Heed the truth: without God’s favor, even grand ambitions can be dashed in an instant.
He allied himself with him to make ships to go to Tarshish, and they made the ships in Ezion-geber. (2 Chronicles 20:36) King Jehoshaphat of Judah (reigned 872 - 848 BC) entered into an ill-fated partnership with King Ahaziah of Israel (reigned 853 - 852 BC), who was notoriously wicked. By choosing to rely on the ungodly king of Israel, Jehoshaphat neglected his usual pattern of trusting the LORD. This verse notes their plan to build a fleet of ships to sail to Tarshish, seeking trade or riches in a distant land. The term “ships to go to Tarshish” describes vessels robust enough to undertake long voyages, giving an indication that Tarshish may have been as far away as the region of modern Spain, or possibly other western ports.
The verse further states that they constructed these ships in Ezion-geber, a harbor located near the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea. Historically, Ezion-geber was a strategic spot for shipping and maritime trade, allowing travelers from Judah to cross the sea with goods and resources. This region links the Red Sea toward distant routes, showing how Israelite or Judean vessels might have hoped to expand their influence through bold commercial ventures. However, in the very next verse, we learn that the LORD disapproved of Jehoshaphat’s alliance and caused the ships to be destroyed before they could embark (2 Chronicles 20:37). That demonstrates God’s call for His people to remain faithful and not compromise with wicked partners.
This passage also foreshadows how reliance on human alliances can undermine our primary trust in God. While shrewd deals and grand attempts at acquiring resources appear wise, the LORD values loyalty and wholehearted devotion over fleeting, worldly gain. In the broader Scripture narrative, Jesus later underscores that storing treasures in heaven is of far greater worth than seeking fame or fortune through unholy pacts on earth (Matthew 6:19-21). Aligning with God’s will brings blessing, whereas aligning with wickedness, regardless of outward promise, leads to ruin.
King Jehoshaphat’s ill-advised partnership teaches believers that trusting God takes precedence over forging questionable alliances for wealth or security.
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2 Chronicles 20:36 meaning
He allied himself with him to make ships to go to Tarshish, and they made the ships in Ezion-geber. (2 Chronicles 20:36) King Jehoshaphat of Judah (reigned 872 - 848 BC) entered into an ill-fated partnership with King Ahaziah of Israel (reigned 853 - 852 BC), who was notoriously wicked. By choosing to rely on the ungodly king of Israel, Jehoshaphat neglected his usual pattern of trusting the LORD. This verse notes their plan to build a fleet of ships to sail to Tarshish, seeking trade or riches in a distant land. The term “ships to go to Tarshish” describes vessels robust enough to undertake long voyages, giving an indication that Tarshish may have been as far away as the region of modern Spain, or possibly other western ports.
The verse further states that they constructed these ships in Ezion-geber, a harbor located near the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea. Historically, Ezion-geber was a strategic spot for shipping and maritime trade, allowing travelers from Judah to cross the sea with goods and resources. This region links the Red Sea toward distant routes, showing how Israelite or Judean vessels might have hoped to expand their influence through bold commercial ventures. However, in the very next verse, we learn that the LORD disapproved of Jehoshaphat’s alliance and caused the ships to be destroyed before they could embark (2 Chronicles 20:37). That demonstrates God’s call for His people to remain faithful and not compromise with wicked partners.
This passage also foreshadows how reliance on human alliances can undermine our primary trust in God. While shrewd deals and grand attempts at acquiring resources appear wise, the LORD values loyalty and wholehearted devotion over fleeting, worldly gain. In the broader Scripture narrative, Jesus later underscores that storing treasures in heaven is of far greater worth than seeking fame or fortune through unholy pacts on earth (Matthew 6:19-21). Aligning with God’s will brings blessing, whereas aligning with wickedness, regardless of outward promise, leads to ruin.
King Jehoshaphat’s ill-advised partnership teaches believers that trusting God takes precedence over forging questionable alliances for wealth or security.