‘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.”’ (2 Chronicles 20:37 ESV).
This was the second time God had warned Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, about partnering with the unbelieving kings of Israel. The first time it was the prophet Jehu who warned that God’s “wrath had gone out against” Jehoshaphat because of his alliance with the wicked Israelite king, Ahab. For Jehoshaphat had given one of his sons in marriage to one of Ahab’s daughters. Furthermore, he had allied with Ahab to go to war with him to recapture the city of Ramoth-gilead. But Ahab was killed and Jehoshaphat slinked home in defeat.
Soon after this, Moab, Ammon and Edom declared war against Jehoshaphat. God’s wrath in response to Jehoshaphat’s unequal alliance with Ahab seems to be the connection. For God had previously caused the “fear of the Lord [to fall] over all the surrounding kingdoms so that none of them wanted to declare war on Jehoshaphat” (2 Chron. 17:10). Yet after his alliance with Ahab, God’s wrath was exhibited by His removal of this “fear.” So that these nations were no longer afraid to make an alliance with one another to attack Judah.
Jehoshaphat responded to the news of this impending attack by turning to God. He led Judah into battle with only the Lord as his ally and the Lord won the day.
You would think that Jehoshaphat would’ve learned his lesson after this. Over all, he was a good and godly king. Yet, he had a recurring weakness. He couldn’t resist making an alliance with Israel’s wicked kings. And so, his legacy is marred by the repeat of his earlier sin. He made an economic partnership with Ahaziah to build a fleet of trading ships, but God destroyed them before they were ever launched.
Yet the most egregious legacy of Jehoshaphat’s alliance isn’t seen until after his death. For the son he married to one of Ahab’s daughters became king after him. His name was Jehoram and he “followed the example of the kings of Israel and was as wicked as King Ahab, for he had married one of Ahab’s daughters” (2 Chron. 21:6). After becoming king, he killed all of his brothers and led Judah to go astray after pagan gods.
The life of King Jehoshaphat is a reminder that the apostle Paul’s warning should be heeded: “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” (2 Cor. 6:14).
PRAYER: Father, give us discernment to avoid unrighteous alliances. We would always desire to have You as our Partner. Lead us by Your Holy Spirit. Deliver us from leaning on worldly alliances. Help us to look to You for all things, so that You always get the glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.