And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself, and will go to the battle; but put thou on thy robes. So the king of Israel disguised himself; and they went to the battle.

2 CHRONICLES 18:29KJV
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2 Chronicles 18:29 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 18:29 mean?

2 Chronicles 18:29 describes how the king of Israel told Jehoshaphat that he would disguise himself before going into battle, while Jehoshaphat should wear his royal robes. The king of Israel then disguised himself, and both men went into the battle together.

In this verse, Ahab, the king of Israel, is speaking to Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah. They are about to go into battle against their enemies, and Ahab suggests a plan to avoid being recognized as the king. By disguising himself, Ahab hopes to protect himself from being targeted, while Jehoshaphat remains dressed as a king. This sets up a situation where Jehoshaphat could be mistaken for Ahab, which becomes important in the events that follow.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 18:29

  • "Disguise" (חָפַשׂ, chaphas): This word means to change one's appearance or to disguise oneself. Here, it shows Ahab's intent to hide his identity, likely out of fear for his safety.
  • "Robes" (בֶּגֶד, beged): This word refers to garments or clothing, especially those that signify status. Jehoshaphat is told to wear his royal robes, making him visibly stand out as a king.
  • "Battle" (מִלְחָמָה, milchamah): This word means war or battle. The context is a military conflict, and the choices about clothing and disguise are directly related to the dangers of being recognized as a leader in battle.

Why 2 Chronicles 18:29 matters

  • This verse highlights the contrast between Ahab’s caution and Jehoshaphat’s openness, which helps explain the tension and risk in the story that follows.
  • Understanding the use of disguise and royal robes clarifies why Jehoshaphat is later put in danger, as he is mistaken for the king of Israel by enemy soldiers.
  • The verse sets up a key moment in the narrative, showing Ahab’s attempt to avoid a prophecy of his own death by taking practical steps to protect himself, which ultimately fails.

Where else these words appear

“disguise” Hebrew H2664 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 31:35 And she said to her father, Let it not displease my lord that I cannot rise up before thee; for the custom of women is upon me. And he searched, but found not the images.
  • 1 Kings 22:30 And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself, and enter into the battle; but put thou on thy robes. And the king of Israel disguised himself, and went into the battle.
  • Proverbs 2:4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;

“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.

“put” Hebrew H3847 · used in 103 verses

  • Genesis 3:21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.
  • 1 Chronicles 12:18 Then the spirit came upon Amasai, who was chief of the captains, and he said, Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace be unto thee, and peace be to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band.
  • Isaiah 49:18 Lift up thine eyes round about, and behold: all these gather themselves together, and come to thee. As I live, saith the LORD, thou shalt surely clothe thee with them all, as with an ornament, and bind them on thee, as a bride doeth.