What number verse is 2 Chronicles 20:31 in the Bible?

2 Chronicles 20:31 is the 11,619th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — 2 Chronicles 20:31 sits at position 11,619.

20:3020:30 20:3220:32

2 Chronicles 20:31

“Summary of Jehoshaphat’s Later Reign”· 2 Chronicles 20:31–37Read in context

King James Version

¶ And Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah: he was thirty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi.

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KJV (with Strong's)

And Jehoshaphat ^H3092 reigned ^H4427 over Judah ^H3063: he was thirty ^H7970 and five ^H2568 years ^H8141 old ^H1121 when he began to reign ^H4427, and he reigned ^H4427 twenty ^H6242 and five ^H2568 years ^H8141 in Jerusalem ^H3389. And his mother's ^H517 name ^H8034 was Azubah ^H5806 the daughter ^H1323 of Shilhi ^H7977.

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Complete Jewish Bible

Y'hoshafat ruled over Y'hudah; he was thirty-five years old when he began his reign, and he ruled twenty-five years in Yerushalayim. His mother's name was 'Azuvah the daughter of Shilchi.

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Berean Standard Bible

So Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah. He was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-five years. His mother’s name was Azubah daughter of Shilhi.

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American Standard Version

And Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah: he was thirty and five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned twenty and five years in Jerusalem: and his mother’s name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi.

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World English Bible Messianic

Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah: he was thirty-five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned twenty-five years in Jerusalem: and his mother’s name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

And Iehoshaphat reigned ouer Iudah, and was fiue and thirtie yeere olde, when he began to reigne: and reigned fiue and twentie yeere in Ierusalem, and his mothers name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi.

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Young's Literal Translation

And Jehoshaphat reigneth over Judah, a son of thirty and five years in his reigning, and twenty and five years he hath reigned in Jerusalem, and the name of his mother is Azubah daughter of Shilhi.

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Translation

Study this verse

Summary

Second Chronicles 20:31 provides the standard biographical summary for King Jehoshaphat of Judah, marking the chronological parameters of his reign. Following the dramatic account of divine deliverance in the preceding verses, this verse serves as a crucial historical marker, detailing his age at ascension (thirty-five), the duration of his rule (twenty-five years) from Jerusalem, and identifying his mother, Azubah the daughter of Shilhi. This meticulous record underscores the Chronicler's commitment to historical precision and the divine ordering of human leadership within the Davidic lineage.

Context

Literary Context

This verse appears immediately after the climactic narrative of Judah's miraculous victory over the Moabite, Ammonite, and Edomite confederacy, as detailed in 2 Chronicles 20:1-30. The preceding account highlights Jehoshaphat's exemplary faith in seeking God's help through prayer and fasting, and God's subsequent intervention without the need for Judah to fight. The shift from this intense narrative of divine action to a concise biographical summary in 2 Chronicles 20:31 is characteristic of the Chronicler's writing style, often interspersing detailed events with regnal formulas. This verse functions as a transition, concluding the specific account of the war and setting the stage for a broader overview of Jehoshaphat's remaining reign and eventual death, which follows in 2 Chronicles 21:1. It links back to the initial introduction of Jehoshaphat's reign in 2 Chronicles 17 and parallels the account found in 1 Kings 22:41-42.

Historical & Cultural Context

Jehoshaphat reigned over the Southern Kingdom of Judah during a period of significant political and religious flux in the ancient Near East, roughly from 870-848 BC. As a king of Judah, he was a direct descendant of King David, a lineage of immense importance due to God's eternal covenant with David's house, as seen in 2 Samuel 7:12-16. The mention of his age at ascension and the length of his reign was a standard practice in ancient Near Eastern royal annals, providing a precise chronological framework for historical events. The specific mention of his mother's name, Azubah the daughter of Shilhi, is also a common feature in the biblical accounts of Judahite kings, though less so for Israelite kings. This detail served not only as a genealogical marker but also potentially indicated the legitimacy of the king's claim to the throne and sometimes even the influence of the queen mother in the royal court. Jerusalem, explicitly named as his capital, was the spiritual and political heart of Judah, housing the Temple and serving as the seat of the Davidic dynasty.

Key Themes

This verse, while seemingly a simple historical record, contributes to several overarching themes in Chronicles. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of Divine Sovereignty and Order, demonstrating God's meticulous oversight of history and the succession of kings, even down to specific dates and familial details. This divine ordering is evident throughout the Chronicler's narrative, emphasizing God's active involvement in the affairs of His people. Secondly, it highlights the Continuity of the Davidic Line, emphasizing Jehoshaphat's legitimate place within the covenant lineage that ultimately points to the Messiah. The Chronicler's focus on Judah, in contrast to the Northern Kingdom of Israel, consistently underscores the preservation of the Davidic dynasty as the rightful bearers of God's promises, as introduced in 1 Chronicles 17:11-14. Thirdly, the detail reflects the Importance of the Historical Record itself, emphasizing the reliability and factual basis of the biblical narrative. Finally, by placing this summary after a major spiritual victory, it subtly suggests that a king's reign is not merely a sequence of events but a period under God's watchful eye, where faithfulness (as seen in 2 Chronicles 20:1-30) is rewarded with stability and longevity, even if imperfections remain, as noted in 2 Chronicles 19:2.

Exposition and Analysis

Key Word Analysis

Reigned mâlak' H4427

This verb (H4427) signifies the exercise of royal authority, indicating that Jehoshaphat held the full power and responsibility of a monarch. Inceptively, it means "to ascend the throne," and causatively, "to induct into royalty." In the context of the Davidic covenant, "reigning" for a king of Judah carried the weight of representing God's rule over His people, demanding adherence to the Law and upholding justice. The Chronicler often evaluates kings based on their faithfulness during their reign, making this term central to their assessment.

Judah Yᵉhûwdâh' H3063

This term (H3063) refers to the Southern Kingdom, comprising primarily the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, which remained loyal to the Davidic dynasty and the Jerusalem Temple after the division of the united monarchy. Derived from a root meaning "celebrated," Judah is the focus of the Chronicler's narrative, emphasizing its spiritual heritage and the continuity of the Davidic line, distinguishing it from the often apostate Northern Kingdom of Israel.

Mother ʼêm' H517

This primitive word (H517) denotes a mother as the "bond of the family," used in a wide sense both literally and figuratively. The inclusion of the mother's name, Azubah, is a distinctive feature for Judahite kings, providing a crucial genealogical marker and often indicating the queen mother's significant status and potential influence within the royal court. This detail underscores the importance of lineage and familial connections in establishing royal legitimacy.

Verse Breakdown

"And Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah:"

This opening clause immediately establishes the subject and the scope of his rule. It confirms his legitimate ascension to the throne of the Southern Kingdom, indicating the continuation of the Davidic dynasty following his father Asa's reign. This foundational statement sets the stage for the biographical details that follow, rooting Jehoshaphat's kingship firmly within the divinely appointed lineage.

"[he was] thirty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty and five years in Jerusalem."

This provides the precise chronological details of Jehoshaphat's rule. His age at ascension (35) and the duration of his reign (25 years) are standard regnal formulas, offering historical anchors for his time as king. The specification "in Jerusalem" reinforces the centralized nature of his authority and the city's role as the perpetual capital of the Davidic kingdom and the spiritual center of Judah. These numerical details highlight the Chronicler's commitment to historical accuracy and the orderly progression of divine plans.

"And his mother's name [was] Azubah the daughter of Shilhi."

The inclusion of the queen mother's name is a consistent feature in the accounts of Judahite kings, providing a genealogical marker and often implying her status or influence within the royal court. This detail further grounds Jehoshaphat's identity within his family lineage, connecting him to the broader historical and genealogical records of Judah, and underscoring the importance of the maternal line in the Davidic succession.

Literary Devices

The Chronicler employs several literary devices in 2 Chronicles 20:31. Primarily, it functions as a Historical Register, meticulously recording factual data such as age, reign length, and maternal lineage, which is characteristic of ancient Near Eastern historiography and biblical narrative. This precision lends an air of authenticity and reliability to the account, affirming the Chronicler's commitment to factual reporting. Furthermore, the mention of Azubah, daughter of Shilhi, serves as a Genealogical Record, emphasizing the importance of lineage and the continuity of the Davidic covenant through specific family lines. This detail is not merely incidental but reinforces the legitimate succession within the divinely chosen dynasty. Finally, positioned immediately after the dramatic narrative of chapter 20, the verse acts as a Summary and Transition. It provides a concise summary of Jehoshaphat's overall reign parameters, effectively transitioning the reader from the specific, climactic events of the war to the broader context of his kingship, before moving on to his death and the succession of his son in the subsequent chapter.

Theological and Thematic Connections

While seemingly a mere historical footnote, 2 Chronicles 20:31 subtly reinforces profound theological truths. It speaks to God's meticulous oversight of human history and His sovereign appointment of leaders. The precise details of Jehoshaphat's reign, like those of other kings, underscore that no ruler comes to power outside of God's divine plan, even if their actions are their own. This verse, therefore, contributes to the overarching biblical theme of God's providential control, ensuring the unfolding of His redemptive purposes through the rise and fall of nations and leaders. It also highlights the Chronicler's emphasis on the Davidic line as the chosen lineage through which God's covenant promises, particularly the promise of an eternal kingdom, would be fulfilled.

Daniel 2:21 Psalm 75:6-7 Romans 13:1

Reflection and Application

The seemingly mundane details of a king's reign – his age, the duration of his rule, and even his mother's name – hold significant value for contemporary reflection. This verse reminds us that God is intimately involved in the details of history, orchestrating the times and seasons, and raising up leaders according to His sovereign will. It encourages us to look for God's hand not only in dramatic interventions but also in the steady, chronological unfolding of events. For believers, this instills confidence that God is at work in our world, even in the seemingly ordinary or bureaucratic aspects of life. It also prompts us to consider our own "reign" – the time and influence God has given us. What legacy are we building? Are we faithfully stewarding the years, talents, and relationships entrusted to us, recognizing that our lives, too, are part of God's grand narrative? We are called to live with intentionality, knowing that our days are numbered and purposed by a sovereign God.

Questions for Reflection

How does the Chronicler's attention to historical detail in this verse strengthen your trust in the reliability and divine inspiration of Scripture?
In what ways can recognizing God's sovereignty over historical timelines and the appointment of leadership influence your perspective on current events and political landscapes?
What "reign" or sphere of influence has God given you (e.g., family, workplace, community), and how can you steward it faithfully in light of His overarching plan and your limited time?

FAQ

Why is the mother's name mentioned for kings of Judah, but less often for kings of Israel?

The consistent mention of the queen mother's name for Judahite kings (like Azubah in 2 Chronicles 20:31) is a distinctive feature of the biblical record. This practice likely served several purposes. Firstly, it provided a more complete genealogical record, which was crucial for establishing the legitimacy of the king within the Davidic dynasty, a lineage central to God's covenant promises (see 2 Samuel 7). Secondly, the queen mother often held a significant and influential position in the royal court of Judah, sometimes even serving as a regent or advisor, as seen with Bathsheba's influence over Solomon in 1 Kings 2:19. Her identity was therefore important for understanding the political and social dynamics of the reign. In contrast, the Northern Kingdom of Israel experienced frequent dynastic changes and lacked the stable, divinely ordained Davidic lineage, which may explain why their queen mothers are less consistently named in the biblical accounts, as their lineage was not tied to a perpetual covenant.

