2 Chronicles 18:4

KJV

¶ And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Enquire, I pray thee, at the word of the LORD to day.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jehoshaphat {H3092} said {H559} unto the king {H4428} of Israel {H3478}, Enquire {H1875}, I pray thee, at the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} to day {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But Y'hoshafat said to the king of Isra'el, "First, we should seek the word of ADONAI."

Berean Standard Bible

But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “Please inquire first for the word of the LORD.”

American Standard Version

And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Inquire first, I pray thee, for the word of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Chronicles 18:4, King Jehoshaphat of Judah, despite having entered into a compromising alliance with the notoriously wicked King Ahab of Israel, demonstrates his unwavering piety and spiritual discernment by insisting that Ahab "enquire... at the word of the LORD" before engaging in a military campaign against Ramoth-gilead. This pivotal request highlights Jehoshaphat's deep conviction that divine counsel is paramount for all significant undertakings, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation between true and false prophecy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the establishment of a troubling alliance between Jehoshaphat and Ahab. [2 Chronicles 18:1](/2_chronicles/18-1 "2 Chronicles 18:1 - Jehoshaphat's Alliance with Ahab") records Jehoshaphat's visit to Ahab in Samaria, a visit sealed by a marriage alliance between their families. Ahab, eager to reclaim Ramoth-gilead from the Syrians, proposes that Jehoshaphat join him in battle ([2 Chronicles 18:3](/2_chronicles/18-3 "2 Chronicles 18:3 - Ahab's Proposal to Jehoshaphat")). Jehoshaphat's response in verse 4, "Enquire, I pray thee, at the word of the LORD to day," serves as a crucial narrative pivot. It introduces the theme of divine guidance and sets the stage for the dramatic prophetic confrontation that dominates the remainder of [2 Chronicles 18](/2_chronicles/18 "2 Chronicles 18 - Micaiah Prophesies Against Ahab"), contrasting Ahab's reliance on flattering false prophets with Jehoshaphat's desire for genuine divine revelation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the divided monarchy saw frequent conflicts between Judah and Israel, but also occasional alliances, often sealed by dynastic marriages, as seen here. Ramoth-gilead was a strategically vital city in Transjordan, frequently contested between Israel and Aram (Syria). Consulting prophets or diviners before battle was a common practice in the ancient Near East, reflecting the belief that success in war depended on divine favor. However, the nature of "the word of the LORD" in Israel was unique, emphasizing the authoritative, revealed will of Yahweh through His chosen prophets, distinct from pagan divination. Jehoshaphat's request underscores the expectation that a king, especially one who feared Yahweh, would seek legitimate divine counsel, even if his ally was known for idolatry and disregard for God's law, as was Ahab (see [1 Kings 16:30-33](/1_kings/16-30 "1 Kings 16:30-33 - Ahab's Wickedness")).
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme is the **imperative of seeking divine guidance** before making critical decisions, particularly those with life-or-death implications like warfare. Jehoshaphat's insistence highlights his personal commitment to the Lord, even when his political alliances were problematic, showcasing **spiritual discernment amidst compromise**. This verse also subtly introduces the theme of **true versus false prophecy**, as Ahab's immediate recourse is to his 400 court prophets, who predictably offer favorable but ultimately deceptive counsel, contrasting sharply with the lone, unpopular, but truthful word of Micaiah ([2 Chronicles 18:7-27](/2_chronicles/18-7 "2 Chronicles 18:7-27 - Micaiah's Prophecy")). Furthermore, it underscores the **ultimate authority of God's word** over human plans and desires, a principle that Jehoshaphat consistently upheld, despite his occasional missteps.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Enquire (Hebrew, _dārash'_):** This verb (דרש) signifies a diligent, earnest, and often spiritual seeking, consulting, or searching. It implies a thorough investigation or a serious request for divine revelation, not a casual inquiry. When applied to God's word, it suggests a profound desire to understand and align with His will, often through prophetic consultation, prayer, or studying the Law. Jehoshaphat's use of _dārash_ here indicates his deep-seated conviction that the matter at hand—a military campaign—demanded nothing less than God's explicit approval.
* **word of the LORD (Hebrew, _davar Yahweh'_):** This phrase (דבר יהוה) refers to the authoritative, revealed will or message of God. It is not merely human opinion or a general sense of divine presence, but a specific, communicated instruction or prophecy from Yahweh Himself. Jehoshaphat's insistence on "the word of the LORD" demonstrates his understanding that true guidance comes directly from God, as opposed to human wisdom, political expediency, or the pronouncements of false prophets. This phrase carries immense weight, signifying ultimate truth and authority.
* **to day (Hebrew, _hayyom'_):** The inclusion of this adverb (היום) emphasizes the urgency and immediacy of the request. Jehoshaphat is not suggesting a future, leisurely consultation, but an immediate seeking of God's will before any further action is taken. This highlights his spiritual priority: divine guidance must precede human action, especially in matters of such grave consequence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel":** This opening clause establishes the speaker, Jehoshaphat, and the recipient, Ahab. It highlights Jehoshaphat's initiative in the conversation, demonstrating his leadership and spiritual conviction even within the context of a potentially compromising alliance. It shows that he is not a passive participant but one who actively seeks to honor God.
* **"Enquire, I pray thee, at the word of the LORD":** This is the core of Jehoshaphat's request. It is a polite but firm demand for Ahab to consult Yahweh, the God of Israel, for guidance. The phrase "I pray thee" (נָא, _na'_) adds a sense of earnestness and urgency to the request, underscoring its importance to Jehoshaphat. He is not merely suggesting, but imploring Ahab to seek the divine will as the foundational step before any military engagement.
* **"to day":** This final phrase emphasizes the immediate necessity of seeking God's word. It signifies that the decision to go to war, or any significant undertaking, should not proceed without current and direct divine approval. It underscores Jehoshaphat's spiritual discipline and his recognition that God's counsel is not a formality but an essential prerequisite for righteous action and success.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. **Contrast** is evident between Jehoshaphat's piety and Ahab's typical disregard for divine counsel, immediately setting up a tension that will unfold throughout the chapter. Jehoshaphat, the righteous king, is the one who insists on seeking God, while Ahab, the wicked king, is compelled to comply. This request also serves as a strong **foreshadowing** device. By demanding "the word of the LORD," Jehoshaphat unwittingly sets the stage for the dramatic confrontation between the 400 false prophets and the lone, true prophet Micaiah, whose unpopular but accurate prophecy will expose the deception and ultimately lead to Ahab's demise. There is also a subtle **irony** in the situation: Jehoshaphat, who has compromised his spiritual purity by allying with Ahab, is paradoxically the one who upholds the spiritual standard, revealing his underlying devotion to Yahweh despite his poor judgment in alliances.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully underscores the biblical imperative to seek God's guidance in all major decisions, especially those with significant consequences. Jehoshaphat's insistence on hearing "the word of the LORD" before engaging in battle reflects a foundational principle of wisdom literature and prophetic teaching: true success and security come from aligning human plans with divine will. It highlights that even in compromised situations, a genuine heart for God will instinctively turn to Him for direction. The narrative implicitly warns against the dangers of relying on human wisdom or popular opinion, especially when it contradicts God's revealed truth, foreshadowing the tragic outcome of Ahab's disregard for Micaiah's prophecy. This principle remains timeless, reminding believers that proactive and diligent inquiry into God's will is not optional but essential for navigating life's complexities and avoiding pitfalls.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Asking God for Wisdom")
* [Psalm 1:1](/psalms/1-1 "Psalm 1:1 - The Blessed Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jehoshaphat's request in 2 Chronicles 18:4 serves as a profound model for believers today, urging us to prioritize divine counsel above all else. In a world that often pressures us to make swift decisions based on expediency, financial gain, or social approval, Jehoshaphat reminds us that the most crucial step before any significant undertaking—be it a career change, a major investment, a new relationship, or a difficult ethical choice—is to diligently "enquire at the word of the LORD." This involves consistent prayer, deep engagement with Scripture to discern God's revealed principles, and seeking wise counsel from mature, godly individuals who can speak truth into our lives. It challenges us to cultivate a posture of humility and dependence, recognizing that our wisdom is limited, but God's is infinite and unfailing. Furthermore, while Jehoshaphat's piety is commendable, his initial alliance with Ahab serves as a cautionary tale: even good intentions cannot sanctify unholy partnerships. We must carefully consider the company we keep and the alliances we form, ensuring they do not compromise our commitment to God or make it harder to hear and obey His voice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What major decisions are you currently facing, and how diligently are you seeking God's "word" concerning them?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to rely on human wisdom or expediency rather than divine guidance?**
* **How does your daily routine reflect a commitment to "enquire at the word of the LORD to day"?**
* **Are there any alliances or relationships in your life that might be compromising your ability to hear and obey God's voice clearly?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jehoshaphat ally with Ahab in the first place, given Ahab's wickedness?**

Answer: The text in [2 Chronicles 18:1](/2_chronicles/18-1 "2 Chronicles 18:1 - Jehoshaphat's Alliance with Ahab") states that Jehoshaphat "had riches and honour in abundance; and joined affinity with Ahab." This alliance was likely a political maneuver, possibly aimed at strengthening Judah's position against common enemies or securing trade routes. Dynastic marriages were common ways to seal such treaties. While Jehoshaphat was generally a righteous king, this alliance with Ahab, a notoriously wicked and idolatrous king of Israel, was a significant spiritual compromise. The prophet Jehu later rebuked Jehoshaphat for this very reason, asking, "Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD?" ([2 Chronicles 19:2](/2_chronicles/19-2 "2 Chronicles 19:2 - Jehu Rebukes Jehoshaphat")). Despite this compromise, Jehoshaphat's request in 2 Chronicles 18:4 demonstrates his underlying devotion to Yahweh.

**What does "enquire at the word of the LORD" mean practically for us today?**

Answer: For believers today, "enquiring at the word of the LORD" involves several practices. First, it means **prayer**, diligently seeking God's wisdom and guidance through direct communication with Him ([Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Do Not Be Anxious")). Second, it means **immersing ourselves in Scripture**, as the Bible is God's revealed Word, providing principles, commands, and narratives that illuminate His will ([2 Timothy 3:16-17](/2_timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is God-Breathed")). Third, it involves **seeking godly counsel** from mature believers who are grounded in the Word and led by the Spirit ([Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - Wisdom in Many Counselors")). Finally, it means **listening to the Holy Spirit's leading**, as He guides us into all truth and applies God's Word to our specific situations ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth Guides")).

**How did Ahab respond to Jehoshaphat's request to "enquire... at the word of the LORD"?**

Answer: Ahab initially complied with Jehoshaphat's request, but his response revealed his true spiritual state. He gathered 400 of his own prophets, who were likely court prophets serving Baal or syncretistic Yahwism, and they all prophesied favorably, encouraging the kings to go up to Ramoth-gilead ([2 Chronicles 18:5](/2_chronicles/18-5 "2 Chronicles 18:5 - Ahab's 400 Prophets")). However, Jehoshaphat, discerning the lack of genuine divine authority, pressed further, asking, "Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might enquire of him?" ([2 Chronicles 18:6](/2_chronicles/18-6 "2 Chronicles 18:6 - Jehoshaphat Seeks a True Prophet")). This led to the summoning of Micaiah, the true prophet of Yahweh, who delivered an unpopular but accurate prophecy of doom for Ahab ([2 Chronicles 18:7-27](/2_chronicles/18-7 "2 Chronicles 18:7-27 - Micaiah's Prophecy Against Ahab")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jehoshaphat's earnest plea to "enquire... at the word of the LORD" finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, God spoke "at sundry times and in divers manners by the prophets" ([Hebrews 1:1](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1 - God Spoke Through Prophets")), but in the New Testament, "He hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son" ([Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - God Spoke Through His Son")). Jesus is the living Word of God, the full and final revelation of God's will and character ([John 1:1-14](/john/1-1 "John 1:1-14 - The Word Became Flesh")). To "enquire at the word of the LORD" now means to turn to Christ, for "in Him are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Treasures of Wisdom in Christ")). He is the truth and the way, and no one comes to the Father except through Him ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). The Holy Spirit, whom Christ sent, continues to guide believers into all truth, illuminating the Scriptures and applying Christ's wisdom to our lives, ensuring that we are always walking in the light of God's revealed will ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth Guides")). Thus, Jehoshaphat's desire for divine counsel is perfectly met and surpassed in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is our ultimate source of guidance, wisdom, and life.

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

Jeremiah 21:2

Enquire, I pray thee, of the LORD for us; for Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon maketh war against us; if so be that the LORD will deal with us according to all his wondrous works, that he may go up from us.

1 Samuel 23:4

Then David enquired of the LORD yet again. And the LORD answered him and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into thine hand.

2 Samuel 5:19

And David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand.

1 Samuel 23:2

Therefore David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the LORD said unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah.

1 Samuel 23:9

And David knew that Saul secretly practised mischief against him; and he said to Abiathar the priest, Bring hither the ephod.

1 Samuel 23:12

Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? And the LORD said, They will deliver [thee] up.

2 Samuel 5:23

And when David enquired of the LORD, he said, Thou shalt not go up; [but] fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.