2 Chronicles 20:35-37 is about the importance of remaining faithful and obedient to God, as seen through the consequences that befell Jehoshaphat for forming an alliance with an ungodly king in his military ventures.
35 After this Jehoshaphat king of Judah joined with Ahaziah king of Israel, who acted wickedly.
36 They sailed with Tarshish, and they went to Ezion-geber for gold, and from there they went around to Ophir and brought 400 talents of gold and brought it to King Solomon.
37 Then Eliezer the son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, “Because you have joined with Ahaziah, the Lord will destroy what you have made.” And the ships were wrecked and were not able to go to Tarshish.
Setting the Scene for 2 Chronicles 20:35-37
In 2 Chronicles chapter 20, we find King Jehoshaphat of Judah facing a challenging situation. The scene is set in the royal court of Jerusalem, where King Jehoshaphat is holding a council with his advisors and officials. The atmosphere is tense as news has just arrived that the alliance between Jehoshaphat and King Ahaziah of Israel has fallen apart. Despite this setback, Jehoshaphat remains faithful to God and seeks guidance on how to proceed.
Among those present in the scene are Jehoshaphat’s trusted counselors, including the prophet Jahaziel. Jahaziel steps forward and delivers a message from the Lord, reassuring the king that the battle is not his, but God’s. Encouraged by this divine message, Jehoshaphat leads his army into battle, but with a twist – instead of putting the strongest warriors at the front, he places the singers and musicians to lead the way, praising God for His faithfulness.
The surroundings are regal yet solemn, with the weight of impending conflict hanging in the air. The faith and courage displayed by King Jehoshaphat and his people in the face of adversity serve as a powerful example of trusting in God’s providence and seeking His guidance in times of trouble.
What is 2 Chronicles 20:35-37 about?
This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of making wise choices and following the path of righteousness. It highlights the repercussions of disobedience and the dangers of aligning oneself with those who do evil. One risks facing destruction by disobeying God’s commands and joining forces with the wicked, bringing upon themselves divine anger. Let us reflect on this verse and consider the implications of our actions and the company we keep. Are we making choices that honor God’s teachings and lead to positive outcomes, or are we straying from the right path and aligning ourselves with those who do harm? This verse challenges us to think critically about our behavior and associations, reminding us that disobedience and ungodly alliances can have serious consequences. Let us take this verse as a call to reevaluate our decisions and relationships, striving to walk in obedience to God and to surround ourselves with those who uplift and support us in our faith journey. May we choose the path of righteousness, knowing that God’s love and protection await those who heed His word.
Understanding what 2 Chronicles 20:35-37 really means
In the historical setting of 2 Chronicles 20:35-37, we find King Jehoshaphat of Judah, a ruler known for his commitment to following God’s commandments and leading his people in righteousness. However, despite his previous experiences, Jehoshaphat makes a questionable decision to ally himself with Ahaziah, the king of Israel, who was notorious for his wickedness and idolatry. The phrase “After this” in the passage suggests a sequence of events, indicating that Jehoshaphat’s actions followed a period of reflection or previous events that should have informed his decisions. By “joining himself with Ahaziah,” Jehoshaphat enters into an alliance that goes against the principles of righteousness he had previously upheld.
The consequences of Jehoshaphat’s ill-advised alliance with Ahaziah are evident when the ships they had built to sail to Tarshish are broken, symbolizing the failure of their joint venture. The phrase “The LORD hath broken thy works” underscores divine intervention and judgment, revealing God’s disapproval of Jehoshaphat’s partnership with a wicked king. This passage serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the importance of choosing our associations wisely. Just as Jehoshaphat faced negative consequences for aligning himself with Ahaziah, we too can experience repercussions when we form partnerships with those who do not share our values.
Drawing parallels to contemporary life, the passage encourages us to consider the implications of our associations and the role of divine guidance in our decisions. Choosing to walk with the wise, as advised in Proverbs 13:20, can lead to wisdom and positive outcomes, while aligning ourselves with those who do not honor God’s principles may result in harm. Reflecting on Jehoshaphat’s mistakes, we are reminded of the need to learn from our past errors and seek God’s wisdom in all our endeavors.
Anecdotes further illustrate the relevance of this passage in modern contexts. Whether in business or community settings, forming alliances with individuals or groups whose values do not align with our own can lead to conflicts and setbacks, mirroring the broken ships in Jehoshaphat’s story. Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate our relationships and partnerships, ensuring they reflect our faith and values.
In conclusion, 2 Chronicles 20:35-37 prompts us to reflect on our alliances and partnerships, seeking God’s guidance in our decisions. Through prayer and intentional action, we can align our relationships with His will, fostering spiritual growth and positive outcomes. Let us learn from Jehoshaphat’s missteps and strive to walk in wisdom, choosing associations that honor God and contribute to our well-being.
How can we maintain faithfulness when facing temptation?
To maintain faithfulness when facing temptation, we can draw inspiration from the story in 2 Chronicles 20:35-37. Jehoshaphat remained faithful to God in this passage despite being tempted to form alliances with the wicked. He did not give in to the pressures around him but instead chose to trust in God and His guidance.
When we face temptation, we can follow Jehoshaphat’s example by staying grounded in our faith and turning to God for strength. We can resist temptations and remain faithful in challenging situations by keeping our focus on God’s will and seeking His help. Through prayer, seeking wisdom from scripture, and surrounding ourselves with supportive believers, we can find the strength to overcome temptation and stay true to our faith.
Application
Reflect on your alliances – are they truly serving you? Just as King Jehoshaphat faced the consequences of his partnerships, it’s time to evaluate who you surround yourself with. Let’s strive to walk in obedience and trust, aligning our actions with what truly matters. Will you take a step today to reassess your allegiances and ensure they honor your true values?
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.