Christ-Centered Fulfillment

While 2 Chronicles 20:31 is a historical record of an earthly king, it contributes to the grand narrative that ultimately culminates in Christ. Jehoshaphat, as a king of Judah, was part of the unbroken Davidic line, the very lineage through which God promised an eternal kingdom and a righteous ruler, as prophesied in 2 Samuel 7:12-16. The Chronicler's meticulous attention to the details of Judah's kings, their reigns, and their adherence to God's law, serves to highlight the ongoing preservation of this messianic line. Every king, whether righteous like Jehoshaphat or unfaithful, points to the need for the perfect King. Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic covenant, the one who truly "reigns" not just for a limited time but eternally, as declared in Luke 1:32-33. His kingdom is not confined to Jerusalem but extends over all creation, as proclaimed in Revelation 11:15. Moreover, His "mother's name" (Mary, mentioned in Luke 1:27) is also recorded, grounding His humanity in a specific lineage, yet His origin is divine. Thus, Jehoshaphat's reign, like all Old Testament kings, serves as a shadow and a signpost, directing our gaze towards the sovereign, eternal, and perfectly righteous King, Jesus, who perfectly fulfills all the hopes and promises associated with the throne of David, as Peter powerfully preaches in Acts 2:30-36.

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Public-domain commentary

Matthew Henry

From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 2 Chronicles 20:31–37.

1662–1714 · 7 verses

Passage under comment2 Chronicles 20:31–37

31¶ And Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah: he was thirty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi.

32And he walked in the way of Asa his father, and departed not from it, doing that which was right in the sight of the LORD.

33Howbeit the high places were not taken away: for as yet the people had not prepared their hearts unto the God of their fathers.

34Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of Jehu the son of Hanani, who is mentioned in the book of the kings of Israel.

35And after this did Jehoshaphat king of Judah join himself with Ahaziah king of Israel, who did very wickedly:

36And he joined himself with him to make ships to go to Tarshish: and they made the ships in Eziongeber.

37Then 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.

We are now drawing towards the close of the history of Jehoshaphat's reign, for a further account of which those who lived when this book was published were referred to an authentic history of it, written by Jehu the prophet (Ch2 19:2), which was then extant, Ch2 20:34. This was the general character of his reign, that he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, kept close to the worship of God himself and did what he could to keep his people close to it. But two things are here to be lamented: - 1. The people still retained a partiality for the high places, Ch2 20:33. Those that were erected to the honour of strange gods were taken away (Ch2 17:6); but those where the true God was worshipped, being less culpable, were thought allowable, and Jehoshaphat was loth to disoblige the people so far as to take them away, for as yet they had not prepared their hearts to serve the God of their fathers. They complied with Jehoshaphat's reformation because they could not for shame do otherwise, but they were not hearty in it, did not direct their hearts to God in it, did not act in it from any good principle nor with any zeal or resolution: and the best magistrates cannot bring to pass what they would, in reformation, when the people are cool in it. 2. Jehoshaphat himself still retained a partiality for the house of Ahab, because he had married his son to a daughter of that family, though he had been plainly reproved for it and had like to have smarted for it. He saw and knew that Ahaziah, the son of Ahab, did very wickedly, and therefore could not expect to prosper; yet he joined himself with him, not in war, as with his father, but in trade, became his partner in an East India fleet bound for Ophir, Ch2 20:35, Ch2 20:36. There is an emphasis laid upon the time - after this, after God had done such great things for him, without any such scandalous and pernicious confederacies, given him not only victory, but wealth, yet after this to go and join himself with a wicked king was very ungrateful. After God had given him such a deliverance as this should he again break God's commandments, and join in affinity with the people of these abominations? What could he expect but that God should be angry with him? Ezr 9:13, Ezr 9:14. Yet he sends to him, to show him his error and bring him to repentance, (1.) By a prophet, who foretold the blasting of his project, Ch2 20:37. And, (2.) By a storm, which broke the ships in the port before they set sail, by which he was warned to break off his alliance with Ahaziah; and it seems he took the warning, for, when Ahaziah afterwards pressed him to join with him, he would not, Kg1 22:49. See how pernicious a thing it is to join in friendship and society with evil-doers. It is a hard matter to break off from it. A man may much better keep himself from being taken in the snare than recover himself out of it.

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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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