What does 2 Chronicles 18:31 mean?
"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 18:31
The Bible verse 2 Chronicles 18:31 from the King James Version (KJV) states,
"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."
This verse is part of the larger narrative in 2 Chronicles 18, which tells the story of a fateful alliance between the kings of Judah and Israel. King Jehoshaphat of Judah had made an alliance with King Ahab of Israel, despite the warnings of the prophet Micaiah that the battle they were planning to enter was against the will of God. The alliance ultimately resulted in disaster, as Ahab was killed in battle and Jehoshaphat barely escaped with his life.
The verse 31 describes a specific incident during the battle. When the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, they mistook him for the king of Israel and surrounded him, preparing to attack. In his moment of desperation, Jehoshaphat cried out to the Lord for help, and God intervened on his behalf, causing the captains of the chariots to depart from him.
One of the key themes in this verse is the faithfulness of God in times of trouble. Jehoshaphat found himself in a dangerous situation, surrounded by enemies, and facing certain death. However, instead of relying on his own strength or the strength of his alliance with Ahab, he turned to the Lord for help. This act of faith resulted in God's intervention, as He moved the enemy to depart from Jehoshaphat, saving his life.
This theme of God's faithfulness in times of trouble is a recurring motif in the Bible. Throughout the Old and New Testaments, we see examples of God's people facing insurmountable odds, only to be delivered by the hand of God. This verse serves as a reminder that no matter how dire the circumstances may be, God is always near to those who call on Him in faith.
Another important theme in this verse is the consequences of unwise alliances and disobedience to God's word. As mentioned earlier, Jehoshaphat's decision to ally himself with Ahab, despite the warnings of the prophet Micaiah, ultimately led to disaster. This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising one's faith and principles for the sake of worldly alliances.
The context of this verse within the larger narrative of 2 Chronicles 18 underscores the importance of seeking and obeying God's will in all circumstances. Despite the warnings of the prophet Micaiah and the clear indication that the battle was not the will of God, Jehoshaphat chose to align himself with Ahab, leading to disastrous consequences. This serves as a reminder for believers to always seek God's guidance and obey His word, even if it means going against popular opinion or the pressures of the world.
Symbolically, this verse represents the continual battle between good and evil, and the ultimate victory of faith in God. Jehoshaphat, though facing overwhelming odds, did not waver in his trust in God, and God delivered him from certain death. This symbolizes the triumph of faith over adversity and the assurance that God is always there to help and protect His people.
In conclusion, 2 Chronicles 18:31 from the King James Version of the Bible carries profound themes of faith, obedience, and God's faithfulness in times of trouble. It serves as a reminder for believers to always seek and obey God's will, even when it goes against the pressures of the world. It also stands as a testimony to the power of faith in overcoming the challenges and obstacles of life.
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2 Chronicles 18:31 Artwork
2 Chronicles 18:31 - "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."
"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 18:31
2 Chronicles 31:18 - "And to the genealogy of all their little ones, their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, through all the congregation: for in their set office they sanctified themselves in holiness:"
2 Chronicles 31:1
2 Chronicles 31:1
2 Chronicles 31:9 - "Then Hezekiah questioned with the priests and the Levites concerning the heaps."
2 Chronicles 18:9
2 Chronicles 18:9
2 Chronicles 31:11 - "¶ Then Hezekiah commanded to prepare chambers in the house of the LORD; and they prepared them,"
"And to the genealogy of all their little ones, their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, through all the congregation: for in their set office they sanctified themselves in holiness:" - 2 Chronicles 31:18
1 Chronicles 2:31 - "And the sons of Appaim; Ishi. And the sons of Ishi; Sheshan. And the children of Sheshan; Ahlai."
2 Chronicles 20:18
2 Chronicles 31:7 - "In the third month they began to lay the foundation of the heaps, and finished them in the seventh month."
2 Chronicles 31:8 - "And when Hezekiah and the princes came and saw the heaps, they blessed the LORD, and his people Israel."
2 Kings 15:31 - "And the rest of the acts of Pekah, and all that he did, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel."
2 Chronicles 31:17 - "Both to the genealogy of the priests by the house of their fathers, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward, in their charges by their courses;"
2 Chronicles 31:4 - "Moreover he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might be encouraged in the law of the LORD."
2 Chronicles 31:12 - "And brought in the offerings and the tithes and the dedicated things faithfully: over which Cononiah the Levite was ruler, and Shimei his brother was the next."
2 Chronicles 31:20 - "¶ And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and wrought that which was good and right and truth before the LORD his God."
2 Kings 14:18 - "And the rest of the acts of Amaziah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
"Then Hezekiah questioned with the priests and the Levites concerning the heaps." - 2 Chronicles 31:9
2 Chronicles 6:31 - "That they may fear thee, to walk in thy ways, so long as they live in the land which thou gavest unto our fathers."
2 Chronicles 9:31 - "And Solomon slept with his fathers, and he was buried in the city of David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead."
2 Chronicles 21:18 - "¶ And after all this the LORD smote him in his bowels with an incurable disease."
2 Chronicles 18:1 - "Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honour in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab."
1 Chronicles 18:2 - "And he smote Moab; and the Moabites became David's servants, and brought gifts."
2 Chronicles 31:14 - "And Kore the son of Imnah the Levite, the porter toward the east, was over the freewill offerings of God, to distribute the oblations of the LORD, and the most holy things."
2 Chronicles 17:18 - "And next him was Jehozabad, and with him an hundred and fourscore thousand ready prepared for the war."
2 Chronicles 18:6 - "But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might enquire of him?"
2 Chronicles 18:28 - "So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramoth-gilead."