Overview of 2 Chronicles 17:1–20:37
Of all the accounts of the kings after Solomon, the account of Jehoshaphat’s reign is second in length only to Hezekiah’s (2 Chronicles 29–32), and only he, Hezekiah, and Josiah are likened to David (17:3; 29:2; 34:2). Jehoshaphat is presented as a prominent example of good leadership throughout the land, leading to prosperity and peace, but alongside this narrative is prophetic criticism of his alliance with the “wicked” northern kingdom. While he exhibits parallels with the reign of his father, Asa,1 Jehoshaphat’s reforms are greater, involving arrangements for teaching the “Law of the Lord” and for a justice system throughout the land (17:7–9; 19:5–11). His failings receive less censure because he “set [his] heart to seek God” (19:3; cf. 17:4; 20:32; 22:9).
Over half the content here is unique to Chronicles (table 3.13). In Kings, Jehoshaphat appears only in the formulaic concluding summary (1 Kings 22:41–50 = 2 Chron. 20:31–21:1) and within the accounts of the kings of Israel as one who helps Ahab and Jehoram in their battles (1 Kings 22; 2 Kings 3). The Chronicler includes only the former battle (2 Chron. 18:2–34 closely follows 1 Kings 22:2–35a), and its placement in the midst of a large amount of unique material (2 Chron. 17:1–18:1; 19:1–20:30) suggests that hearers are directed to focus on Jehoshaphat’s words and actions rather than on Ahab’s. (An example of the Chronicler’s general lack of interest in the north is his omission of material from the large blocks of 1 Kings 15:25–21:29 and 2 Kings 1:1–8:15 that recount the rise of the Omride dynasty in Israel and the stories of Elijah and Elisha.)
TABLE 3.13: Comparison of 2 Chronicles 17:1–21:1 and 1 Kings
| 2 Chronicles | 1 Kings | |
|---|---|---|
| Jehoshaphat’s reign begins with reforms | 17:1–19 | — |
| With Ahab in battle | 18:1–34 | 22:1–35a |
| Reforms | 19:1–11 | — |
| Prayer and deliverance in battle | 20:1–30 | — |
| Concluding summary | 20:31–21:1 | 22:41–50 |
Unlike the preceding Asa account, with its clear chronology linking events, the various sections here are placed next to each other without connection, so inviting the reader to see side by side two different sets of actions and their results.2 The general evaluation regarding Jehoshaphat’s reforms and personal commitment to the Lord is positive (e.g., 17:3; 20:32); his prayer and faith in battle when a consortium of peoples attack Judah are exemplary, as God gives resounding victory (20:1–30). On the other hand, his alliance with successive kings of Israel (18:1 and 20:35: Ahab and Ahaziah) is condemned by prophets (19:1–3; 20:37). That alliance proved to have disastrous results after Jehoshaphat’s death; his successor follows the idolatrous ways of the north (24:7), and within eight years there is no Davidic descendant on the throne (22:10), whereas temple resources are used for Baal worship (23:17–18; 24:7).
The two evaluations are highlighted by contrasting instances of the preposition ʻim (“with”).3 Previously, the prophet Azariah had told King Asa, “The Lord is with you while you are with him” (15:2). Episodes in the Jehoshaphat account describe either (a) the Lord’s being “with” Jehoshaphat and others, associated with religious and judicial reforms, and resulting in prosperity, victory, and “rest,” or (b) Jehoshaphat’s wrongly being “with” the king of Israel in battle or trade, with dire consequences. The account is outlined and summarized in table 3.14.
TABLE 3.14: Positive and Negative Evaluations of Jehoshaphat’s Reign
| 17:1–19 | “The Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David” (17:3). Jehoshaphat’s reign was marked by defensive strengthening, teaching of the law throughout Judah, and tribute from surrounding peoples. | Positive |
| 18:1–19:3 | “Ahab king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, ‘Will you go with me to Ramoth-gilead?’ He answered him, ‘I am as you are, my people as your people. We will be with you in the war’” (18:3). Alliance with Ahab involved conflicting prophetic messages and a battle that resulted in Ahab’s death. Although Jehoshaphat returned safely, he received prophetic criticism of the alliance, tempered by commendation for his religious reforms. | Negative |
| 19:4–11 | Jehoshaphat organized judicial reforms, saying to those appointed, “[The Lord] is with you in giving judgment” (19:6) and “Deal courageously, and may the Lord be with the upright” (19:11). | Positive |
| 20:1–30 | An attacking alliance was met by Jehoshaphat’s prayer, a prophetic assurance that there would be victory, because “The Lord will be with you” (20:17), and singing of praise. The victory led to further praise. | Positive |
| 20:31–37 | An inclusion in the concluding summary tells how Jehoshaphat “joined with Ahaziah king of Israel, who acted wickedly” (20:35) and “joined with him” (20:36 AT) in building trading ships. As announced by a prophet, the outcome was failure, because “You have joined with Ahaziah” (20:37). | Negative |
1 Dillard, 2 Chronicles, 128–129.
2 Gary N. Knoppers, “Reform and Regression: the Chronicler’s Presentation of Jehoshaphat,” Bib 72/4 (1991): 500–524.
3 Following Allen, “Kerygmatic Units in 1 & 2 Chronicles,” 30. The only instance similar to Kings is the first “with” in 18:3, where the Chronicler’s ʻim replaces 1 Kings 22:4 ʼet (also “with”).