1 Kings 22:48

KJV

Jehoshaphat made ships of Tharshish to go to Ophir for gold: but they went not; for the ships were broken at Eziongeber.

KJV (with Strong's)

Jehoshaphat {H3092} made {H6213}{H6240} ships {H591} of Tharshish {H8659} to go {H3212} to Ophir {H211} for gold {H2091}: but they went {H1980} not; for the ships {H591} were broken {H7665} at Eziongeber {H6100}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Y'hoshafat built some large "Tarshish" ships to go to Ofir for gold, but they didn't make the voyage, because they were wrecked at 'Etzyon-Gever.

Berean Standard Bible

Jehoshaphat built ships of Tarshish to go to Ophir for gold, but they never set sail, because they were wrecked at Ezion-geber.

American Standard Version

Jehoshaphat made ships of Tarshish to go to Ophir for gold: but they went not; for the ships were broken at Ezion-geber.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 22:48 succinctly chronicles King Jehoshaphat's ambitious, yet ultimately futile, maritime endeavor to procure gold from Ophir. This verse, presented as a concise historical annotation within the broader narrative of his reign, not only highlights the king's pursuit of economic prosperity but, more profoundly, subtly foreshadows the divine judgment that would fall upon his reign due to compromised alliances, thereby underscoring the inherent fragility of human endeavors when not fully aligned with God's perfect will and wisdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated near the conclusion of King Jehoshaphat's reign, immediately following the detailed account of his ill-advised military alliance with Ahab, the wicked king of Israel, in the disastrous battle of Ramoth-Gilead (cf. [1 Kings 22:1-40](/1_kings/22-1-40 "1 Kings 22:1-40 - The Battle of Ramoth-Gilead")). Despite Jehoshaphat's generally righteous character and his earnest efforts to promote the worship of Yahweh in Judah (as detailed in [2 Chronicles 17](/2_chronicles/17 "2 Chronicles 17 - Jehoshaphat's Reign and Reforms")), his persistent tendency to form political and commercial alliances with the idolatrous kings of Israel consistently brought him into peril and incurred divine displeasure. This specific commercial enterprise, though seemingly a venture for economic gain, is presented as another instance where Jehoshaphat's judgment was flawed, ultimately leading to a complete failure. The parallel and more explicit account in [2 Chronicles 20:35-37](/2_chronicles/20-35-37 "2 Chronicles 20:35-37 - Jehoshaphat's Alliance with Ahaziah and Its Consequences") directly attributes the destruction of the ships to divine judgment, explicitly stating it was "because you have joined yourself with Ahaziah," Ahab's son, who "did very wickedly."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Jehoshaphat ruled over the Southern Kingdom of Judah from approximately 870 to 845 BC. His attempt to launch a maritime expedition for gold from Ophir intentionally echoes the immensely successful ventures of King Solomon, who, centuries prior, had amassed vast wealth through similar expeditions originating from Eziongeber (cf. [1 Kings 9:26-28](/1_kings/9-26-28 "1 Kings 9:26-28 - Solomon's Fleet at Eziongeber")). Eziongeber was a strategically vital port city located at the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba, an arm of the Red Sea, making it a crucial nexus for trade routes extending into the Arabian Peninsula and potentially further east. The phrase "ships of Tharshish" (or Tarshish) in this context did not necessarily imply that the ships were destined for or originated from the distant city of Tarshish in Spain. Instead, it referred to a specific class of large, sturdy, deep-sea vessels capable of undertaking long-distance voyages and carrying substantial cargo, thus signifying a highly ambitious and significant undertaking on Jehoshaphat's part. Ophir itself was a legendary, though geographically uncertain, source of immense quantities of gold, along with other precious commodities like almug wood and precious stones, making it an exceptionally coveted trade destination in the ancient Near East.
* **Key Themes:** The narrative surrounding Jehoshaphat's reign, particularly this incident, powerfully illustrates several enduring theological themes. Firstly, it highlights the severe **consequences of unholy alliances**, demonstrating that even a generally righteous king like Jehoshaphat could face divine displeasure and practical failure when compromising with wickedness and idolatry (cf. [2 Chronicles 19:2](/2_chronicles/19-2 "2 Chronicles 19:2 - Jehu's Rebuke of Jehoshaphat")). Secondly, it underscores the **fragility and transience of earthly wealth and human ambition**. Despite Jehoshaphat's considerable investment and grand plans for national prosperity, the ships were utterly destroyed before they could even embark on their journey, emphasizing that material pursuits are ultimately subject to divine sovereignty and often prove fleeting (cf. [Proverbs 27:1](/proverbs/27-1 "Proverbs 27:1 - Do Not Boast About Tomorrow")). Finally, the incident subtly yet profoundly points to **divine sovereignty over human plans**, revealing that God's overarching purposes ultimately prevail, even through the thwarting of well-intentioned but misguided human endeavors (cf. [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jehoshaphat (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôwshâphâṭ'_):** The name of the king of Judah, meaning "Jehovah-judged" or "Yahweh has judged." This etymology is particularly poignant in the context of this verse, as the failure of his enterprise is explicitly linked to divine judgment in the parallel account, underscoring that God indeed judged his actions, particularly his alliances.
* **Ophir (Hebrew, _ʼÔwphîyr'_):** A famed, though geographically debated, region renowned in the ancient world for its exceptionally abundant supply of high-quality gold, as well as other precious commodities like almug wood and precious stones. Its mention here signifies the immense wealth and prestige associated with successful trade expeditions to this fabled land, echoing the unparalleled prosperity achieved during Solomon's reign through similar ventures.
* **broken (Hebrew, _shâbar'_):** This verb means "to burst," "to break (down, off, in pieces, up)," or "to crush." In this context, it denotes a complete and catastrophic destruction of the ships. The passive voice emphasizes that the ships were acted upon, implying an external force, which the parallel account clarifies as divine intervention. The swift and total nature of this "breaking" highlights the immediate and undeniable failure of the entire enterprise.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Jehoshaphat made ships of Tharshish":** This clause establishes King Jehoshaphat's proactive and significant involvement in initiating and funding this ambitious commercial enterprise. The construction of "ships of Tharshish" (large, ocean-going vessels) indicates a substantial investment of national resources, labor, and time, reflecting his desire to emulate the economic success of previous kings, particularly Solomon, and to bolster Judah's wealth and international standing.
* **"to go to Ophir for gold":** This specifies the clear and singular objective of the expedition: to acquire gold from the fabled and highly coveted land of Ophir. This pursuit of material wealth was a common ambition for ancient monarchs, as gold symbolized immense power, national prosperity, and prestige. The phrase highlights the king's focus on external, tangible riches as a source of strength.
* **"but they went not; for the ships were broken at Eziongeber":** This crucial concluding clause introduces a stark contrast and reveals the immediate and complete failure of the venture. The concise declaration "but they went not" underscores the utter futility of the entire effort, as the expedition never even commenced. The reason provided, "for the ships were broken at Eziongeber," indicates a catastrophic event that occurred at their home port. The parallel account in [2 Chronicles 20:37](/2_chronicles/20-37 "2 Chronicles 20:37 - The Prophecy of Eliezer") clarifies that this destruction was not an accident but a direct act of divine judgment, prophesied by the prophet Eliezer, due to Jehoshaphat's unholy alliance with Ahaziah, the wicked king of Israel.

#### Literary Devices
1 Kings 22:48 employs several subtle but potent literary devices. There is a profound sense of **Irony** in Jehoshaphat's ambitious pursuit of wealth being immediately and utterly thwarted at the very outset. He invests heavily in grand ships for a lucrative voyage, only for them to be destroyed before leaving port, highlighting the futility of human endeavors when not aligned with divine favor. The verse also functions as a form of **Foreshadowing** within the broader narrative of Jehoshaphat's reign. Although the precise reason for the destruction is not explicitly stated here (it is in the parallel account in [2 Chronicles 20:37](/2_chronicles/20-37 "2 Chronicles 20:37 - The Prophecy of Eliezer")), the immediate and complete failure hints at a divine hand, subtly suggesting that not all human plans, even those of a generally righteous king, will prosper, especially when compromised by ungodly alliances. Furthermore, the "broken ships" can be seen as **Symbolism** for the brokenness, futility, and divine judgment that result from unholy alliances and a misplaced trust in earthly ventures over divine wisdom and integrity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The account of Jehoshaphat's failed maritime expedition serves as a powerful theological lesson on the absolute sovereignty of God over human ambition and the severe consequences of spiritual compromise. Despite Jehoshaphat's generally good character and his commendable efforts to reform Judah and promote true worship, his repeated willingness to forge alliances with wicked, idolatrous kings like Ahab and Ahaziah consistently led him into trouble and incurred divine disapproval. This incident vividly demonstrates that even well-intentioned economic pursuits can be subject to God's direct judgment if they are rooted in or facilitated by ungodly partnerships. It profoundly underscores the biblical principle that true prosperity, security, and lasting success come not from worldly ventures pursued in disobedience or compromise, but from aligning completely with God's will and maintaining spiritual integrity. God's active intervention, even to the point of destroying ships, reveals His unwavering role in directing the affairs of nations and individuals, ensuring that His righteous purposes ultimately prevail and that His people learn the critical importance of walking in faithful obedience.

* [2 Chronicles 20:35-37](/2_chronicles/20-35-37 "2 Chronicles 20:35-37 - Jehoshaphat's Alliance with Ahaziah and Its Consequences")
* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")
* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Laying Up Treasures in Heaven")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Jehoshaphat's broken ships provides profound and enduring lessons for believers today. It challenges us to deeply examine the motivations, methods, and partnerships behind our own ambitions, whether in our professional careers, ministry endeavors, or personal relationships. We are called to earnestly seek God's guidance and blessing in all our undertakings, understanding that not every opportunity, no matter how lucrative or promising it appears, is necessarily aligned with His perfect will or conducive to our spiritual flourishing. The swift and complete failure of Jehoshaphat's grand venture serves as a potent and sobering reminder of the transient nature of earthly riches and the inherent futility of pursuing them outside of God's leading or in compromise with ungodly influences. It compels us to prioritize spiritual integrity, discerning relationships, and faithful obedience over worldly gain or temporary advantage. Ultimately, our true security and lasting treasure are found not in what we accumulate or achieve in this life, but in our unwavering relationship with the Lord and our steadfast obedience to His commands. We must cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty, recognizing that His providence extends even to the thwarting of our meticulously laid plans, often for our protection, correction, or redirection to a path that is more glorifying to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "ships of Tharshish" (ambitious projects, financial pursuits, or significant life plans) might I be building in my life without fully seeking God's counsel or adequately considering the spiritual implications of my partnerships and methods?**
* **Where might I be subtly compromising my spiritual convictions or ethical standards for the sake of worldly gain, social acceptance, or perceived success, and what potential "brokenness" might result from such unholy alliances?**
* **How does the swift and decisive failure of Jehoshaphat's plans challenge my own assumptions about success, control, and the accumulation of wealth, and how can I cultivate a deeper, more active trust in God's sovereignty, even when my plans are thwarted or redirected?**

### FAQ

**Why were Jehoshaphat's ships broken at Eziongeber, and what is the significance of this failure?**

Answer: While [1 Kings 22:48](/1_kings/22-48 "1 Kings 22:48 - Jehoshaphat's Failed Maritime Venture") states simply that the ships "went not; for the ships were broken at Eziongeber," the parallel and more explicit account in [2 Chronicles 20:35-37](/2_chronicles/20-35-37 "2 Chronicles 20:35-37 - The Prophecy of Eliezer") provides the crucial theological explanation. The prophet Eliezer, son of Dodavah of Mareshah, rebuked Jehoshaphat for his unholy alliance with Ahaziah, king of Israel, who "did very wickedly." Eliezer declared, "Because you have joined yourself with Ahaziah, the Lord has destroyed your works." Therefore, the destruction of the ships was not a mere accident or natural disaster but a direct act of divine judgment, a consequence of Jehoshaphat's spiritual compromise and his association with a wicked king. The profound significance of this event lies in its demonstration of God's active sovereignty over human endeavors, particularly when those endeavors are tainted by spiritual compromise or disobedience. It powerfully underscores that even a righteous king's plans can be thwarted by God when they involve association with wickedness, serving as a potent warning against being "unequally yoked" (cf. [2 Corinthians 6:14](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Jehoshaphat's failed pursuit of earthly gold, thwarted by divine judgment due to his compromised alliances, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Jehoshaphat's ambition to secure wealth and stability through human means, ultimately ending in brokenness and futility, stands in stark contrast to Christ, who is the true and everlasting treasure. While Jehoshaphat sought perishable gold from Ophir, Jesus Christ offers imperishable riches, eternal life, and the true wealth of God's kingdom (cf. [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Laying Up Treasures in Heaven")). The broken ships at Eziongeber symbolize the futility of human efforts and the devastating consequences of spiritual compromise, pointing to the perfect obedience of Christ, whose redemptive work was never "broken" but perfectly accomplished on the cross, securing our complete and eternal redemption (cf. [John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - It Is Finished")). Unlike Jehoshaphat, who repeatedly leaned on worldly alliances and suffered the consequences, Christ is the faithful King who never compromises with sin, and in Him, all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden, freely available to those who believe (cf. [Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in Whom Are Hidden All Treasures")). Our true "gold" is not found in distant lands or fleeting earthly ventures, but in the person of Jesus Christ, who is our ultimate provision, our unshakable security, and the perfect fulfillment of all our righteous desires (cf. [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Paul Counts All as Loss for Christ")). He is the one in whom all things hold together, and through whom God's purposes are perfectly achieved (cf. [Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ, the Sustainer of All Things")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 9:26

And king Solomon made a navy of ships in Eziongeber, which [is] beside Eloth, on the shore of the Red sea, in the land of Edom.

1 Kings 10:22

For the king had at sea a navy of Tharshish with the navy of Hiram: once in three years came the navy of Tharshish, bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks.

1 Kings 9:28

And they came to Ophir, and fetched from thence gold, four hundred and twenty talents, and brought [it] to king Solomon.

2 Chronicles 20:35

And after this did Jehoshaphat king of Judah join himself with Ahaziah king of Israel, who did very wickedly:

2 Chronicles 20:37

Then Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, Because thou hast joined thyself with Ahaziah, the LORD hath broken thy works. And the ships were broken, that they were not able to go to Tarshish.

Isaiah 2:16

And upon all the ships of Tarshish, and upon all pleasant pictures.

2 Chronicles 25:7

But there came a man of God to him, saying, O king, let not the army of Israel go with thee; for the LORD [is] not with Israel, [to wit, with] all the children of Ephraim.