Topical Bible: Ship: Built by Jehoshaphat

◄ Ship: Built by Jehoshaphat ►

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Jehoshaphat, the fourth king of the Kingdom of Judah, is noted in the biblical narrative for his efforts to strengthen his kingdom both spiritually and economically. Among his various endeavors, the construction of a fleet of ships stands out as a significant undertaking aimed at enhancing trade and wealth for Judah.

Biblical Account:

The account of Jehoshaphat's shipbuilding is primarily found in 1 Kings 22:48-49 and 2 Chronicles 20:35-37. These passages provide insight into the king's ambitions and the challenges he faced in his maritime ventures.

1 Kings 22:48-49 states: "Jehoshaphat built ships of Tarshish to go to Ophir for gold, but they never set sail, because they were wrecked at Ezion-geber. At that time Ahaziah son of Ahab said to Jehoshaphat, 'Let my servants sail with your servants,' but Jehoshaphat refused."

2 Chronicles 20:35-37 offers additional details: "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 made an alliance with Ahaziah, the LORD has destroyed your works.' So the ships were wrecked and were unable to sail to Tarshish."

Historical and Theological Context:

Jehoshaphat's decision to build ships was likely influenced by the desire to emulate the successful maritime trade of Solomon, who had previously sent ships to Ophir to acquire gold (1 Kings 9:26-28). The location of Ezion-geber, near the Red Sea, was strategically chosen for its access to trade routes leading to the wealth of Ophir, a region famed for its gold and other valuable resources.

However, Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahaziah, the king of Israel, is portrayed negatively in the biblical text. Ahaziah, the son of Ahab and Jezebel, is characterized as a wicked ruler, and Jehoshaphat's partnership with him is seen as a compromise of his faithfulness to God. The prophet Eliezer's rebuke underscores the theological theme that alliances with ungodly leaders can lead to divine disfavor and failure.

Lessons and Implications:

The narrative of Jehoshaphat's shipbuilding serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of maintaining spiritual integrity and reliance on God rather than forming alliances that compromise one's values. Despite Jehoshaphat's overall reputation as a godly king who sought to follow the ways of the Lord, this episode highlights the potential pitfalls of political and economic decisions that are not aligned with divine guidance.

Jehoshaphat's experience also reflects the broader biblical principle that success and prosperity are ultimately dependent on God's blessing. The wrecking of the ships at Ezion-geber serves as a tangible reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the futility of human endeavors apart from God's will.

In summary, the account of the ships built by Jehoshaphat is a multifaceted account that illustrates the complexities of leadership, the dangers of compromising alliances, and the necessity of seeking God's favor in all undertakings.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 22:48
Jehoshaphat made ships of Tharshish to go to Ophir for gold: but they went not; for the ships were broken at Eziongeber.
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2 Chronicles 20:35,36
And after this did Jehoshaphat king of Judah join himself with Ahaziah king of Israel, who did very wickedly:
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Library

Book 9 Footnotes
... and Thrace, as the places whither Jehoshaphat's fleet sailed ... inhabitants of Damascus,
and had built them temples ... storm might have driven the ship, while Jonah ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 9 footnotes.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... Suru, the capital of Bit-Khalupi, was built upon the Khabur itself where it ... He built
a flotilla at Shuru in Bit-Khalupi on which he embarked his troops. ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

The King's Courts
... history, when, at the solicitation of Jehoshaphat, Ahab sent ... and in the space thus
gained had built a grand ... her dulcet notes, and drawing the ship closer and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/x the kings courts.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... Indeed, as we have seen, Jehoshaphat, encouraged by his alliance with the house
of Omri ... be turned into sailors at a day's notice, and the vessel built by him at ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Ascalon was built on the sea, and its harbour, although well enough suited for the
small craft of the ancients ... [Illustration: 297.jpg A PHILISTINE SHIP OF WAR]. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with
the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm