What is the meaning of 1 Kings 22:44? Jehoshaphat “Jehoshaphat” reminds us of the Judean king’s character and reign (1 Kings 22:41-43; 2 Chronicles 17:3-6). • His heart “was devoted to the ways of the LORD” (2 Chronicles 17:6), so the verse must be read with that godly backdrop. • God had blessed him with military strength and spiritual reforms (2 Chronicles 17:10-12). Cross reference: 1 Kings 22:41-43 shows his righteous walk; 2 Chronicles 20:32 underscores that he “did what was right in the sight of the LORD.” also made peace The phrase signals a deliberate political step rather than a casual gesture. • “Peace” here is an alliance, a cessation of the long-standing border wars begun in the days of Rehoboam and Jeroboam (1 Kings 15:6). • Jehoshaphat sought stability for Judah, hoping unity might counter external threats like Aram (Syria). • Yet the alliance involved risk: partnering with the idolatrous northern kingdom placed him within reach of their compromises (2 Chronicles 19:2). Cross references: 2 Chronicles 18:1 notes “Jehoshaphat had riches and honor in abundance and allied himself with Ahab by marriage”; 2 Chronicles 20:35-37 records a later alliance with Ahaziah that God judged. with the king of Israel At this point the northern throne was held by Ahab (1 Kings 22:29). • Ahab was notorious for Baal worship (1 Kings 16:30-33) and for marrying Jezebel. • Joining him meant shared military ventures (1 Kings 22:4; 2 Kings 3:6-7) and even joint naval projects (2 Chronicles 20:35-37). • God used Micaiah’s prophecy (1 Kings 22:13-28) and the rebuke from Jehu the prophet (2 Chronicles 19:2-3) to warn Jehoshaphat: fellowship with the ungodly invites discipline. Cross references: 2 Kings 3:14 shows Elisha’s respect for Jehoshaphat despite Israel’s sin; Psalm 1:1 cautions against close alignment with the wicked. summary 1 Kings 22:44 records a historically literal peace pact by a godly Judean king with an ungodly northern ruler. Jehoshaphat’s motive was regional security, but Scripture elsewhere reveals the spiritual peril of such alliances. The verse therefore teaches that even faithful believers must weigh every partnership by God’s standards, guarding holiness while pursuing peace. |
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