2 Chronicles 20:31 – “So Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah. He was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-five years. His mother’s name was Azubah daughter of Shilhi.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse provides a summary of King Jehoshaphat’s reign, mentioning his age when he became king, the length of his rule, and his mother’s name. Jehoshaphat became king of Judah at thirty-five years old and reigned for twenty-five years, making him one of the more prominent kings in the history of Judah. His mother, Azubah, is also mentioned, which may indicate her influence in his life or her significance within the royal family.
Although this verse offers more factual information than narrative, it serves to frame Jehoshaphat’s reign in terms of its duration and family lineage. Jehoshaphat’s leadership was marked by his trust in God, especially in the face of significant military threats, as demonstrated earlier in 2 Chronicles 20. This verse connects his reign with a historical timeline and personal details, grounding the larger story of his leadership in a real-world context.
Historical Context
Jehoshaphat was the son of Asa, another king of Judah who had been faithful to God, though not without flaws. Jehoshaphat followed in his father’s footsteps by seeking to strengthen the spiritual health of the nation. He removed pagan idols and places of worship, and he worked to educate the people in God’s law.
Jehoshaphat’s reign, which began around 873 B.C., was marked by both spiritual reform and political challenges. The kingdom of Judah was often threatened by neighboring nations. One of the most notable moments in Jehoshaphat’s rule occurred when a coalition of Moabites, Ammonites, and men from Mount Seir threatened to invade Judah. Instead of panicking, Jehoshaphat called the people to prayer, seeking God’s help. As described earlier in the chapter, God delivered Judah in a miraculous way, causing the enemy armies to destroy each other.
This verse, positioned toward the conclusion of Jehoshaphat’s story, gives us a snapshot of his reign after God’s deliverance. It highlights his long-term leadership and roots his reign in the larger historical context of Judah’s monarchy.
Theological Implications
This verse, though brief, points to several important theological themes. First, it highlights the continuity of leadership within Judah’s monarchy. Jehoshaphat’s reign is linked to his family, particularly his mother and father. The mention of his mother, Azubah, serves as a reminder of the importance of family and lineage in the biblical narrative. It underscores the idea that leadership in Judah was not just political but deeply connected to family heritage and responsibility.
Additionally, Jehoshaphat’s long reign of twenty-five years, coupled with his well-documented faithfulness to God, points to the blessing of stability when leaders seek God’s guidance. Jehoshaphat’s reliance on God, especially in times of crisis, ensured that his reign was marked by peace and prosperity, despite the challenges he faced. This reminds us that when leaders—and by extension, all people—seek God first, they can experience God’s guidance and protection.
This verse also reminds us of the importance of faithfulness over the long term. Jehoshaphat wasn’t just a king who had a few good years; he reigned for a quarter of a century, consistently seeking God’s will for his people. This speaks to the value of steady, enduring leadership grounded in faith.
Literary Analysis
The verse follows a typical pattern for summarizing the reigns of kings in the books of Kings and Chronicles. It offers the reader key details about Jehoshaphat’s reign: his age when he became king, the length of his rule, and a mention of his parentage. This structure is used throughout the Old Testament to provide a clear and concise record of the kings’ reigns.
The inclusion of Jehoshaphat’s mother’s name, Azubah, might seem like a small detail, but in biblical literature, the mention of a mother’s name often signals her influence or significance in the king’s life. In this case, it may point to the role that family played in shaping Jehoshaphat’s character and faithfulness to God.
The verse functions as part of a larger summary of Jehoshaphat’s life and reign, offering a historical context for the events of 2 Chronicles 20, where Jehoshaphat’s trust in God is emphasized. This verse is a reminder that Jehoshaphat’s reign, marked by his reliance on God, is set within the broader context of Judah’s monarchy.
Biblical Cross-References
- 1 Kings 22:42 – “Jehoshaphat was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-five years. His mother’s name was Azubah daughter of Shilhi.” This parallel passage provides the same historical details about Jehoshaphat’s reign and his family, showing the importance of these details in the biblical account.
- 2 Chronicles 17:3-4 – “The Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the ways of his father David before him. He did not consult the Baals but sought the God of his father and followed his commands rather than the practices of Israel.” This passage highlights Jehoshaphat’s faithfulness to God and sets the tone for his reign as a king who sought the Lord.
- Proverbs 16:7 – “When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them.” This proverb reflects the peace that Jehoshaphat experienced, showing that God’s blessing comes when leaders and people seek His will.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder of the importance of faithfulness over time. Jehoshaphat’s reign was characterized by a consistent reliance on God, and his long tenure as king demonstrates the value of seeking God’s guidance throughout life’s challenges. As believers, we are called to the same kind of enduring faithfulness, trusting God not only in moments of crisis but throughout our entire lives.
This verse also highlights the importance of family influence. Jehoshaphat’s reign is connected to his parents, showing that our family background can play a significant role in shaping who we are. While every person is responsible for their own faith, the influence of faithful parents or mentors can have a lasting impact on our walk with God.
Finally, the mention of Jehoshaphat’s peace after God’s deliverance points to the peace that comes from trusting in God. Jehoshaphat’s reign wasn’t marked by constant warfare because he trusted in God, and God provided peace for him and the people of Judah. This reminds us that when we seek God first, He can bring peace into our lives, even in the midst of challenges.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love for His people by highlighting the stability and peace that came during Jehoshaphat’s reign. God’s love for Judah was evident in how He protected them and provided them with a godly leader who sought after Him. God’s desire for His people to live in peace and security is a reflection of His loving care for them.
Moreover, Jehoshaphat’s faithfulness to God was met with God’s blessing, showing that God loves to reward those who seek Him. This passage serves as a reminder that God’s love is not distant but is actively at work in the lives of His people, providing them with guidance, protection, and peace when they seek His will.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jehoshaphat’s leadership points to the ultimate king, Jesus Christ, who leads His people into eternal peace. Just as Jehoshaphat sought God’s will and brought peace to Judah, Jesus came to bring us peace with God through His life, death, and resurrection. Jehoshaphat’s reign was temporary, but Jesus’ reign as the King of kings is eternal.
- Isaiah 9:6 – “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Jesus is the ultimate source of peace, far greater than any earthly king.
- John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Jesus offers us lasting peace that surpasses the temporary peace of this world, just as Jehoshaphat’s peace pointed to a greater, divine source of peace.
Through Jesus, we have the opportunity to experience peace with God and the peace that comes from living in relationship with Him.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How can you practice consistent faithfulness to God over the long term, like Jehoshaphat did during his reign?
- What influence has your family or spiritual mentors had on your relationship with God? How can you be a positive influence on others?
- In what ways can you trust God more deeply to bring peace into your life, especially in challenging situations?
- How does Jesus, as the ultimate Prince of Peace, give you comfort and security in your daily life?
- What lessons from Jehoshaphat’s reign can you apply to your own walk with God, especially when facing difficult circumstances?
This verse reminds us of the value of long-term faithfulness to God. Just as Jehoshaphat’s reign was marked by his reliance on God and the peace that followed, we too are called to seek God consistently in our lives, trusting Him to provide guidance, protection, and peace. Through Jesus, we experience the ultimate peace that comes from knowing and following the Prince of Peace.