What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 20:35? Later “Later” signals events that followed Jehoshaphat’s dramatic victory over the Moabites and Ammonites (2 Chronicles 20:1-30). God had miraculously delivered Judah, yet only “later” does the chronicler reveal a fresh test. Scripture often shows that spiritual highs are followed by temptations (1 Kings 18–19 with Elijah; Matthew 3–4 with Jesus). The lesson is plain: • Previous victories do not guarantee present faithfulness (1 Corinthians 10:12). • Ongoing dependence on the Lord remains essential even after great triumphs (Proverbs 3:5-6). Jehoshaphat king of Judah Jehoshaphat was a reforming, God-fearing ruler (2 Chronicles 17:3-6), yet he had a blind spot—political partnerships with the northern kingdom. Earlier he joined Ahab in battle and was rebuked by the prophet Jehu: “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD?” (2 Chronicles 19:2). Now he repeats the pattern. His life reminds us that: • A generally godly leader can still fall into recurring compromise (Hebrews 12:1). • Sins we do not decisively forsake tend to resurface (Genesis 20 & 26 show Abraham and Isaac repeating the same deception). made an alliance The alliance concerned a fleet of trading ships bound for Tarshish (2 Chronicles 20:36). God had warned Israel against covenants with ungodly nations that would draw hearts away (Exodus 34:12; Deuteronomy 7:2). Jehoshaphat ignored those commands, seeking economic gain instead of God’s counsel. Comparably, the New Testament cautions, “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers” (2 Corinthians 6:14). Key dangers of such alliances: • Compromise of convictions for shared interests. • Dependence on human resources rather than divine provision (Psalm 20:7). • Exposure to the partner’s judgment (Proverbs 13:20). with Ahaziah king of Israel Ahaziah, son of Ahab and Jezebel, reigned over Israel in Samaria (1 Kings 22:51-53). Scripture records: “He did evil in the sight of the LORD and walked in the way of his father and mother” (1 Kings 22:52). By joining with Ahaziah, Jehoshaphat aligned the house of David with a dynasty steeped in idolatry and bloodshed. Political convenience blurred moral clarity—a common Old Testament theme (see King Solomon’s later years, 1 Kings 11:1-8). who acted wickedly The verse ends with God’s verdict on Ahaziah. His wickedness was not a private matter but a public, covenant-breaking rebellion. Because Jehoshaphat partnered with him, the judgment touched Judah’s venture: “Because you have joined with Ahaziah, the LORD has destroyed your works. So the ships were wrecked” (2 Chronicles 20:37). Consequences underline that: • God’s people cannot expect His blessing while yoking themselves to wickedness (Psalm 1:1-3). • Obedience safeguards prosperity; disobedience invites loss (Deuteronomy 28:1-15). summary 2 Chronicles 20:35 teaches that after great spiritual victories we must remain alert. Jehoshaphat, a good king, repeated a familiar mistake—partnering with an ungodly ruler. The text warns that alliances with the wicked, however practical they appear, offend the Lord and bring His discipline. Lasting success rests on steadfast obedience and uncompromised trust in God alone. |
    |