2 Chronicles 20:35-37·~1 min
Jehoshaphat’s Fleet Is Wrecked
Jehoshaphat allies himself with Ahaziah and joins him in building ships for Tarshish at Ezion-geber. A prophet declares that this partnership has brought the LORD’s judgment on the work.
L35ater, Jehoshaphat king of Judah made an alliance with Ahaziah king of Israel, who acted wickedly. 36They agreed to make ships to go to Tarshish, and these were built in Ezion-geber. 37Then Eliezer son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, “Because you have allied yourself with Ahaziah, the LORD has destroyed your works.”
Section summaryA final note darkens the close of Jehoshaphat’s story. His alliance with Ahaziah, a wicked king of Israel, ends under prophetic judgment when the ships they build are destroyed.
Role in the chapterThis last section keeps the chapter’s portrait from becoming unqualified triumph. After peace and right conduct are affirmed, it adds one failure that shows Jehoshaphat is not beyond damaging alliance and loss.