So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramothgilead.

2 CHRONICLES 18:28KJV
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2 Chronicles 18:28 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 18:28 mean?

2 Chronicles 18:28 describes how the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, went together to the city of Ramothgilead. This verse sets the scene for their joint military campaign, showing both kings physically traveling to the battlefield.

The verse is part of a narrative where King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah form an alliance to fight against Aram (Syria) for control of Ramothgilead. The story highlights the cooperation between the two kingdoms, even though they often had different priorities and spiritual directions. This moment is significant because it leads into the events where the prophets’ warnings and the outcome of the battle play a key role in the larger story.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 18:28

  • רָמֹת גִּלְעָד (Ramothgilead, Ramoth-gil'ad): This place name means "Heights of Gilead," referring to a strategic city east of the Jordan River. Its mention emphasizes the importance of the location as a contested and valuable area in Israel’s history.
  • עָלָה (ʿalah, "went up"): This verb often means to ascend or go up, and in biblical context, it can refer to traveling to a place of importance or higher elevation. Here, it suggests that the journey to Ramothgilead was significant, possibly both geographically and in terms of the story’s stakes.

Why 2 Chronicles 18:28 matters

  • The verse clarifies that both kings are personally involved in the campaign, not just sending their armies, which raises the stakes for what follows.
  • By naming both Israel and Judah, the verse highlights a rare moment of unity between the two kingdoms, which were usually divided.
  • This verse sets up the dramatic events that follow, including prophetic warnings and the consequences of their decision, making it a key turning point in the narrative.

Where else these words appear

“Ramothgilead” Hebrew H7433 · used in 22 verses

  • Joshua 21:38 And out of the tribe of Gad, Ramoth in Gilead with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Mahanaim with her suburbs,
  • 1 Kings 22:20 And the LORD said, Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead? And one said on this manner, and another said on that manner.
  • 2 Chronicles 18:3 And Ahab king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat king of Judah, Wilt thou go with me to Ramothgilead? And he answered him, I am as thou art, and my people as thy people; and we will be with thee in the war.

“Jehoshaphat” Hebrew H3092 · used in 75 verses

  • 2 Samuel 8:16 And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;
  • 2 Kings 3:1 Now Jehoram the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned twelve years.
  • 2 Chronicles 18:31 And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, It is the king of Israel. Therefore they compassed about him to fight: but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him; and God moved them to depart from him.

“Ramothgilead” Hebrew H1568 · used in 123 verses

  • Genesis 31:21 So he fled with all that he had; and he rose up, and passed over the river, and set his face toward the mount Gilead.
  • Judges 10:17 Then the children of Ammon were gathered together, and encamped in Gilead. And the children of Israel assembled themselves together, and encamped in Mizpeh.
  • 2 Kings 9:1 And Elisha the prophet called one of the children of the prophets, and said unto him, Gird up thy loins, and take this box of oil in thine hand, and go to Ramothgilead: