2 Chronicles 20:35

Later, Jehoshaphat king of Judah made an alliance with Ahaziah king of Israel, who acted wickedly.

Study Bible

After this
This phrase indicates a sequence of events, suggesting that the actions described follow a significant prior occurrence. In the context of 2 Chronicles 20, Jehoshaphat had just experienced a miraculous victory over the Moabites and Ammonites through divine intervention. The phrase "after this" serves as a reminder of God's recent deliverance and sets the stage for a contrast between Jehoshaphat's previous reliance on God and his subsequent political decision.

Jehoshaphat king of Judah
Jehoshaphat was a notable king of Judah, known for his efforts to follow the ways of the Lord, as seen in earlier chapters. His name, meaning "Yahweh has judged," reflects his role as a leader under divine authority. Historically, Jehoshaphat is recognized for his religious reforms and attempts to bring the people back to the worship of Yahweh. His reign is marked by a commitment to justice and righteousness, making his later actions in this verse particularly significant.

made an alliance
The Hebrew root for "alliance" here is "חָבַר" (chabar), which means to join or bind together. In the ancient Near Eastern context, alliances were often political and military agreements intended to strengthen the parties involved. However, from a scriptural perspective, alliances with ungodly leaders were frequently discouraged, as they could lead to spiritual compromise. Jehoshaphat's decision to form an alliance with Ahaziah is seen as a departure from his earlier faithfulness to God.

with Ahaziah king of Israel
Ahaziah, the king of Israel, was known for his wickedness and idolatry, following in the footsteps of his father, Ahab. The northern kingdom of Israel, under Ahaziah's rule, was characterized by its departure from the worship of Yahweh. The mention of Ahaziah highlights the spiritual and moral disparity between the two kingdoms at the time. This alliance is particularly troubling given Ahaziah's reputation and the potential influence he could have on Jehoshaphat and Judah.

who acted wickedly
The phrase underscores the moral character of Ahaziah, whose actions were contrary to the ways of God. The Hebrew word for "wickedly" is "רָשַׁע" (rasha), which conveys a sense of guilt and wrongdoing. In the biblical narrative, wickedness is often associated with idolatry, injustice, and rebellion against God. This description serves as a warning about the dangers of aligning with those who do not honor God, as it can lead to negative consequences and spiritual decline.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jehoshaphat
King of Judah, known for his initial faithfulness to God and reforms to bring the people back to the worship of Yahweh. However, he made alliances that were not always wise.

2. Ahaziah
King of Israel, son of Ahab and Jezebel, known for his wickedness and idolatry, following in the footsteps of his parents.

3. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, ruled by the descendants of David, including Jehoshaphat.

4. Israel
The northern kingdom, often led by kings who did not follow God, including Ahaziah.

5. Alliance
A political and military agreement between Jehoshaphat and Ahaziah, which was not pleasing to God due to Ahaziah's wickedness.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Unequal Alliances
Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahaziah serves as a warning against forming partnerships with those who do not share a commitment to God. Believers should be cautious about their associations and ensure they align with God's principles.

The Influence of Leadership
The actions of leaders like Jehoshaphat and Ahaziah have significant impacts on their nations. This reminds us of the responsibility leaders have to lead with integrity and faithfulness to God.

Learning from Past Mistakes
Jehoshaphat's repeated mistakes in forming alliances with ungodly kings highlight the importance of learning from past errors and seeking God's guidance in decision-making.

God's Sovereignty and Justice
Despite human failures, God's sovereignty prevails. He judges actions according to His righteousness, as seen in the eventual failure of Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahaziah.

The Importance of Godly Counsel
Jehoshaphat's account underscores the need for seeking godly counsel and wisdom in all decisions, especially those involving partnerships and alliances.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from Jehoshaphat's decision to ally with Ahaziah, and how can we apply this lesson to our own relationships and partnerships?

2. How does the account of Jehoshaphat and Ahaziah illustrate the principle found in Proverbs 13:20 about the company we keep?

3. In what ways can leaders today ensure they are leading with integrity and faithfulness to God, as opposed to the example set by Ahaziah?

4. Reflect on a time when you made a decision without seeking God's guidance. What were the consequences, and how can you ensure you seek His wisdom in future decisions?

5. How can we, as believers, support and encourage our leaders to make godly decisions, and what role does prayer play in this process?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 22:48-49
This passage provides additional context about the alliance between Jehoshaphat and Ahaziah, specifically regarding their joint venture in building ships, which God did not bless.

2 Chronicles 19:2
This verse highlights a previous rebuke Jehoshaphat received for forming alliances with those who hate the Lord, emphasizing the recurring issue of his unwise alliances.

Proverbs 13:20
This proverb warns about the consequences of associating with fools, which can be related to Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahaziah.