2 Chronicles 18:31

KJV

And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, It [is] the king of Israel. Therefore they compassed about him to fight: but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him; and God moved them [to depart] from him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, when the captains {H8269} of the chariots {H7393} saw {H7200} Jehoshaphat {H3092}, that they said {H559}, It is the king {H4428} of Israel {H3478}. Therefore they compassed about {H5437} him to fight {H3898}: but Jehoshaphat {H3092} cried out {H2199}, and the LORD {H3068} helped {H5826} him; and God {H430} moved {H5496} them to depart from him.

Complete Jewish Bible

So when the chariot commanders saw Y'hoshafat they said, "This is the king of Isra'el," and turned to attack him. But Y'hoshafat called out, and ADONAI came to his aid - God moved them to leave him alone,

Berean Standard Bible

When the chariot commanders saw Jehoshaphat, they said, “This is the king of Israel!” So they turned to fight against him, but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him. God drew them away from him.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, It is the king of Israel. Therefore they turned about to fight against him: but Jehoshaphat cried out, and Jehovah helped him; and God moved them to depart from him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 18:31 powerfully narrates a moment of extreme peril for King Jehoshaphat of Judah during the battle of Ramoth-Gilead, where Syrian chariot captains, mistaking him for King Ahab of Israel due to his royal attire, surrounded him with intent to kill. In this desperate situation, Jehoshaphat cried out to the Lord, and in a remarkable act of divine intervention, God not only heard his fervent plea but supernaturally caused the enemy forces to abandon their pursuit, miraculously preserving his life despite his ill-advised alliance with the wicked King Ahab.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse is situated within the broader narrative of [2 Chronicles 18](/2_chronicles/18 "2 Chronicles 18 - Ahab and Jehoshaphat's Alliance"), which details the ill-fated alliance between King Jehoshaphat of Judah and King Ahab of Israel for a military campaign against Aram (Syria) to reclaim Ramoth-Gilead. The chapter opens with Jehoshaphat's visit to Ahab, leading to the proposed battle, a decision that is immediately questioned by Jehoshaphat's insistence on inquiring of the Lord. Despite the unanimous, but false, assurances of Ahab's 400 prophets, the true prophet Micaiah foretells disaster and Ahab's death ([2 Chronicles 18:18-27](/2_chronicles/18-18-27 "2 Chronicles 18:18-27 - Micaiah's Prophecy of Ahab's Demise")). Ahab, attempting to circumvent the prophecy, cunningly disguises himself, while Jehoshaphat, perhaps adhering to royal protocol or out of misplaced confidence, wears his kingly robes. This strategic difference directly precipitates the life-threatening encounter described in [2 Chronicles 18:31](/2_chronicles/18-31 "2 Chronicles 18:31 - Jehoshaphat's Miraculous Deliverance"), as the Syrian captains, under specific orders to target the king of Israel ([2 Chronicles 18:30](/2_chronicles/18-30 "2 Chronicles 18:30 - Syrian King's Command")), naturally focus their attack on the visibly royal figure. The immediate aftermath sees Ahab mortally wounded, fulfilling Micaiah's prophecy, while Jehoshaphat's miraculous escape underscores the protective hand of God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The battle for Ramoth-Gilead was a significant military engagement in the 9th century BCE, reflecting the ongoing struggle for regional dominance between the northern kingdom of Israel (often allied with Judah) and the Aramean kingdom of Damascus. Ramoth-Gilead was a strategically vital city in Transjordan, controlling key trade routes and access points. Militarily, chariot warfare was a formidable and often decisive element of ancient Near Eastern combat, with chariot captains forming an elite and highly effective fighting force. Their primary objective in battle was often to neutralize enemy leadership, as the death or capture of a monarch could demoralize an army and lead to swift victory. The Syrian king's explicit command to "fight with neither small nor great, save only with the king of Israel" ([2 Chronicles 18:30](/2_chronicles/18-30 "2 Chronicles 18:30 - Syrian King's Orders")) highlights the strategic importance of targeting the opposing monarch. Culturally, kings frequently led their armies into battle, making them conspicuous targets. Jehoshaphat's decision to wear his royal garments, while perhaps intended to project authority and leadership, inadvertently made him the prime target for the Syrian chariots, leading to his near-fatal predicament.
* **Key Themes:** [2 Chronicles 18:31](/2_chronicles/18-31 "2 Chronicles 18:31 - Jehoshaphat's Divine Rescue") powerfully illustrates several profound themes central to the Books of Chronicles. Firstly, it emphasizes the **consequences of unholy alliances**. Despite Jehoshaphat's generally righteous reign and his commitment to the Lord, his decision to align with the idolatrous Ahab brought him into direct and mortal danger, a misstep later rebuked by the prophet Jehu ([2 Chronicles 19:2](/2_chronicles/19-2 "2 Chronicles 19:2 - Jehu's Rebuke to Jehoshaphat")). Secondly, the verse dramatically showcases **divine protection and intervention**, even when human choices are deeply flawed. God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, particularly to a king who, despite his error, generally sought the Lord, is powerfully demonstrated. Thirdly, it underscores the **power of desperate prayer**. Jehoshaphat's "cried out" signifies a fervent, urgent, and unreserved appeal to God in a moment of extreme distress, which immediately elicits a divine response. This highlights God's attentiveness and responsiveness to the cries of His people, a recurring motif throughout Scripture, echoing sentiments found in passages like [Psalm 18:6](/psalms/18-6 "Psalm 18:6 - The Lord Hears My Cry"). Finally, the narrative reinforces the **sovereignty of God** over human affairs and even the intentions of enemies, as "God moved them to depart from him," demonstrating His ultimate control over outcomes and His ability to orchestrate events for the preservation of His purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cried out (Hebrew, _zâʻaq'_):** This verb (H2199) signifies a loud, urgent, and often desperate cry for help, typically uttered in a situation of distress, oppression, or imminent danger. It is not a casual call but an impassioned plea, reflecting a deep sense of need and reliance on a higher power. In this context, it underscores Jehoshaphat's immediate and fervent appeal to the Lord in the face of imminent death, highlighting his faith even amidst his perilous circumstances and the efficacy of a desperate prayer.
* **Helped (Hebrew, _ʻâzar'_):** The Hebrew verb (H5826) means "to surround," "to protect," or "to aid." When used in relation to God, it often implies a powerful, miraculous, and decisive act of salvation from danger or oppression. Here, "the LORD helped him" indicates a direct, active, and effective intervention by God to rescue Jehoshaphat from the overwhelming Syrian forces, demonstrating divine power, faithfulness, and the immediate response to his cry.
* **Moved (Hebrew, _çûwth'_):** The verb (H5496) means "to prick," "to stimulate," or "to turn aside" (figuratively, "to seduce" or "incite"). In this context, "God moved them to depart from him" indicates that God supernaturally influenced or redirected the Syrian captains' intentions or actions. It implies a divine manipulation of circumstances or even the hearts and minds of the enemies, causing them to abandon their pursuit of Jehoshaphat, thus ensuring his miraculous escape and demonstrating God's sovereign control.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, It [is] the king of Israel."**: This opening clause establishes the critical moment of mistaken identity. The elite Syrian chariot commanders, under explicit orders to target King Ahab, visually identified Jehoshaphat, who was clothed in his royal attire, and erroneously concluded that he was their primary objective, the king of Israel. This misidentification immediately placed Jehoshaphat in extreme and unexpected danger, setting the stage for the dramatic rescue.
* **"Therefore they compassed about him to fight:"**: As a direct and logical consequence of their mistaken identification, the formidable Syrian chariot forces immediately encircled Jehoshaphat. The verb "compassed about" (H5437, _çâbab'_) conveys the sense of being surrounded on all sides, indicating a concentrated and overwhelming attack. This highlights the dire nature of his predicament—he was cornered and facing certain death from a superior and determined enemy.
* **"but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him;"**: In this moment of ultimate peril, Jehoshaphat's response was not to fight or flee by his own strength, but to desperately appeal to the Lord. His "cried out" (H2199, _zâʻaq'_) signifies a fervent, urgent, and unreserved prayer. The immediate divine response, "the LORD helped him" (H5826, _ʻâzar'_), demonstrates God's attentiveness and miraculous intervention for His faithful, even when they are in self-inflicted trouble. This help was a direct, supernatural act of deliverance.
* **"and God moved them [to depart] from him."**: This final clause reveals the specific and miraculous nature of God's help. It was not merely a general assistance but a direct, sovereign act where God supernaturally influenced the Syrian captains. He "moved" (H5496, _çûwth'_) or diverted their attention and intent, causing them to abandon their pursuit of Jehoshaphat. This highlights God's absolute control over human will and circumstances, turning the hearts of enemies to deliver His servant and fulfill His purposes.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in [2 Chronicles 18:31](/2_chronicles/18-31 "2 Chronicles 18:31 - Jehoshaphat's Miraculous Deliverance") masterfully employs several literary devices to heighten its dramatic impact and theological message. **Irony** is profoundly present, as Jehoshaphat, who wore his royal robes, was mistaken for Ahab, who disguised himself, leading to the very danger Ahab sought to avoid. This reversal of expectations underscores the unpredictability of battle and the hand of divine providence. **Suspense** is meticulously built through the rapid sequence of events: the captains' recognition, the immediate encirclement, and the imminent threat of death, culminating in Jehoshaphat's desperate cry. The phrase "cried out" functions as a powerful **climax**, representing the turning point from human despair to divine intervention. The explicit mention of "the LORD helped him; and God moved them" is a clear example of **divine intervention** or **deus ex machina**, where God directly and supernaturally alters the course of events. This emphasizes God's active role in human history and His unwavering faithfulness to those who call upon Him. Furthermore, the entire episode serves as a powerful **illustration** of the consequences of unholy alliances and, more importantly, the redemptive power of God's grace and His sovereign control over all circumstances.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The divine deliverance of Jehoshaphat in [2 Chronicles 18:31](/2_chronicles/18-31 "2 Chronicles 18:31 - God's Deliverance of Jehoshaphat"), despite his perilous alliance with the wicked King Ahab, serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and sovereign protection over His people. It illustrates that while human sin and folly—such as Jehoshaphat's ill-advised political and military entanglement—can lead to grave consequences, God's mercy and grace can still prevail when His children turn to Him in desperate prayer. This event underscores the profound theological principle that God's covenant promises are often upheld not because of human perfection or flawless obedience, but because of His own immutable character, His steadfast love, and His commitment to His chosen ones. It also highlights the profound efficacy of prayer, demonstrating that a sincere, urgent cry for help, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds and self-inflicted trouble, can activate divine intervention, turning certain defeat into miraculous deliverance. The narrative thus reinforces God's ultimate control over all circumstances, including the intentions and actions of enemies, showcasing His ability to orchestrate events for the preservation of His purposes and His people.

* [Psalm 34:17](/psalms/34-17 "Psalm 34:17 - The Righteous Cry Out and the Lord Hears Them")
* [Psalm 121:7-8](/psalms/121-7-8 "Psalm 121:7-8 - The Lord Will Keep You from All Harm")
* [Jeremiah 33:3](/jeremiah/33-3 "Jeremiah 33:3 - Call to Me and I Will Answer You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The gripping account of Jehoshaphat's near-death experience and miraculous deliverance offers profound and timeless lessons for believers today. It serves as a stark reminder that even those who generally walk faithfully with God can make grave errors in judgment, leading them into dangerous and potentially self-inflicted predicaments. Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahab was a direct disobedience to God's principles and a compromise of his spiritual integrity, yet in his moment of ultimate despair, his desperate cry to the Lord was met with immediate and supernatural divine intervention. This teaches us that God's grace is vast enough to encompass our failures, and His mercy is profoundly available even when we find ourselves in trouble due to our own poor choices, provided we turn to Him in humility, repentance, and genuine dependence. The narrative powerfully underscores the vital importance of prayer, particularly in moments of crisis. When all human options are exhausted, and we face overwhelming opposition or seemingly insurmountable challenges, a sincere, heartfelt cry to God can unleash His supernatural power to deliver, protect, and redirect circumstances beyond our comprehension. This account calls us to cultivate a deep and abiding reliance on God, to diligently seek His wisdom in all our decisions, especially regarding our associations and alliances, and to never underestimate the transformative power of a desperate prayer offered from a humble heart.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to form "unwise alliances" or make compromising decisions that could lead to spiritual or practical peril?**
* **How often do I genuinely "cry out" to the Lord in moments of distress, rather than relying on my own strength, seeking human solutions first, or succumbing to despair?**
* **What does Jehoshaphat's miraculous deliverance teach me about God's character, particularly His boundless mercy, unwavering faithfulness, and absolute sovereignty, even when I have made significant mistakes?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sense of dependence on God's protection, guidance, and intervention in my daily life, trusting Him even in the face of my own past errors?**

