.

Teaching Points

Divine Intervention
God is attentive to the cries of His people and intervenes in their time of need. Jehoshaphat's experience reminds us that God is our protector and deliverer.

The Danger of Unequal Alliances
Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahab, a king who did not follow God, placed him in a precarious situation. Believers should be cautious about forming alliances that may compromise their faith.

The Power of Prayer
Jehoshaphat's immediate response to danger was to cry out to God. This highlights the importance of prayer as a first response in times of trouble.

God's Sovereignty in Battle
Despite human plans and disguises, God's will prevails. Ahab's attempt to avoid danger by disguising himself failed, while Jehoshaphat was saved by divine intervention.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from Jehoshaphat's response to danger about the importance of prayer in our own lives?

2. How does Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahab serve as a warning about forming partnerships that may lead us away from God's will?

3. In what ways does this passage demonstrate God's sovereignty and control over human affairs, especially in times of conflict?

4. How can we apply the principle of trusting in God's deliverance, as seen in Jehoshaphat's experience, to our current challenges?

5. What other biblical examples can you think of where God intervened in response to someone's cry for help, and how do these examples encourage us today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 22
Provides a parallel account of the same event, offering additional context and details about the battle and the prophecy of Micaiah.

Psalm 18:6
Illustrates the theme of crying out to God in distress and receiving His deliverance, similar to Jehoshaphat's experience.

2 Chronicles 20:12
Another instance where Jehoshaphat seeks God's help in battle, demonstrating his reliance on divine intervention.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Encourages trust in the Lord rather than one's own understanding, a principle Jehoshaphat exemplifies by crying out to God.