2 Chronicles 18:2
New International Version
Some years later he went down to see Ahab in Samaria. Ahab slaughtered many sheep and cattle for him and the people with him and urged him to attack Ramoth Gilead.

New Living Translation
A few years later he went to Samaria to visit Ahab, who prepared a great banquet for him and his officials. They butchered great numbers of sheep, goats, and cattle for the feast. Then Ahab enticed Jehoshaphat to join forces with him to recover Ramoth-gilead.

English Standard Version
After some years he went down to Ahab in Samaria. And Ahab killed an abundance of sheep and oxen for him and for the people who were with him, and induced him to go up against Ramoth-gilead.

Berean Standard Bible
And some years later he went down to visit Ahab in Samaria, where Ahab sacrificed many sheep and cattle for him and the people with him, and urged him to march up to Ramoth-gilead.

King James Bible
And after certain years he went down to Ahab to Samaria. And Ahab killed sheep and oxen for him in abundance, and for the people that he had with him, and persuaded him to go up with him to Ramothgilead.

New King James Version
After some years he went down to visit Ahab in Samaria; and Ahab killed sheep and oxen in abundance for him and the people who were with him, and persuaded him to go up with him to Ramoth Gilead.

New American Standard Bible
Some years later he went down to visit Ahab at Samaria, and Ahab slaughtered many sheep and oxen for him and the people who were with him. And he incited him to go up against Ramoth-gilead.

NASB 1995
Some years later he went down to visit Ahab at Samaria. And Ahab slaughtered many sheep and oxen for him and the people who were with him, and induced him to go up against Ramoth-gilead.

NASB 1977
And some years later he went down to visit Ahab at Samaria. And Ahab slaughtered many sheep and oxen for him and the people who were with him, and induced him to go up against Ramoth-gilead.

Legacy Standard Bible
And some years later he went down to Ahab at Samaria. And Ahab sacrificed sheep and oxen in abundance for him and the people who were with him, and incited him to go up against Ramoth-gilead.

Amplified Bible
Some years later he went down to [visit] Ahab in Samaria. And Ahab slaughtered many sheep and oxen for him and the people who were with him, and induced him to go up against Ramoth-gilead.

Christian Standard Bible
Then after some years, he went down to visit Ahab in Samaria. Ahab slaughtered many sheep, goats, and cattle for him and for the people who were with him, and he persuaded him to attack Ramoth-gilead,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then after some years, he went down to visit Ahab in Samaria. Ahab sacrificed many sheep and cattle for him and for the people who were with him. Then he persuaded him to march up to Ramoth-gilead,

American Standard Version
And after certain years he went down to Ahab to Samaria. And Ahab killed sheep and oxen for him in abundance, and for the people that were with him, and moved him to go up with him to Ramoth-gilead.

Contemporary English Version
One day, Jehoshaphat went to visit Ahab in his capital city of Samaria. Ahab slaughtered sheep and cattle and prepared a big feast to honor Jehoshaphat and the officials with him. Ahab talked about attacking the city of Ramoth in Gilead,

English Revised Version
And after certain years he went down to Ahab to Samaria. And Ahab killed sheep and oxen for him in abundance, and for the people that were with him, and moved him to go up with him to Ramoth-gilead.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
A few years later he went to visit Ahab in Samaria. Ahab slaughtered many sheep and cattle for a banquet in honor of Jehoshaphat and the people who were with him. And Ahab persuaded Jehoshaphat to attack Ramoth in Gilead with him.

Good News Translation
A number of years later Jehoshaphat went to the city of Samaria to visit Ahab. To honor Jehoshaphat and those with him, Ahab had a large number of sheep and cattle slaughtered for a feast. He tried to persuade Jehoshaphat to join him in attacking the city of Ramoth in Gilead.

International Standard Version
After a few years, he visited Ahab in Samaria. Ahab slaughtered lots of sheep and oxen for him, and the people who were with him persuaded Jehoshaphat to attack Ramoth-gilead.

Majority Standard Bible
And some years later he went down to visit Ahab in Samaria, where Ahab sacrificed many sheep and cattle for him and the people with him, and urged him to march up to Ramoth-gilead.

NET Bible
and after several years went down to visit Ahab in Samaria. Ahab slaughtered many sheep and cattle to honor Jehoshaphat and those who came with him. He persuaded him to join in an attack against Ramoth Gilead.

New Heart English Bible
After certain years he went down to Ahab to Samaria. Ahab killed sheep and cattle for him in abundance, and for the people who were with him, and moved him to go up with him to Ramoth Gilead.

Webster's Bible Translation
And after certain years he went down to Ahab to Samaria. And Ahab killed sheep and oxen for him in abundance, and for the people that he had with him, and persuaded him to go up with him to Ramoth-gilead.

World English Bible
After some years, he went down to Ahab to Samaria. Ahab killed sheep and cattle for him in abundance, and for the people who were with him, and moved him to go up with him to Ramoth Gilead.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and goes down at the end of [certain] years to Samaria to [visit] Ahab, and Ahab sacrifices sheep and oxen in abundance for him and for the people who [are] with him, and persuades him to go up to Ramoth-Gilead.

Young's Literal Translation
and goeth down at the end of certain years unto Ahab to Samaria, and Ahab sacrificeth for him sheep and oxen in abundance, and for the people who are with him, and persuadeth him to go up unto Ramoth-Gilead.

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will go down at the end of years to Ahab to Shomeron. And Ahab will sacrifice to him sheep and oxen for multitude, and to the people which are with him, and he will stimulate him to go up to Ramoth-Gilead.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he went down to him after some years to Samaria: and Achab at his coming killed sheep and oxen in abundance for him and the people that came with him: and he persuaded him to go up to Ramoth Galaad.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And after some years, he descended to him in Samaria. And upon his arrival, Ahab slaughtered very many sheep and oxen, for him and for the people who had arrived with him. And he persuaded him that he should ascend against Ramoth Gilead.

New American Bible
After some years he went down to Ahab at Samaria; Ahab slaughtered numerous sheep and oxen for him and for the people with him, and incited him to go up against Ramoth-gilead.

New Revised Standard Version
After some years he went down to Ahab in Samaria. Ahab slaughtered an abundance of sheep and oxen for him and for the people who were with him, and induced him to go up against Ramoth-gilead.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And after two years he went down to Ahab in Samaria. And Ahab killed sheep and oxen for him in abundance, and for the armed forces that were with him, and advised him to go up to Ramath-gilead.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he came down after two years to Akhab at Samaria, and Ahab sacrificed for him sheep and bulls, a great multitude, and for the hosts who were with him, and he advised him that he would go up to Ramath Gelad.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And after a lapse of years he went down to Ahab to Samaria. And Ahab killed sheep and oxen for him in abundance, and for the people that were with him, and persuaded him to go up with him to Ramoth-gilead.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he went down after a term of years to Achaab to Samaria: and Achaab slew for him sheep and calves, in abundance, and for the people with him, and he much desired him to go up with him to Ramoth of the country of Galaad.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jehoshaphat Allies with Ahab
1Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honor in abundance, and he allied himself with Ahab by marriage. 2And some years later he went down to visit Ahab in Samaria, where Ahab sacrificed many sheep and cattle for him and the people with him, and urged him to march up to Ramoth-gilead. 3Ahab king of Israel asked Jehoshaphat king of Judah, “Will you go with me against Ramoth-gilead?” And Jehoshaphat replied, “I am like you, and my people are your people; we will join you in the war.”…

Cross References
1 Kings 22:2-4
However, in the third year, Jehoshaphat king of Judah went down to visit the king of Israel, / who said to his servants, “Do you not know that Ramoth-gilead is ours, but we have failed to take it from the hand of the king of Aram?” / So he asked Jehoshaphat, “Will you go with me to fight against Ramoth-gilead?” Jehoshaphat answered the king of Israel, “I am as you are, my people are your people, and my horses are your horses.”

2 Chronicles 19:1-3
When Jehoshaphat king of Judah had returned safely to his home in Jerusalem, / 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. / However, some good is found in you, for you have removed the Asherah poles from the land and have set your heart on seeking God.”

2 Chronicles 17:1-6
Asa’s son Jehoshaphat reigned in his place, and he strengthened himself against Israel. / He stationed troops in every fortified city of Judah and put garrisons in the land of Judah and in the cities of Ephraim that his father Asa had captured. / Now the LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David. He did not seek the Baals, ...

2 Chronicles 21:6
And Jehoram walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, just as the house of Ahab had done. For he married a daughter of Ahab and did evil in the sight of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 22:3-4
Ahaziah also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother was his counselor in wickedness. / And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, as the house of Ahab had done, for to his destruction they were his counselors after the death of his father.

1 Kings 16:29-33
In the thirty-eighth year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Ahab son of Omri became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria twenty-two years. / However, Ahab son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD, more than all who were before him. / And as if it were not enough for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, he even married Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and he then proceeded to serve and worship Baal. ...

1 Kings 21:25
(Surely there was never one like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the sight of the LORD, incited by his wife Jezebel.

2 Chronicles 20:35-37
Later, Jehoshaphat king of Judah made an alliance with Ahaziah king of Israel, who acted wickedly. / They agreed to make ships to go to Tarshish, and these were built in Ezion-geber. / 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.

2 Chronicles 18:28-34
So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah went up to Ramoth-gilead. / And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “I will disguise myself and go into battle, but you wear your royal robes.” So the king of Israel disguised himself and went into battle. / Now the king of Aram had ordered his chariot commanders, “Do not fight with anyone, small or great, except the king of Israel.” ...

2 Chronicles 18:5-7
So the king of Israel assembled the prophets, four hundred men, and asked them, “Should we go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should we refrain?” “Go up,” they replied, “and God will deliver it into the hand of the king.” / But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here of whom we can inquire?” / The king of Israel answered, “There is still one man through whom we can inquire of the LORD, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good for me, but only bad. He is Micaiah son of Imlah.” “The king should not say that!” Jehoshaphat replied.

2 Chronicles 18:12-22
Then the messenger who had gone to call Micaiah instructed him, “Behold, with one accord the words of the prophets are favorable to the king. So please let your words be like theirs, and speak favorably.” / But Micaiah said, “As surely as the LORD lives, I will speak whatever my God tells me.” / When Micaiah arrived, the king asked him, “Micaiah, should we go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should we refrain?” “Go up and triumph,” Micaiah replied, “for they will be delivered into your hand.” ...

2 Chronicles 18:23-27
Then Zedekiah son of Chenaanah went up, struck Micaiah in the face, and demanded, “Which way did the Spirit of the LORD go when He departed from me to speak with you?” / Micaiah replied, “You will soon see, on that day when you go and hide in an inner room.” / And the king of Israel declared, “Take Micaiah and return him to Amon the governor of the city and to Joash the king’s son, ...

2 Chronicles 18:29-34
And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “I will disguise myself and go into battle, but you wear your royal robes.” So the king of Israel disguised himself and went into battle. / Now the king of Aram had ordered his chariot commanders, “Do not fight with anyone, small or great, except the king of Israel.” / When the chariot commanders saw Jehoshaphat, they said, “This is the king of Israel!” So they turned to fight against him, but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him. God drew them away from him. ...

2 Chronicles 19:4-11
Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem, and once again he went out among the people from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim and turned them back to the LORD, the God of their fathers. / He appointed judges in the land, in each of the fortified cities of Judah. / Then he said to the judges, “Consider carefully what you do, for you are not judging for man, but for the LORD, who is with you when you render judgment. ...

2 Chronicles 20:1-4
After this, the Moabites and Ammonites, together with some of the Meunites, came to make war against Jehoshaphat. / Then some men came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from beyond the Sea; they are already in Hazazon-tamar” (that is, En-gedi). / Jehoshaphat was alarmed and set his face to seek the LORD. And he proclaimed a fast throughout Judah. ...


Treasury of Scripture

And after certain years he went down to Ahab to Samaria. And Ahab killed sheep and oxen for him in abundance, and for the people that he had with him, and persuaded him to go up with him to Ramothgilead.