### FAQ
**Question? Was Jehoshaphat's cry to God an act of genuine faith, or merely a desperate reaction to fear?**

Answer: While the immediate context is undeniably one of extreme fear and desperation in the face of imminent death, Jehoshaphat's cry was undoubtedly an act rooted in genuine faith. Throughout the Books of Chronicles, Jehoshaphat is consistently portrayed as a king who "sought the LORD with all his heart" ([2 Chronicles 22:9](/2_chronicles/22-9 "2 Chronicles 22:9 - Jehoshaphat's Piety")) and whose heart was "devoted to the ways of the LORD" ([2 Chronicles 17:6](/2_chronicles/17-6 "2 Chronicles 17:6 - Jehoshaphat's Devotion to the Lord")). His previous actions, such as sending Levites and priests to teach the Law throughout Judah ([2 Chronicles 17:7-9](/2_chronicles/17-7-9 "2 Chronicles 17:7-9 - Jehoshaphat's Reforms and Teaching of the Law")) and leading the people in fervent prayer during a national crisis, acknowledging God's sovereignty and their utter dependence on Him ([2 Chronicles 20:5-12](/2_chronicles/20-5-12 "2 Chronicles 20:5-12 - Jehoshaphat's Prayer in Crisis")), demonstrate a consistent pattern of seeking God in times of need. Therefore, his cry in [2 Chronicles 18:31](/2_chronicles/18-31 "2 Chronicles 18:31 - Jehoshaphat's Desperate Cry") was not an isolated act of panic but a natural, ingrained outpouring of a heart accustomed to trusting and calling upon the Lord, even when his own judgment had led him into peril. It was a desperate cry, but one born of a life of established faith and reliance on God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miraculous deliverance of Jehoshaphat in [2 Chronicles 18:31](/2_chronicles/18-31 "2 Chronicles 18:31 - God's Deliverance of Jehoshaphat") serves as a profound foreshadowing of the ultimate and perfect deliverance found in Jesus Christ. Jehoshaphat, despite his generally righteous character, found himself in a life-threatening situation due to his own flawed judgment and an unholy alliance with an idolatrous king. His desperate cry for help was met with a sovereign, supernatural intervention that saved him from physical death. This narrative points forward to Christ, who is our ultimate deliverer, not merely from physical enemies or temporary peril, but from the spiritual enemies of sin, death, and the devil. Unlike Jehoshaphat, whose deliverance was a temporary reprieve from a self-inflicted wound, Jesus's rescue is eternal, complete, and freely offered to all who believe. He is the true King, who, though not mistaken for another, willingly took on the form of a servant and bore the full wrath of God on the cross, becoming the ultimate target for our sins ([Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5-6 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - Christ's Suffering and Atonement")). Through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, Jesus decisively "moved" the power of sin and death to depart from us, securing our eternal salvation and freedom. When we, in our spiritual peril, "cry out" to Him in faith, acknowledging our desperate need for salvation, He hears us and delivers us from the spiritual bondage and condemnation that none of us can escape on our own ([Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9-10 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confession and Belief for Salvation")). Thus, Jehoshaphat's rescue stands as a beautiful, albeit partial, picture of the greater salvation wrought by the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering eternal life and true freedom to all who believe.

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 Chronicles 13:14

And when Judah looked back, behold, the battle [was] before and behind: and they cried unto the LORD, and the priests sounded with the trumpets.

Psalms 118:13

Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me.

Psalms 94:17

Unless the LORD [had been] my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence.

Psalms 116:1

¶ I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice [and] my supplications.

Psalms 116:2

Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon [him] as long as I live.

2 Corinthians 1:9

But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:

2 Corinthians 1:10

Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver [us];