2 Chronicles 20:35 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 20:35 mean?

2 Chronicles 20:35 describes how, after earlier events, Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, formed an alliance with Ahaziah, the king of Israel, who was known for doing very wicked things. The verse points out that Jehoshaphat chose to join himself with someone whose actions were considered evil.

This verse is part of a historical account written by the Chronicler, describing the later years of King Jehoshaphat’s reign. The setting is the divided kingdom period, with Jehoshaphat ruling Judah in the south and Ahaziah ruling Israel in the north. The verse highlights a significant decision by Jehoshaphat to cooperate with a king whose reputation was marked by wrongdoing, setting the stage for consequences that follow in the next verses.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 20:35

• The word "join" (חָבַר, chavar) means to ally or associate closely. Here, it emphasizes that Jehoshaphat did not just have casual contact with Ahaziah but entered into a deliberate partnership, which is significant given Ahaziah’s reputation.
• The word "wickedly" (רָשַׁע, rasha‘) means to act in a morally wrong or evil way. The text singles out Ahaziah’s character, making it clear that the alliance was with someone known for wrongdoing, not just any foreign king.

Why 2 Chronicles 20:35 matters

• This verse clarifies that Jehoshaphat’s alliance was not just political but involved a moral compromise, since Ahaziah was known for his wickedness.
• It connects to earlier warnings in the Bible about the dangers of partnering with those who do evil, showing that even good leaders can make unwise alliances.
• The verse sets up the reader to understand the negative consequences that follow in the narrative, highlighting the importance of discernment in leadership decisions.