1 Kings 17:7
And it came to pass after a while, that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land.

Nehemiah 13:6
But in all this time was not I at Jerusalem: for in the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon came I unto the king, and after certain days obtained I leave of the king:

he went

2 Chronicles 19:2
And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the LORD.

1 Kings 22:2
And it came to pass in the third year, that Jehoshaphat the king of Judah came down to the king of Israel.

Ahab

1 Kings 1:9
And Adonijah slew sheep and oxen and fat cattle by the stone of Zoheleth, which is by Enrogel, and called all his brethren the king's sons, and all the men of Judah the king's servants:

Isaiah 22:12,13
And in that day did the Lord GOD of hosts call to weeping, and to mourning, and to baldness, and to girding with sackcloth: …

Luke 17:27-29
They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all…

persuaded

1 Kings 22:4,20-22
And he said unto Jehoshaphat, Wilt thou go with me to battle to Ramothgilead? And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, I am as thou art, my people as thy people, my horses as thy horses…

Ramoth-gilead

Deuteronomy 4:43
Namely, Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain country, of the Reubenites; and Ramoth in Gilead, of the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, of the Manassites.

Joshua 20:8
And on the other side Jordan by Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness upon the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh.

1 Kings 4:13
The son of Geber, in Ramothgilead; to him pertained the towns of Jair the son of Manasseh, which are in Gilead; to him also pertained the region of Argob, which is in Bashan, threescore great cities with walls and brasen bars:

Jump to Previous
Abundance Ahab Cattle Death End Feast Gilead Jehoshaphat Killed Lapse Moved Oxen Persuaded Persuadeth Putting Ramoth Ramothgilead Ramoth-Gilead Sacrificeth Samaria Sama'ria Sheep Slaughtered Visit
Jump to Next
Abundance Ahab Cattle Death End Feast Gilead Jehoshaphat Killed Lapse Moved Oxen Persuaded Persuadeth Putting Ramoth Ramothgilead Ramoth-Gilead Sacrificeth Samaria Sama'ria Sheep Slaughtered Visit
2 Chronicles 18
1. Jehoshaphat, joined in affinity with Ahab, is persuaded to go against Ramoth Gilead
4. Ahab, seduced by false prophets, according to the word of Micaiah, is slain there














Then after some years
This phrase indicates a passage of time, suggesting a period of reflection or change. In the Hebrew context, the passage of time often signifies God's unfolding plan. The Hebrew word for "years" (שָׁנִים, shanim) can imply a cycle or repetition, reminding us of the cyclical nature of God's dealings with His people. This period allowed for the development of political and personal relationships, setting the stage for the events to follow.

he went down
The phrase "went down" is significant in biblical geography. Jerusalem, where Jehoshaphat reigned, is situated on a higher elevation compared to Samaria. The act of "going down" can symbolize a descent not only in physical terms but also in spiritual or moral terms, as Jehoshaphat aligns himself with Ahab, a king known for his idolatry and opposition to God's prophets.

to visit Ahab
Ahab, the king of Israel, is a central figure known for his marriage to Jezebel and the promotion of Baal worship. The Hebrew root for "visit" (פָּקַד, paqad) can mean to attend to or to muster, suggesting a formal or significant meeting. This visit indicates a political alliance, which is a point of contention given Ahab's reputation and the spiritual compromise it represents for Jehoshaphat.

in Samaria
Samaria was the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, established by King Omri, Ahab's father. Archaeological findings reveal Samaria as a city of significant wealth and idolatry, with remnants of ivory and inscriptions. This setting underscores the tension between the worship of Yahweh in Judah and the idolatrous practices in Israel.

And Ahab slaughtered many sheep and cattle
The act of slaughtering animals was a common practice for hospitality and covenant-making in the ancient Near East. The Hebrew word for "slaughtered" (זָבַח, zabach) is often associated with sacrifices, which can imply a religious or covenantal aspect to the feast. This lavish display of wealth and generosity was likely intended to solidify the alliance and curry favor with Jehoshaphat.

for him and for the people with him
This phrase highlights the communal aspect of the feast, indicating that Jehoshaphat was not alone but accompanied by his retinue. The inclusion of "the people with him" suggests a broader political and social engagement, emphasizing the importance of this alliance not just for the kings but for their respective nations.

and urged him to march up to Ramoth-gilead
The Hebrew root for "urged" (סוּת, suth) can mean to incite or persuade, indicating Ahab's strong desire to enlist Jehoshaphat's support in his military campaign. Ramoth-gilead was a strategically important city, historically contested between Israel and Aram. This military venture represents a test of Jehoshaphat's discernment and commitment to God's will, as he is drawn into Ahab's ambitions.

