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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.
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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Summary
2 Chronicles 20:36 records a significant misstep in the reign of King Jehoshaphat of Judah, detailing his ill-fated commercial alliance with the notoriously wicked King Ahaziah of Israel. Despite Jehoshaphat's generally righteous character and his recent experience of miraculous divine deliverance from a vast enemy coalition, this verse highlights his decision to partner with an ungodly king for the purpose of constructing a fleet of ships at Eziongeber, intended for lucrative trade voyages to the distant port of Tarshish. This seemingly pragmatic venture underscores the enduring tension between reliance on God's provision and the temptation to pursue worldly gain through compromising associations.
Context
Literary Context
This verse immediately follows one of the most profound demonstrations of God's faithfulness and Jehoshaphat's piety in the Old Testament. In 2 Chronicles 20:1-30, Jehoshaphat faced a vast coalition of enemies, responded with prayer and fasting, and witnessed God miraculously defeat the armies without Judah striking a single blow. This astounding divine intervention should have solidified Jehoshaphat's exclusive trust in God. However, directly after this display of God's power, 2 Chronicles 20:35 introduces his alliance with Ahaziah, the wicked king of Israel and son of the infamous Ahab. The juxtaposition of God's recent deliverance with Jehoshaphat's subsequent compromise highlights a recurring pattern in his reign (2 Chronicles 18) and sets the stage for the divine judgment detailed in the very next verse, 2 Chronicles 20:37.
Historical & Cultural Context
The setting for this shipbuilding venture, Eziongeber (modern-day Tell el-Kheleifeh), was a strategically vital port city located at the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba, an arm of the Red Sea. Its coastal position made it an ideal hub for maritime trade routes connecting the Levant with Arabia, Africa, and potentially even more distant lands. This location had been utilized for shipbuilding and trade since the time of Solomon (1 Kings 9:26-28). The destination, "Tarshish," is a term that could refer to a specific distant, wealthy trading city, often identified with Tartessos in modern-day Spain, known for its silver and other metals. Alternatively, "ships of Tarshish" could be a generic term for large, ocean-going vessels capable of long-distance voyages, regardless of their specific destination. The pursuit of such trade ventures was a common means for ancient Near Eastern kingdoms to amass wealth and exert influence, making this alliance appealing from a purely economic standpoint.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully illustrates several enduring themes. Firstly, it underscores The Peril of Ungodly Alliances. Despite Jehoshaphat's personal devotion to Yahweh and his recent experience of divine power, he repeatedly succumbed to the temptation of forming political and economic partnerships with the ungodly kings of Israel, particularly the wicked Omride dynasty. This highlights the insidious nature of compromise, even for well-intentioned leaders, when perceived pragmatic benefits outweigh spiritual discernment, as seen in 2 Chronicles 18:1. Secondly, the narrative subtly introduces the theme of Divine Disfavor on Compromise. While the verse itself only describes the action, the immediate prophetic word in 2 Chronicles 20:37 reveals God's swift judgment against this partnership, demonstrating that even seemingly innocuous business ventures can incur divine displeasure if they involve compromising spiritual standards. Finally, the pursuit of "ships to go to Tarshish" speaks to The Lure of Worldly Prosperity. The desire for increased trade and wealth, though not inherently evil, can become a snare, overshadowing spiritual wisdom and leading to ill-advised partnerships that ultimately undermine true blessing and divine favor.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This Hebrew verb (H2266) means "to join (literally or figuratively); specifically (by means of spells) to fascinate; charm(-er), be compact, couple (together), have fellowship with, heap up, join (self, together), league." In this context, it signifies Jehoshaphat's deliberate and active decision to form a binding partnership or alliance with Ahaziah. It implies a deep association, suggesting more than a casual agreement, and highlights Jehoshaphat's intentional entanglement with a king whose ways were contrary to God's.
This feminine noun (H591) means "a ship; ship(-men)." The term refers specifically to the vessels constructed for the purpose of trade. The mention of "ships" emphasizes the tangible nature of the joint venture and the significant material investment involved. It points to the means by which the kings sought to achieve their commercial ambitions and acquire wealth.
This proper noun (H8659) refers to "a place on the Mediterranean, hence, the ephithet of a merchant vessel (as if for or from that port)." While potentially a specific distant, wealthy port, "ships of Tarshish" often functioned as a generic term for large, sturdy, ocean-going vessels capable of long-distance voyages. The name evokes images of significant commercial enterprise, extensive travel, and the pursuit of great wealth through international trade, representing the pinnacle of worldly commercial ambition and prosperity in the ancient world.
Verse Breakdown
"And he joined himself with him"
This clause identifies the primary actors: "he" refers to King Jehoshaphat of Judah, and "him" refers to King Ahaziah of Israel. The verb "joined himself" underscores Jehoshaphat's active and intentional decision to enter into this alliance, a choice that stands in stark contrast to his earlier reliance on God for deliverance. It signifies a political and economic partnership between a generally righteous king and a notoriously wicked one, revealing a recurring spiritual pitfall for Jehoshaphat.
"to make ships to go to Tarshish"
This specifies the explicit purpose of the alliance: a joint shipbuilding venture aimed at establishing a maritime trade route to the lucrative port of Tarshish. This objective reveals a pursuit of material prosperity and commercial gain, which, while not inherently wrong, becomes problematic due to the nature of the partnership and its potential to distract from spiritual priorities and incur divine disfavor. The mention of "Tarshish" emphasizes the grand scale and potentially lucrative nature of the intended enterprise.
"and they made the ships in Eziongeber"
This clause pinpoints the geographical location where the shipbuilding activity took place. Eziongeber was a historically significant port on the Red Sea, known for its strategic access to lucrative trade routes leading to the Arabian Peninsula and Africa. The act of building ships there signifies the practical execution of their ambitious commercial plan, indicating a substantial investment of resources and coordinated effort by both kings in this joint venture.
Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. Contrast is paramount, starkly juxtaposing Jehoshaphat's recent miraculous deliverance and deep faith in 2 Chronicles 20:1-30 with his subsequent decision to ally with the wicked Ahaziah. This stark difference highlights the human tendency to quickly forget divine intervention and revert to worldly pragmatism. There is also a strong element of Irony: a king who experienced God's direct and overwhelming intervention against seemingly insurmountable odds now seeks security and prosperity through a human alliance that directly contradicts divine principles and previous prophetic warnings. Furthermore, the verse serves as a subtle Foreshadowing of the immediate divine judgment that will be pronounced against this alliance in 2 Chronicles 20:37, indicating that such compromises do not go unnoticed by God and carry direct consequences.
Theological and Thematic Connections
2 Chronicles 20:36 serves as a profound theological cautionary tale, emphasizing the critical importance of discernment in all partnerships, especially for those who claim to follow God. Jehoshaphat, despite his genuine piety and recent experience of God's miraculous intervention, repeatedly fell into the trap of forming alliances with ungodly rulers for what appeared to be practical or economic benefits. This verse illustrates that even seemingly innocuous business ventures or political partnerships can become spiritual snares if they involve compromising one's core values or aligning with those who actively oppose God's ways. True prosperity and blessing, the passage implies, are not found in worldly alliances or ambitious commercial schemes that disregard spiritual principles, but rather in unwavering obedience and exclusive reliance on God's wisdom and provision. The narrative underscores that God holds His people accountable for their associations, and compromise, even when well-intentioned, can lead to divine disfavor and thwarted endeavors.
Reflection and Application
For believers today, 2 Chronicles 20:36 offers a timeless and potent lesson on the pervasive temptation to compromise faith for perceived worldly gain or security. Just as Jehoshaphat, a generally righteous king, was lured by the prospect of wealth and influence through an alliance with a wicked ruler, so too are modern Christians susceptible to forming partnerships—whether in business, personal relationships, or even ministry—that contradict biblical principles of discernment and integrity. This verse challenges us to critically examine our motivations and associations, asking whether our pursuits align with God's character and commands, or if we are prioritizing worldly success over spiritual purity. It reminds us that true success and lasting blessing are not measured by the size of our ships or the extent of our earthly ventures, but by our unwavering obedience to God and our complete reliance on His wisdom and provision. We are called to seek God's kingdom first, trusting that He will add all other necessary things, rather than forging alliances that might compromise our witness or lead to divine disfavor.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why would Jehoshaphat, a king known for his piety, make such an alliance with a wicked king like Ahaziah?
Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahaziah in 2 Chronicles 20:36 is a perplexing aspect of his otherwise commendable reign, highlighting the persistent human struggle with compromise. Despite his personal devotion to Yahweh and his recent experience of God's miraculous deliverance (as seen in 2 Chronicles 20:1-30), Jehoshaphat had a recurring weakness for forming political and economic alliances with the wicked kings of Israel. This was not his first such venture; he had previously allied with Ahaziah's father, Ahab, which nearly cost him his life in battle (2 Chronicles 18:1-34). His motivations likely stemmed from a desire for pragmatic benefits: perhaps to secure trade routes, expand Judah's economic influence, or maintain regional stability. From a purely human perspective, such an alliance might have seemed shrewd. However, from God's perspective, it represented a compromise of spiritual principles and a failure to fully trust in His provision and protection, leading to divine judgment as revealed in 2 Chronicles 20:37.
What was the ultimate outcome of this shipbuilding venture to Tarshish?
The immediate outcome of this joint venture is revealed in the very next verse, 2 Chronicles 20:37. The prophet Eliezer son of Dodavahu pronounced judgment against Jehoshaphat for his alliance with Ahaziah, declaring, "Because thou hast joined thyself with Ahaziah, the Lord hath broken thy works." Consequently, the ships were wrecked and never reached Tarshish. This serves as a powerful testament to God's displeasure with such unholy alliances and His sovereign control over human endeavors. Despite the significant investment and strategic planning, the entire enterprise was divinely thwarted, emphasizing that true success and blessing come from obedience to God, not from compromising partnerships or worldly wisdom.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
2 Chronicles 20:36, with its narrative of compromise and thwarted worldly ambition, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Jehoshaphat's pursuit of "ships to Tarshish" through an unholy alliance represents humanity's persistent temptation to seek security, prosperity, and significance through means apart from God, often compromising divine principles in the process. This stands in stark contrast to Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied unwavering obedience and absolute reliance on the Father. Unlike Jehoshaphat, who sought earthly riches through a dubious partnership, Jesus taught us to "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness" (Matthew 6:33), promising that all other necessary things would be added. He did not compromise with the world's systems or its wicked rulers for gain, but rather rejected all such temptations, including the offer of all the kingdoms of the world in exchange for worship (Matthew 4:8-10). The "Tarshish" that humanity truly needs is not earthly wealth or power, but the eternal riches found in Christ—His righteousness, His peace, and His abundant life (Philippians 3:7-8). The broken ships of Jehoshaphat's venture symbolize the futility of human endeavors built on compromised foundations; in contrast, the "ship" of salvation, built by Christ's perfect sacrifice and resurrection, is unsinkable and leads to true, eternal prosperity (Hebrews 2:10). Believers are called to be "in the world but not of the world" (John 17:16), aligning themselves solely with Christ and His purposes, recognizing that true treasure is found not in earthly alliances, but in Him alone, who is our ultimate wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30).