King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 18:2 Mean?

“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”

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.

And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Enquire, I pray thee, at the word of the LORD to day.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2) **And after certain years.**—See margin. 1Kings 22:2 has: *“*And it came to pass *in the third year,* that Jehoshaphat went down,” &c.—a date which is relative to the three years’ truce between Syria and Israel mentioned in the preceding verse. From 1Kings 22:51 of the same chapter we learn that this visit took place in the sixteenth or seventeenth year of the reign of Jehoshaphat. The marriage of Jehoram and Athaliah preceded the visit by eight or nine years. (Syriac and Arabic, “and after two years.”) **And Ahab killed sheep and oxen for him in abundance.**—This royal hospitality is here represented as part of a deliberate plan for obtaining the co-operation of Jehoshaphat in the projected campaign. **Persuaded him.**—*Incited, pricked him on* (Judges 1:12); especially to evil; 1Chronicles 21:1, Deuteronomy 13:7. In 1Kings 22:3, Ahab broaches the subject of the expedition to his court. **To go up . . . to.**—*To make an expedition against* a town or country (Isaiah 7:1; Isaiah 7:6; 1Kings 15:17). Comp. Isaiah 8:7-8.

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