2 Chronicles 20:35

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And after {H310} this did Jehoshaphat {H3092} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063} join {H2266} himself with Ahaziah {H274} king {H4428} of Israel {H3478}, who did {H6213} very wickedly {H7561}:

Complete Jewish Bible

It was after this that Y'hoshafat joined up with Achazyah king of Isra'el, who was acting very wickedly.

Berean Standard Bible

Later, Jehoshaphat king of Judah made an alliance with Ahaziah king of Israel, who acted wickedly.

American Standard Version

And after this did Jehoshaphat king of Judah join himself with Ahaziah king of Israel; the same did very wickedly:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 20:35 records a perplexing decision by Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, to form an alliance with Ahaziah, the notoriously wicked king of Israel. This verse immediately follows a magnificent display of God's power and faithfulness in delivering Judah from a vast invading army, highlighting a striking paradox: a king who largely sought the Lord and just witnessed a miracle of divine intervention nevertheless chose to enter into a partnership with a monarch characterized by extreme ungodliness. This ill-fated venture, undertaken for commercial gain, underscores the persistent human tendency to compromise spiritual principles for perceived worldly advantages, even after experiencing profound spiritual victories.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears directly after the climactic account of God's miraculous deliverance of Judah from the Moabite, Ammonite, and Meunite coalition in [2 Chronicles 20:1-30](/2_chronicles/20-1 "2 Chronicles 20:1-30 - God Fights for Judah"). Jehoshaphat's reign is generally depicted as one of piety and reform, marked by a sincere desire to seek the Lord and restore true worship. However, the Chronicler consistently highlights a recurring flaw: Jehoshaphat's propensity for forming unwise alliances with the idolatrous northern kingdom of Israel. This particular alliance with Ahaziah echoes his earlier, equally problematic, partnership with Ahaziah's father, Ahab, which nearly cost Jehoshaphat his life in battle ([2 Chronicles 18](/2_chronicles/18 "2 Chronicles 18 - Jehoshaphat's Alliance with Ahab")). The immediate consequence of this specific alliance is detailed in [2 Chronicles 20:37](/2_chronicles/20-37 "2 Chronicles 20:37 - The Prophecy Against the Alliance"), where the prophet Eliezer pronounces judgment, leading to the destruction of the ships built for their joint venture. The placement of this verse, following such a profound demonstration of God's direct intervention, serves to emphasize the gravity of Jehoshaphat's spiritual lapse.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jehoshaphat reigned over the Southern Kingdom of Judah (c. 870-848 BC), generally upholding the Davidic covenant and promoting reforms against idolatry. His reign was largely prosperous and stable, often attributed to his faithfulness. Ahaziah, on the other hand, was the son of the infamous Ahab and Jezebel, reigning over the Northern Kingdom of Israel (c. 850-849 BC). He continued in the idolatrous practices of his parents, particularly the worship of Baal, as explicitly stated in [1 Kings 22:51-53](/1_kings/22-51 "1 Kings 22:51-53 - Ahaziah's Wicked Reign"). The alliance described in [2 Chronicles 20:35](/2_chronicles/20-35 "2 Chronicles 20:35 - Jehoshaphat's Alliance with Ahaziah") was for a commercial purpose: building ships to sail to Tarshish (or perhaps Ezion-geber, as implied by the location in [2 Chronicles 20:36](/2_chronicles/20-36 "2 Chronicles 20:36 - Building Ships for Tarshish")) for trade. Such maritime ventures were ambitious and costly, requiring significant resources and cooperation. For Jehoshaphat to engage in such a deep partnership with a king so openly hostile to Yahweh worship represented a profound compromise of his spiritual convictions and a disregard for the clear divine warnings against associating with wicked nations, as found throughout the Mosaic Law.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Danger of Ungodly Alliances**. Despite Jehoshaphat's generally righteous character and his recent experience of God's miraculous intervention, he repeatedly fell prey to the temptation of forming political and economic partnerships with the wicked kings of Israel. This serves as a stark warning that even devout individuals can compromise their faith for perceived worldly benefits or strategic advantages. Secondly, it underscores the **Consequences of Disobedience and Compromise**. The narrative immediately reveals that God's displeasure with this "very wicked" union resulted in the destruction of the ships ([2 Chronicles 20:37](/2_chronicles/20-37 "2 Chronicles 20:37 - The Prophecy Against the Alliance")), illustrating that even well-intentioned but misguided actions, especially those involving spiritual compromise, can invite divine discipline. Finally, the verse reinforces the consistent biblical call for **God's People to Remain Distinct and Separate**. The covenant relationship with Yahweh demanded a unique identity and separation from the corrupting influences of pagan nations and