Bible Strands
2 Chronicles 20:37
Then Eliezer son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, “Because you have allied yourself with Ahaziah, the LORD has destroyed your works.” So the ships were wrecked and were unable to sail to Tarshish.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Eliezer son of Dodavahu from Mareshah prophesies against King Jehoshaphat immediately after Jehoshaphat agrees with Ahaziah to build a fleet for Tarshish. The declaration occurs at the moment the alliance is finalized and the ships are constructed at Ezion-geber.
The words — וַ/יִּתְנַבֵּ֞א (va/i.yit.na.Be') translates literally as "and he prophesied," marking the divine declaration. עַל\־ ('al-) means "on" or "against," indicating the prophetic charge is directed specifically at Jehoshaphat.
The thread — The warning against harmful alliances echoes the principle in Proverbs 13:20 about the destruction that follows foolish companionship. The shipbuilding venture also parallels the earlier royal fleet described in 2 Chronicles 9:21.
Why it lands — The text demands recognition that political or economic partnerships made apart from divine instruction carry immediate consequences. It requires a reader to evaluate whether their own agreements align with or contradict established covenant boundaries.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Then Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, Because thou hast joined thyself with Ahaziah, the Lord hath broken thy works. And the ships were broken, that they were not able to go to Tarshish.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 13:20 He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.
- Joshua 7:11 Israel has sinned; they have transgressed My covenant that I commanded them, and they have taken some of what was devoted to destruction. Indeed, they have stolen and lied, and they have put these things with their own possessions.
- 2 Chronicles 9:21 For the king had the ships of Tarshish that went with Hiram’s servants, and once every three years the ships of Tarshish would arrive bearing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.
- 2 Chronicles 19:2 Jehu son of Hanani the seer went out to confront him and said to King Jehoshaphat, “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Because of this, the wrath of the LORD is upon you.
- 1 Kings 22:48 Jehoshaphat built ships of Tarshish to go to Ophir for gold, but they never set sail, because they were wrecked at Ezion-geber.
- 2 Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD roam to and fro over all the earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him. You have acted foolishly in this matter. From now on, therefore, you will be at war.”
- Proverbs 9:6 Leave your folly behind, and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.”
- Hebrews 12:6 For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.”
- Revelation 3:19 Those I love I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent.