Topical Bible: Alliances: Jehoshaphat and Ahab

◄ Alliances: Jehoshaphat and Ahab ►

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The alliance between Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, and Ahab, king of Israel, is a significant event in the biblical narrative, illustrating the complexities and consequences of political and spiritual alliances. This alliance is primarily documented in 1 Kings 22 and 2 Chronicles 18.

Background

Jehoshaphat, the son of Asa, reigned over Judah from approximately 873 to 848 BC. He is noted for his piety and efforts to reform Judah, bringing the people back to the worship of Yahweh. Ahab, the son of Omri, reigned over Israel from approximately 874 to 853 BC. His reign is marked by idolatry, largely influenced by his marriage to Jezebel, a Phoenician princess who promoted the worship of Baal.

The Alliance

The alliance between Jehoshaphat and Ahab was cemented through marriage; Jehoshaphat's son, Jehoram, married Ahab's daughter, Athaliah (2 Chronicles 18:1). This union was likely intended to strengthen political ties and provide mutual security against common enemies, such as the Arameans.

The Battle of Ramoth-gilead

The most notable event resulting from this alliance is the joint military campaign against Ramoth-gilead, a city under Aramean control. Ahab sought Jehoshaphat's support in reclaiming the city. Jehoshaphat agreed, saying, "I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses" (1 Kings 22:4).

Before proceeding, Jehoshaphat insisted on seeking the counsel of the LORD. Ahab gathered about four hundred prophets, who unanimously predicted success. However, Jehoshaphat was not satisfied and asked for a prophet of the LORD. Ahab reluctantly summoned Micaiah, who initially mocked the king's prophets but ultimately prophesied disaster, foreseeing Ahab's death (1 Kings 22:17).

Despite Micaiah's warning, the kings proceeded with the campaign. Ahab attempted to disguise himself, but he was mortally wounded by a random arrow and died, fulfilling Micaiah's prophecy (1 Kings 22:34-37).

Consequences and Lessons

Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahab had significant repercussions. Although Jehoshaphat survived the battle, he was rebuked by the prophet Jehu upon his return to Jerusalem: "Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Because of this, the wrath of the LORD is upon you" (2 Chronicles 19:2). This rebuke highlights the spiritual danger of forming alliances with those who oppose God's commandments.

The alliance also had long-term effects on Judah. The marriage of Jehoram and Athaliah introduced idolatrous practices into Judah, leading to a period of spiritual decline. Athaliah's influence was particularly destructive, culminating in her usurpation of the throne and the near annihilation of the Davidic line (2 Chronicles 22:10-12).

The alliance between Jehoshaphat and Ahab serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of compromising faith for political gain. It underscores the importance of seeking God's guidance and remaining faithful to His commandments, even in the face of political pressures and temptations.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 22:1
And they continued three years without war between Syria and Israel.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Chronicles 18:1
Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honor in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab.
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Library

The Kingdom Op Judah.
... Jehoshaphat was succeeded in 891 by his son Jehoram ... him in Jehu's massacre of the
House of Ahab. ... to strengthen himself by fresh heathen alliances, though the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vii the kingdom op.htm

First and Second Kings.
... of the nation in order to form alliances with other ... the story of Jeroboam I, Omri,
Ahab, Jehu, Jeroboam II ... of the reign of Rehoboam, Jehoshaphat, Joash, Uzziah ...
/.../the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter ix first and second.htm

The Greater Prophets.
... reprove Saul, and Nathan David, and Elijah Ahab, and Elisha Jehoram, and Jehu
Jehoshaphat! ... The sin of seeking heathen alliances (57:9) points also ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxii the greater prophets.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7. <. ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Bezon, Tabrimmon, Benhadad I.--- Omri and the foundation of Samaria: Ahab and the ...
These chiefs were respectively free to make alliances, or to take the field ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... 16:1-4, 7, 12, 13), Micaiah son of Imla, and Zedekiah under Ahab (1 Kings ... in the
book of the kings of Israel" (2 Chronicles 20:34), in the time of Jehoshaphat. ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm