King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 18:1 Mean?

“Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honour in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab.”

Context

Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honour in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab.

And after certain years he went down to Ahab to Samaria. And Ahab killed sheep and oxen for him in abundance, and for the people that he had with him, and persuaded him to go up with him to Ramothgilead . after: Heb. at the end of years

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.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(1) **Now Jehoshaphat had.**—*And Jehoshaphat got.* **Riches and honour in abundance.**—Repeated from 2Chronicles 17:5. **And joined affinity with Ahab.**—He married his son Jehoram to Athaliah, daughter of Ahab and Jezebel (2Chronicles 21:6; 1Kings 18:8). The high degree of prosperity to which the king of Judah had attained is indicated by the fact that so powerful a monarch as Ahab entered into such an intimate connection with him. (The *vav* of the second clause is not adversative, as Zöckler asserts, but rather consecutive.)

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 18:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.