their practices. Jehoshaphat's repeated failure in this area serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of maintaining spiritual integrity and avoiding "unequal yokes" that can undermine one's walk with God, a theme echoed profoundly in the New Testament (e.g., [2 Corinthians 6:14-18](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14-18 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **join himself (Hebrew, חָבַר _chavar'_):** This verb signifies to unite, to associate, to bind oneself together, or to be a companion. Its use here emphasizes Jehoshaphat's active decision to enter into a relationship with Ahaziah. It's not a passive encounter but a deliberate act of forming a bond or partnership. In other contexts, _chavar_ can refer to joining in a conspiracy or engaging in illicit magical practices, underscoring the potentially negative connotations of such an association when the parties are morally disparate.
* **wickedly (Hebrew, רָשַׁע _rasha'_):** This term denotes being guilty, condemned, or acting contrary to divine law. It describes a state of moral depravity and active wrongdoing, often in direct opposition to God's covenant. The KJV's "very wickedly" adds an adverbial intensification to the Hebrew, emphasizing the extreme nature of Ahaziah's ungodliness. This was not merely a flawed character but one deeply entrenched in rebellion against Yahweh, making Jehoshaphat's alliance with him particularly egregious in God's eyes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And after this did Jehoshaphat king of Judah":** This opening phrase is crucial for understanding the verse's theological weight. "After this" directly links Jehoshaphat's action to the preceding miraculous deliverance from the Ammonites, Moabites, and Meunites in [2 Chronicles 20:1-30](/2_chronicles/20-1 "2 Chronicles 20:1-30 - God Fights for Judah"). It highlights the surprising and disappointing nature of his decision, as it comes immediately after a profound demonstration of God's power and faithfulness. It suggests a lapse in judgment or a failure to fully internalize the lesson of complete reliance on God.
* **"join himself with Ahaziah king of Israel":** This clause identifies the specific nature of Jehoshaphat's error: forming an alliance with the king of the Northern Kingdom. Historically, the relationship between Judah and Israel was complex, marked by periods of conflict and uneasy alliances. For Jehoshaphat, a king largely devoted to Yahweh, to "join himself" with Ahaziah, who was known for his idolatry and wickedness, represented a significant spiritual compromise. The alliance, as revealed in [2 Chronicles 20:36](/2_chronicles/20-36 "2 Chronicles 20:36 - Building Ships for Tarshish"), was for the purpose of building ships for trade, indicating a pursuit of economic gain over spiritual discernment.
* **"who did very wickedly":** This concluding descriptor of Ahaziah is the critical theological qualifier of the verse. It explicitly states the moral character of Jehoshaphat's chosen partner. Ahaziah's wickedness was not a minor flaw but a deep-seated, active rebellion against God, inherited from his parents, Ahab and Jezebel ([1 Kings 22:51-53](/1_kings/22-51 "1 Kings 22:51-53 - Ahaziah's Wicked Reign")). The stark contrast between Jehoshaphat's general piety and Ahaziah's profound ungodliness underscores the severity of Jehoshaphat's compromise and sets the stage for the divine judgment that follows.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices to emphasize the significance of Jehoshaphat's actions. **Juxtaposition** is prominent, placing Jehoshaphat's pious character and recent divine deliverance immediately before his alliance with the "very wicked" Ahaziah. This sharp contrast highlights the surprising and incongruous nature of the king's choice. There is also a strong element of **Irony**, as a king who just experienced God fighting for him, requiring no human effort, then turns to a human alliance with a wicked king for a commercial venture. This suggests a failure to fully trust in God's provision and guidance. Furthermore, the verse serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the negative consequences that will inevitably follow such a spiritually ill-advised partnership, which are quickly revealed in the subsequent verses with the destruction of the ships.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The account of Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahaziah serves as a profound theological lesson on the dangers of spiritual compromise and the importance of discerning associations. Even a king who largely walked in the ways of the Lord could be swayed by the allure of political stability or economic gain, leading him to disregard God's clear call for separation from wickedness. This narrative underscores that past spiritual victories do not inoculate believers from future temptations to compromise. God's holiness demands that His people maintain a distinct identity, unblemished by the pervasive influences of a world hostile to His ways. The immediate divine judgment on this alliance demonstrates that God takes seriously the integrity of His people and their commitment to His standards, even in seemingly secular endeavors.

* [2 Corinthians 6:14](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked")
* [Proverbs 13:20](/proverbs/13-20 "Proverbs 13:20 - Walk with the Wise")
* [Deuteronomy 7:1-4](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-4 - Warnings Against Intermarriage")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jehoshaphat's error in 2 Chronicles 20:35 offers timeless wisdom for believers today. It serves as a potent reminder that even after experiencing profound spiritual victories and divine favor, we remain susceptible to compromise. The temptation to form "unequal yokes"—whether in business partnerships, romantic relationships, close friendships, or even ministry collaborations—with those who do not share a fundamental commitment to God's principles is ever-present. Such alliances, though seemingly offering practical advantages or worldly success, can subtly erode our spiritual discernment, dilute our witness, and ultimately invite divine displeasure. This passage calls us to exercise vigilant discernment in all our associations, recognizing that our choices in companionship and partnership have profound spiritual consequences. True success and enduring blessing are found not in compromising with wickedness for perceived gain, but in unwavering obedience and steadfast reliance on God alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to form "unequal yokes" for perceived benefit (e.g., financial, social, professional)?**
* **How can I better discern relationships and partnerships that align with God's will and strengthen my spiritual walk, rather than compromising it?**
* **What recent spiritual victories or blessings might lull me into a false sense of security, making me more vulnerable to compromise in other areas of my life?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jehoshaphat, a generally good king, make such a bad alliance, especially after a miraculous victory?**

Answer: Jehoshaphat was indeed a king who largely sought the Lord and enacted reforms in Judah. However, the biblical narrative consistently portrays him as prone to political pragmatism and a desire for peace or economic advantage, even at the cost of spiritual compromise. His alliance with Ahaziah, following a pattern established with Ahaziah's father Ahab ([1 Kings 22](/1_kings/22 "1 Kings 22 - Ahab and Jehoshaphat's Alliance")), suggests that despite his piety, he struggled with fully trusting God in all areas, particularly foreign policy and commerce. The miraculous victory in [2 Chronicles 20](/2_chronicles/20 "2 Chronicles 20 - God Fights for Judah") might have paradoxically led to a temporary lapse in vigilance, a common human tendency to relax spiritual guard after a period of intense reliance on God. He may have believed he could control the terms of the alliance or that his good influence would somehow mitigate Ahaziah's wickedness, underestimating the corrupting power of such a union.

**What were the consequences of this alliance between Jehoshaphat and Ahaziah?**

Answer: The consequences of this unholy alliance were swift and clear. Immediately following the formation of the partnership, the prophet Eliezer son of Dodavahu confronted Jehoshaphat, declaring that because he had "joined yourself with Ahaziah, the Lord will destroy your works" ([2 Chronicles 20:37](/2_chronicles/20-37 "2 Chronicles 20:37 - The Prophecy Against the Alliance")). True to the prophecy, the ships they had built for their joint commercial venture were wrecked and unable to sail to Tarshish. This divine intervention served as a direct judgment against Jehoshaphat's compromise, demonstrating God's displeasure with His people forming deep associations with those who openly defy Him. It underscored that God's blessing and protection are contingent upon obedience and separation from wickedness, not on worldly alliances.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Jehoshaphat's misguided alliance with Ahaziah, despite his generally righteous reign, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate call for separation and purity found in Christ. While the Old Testament law and narratives like this one emphasize physical and relational separation from pagan influences, the New Covenant reveals that true separation is not merely external but an internal transformation wrought by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ perfectly embodied this principle, living a life of absolute purity and non-compromise with the world's wickedness, even while ministering among sinners. He called His disciples to be "in the world but not of the world" ([John 17:15-16](/john/17-15 "John 17:15-16 - Jesus' Prayer for Protection")), a spiritual separation empowered by His sacrifice and resurrection. Through Christ, believers are made a "chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race")), called to reflect His light and righteousness. The New Testament's warning against being "unequally yoked with unbelievers" ([2 Corinthians 6:14](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked")) is the ultimate fulfillment of the Old Testament principle exemplified by Jehoshaphat's failure; it is a call to live consistently with our identity as temples of the living God, having "no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness" ([Ephesians 5:11](/ephesians/5-11 "Ephesians 5:11 - No Fellowship with Darkness")), but rather exposing them through lives transformed by the power of Christ.

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 22:48

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

1 Kings 22:49

Then said Ahaziah the son of Ahab unto Jehoshaphat, Let my servants go with thy servants in the ships. But Jehoshaphat would not.

2 Kings 1:2

And Ahaziah fell down through a lattice in his upper chamber that [was] in Samaria, and was sick: and he sent messengers, and said unto them, Go, enquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron whether I shall recover of this disease.

2 Kings 1:16

And he said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Forasmuch as thou hast sent messengers to enquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron, [is it] not because [there is] no God in Israel to enquire of his word? therefore thou shalt not come down off that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die.