2 Chronicles 20:36 – “He agreed with him to construct a fleet of trading ships. After these were built at Ezion Geber,”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse tells us about King Jehoshaphat’s decision to enter into a business venture with Ahaziah, the king of Israel. Specifically, they agreed to build a fleet of trading ships at Ezion Geber, a port near the Red Sea. The goal was likely to enhance their nations’ wealth through trade, but this decision was unwise because Ahaziah, the king of Israel, was known for his wickedness. By aligning himself with Ahaziah, Jehoshaphat compromised his godly values and entered into a partnership that would lead to failure.
Even though Jehoshaphat had a heart for God and led Judah faithfully in many ways, this partnership shows that even good leaders can make poor decisions when they form alliances with ungodly people. As the story unfolds, we learn that God did not bless this venture, and the fleet of ships was ultimately destroyed (2 Chronicles 20:37).
Historical Context
At this point in history, the kingdoms of Israel and Judah were divided. Jehoshaphat ruled over Judah, the southern kingdom, while Ahaziah reigned over Israel, the northern kingdom. Israel was in a state of spiritual decline, with Ahaziah following the idolatrous ways of his father, Ahab, and his mother, Jezebel. Despite knowing Ahaziah’s wickedness, Jehoshaphat entered into this business alliance, likely in an attempt to strengthen economic ties through trade. The ships they planned to build at Ezion Geber would have been used for trading with distant nations, potentially bringing in great wealth.
Ezion Geber was an important port for trade during that time, located on the northern tip of the Red Sea. It had been used previously by King Solomon as a hub for his trading ventures. However, despite the promising prospects, this alliance between Jehoshaphat and Ahaziah was not something that God approved of.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches us the importance of making godly decisions when it comes to who we partner with, whether in business, relationships, or other areas of life. Jehoshaphat’s decision to partner with a wicked king like Ahaziah demonstrates that even when we have good intentions, aligning ourselves with ungodly influences can lead to failure. God desires that His people remain faithful and make decisions based on His guidance, not based on worldly success or convenience.
The verse also reflects the biblical principle that God blesses obedience and faithfulness, but He does not support compromises with sin. By choosing to enter into an agreement with Ahaziah, Jehoshaphat compromised his integrity and ended up in a failed venture. This serves as a warning to believers that we should seek God’s will and avoid aligning ourselves with those who do not honor Him.
Literary Analysis
The verse is straightforward and factual, summarizing Jehoshaphat’s decision to work with Ahaziah on building a fleet of trading ships. The simplicity of the language underscores the starkness of the mistake Jehoshaphat made. By stating that Jehoshaphat “agreed with him,” the text highlights the king’s active choice to partner with a wicked ruler. The location of the shipbuilding project, Ezion Geber, adds historical and geographical detail, reminding readers of its significance as a trade hub in earlier times, such as during King Solomon’s reign.
However, there is an implicit tension in the verse—while the construction of the ships seems like a reasonable business venture on the surface, the larger narrative reveals that this partnership was ill-advised. The consequences, which are described in the next verse, show that even a good plan can fail when it is not done in line with God’s will.
Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 1:1 – “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers.” This verse reflects the wisdom of avoiding alliances with those who are opposed to God, something Jehoshaphat failed to do in his partnership with Ahaziah.
- Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Jehoshaphat’s decision to rely on human understanding instead of seeking God’s guidance resulted in failure, illustrating the importance of trusting God in all decisions.
- 2 Corinthians 6:14 – “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?” This New Testament verse emphasizes the danger of forming partnerships with those who do not follow God, as seen in Jehoshaphat’s alliance with Ahaziah.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse serves as a reminder to be cautious about who we choose to align ourselves with, especially in business and other important areas of life. While it may be tempting to partner with people based on their resources, influence, or opportunities, we need to prioritize godly wisdom over worldly success. Jehoshaphat’s alliance with Ahaziah may have seemed like a smart business move, but because it was not aligned with God’s will, it led to failure.
This verse also encourages us to seek God’s guidance in all our decisions. It can be easy to assume that a good opportunity must be from God simply because it seems beneficial, but we must be careful to pray and ask for His wisdom. Just because something looks profitable doesn’t mean it is in line with God’s plan for our lives.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in the way He seeks to protect His people from harm, even when they make poor decisions. In this case, God did not allow Jehoshaphat’s venture to succeed because it was built on a compromised partnership. While it may seem harsh at first, God’s refusal to bless the ships can be seen as an act of love—preventing Jehoshaphat from going further down a path that would entangle him with ungodly influences.
God’s love is also demonstrated in His willingness to forgive and restore. Although Jehoshaphat made this mistake, God did not abandon him. Jehoshaphat had a heart for God, and God remained faithful to him despite his errors. This shows that even when we make poor choices, God’s love is still available to us, and He can lead us back to the right path.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ by showing the contrast between the failed human partnership of Jehoshaphat and Ahaziah and the perfect relationship that believers have with God through Jesus. Where Jehoshaphat compromised by partnering with a wicked king, Jesus calls us to follow Him without compromise, relying fully on His guidance and grace.
- Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Jesus teaches us to prioritize our relationship with God above all else, trusting that when we do, He will provide for us in ways that honor Him. Jehoshaphat’s failure to do this led to his venture’s collapse.
- John 15:5 – “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” This verse reminds us that true success comes only from abiding in Christ. Jehoshaphat’s alliance with Ahaziah, built apart from God’s will, could not succeed.
Through Jesus, we are offered a relationship with God that allows us to seek His guidance in every decision, ensuring that we live in alignment with His will.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Have you ever made a decision or partnership that seemed like a good idea at the time but later realized it wasn’t in line with God’s will? What did you learn from that experience?
- How can you seek God’s guidance more intentionally when faced with opportunities that seem promising on the surface?
- In what areas of your life are you tempted to compromise in order to gain success or approval? How can you resist those temptations?
- How does Jesus’ teaching on seeking first the kingdom of God challenge you to prioritize your relationship with Him above worldly success?
- What steps can you take to ensure that your partnerships and decisions are aligned with God’s will, rather than influenced by ungodly values?
This verse reminds us to be cautious about the partnerships we form and the decisions we make. While Jehoshaphat was a faithful king, his alliance with Ahaziah led to failure because it was not in line with God’s will. Through Jesus, we are called to seek God first in all things, trusting that true success comes from walking in obedience to Him.