(2) And after certain years.--See margin. 1Kings 22:2 has: "And it came to pass in the third year, that Jehoshaphat went down," &c.--a date which is relative to the three years' truce between Syria and Israel mentioned in the preceding verse. From 1Kings 22:51 of the same chapter we learn that this visit took place in the sixteenth or seventeenth year of the reign of Jehoshaphat. The marriage of Jehoram and Athaliah preceded the visit by eight or nine years. (Syriac and Arabic, "and after two years.")

And Ahab killed sheep and oxen for him in abundance.--This royal hospitality is here represented as part of a deliberate plan for obtaining the co-operation of Jehoshaphat in the projected campaign.

Persuaded him.--Incited, pricked him on (Judges 1:12); especially to evil; 1Chronicles 21:1, Deuteronomy 13:7. In 1Kings 22:3, Ahab broaches the subject of the expedition to his court. . . .

Verse 2. - After certain years he went down. In lieu of the italic type "certain" here, the English idiom, "years after," would aptly reproduce the facts of the case. This journey to Samaria to see Ahab was made in the seventeenth year of Jehoshaphat's reign (1 Kings 22:51; comp. 2 Chronicles 20:35 and 2 Kings 3:1). What were the precise antecedent circumstances of this visit of Jehoshaphat to Ahab it is interesting to surmise - whether it were the fruit of an invitation direct from Ahab, who had his own designs, or whether it were for diplomatic reasons, that worked in the mind of Jehoshaphat as well as of Ahab, in view of Syria. It is evident that Ahab promptly determined to improve this conference of kings. Persuaded him; i.e. he took steps to induce him. This is the uniform signification of the word here used in the eighteen times of its occurrence, and mostly in doubtful, or worse than doubtful, matter. The form is the hiph. of סוּת, in which conjugation only the verb occurs. The Revised Version renders "moved." The visiting and cooperating of Jehoshaphat and Ahab made a novel departure in the history of the rended kingdoms of Judah and Israel, and continued till the time of Jehu. Ramoth-Gilead. This important city of Gad (Joshua 20:8; Joshua 21:38), in Palestine beyond Jordan, comes into question as one not surrendered to the king-dora of Israel in good faith, according to the promise of Benhadad (1 Kings 20:34; comp. 1, 4, 7, 11, 20, 30, 33), Benhadad's father having taken it from Omri, father of Ahab. For "all the might that he showed," and presumably in conflicts with Syria, Omri was evidently a heavy loser. Ramoth-Gilead means "the heights of Gilead."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And some years
שָׁנִ֤ים (šā·nîm)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 8141: A year

later
לְקֵ֨ץ (lə·qêṣ)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7093: An extremity, after

he went down
וַיֵּרֶד֩ (way·yê·reḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3381: To come or go down, descend

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

visit Ahab
אַחְאָב֙ (’aḥ·’āḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 256: Ahab -- 'father's brother', a king of Israel, also a false prophet

in Samaria,
לְשֹׁ֣מְר֔וֹן (lə·šō·mə·rō·wn)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 8111: Samaria -- capital of northern kingdom of Israel

where Ahab
אַחְאָ֜ב (’aḥ·’āḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 256: Ahab -- 'father's brother', a king of Israel, also a false prophet

sacrificed
וַיִּֽזְבַּֽח־ (way·yiz·baḥ-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2076: To slaughter for sacrifice

many
לָרֹ֔ב (lā·rōḇ)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7230: Multitude, abundance, greatness

sheep
צֹ֤אן (ṣōn)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 6629: Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock

and cattle
וּבָקָר֙ (ū·ḇā·qār)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1241: Beef cattle, ox, a herd

for him
ל֨וֹ (lōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

and the people
וְלָעָ֖ם (wə·lā·‘ām)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

with him,
עִמּ֑וֹ (‘im·mōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

and urged him
וַיְסִיתֵ֕הוּ (way·sî·ṯê·hū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5496: To prick, stimulate, to seduce

to march up
לַעֲל֖וֹת (la·‘ă·lō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Ramoth-gilead.
רָמ֥וֹת (rā·mō·wṯ)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7433: Ramoth-gilead -- a city East of the Jordan


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OT History: 2 Chronicles 18:2 After certain years he went down (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)
2 Chronicles 18:1
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