2 Chronicles 19:1

¶ And Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned to his house in peace to Jerusalem.

And Jehoshaphat {H3092} the king {H4428} of Judah {H3063} returned {H7725} to his house {H1004} in peace {H7965} to Jerusalem {H3389}.

Then Y'hoshafat the king of Y'hudah returned home to Yerushalayim in peace.

When Jehoshaphat king of Judah had returned safely to his home in Jerusalem,

And Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned to his house in peace to Jerusalem.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 19:1 KJV marks a pivotal moment in the reign of King Jehoshaphat of Judah, highlighting his return to Jerusalem after a dangerous military engagement.

Context

This verse immediately follows the dramatic events of 2 Chronicles chapter 18, where Jehoshaphat unwisely allied himself with Ahab, the wicked king of Israel, in the battle against Aram at Ramoth-Gilead. Despite prophetic warnings from Micaiah, Jehoshaphat joined the campaign. During the battle, he was nearly killed when he was mistaken for Ahab, but he cried out to the Lord, and God miraculously delivered him (2 Chronicles 18:31-32). His return "in peace" to Jerusalem, therefore, signifies God's mercy and protective hand over him, despite his poor judgment in forming such an alliance. This peaceful return sets the stage for the divine rebuke he receives in the very next verse from the prophet Jehu (2 Chronicles 19:2).

Key Themes

  • Divine Preservation Amidst Error: The verse powerfully illustrates God's sovereign protection, even when His servants make grave errors. Jehoshaphat's life was spared not because of his wisdom in battle, but because of God's faithfulness and mercy. This echoes themes of divine covering and deliverance.
  • The Significance of "Peace": The word "peace" (Hebrew: shalom) here implies not merely the absence of conflict, but a state of wholeness, safety, and well-being. It is a testament to God's grace that Jehoshaphat returned with his life and kingdom intact after such a perilous and ill-advised venture.
  • Return to Accountability: While peaceful, his return to "his house in Jerusalem" also signifies a return to the center of Judah's spiritual and political life, where he would soon be confronted with the consequences of his actions and challenged to reform his ways.

Practical Application

This verse offers several enduring lessons for believers today:

  • God's Grace Endures: Even when we stray from God's perfect will or make compromising decisions, His grace and mercy can still bring us through difficult situations. Our mistakes do not always negate His protection.
  • Consequences Follow Choices: While Jehoshaphat returned in peace, the narrative immediately moves to a divine rebuke, reminding us that God addresses our missteps. True peace often involves acknowledging and repenting of our errors.
  • The Importance of Spiritual Discernment: Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahab serves as a strong warning against being unequally yoked or forming alliances that compromise one's spiritual integrity, even if they seem politically expedient.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 18:31 (2 votes)

    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.

  • 2 Chronicles 18:32 (2 votes)

    For it came to pass, that, when the captains of the chariots perceived that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back again from pursuing him.