Topical Bible: Alliances: Jehoshaphat and Ahaziah

◄ Alliances: Jehoshaphat and Ahaziah ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The alliance between Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, and Ahaziah, the king of Israel, is a significant event in the biblical narrative, illustrating the complexities and consequences of political and spiritual alliances. This partnership is primarily documented in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles.

Jehoshaphat, King of Judah

Jehoshaphat was the son of Asa and reigned over Judah from approximately 873 to 849 BC. He is noted for his commitment to the ways of the Lord, following the example of his father Asa. Jehoshaphat strengthened the kingdom of Judah both spiritually and militarily. He is commended for his reforms, which included sending officials, Levites, and priests throughout Judah to teach the people the Law of the Lord (2 Chronicles 17:7-9).

Ahaziah, King of Israel

Ahaziah, the son of Ahab and Jezebel, reigned over Israel for a brief period from around 853 to 852 BC. His reign is characterized by the continuation of the idolatrous practices initiated by his parents, particularly the worship of Baal. The biblical account portrays Ahaziah as a king who "did evil in the sight of the LORD" (1 Kings 22:52).

The Alliance

The alliance between Jehoshaphat and Ahaziah is recorded in 2 Chronicles 20:35-37. Despite Jehoshaphat's devotion to God, he entered into a commercial partnership with Ahaziah to build a fleet of trading ships. This alliance was intended to enhance economic prosperity by sending ships to Tarshish. However, the venture was ill-fated.

The prophet Eliezer, son of Dodavahu of Mareshah, prophesied against Jehoshaphat for this alliance, saying, "Because you have allied yourself with Ahaziah, the LORD has destroyed your works." Consequently, the ships were wrecked and unable to set sail (2 Chronicles 20:37).

Theological Implications

The alliance between Jehoshaphat and Ahaziah serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of forming partnerships with those who do not share a commitment to the ways of the Lord. Jehoshaphat's decision to align with Ahaziah, despite the latter's idolatrous practices, resulted in divine disapproval and tangible loss. This narrative underscores the biblical principle that alliances should be formed with discernment and a shared commitment to godly values.

Lessons from the Alliance

Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahaziah highlights the tension between political expediency and spiritual fidelity. While Jehoshaphat's intentions may have been to secure economic benefits for his kingdom, the alliance ultimately compromised his spiritual integrity. The biblical account encourages believers to prioritize their allegiance to God above all else, even in matters of political and economic strategy.

This episode in the history of Israel and Judah serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God's guidance in all decisions, particularly those involving partnerships and alliances. The narrative of Jehoshaphat and Ahaziah illustrates the potential consequences of disregarding divine counsel and aligning with those who do not honor the Lord.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Chronicles 20:35
And after this did Jehoshaphat king of Judah join himself with Ahaziah king of Israel, who did very wickedly:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Kingdom Op Judah.
... Jehoshaphat was succeeded in 891 by his son Jehoram ... Ahaziah was only twenty-two,
and was ruled by ... to strengthen himself by fresh heathen alliances, though the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vii the kingdom op.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7. <. ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

The Earlier Hebrew Histories.
... Nearly three hundred years after Jehoshaphat, and nearly ... of the reign of King Ahaziah;
the first ... were weakened, and through unholy alliances corrupted, and the ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter iv the earlier hebrew.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... These chiefs were respectively free to make alliances, or to take the field on their
own account, but in matters of common importance they acted together, and ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm