2 Chronicles 18:2

KJV

And after [certain] years he went down to Ahab to Samaria. And Ahab killed sheep and oxen for him in abundance, and for the people that [he had] with him, and persuaded him to go up [with him] to Ramothgilead.

KJV (with Strong's)

And after {H7093} certain years {H8141} he went down {H3381} to Ahab {H256} to Samaria {H8111}. And Ahab {H256} killed {H2076} sheep {H6629} and oxen {H1241} for him in abundance {H7230}, and for the people {H5971} that he had with him, and persuaded {H5496} him to go up {H5927} with him to Ramothgilead {H7433}{H1568}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After some years he went down to Ach'av in Shomron. Ach'av slaughtered sheep and oxen in abundance for him and the people with him, and persuaded him to go up with him to Ramot-Gil'ad.

Berean Standard Bible

And some years later he went down to visit Ahab in Samaria, where Ahab sacrificed many sheep and cattle for him and the people with him, and urged him to march up to Ramoth-gilead.

American Standard Version

And after certain years he went down to Ahab to Samaria. And Ahab killed sheep and oxen for him in abundance, and for the people that were with him, and moved him to go up with him to Ramoth-gilead.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 18:2 details the ill-fated visit of King Jehoshaphat of Judah to King Ahab of Israel in Samaria, several years after their initial alliance was forged. This verse vividly portrays Ahab's lavish hospitality, marked by an abundant feast of sheep and oxen, which served as a strategic tool to persuade Jehoshaphat to join him in a military campaign to reclaim Ramoth-gilead. This seemingly innocuous social call sets the stage for a dangerous and compromising alliance, highlighting the perils of a righteous leader aligning with an ungodly one.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows [2 Chronicles 18:1](/2_chronicles/18-1 "2 Chronicles 18:1 - Jehoshaphat's Wealth and Alliance with Ahab"), which establishes Jehoshaphat's immense wealth and honor, and crucially, his marriage alliance with Ahab's house. This familial tie provides the backdrop for Jehoshaphat's visit, making it a logical, albeit spiritually perilous, extension of their relationship. The narrative then flows directly into the prophetic confrontation between Micaiah and the false prophets in [2 Chronicles 18:4-27](/2_chronicles/18-4 "2 Chronicles 18:4-27 - Micaiah's Prophecy Against Ahab"), culminating in the battle at Ramoth-gilead where Ahab meets his demise, and Jehoshaphat narrowly escapes judgment in [2 Chronicles 18:28-34](/2_chronicles/18-28 "2 Chronicles 18:28-34 - The Battle of Ramoth-Gilead"). The feast described in [2 Chronicles 18:2](/2_chronicles/18-2 "2 Chronicles 18:2 - Jehoshaphat's Visit to Ahab") is the deceptive prelude to this unfolding tragedy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The visit takes place in Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, a city built by Omri, Ahab's father, and a center of Baal worship under Ahab and Jezebel's rule (see [1 Kings 16:24-33](/1_kings/16-24 "1 Kings 16:24-33 - Omri and Ahab's Reigns")). The "certain years" likely refers to the period after Jehoshaphat's initial reforms in Judah, during which he strengthened his kingdom and sought the Lord, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 17](/2_chronicles/17 "2 Chronicles 17 - Jehoshaphat's Reign and Reforms"). The practice of lavish feasting was a common diplomatic tool in the ancient Near East, used to solidify alliances, display wealth, and create a sense of obligation. Ahab's "abundance" of slaughtered animals was not merely hospitality but a calculated move to bind Jehoshaphat to his will, particularly concerning the disputed city of Ramoth-gilead, a strategic location in Transjordan frequently contested between Israel and Aram (Syria).
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces and reinforces several critical themes. The most prominent is the **peril of unwise alliances and compromise**, as a righteous king like Jehoshaphat, despite his personal piety (cf. [2 Chronicles 17:3-4](/2_chronicles/17-3 "2 Chronicles 17:3-4 - Jehoshaphat's Devotion to God")), allows political and familial ties to lead him into a compromising situation with the notoriously wicked King Ahab (cf. [1 Kings 21:25](/1_kings/21-25 "1 Kings 21:25 - Ahab's Wickedness")). Another key theme is the **power of persuasion and manipulation**, demonstrated by Ahab's use of lavish hospitality to entice and obligate Jehoshaphat. This highlights how material comforts and perceived friendship can subtly sway judgment and lead to spiritual misalignment. Finally, the verse serves as a **catalyst for divine judgment and prophetic confrontation**, setting the stage for the dramatic events of the chapter, where God's will is revealed despite human schemes and alliances.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Went down (Hebrew, _yarad_):** This verb literally means "to descend" and is often used for travel from a higher elevation to a lower one, or from Judah (Jerusalem, typically higher) to Israel (Samaria). However, in a theological context, "going down" can also subtly imply a spiritual descent or a lowering of one's standards, which is certainly the case for Jehoshaphat in this alliance. It foreshadows the spiritual and physical peril he will face.
* **Persuaded (Hebrew, סוּת, _sut_):** This word is crucial. While it can mean "to incite" or "to instigate," it often carries a stronger connotation of "to entice," "to seduce," or "to lead astray." It implies more than simple convincing; it suggests a calculated manipulation through flattery, hospitality, and perhaps a subtle appeal to Jehoshaphat's political ambitions. Ahab was not merely proposing a military venture but actively luring Jehoshaphat into an entanglement that would prove disastrous.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And after [certain] years he went down to Ahab to Samaria."**: This clause establishes the timing and location of the pivotal meeting. The phrase "after certain years" indicates a passage of time since the initial alliance mentioned in [2 Chronicles 18:1](/2_chronicles/18-1 "2 Chronicles 18:1 - Jehoshaphat's Wealth and Alliance with Ahab"), suggesting that the relationship had matured, making Jehoshaphat more susceptible to Ahab's influence. His journey "down to Ahab to Samaria" signifies not only a geographical descent but also the beginning of his spiritual compromise.
* **"And Ahab killed sheep and oxen for him in abundance, and for the people that [he had] with him,"**: This describes Ahab's extravagant hospitality. The "abundance" of slaughtered animals for a feast was a grand gesture of honor and welcome, designed to impress Jehoshaphat and his entourage. In ancient Near Eastern culture, such a lavish display would create a strong sense of obligation and indebtedness, setting the stage for Ahab's subsequent request.
* **"and persuaded him to go up [with him] to Ramothgilead."**: This final clause reveals the true purpose behind Ahab's hospitality. The verb "persuaded" (as analyzed above) indicates a deliberate and manipulative effort on Ahab's part. His goal was to secure Jehoshaphat's military assistance for the campaign against Ramoth-gilead, a strategically important city. This persuasion marks the critical turning point where Jehoshaphat, despite his better judgment, is drawn into a conflict that is not God's will.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Ahab's lavish feast and persuasive tactics subtly hint at the impending danger and the negative consequences for Jehoshaphat. The "going down" to Samaria, a center of idolatry, also foreshadows a spiritual decline. **Irony** is present in the contrast between Ahab's seemingly generous hospitality and his manipulative intent; what appears as a gesture of friendship is, in fact, a calculated trap. The **Symbolism** of the abundant feast itself is significant: it represents worldly enticement and the deceptive allure of power and alliance, which can blind even a righteous king to spiritual dangers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 18:2 serves as a profound theological warning against the dangers of unholy alliances and the insidious nature of compromise. Jehoshaphat, a king commended for seeking the Lord, allows political expediency and familial ties to override spiritual discernment, leading him into a partnership with one of Israel's most wicked kings. This illustrates that even genuinely godly individuals are susceptible to temptation when they step outside the boundaries of divine wisdom and align themselves too closely with those who oppose God's ways. The narrative underscores the principle that bad company corrupts good character, and that God's people are called to a distinct separation from the values and practices of the world, even in seemingly benign social or political engagements.

* [Proverbs 13:20](/proverbs/13-20 "Proverbs 13:20 - Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.")
* [2 Corinthians 6:14](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do not be yoked together with unbelievers.")
* [Psalm 1:1](/psalm/1-1 "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.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers a timeless cautionary tale for believers today, emphasizing the critical importance of discernment in all our relationships and decisions. Jehoshaphat's experience reminds us that compromise, especially with those whose values are antithetical to God's, often begins subtly, cloaked in hospitality, opportunity, or perceived necessity. We must vigilantly guard against situations where our spiritual convictions might be eroded for the sake of social acceptance, financial gain, or political advantage. The challenge is not to withdraw from the world but to engage with it while maintaining a distinct identity and unwavering commitment to God's truth. Our primary allegiance must always be to Christ, seeking His wisdom and counsel above all else, lest we find ourselves persuaded into alliances that lead to spiritual peril and unintended consequences.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to compromise my convictions for perceived benefit or social acceptance?**
* **How can I cultivate greater spiritual discernment to recognize subtle forms of worldly persuasion or manipulation?**
* **What steps can I take to ensure my closest associations align with my commitment to Christ and His kingdom?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jehoshaphat, a righteous king, ally himself with Ahab, a wicked king?**

Answer: Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahab, initially sealed through a marriage between their children (cf. [2 Chronicles 18:1](/2_chronicles/18-1 "2 Chronicles 18:1 - Jehoshaphat's Alliance with Ahab")), was likely driven by political and strategic considerations. Despite his personal piety and efforts to reform Judah (see [2 Chronicles 17](/2_chronicles/17 "2 Chronicles 17 - Jehoshaphat's Reign and Reforms")), Jehoshaphat sought to strengthen his kingdom through alliances, even with the idolatrous Northern Kingdom. This highlights the tension between political pragmatism and spiritual purity, a common struggle for leaders throughout history. His visit to Samaria, as described in [2 Chronicles 18:2](/2_chronicles/18-2 "2 Chronicles 18:2 - Jehoshaphat's Visit to Ahab"), was a continuation of this ill-advised relationship, demonstrating how even good intentions can lead to dangerous compromises when God's clear commands are overlooked.

**What was the significance of Ahab's lavish feast for Jehoshaphat?**

Answer: In ancient Near Eastern culture, a grand feast like the one Ahab prepared was far more than a simple meal; it was a significant diplomatic gesture. It symbolized honor, welcome, and the forging or strengthening of a covenant or alliance. By "killing sheep and oxen for him in abundance," Ahab was not only displaying his wealth and generosity but also creating a strong sense of obligation and indebtedness in Jehoshaphat. This lavish hospitality was a calculated move, a form of "persuasion" designed to make Jehoshaphat feel compelled to agree to Ahab's request to join the military campaign against Ramoth-gilead. It illustrates how worldly enticements can be used to manipulate and sway even those with good intentions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Jehoshaphat's compromise with Ahab in [2 Chronicles 18:2](/2_chronicles/18-2 "2 Chronicles 18:2 - Jehoshaphat's Visit to Ahab") powerfully foreshadows the ultimate need for a King who never compromises with sin or worldly power. Unlike Jehoshaphat, who "went down" to align with wickedness, Jesus Christ, the true King of kings, "came down" from heaven not to compromise with the world, but to redeem it (cf. [John 3:13](/john/3-13 "John 3:13 - No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.")). His "hospitality" is not a manipulative feast but an open invitation to a spiritual banquet of grace and truth (cf. [Matthew 22:1-14](/matthew/22-1 "Matthew 22:1-14 - The Parable of the Wedding Feast")). Where Ahab sought to "persuade" Jehoshaphat into a deadly alliance, Christ calls His followers to an uncompromised allegiance to Him alone, warning against being "yoked together with unbelievers" (cf. [2 Corinthians 6:14](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do not be yoked together with unbelievers.")). Our true "going up" is not to a worldly battle like Ramoth-gilead, but through Christ's victory on the cross, we are raised to new life and seated with Him in heavenly places (cf. [Ephesians 2:6](/ephesians/2-6 "Ephesians 2:6 - And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.")), free from the enticements and compromises of a fallen world.

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

2 Kings 9:1

¶ And Elisha the prophet called one of the children of the prophets, and said unto him, Gird up thy loins, and take this box of oil in thine hand, and go to Ramothgilead:

1 Kings 1:9

And Adonijah slew sheep and oxen and fat cattle by the stone of Zoheleth, which [is] by Enrogel, and called all his brethren the king's sons, and all the men of Judah the king's servants:

2 Chronicles 19:2

And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore [is] wrath upon thee from before the LORD.

Nehemiah 13:6

But in all this [time] was not I at Jerusalem: for in the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon came I unto the king, and after certain days obtained I leave of the king:

Isaiah 22:12

And in that day did the Lord GOD of hosts call to weeping, and to mourning, and to baldness, and to girding with sackcloth:

Isaiah 22:13

And behold joy and gladness, slaying oxen, and killing sheep, eating flesh, and drinking wine: let us eat and drink; for to morrow we shall die.

1 Kings 4:13

The son of Geber, in Ramothgilead; to him [pertained] the towns of Jair the son of Manasseh, which [are] in Gilead; to him [also pertained] the region of Argob, which [is] in Bashan, threescore great cities with walls and brasen bars: