◄ 2 Chronicles 18:31 ►
Verse  (Click for Chapter)
New International Version
When the chariot commanders saw Jehoshaphat, they thought, “This is the king of Israel.” So they turned to attack him, but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him. God drew them away from him,

New Living Translation
So when the Aramean chariot commanders saw Jehoshaphat in his royal robes, they went after him. “There is the king of Israel!” they shouted. But Jehoshaphat called out, and the LORD saved him. God helped him by turning the attackers away from him.

English Standard Version
As soon as the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, they said, “It is the king of Israel.” So they turned to fight against him. And Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him; God drew them away from him.

Berean Standard Bible
When the chariot commanders saw Jehoshaphat, they said, “This is the king of Israel!” So they turned to fight against him, but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him. God drew them away from him.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
So it was, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, “It is the king of Israel!” Therefore they surrounded him to attack; but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him, and God diverted them from him.

New American Standard Bible
So when the commanders of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, they said, “He is the king of Israel!” And they turned aside to fight against him. But Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him, and God diverted them from him.

NASB 1995
So when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, they said, “It is the king of Israel,” and they turned aside to fight against him. But Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him, and God diverted them from him.

NASB 1977
So it came about when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, “It is the king of Israel,” and they turned aside to fight against him. But Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him, and God diverted them from him.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now it happened that when the commanders of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, they said, “It is the king of Israel,” and they turned to fight against him. But Jehoshaphat cried out, and Yahweh helped him, and God incited them away from him.

Amplified Bible
So when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat [of Judah], they said, “It is the king of Israel!” So they turned to fight against him, but Jehoshaphat called out [for God’s help], and the LORD helped him; and God diverted them away from him.

Christian Standard Bible
When the chariot commanders saw Jehoshaphat, they shouted, “He must be the king of Israel! ” So they turned to attack him, but Jehoshaphat cried out and the LORD helped him. God drew them away from him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When the chariot commanders saw Jehoshaphat, they shouted, “He must be the king of Israel!” So they turned to attack him, but Jehoshaphat cried out and the LORD helped him. God drew them away from him.

American Standard Version
And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, It is the king of Israel. Therefore they turned about to fight against him: but Jehoshaphat cried out, and Jehovah helped him; and God moved them to depart from him.

Contemporary English Version
So when they saw Jehoshaphat in his robe, they thought he was Ahab and started to attack him. But Jehoshaphat prayed, and the LORD made the Syrian soldiers stop.

English Revised Version
And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, It is the king of Israel. Therefore they turned about to fight against him: but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him; and God moved them to depart from him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When the chariot commanders saw Jehoshaphat, they said, "He must be the king of Israel." So they surrounded him in order to fight him. But when Jehoshaphat cried out, the LORD helped him. God drew them away from him,

Good News Translation
So when they saw King Jehoshaphat, they all thought that he was the king of Israel, and they turned to attack him. But Jehoshaphat gave a shout, and the LORD God rescued him and turned the attack away from him.

International Standard Version
So when the chariot commanders observed Jehoshaphat, they said by mistake, "It's the king of Israel!" and they turned aside to attack him. But Jehoshaphat cried out to the LORD, who helped him, and God diverted them from him.

Majority Standard Bible
When the chariot commanders saw Jehoshaphat, they said, “This is the king of Israel!” So they turned to fight against him, but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him. God drew them away from him.

NET Bible
When the chariot commanders saw Jehoshaphat, they said, "He must be the king of Israel!" So they turned and attacked him, but Jehoshaphat cried out. The LORD helped him; God lured them away from him.

New Heart English Bible
It happened, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, "It is the king of Israel." Therefore they turned around to fight against him. But Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him; and God moved them to depart from him.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
When the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, they said, “It is the king of Israel!” Therefore they turned around to fight against him. But Jehoshaphat cried out, and Yahweh helped him; and God moved them to depart from him.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And it comes to pass at the heads of the charioteers seeing Jehoshaphat, that they have said, “He is the king of Israel,” and they turn around against him to fight, and Jehoshaphat cries out, and YHWH has helped him, and God entices them from him;

Young's Literal Translation
And it cometh to pass at the heads of the charioteers seeing Jehoshaphat, that they have said, 'The king of Israel he is,' and they turn round against him to fight, and Jehoshaphat crieth out, and Jehovah hath helped him, and God enticeth them from him,

Smith's Literal Translation
And it will be as the chiefs of the chariots, seeing Jehoshaphat, and they said, He is the king of Israel. And they will surround about him to wage war: and Jehoshaphat will cry out, and Jehovah helped him, and God stimulates them from him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
So when the captains of the cavalry saw Josaphat, they said: This is the king of Israel. And they surrounded him to attack him: but he cried to the Lord, and he helped him, and turned them away from him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And so, when the leaders of the horsemen had seen Jehoshaphat, they said, “This one is the king of Israel.” And while fighting, they surrounded him. But he cried out to the Lord, and he assisted him, and he turned them away from him.

New American Bible
When the chariot commanders saw Jehoshaphat, they thought, “There is the king of Israel!” and wheeled to fight him. But Jehoshaphat cried out and the LORD helped him; God induced them to leave him alone.

New Revised Standard Version
When the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, they said, “It is the king of Israel.” So they turned to fight against him; and Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him. God drew them away from him,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And it came to pass when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, they said, It is the king of Israel. Therefore they came against him to fight him; but Jehoshaphat cried out and the LORD helped him; and he turned them away from him.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And it was that when the Commanders of chariots saw Yehoshaphat, they said: “This is the King of Israel!” And they came against him to fight with him, and Yehoshaphat cried out, and LORD JEHOVAH helped him and he removed them from him.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said: 'It is the king of Israel.' Therefore they turned about to fight against him; but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him; and God moved them to depart from him.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Josaphat, that they said, It is the king of Israel: and they compassed him about to fight against him: and Josaphat cried out, and the Lord delivered him; and God turned them away from him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Ahab's Defeat and Death
…30Now the king of Aram had ordered his chariot commanders, “Do not fight with anyone, small or great, except the king of Israel.” 31 When the chariot commanders saw Jehoshaphat, they said, “This is the king of Israel!” So they turned to fight against him, but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him. God drew them away from him. 32And when the chariot commanders saw that he was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him.…
Berean Standard Bible · Download


Cross References
1 Kings 22:32-33
When the chariot commanders saw Jehoshaphat, they said, “Surely this is the king of Israel!” So they turned to fight against him, but Jehoshaphat cried out. / And when the chariot commanders saw that he was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him.

Psalm 18:2
The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Psalm 20:7
Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

Psalm 33:16-17
No king is saved by his vast army; no warrior is delivered by his great strength. / A horse is a vain hope for salvation; even its great strength cannot save.

Psalm 118:8-9
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. / It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.

Isaiah 31:1
Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in their abundance of chariots and in their multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD.

Isaiah 31:3
But the Egyptians are men, not God; their horses are flesh, not spirit. When the LORD stretches out His hand, the helper will stumble, and the one he helps will fall; both will perish together.

Jeremiah 17:5
This is what the LORD says: “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind, who makes mere flesh his strength and turns his heart from the LORD.

Jeremiah 39:12
“Take him, look after him, and do not let any harm come to him; do for him whatever he says.”

Zechariah 4:6
So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts.

Matthew 10:28
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Matthew 26:53
Are you not aware that I can call on My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?

Mark 13:20
If the Lord had not cut short those days, nobody would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom He has chosen, He has cut them short.

Luke 1:37
For no word from God will ever fail.”

John 18:36
Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world; if it were, My servants would fight to prevent My arrest by the Jews. But now My kingdom is not of this realm.”


Treasury of Scripture

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.

Jehoshaphat

2 Chronicles 13:14
And when Judah looked back, behold, the battle was before and behind: and they cried unto the LORD, and the priests sounded with the trumpets.

2 Chronicles 14:11
And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee.

Exodus 14:10
And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the LORD.

the Lord

2 Chronicles 26:7
And God helped him against the Philistines, and against the Arabians that dwelt in Gurbaal, and the Mehunims.

Psalm 34:7
The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

Psalm 56:1,11
To the chief Musician upon Jonathelemrechokim, Michtam of David, when the Philistines took him in Gath. Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me…

God moved them

Ezra 1:1
Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,

Ezra 7:27
Blessed be the LORD God of our fathers, which hath put such a thing as this in the king's heart, to beautify the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem:

Nehemiah 1:11
O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer.

Jump to Previous
Captains Chariot Chariots Commanders Compassed Cried Depart Drew Fight Help Helped Israel Jehoshaphat Jehosh'aphat Moved Round Surrounded Thought Turned War-Carriages
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Captains Chariot Chariots Commanders Compassed Cried Depart Drew Fight Help Helped Israel Jehoshaphat Jehosh'aphat Moved Round Surrounded Thought Turned War-Carriages
2 Chronicles 18
1. Jehoshaphat, joined in affinity with Ahab, is persuaded to go against Ramoth Gilead
4. Ahab, seduced by false prophets, according to the word of Micaiah, is slain there














Berean Study Bible
When the chariot commanders saw Jehoshaphat
The phrase highlights the moment of recognition by the enemy forces. The "chariot commanders" were elite military leaders, skilled in warfare, and their role was crucial in ancient battles. Historically, chariots were a symbol of military might and technological advancement in warfare. Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, was mistakenly identified as the king of Israel, Ahab, due to his royal attire. This reflects the confusion and chaos often present in battle, where appearances can be deceiving.

they said, 'This is the king of Israel!'
This statement underscores the mistaken identity that led to a critical moment in the battle. The king of Israel, Ahab, had disguised himself, leaving Jehoshaphat exposed. The phrase reveals the enemy's intent to target the leadership, a common military strategy to destabilize and demoralize the opposing forces. Theologically, this moment can be seen as a test of Jehoshaphat's faith and reliance on God amidst imminent danger.

So they turned to fight against him
The decision to attack Jehoshaphat illustrates the aggressive pursuit of the enemy. The Hebrew root for "turned" (פנה, panah) implies a deliberate and focused action, indicating the commanders' determination to eliminate what they believed was the primary threat. This reflects the spiritual battles believers face, where the enemy often targets those in leadership or positions of influence.

but Jehoshaphat cried out
Jehoshaphat's cry is a pivotal moment of desperation and faith. The act of crying out (זעק, za'aq) in Hebrew conveys a deep, urgent plea for divine intervention. This cry is not just a call for help but an acknowledgment of human limitation and the need for God's power. It serves as a reminder of the importance of prayer and reliance on God in times of crisis.

and the LORD helped him
This phrase is a testament to God's faithfulness and readiness to assist those who call upon Him. The Hebrew word for "helped" (עזר, azar) signifies support and deliverance. It emphasizes the covenant relationship between God and His people, where God responds to the cries of His faithful. This divine intervention is a source of encouragement for believers, affirming that God is ever-present and willing to aid those who trust in Him.

God drew them away from him
The divine action of drawing the enemy away highlights God's sovereignty and control over the events of the world. The Hebrew root for "drew away" (סור, sur) suggests a turning aside or removal, indicating God's protective hand redirecting the threat. This act of deliverance not only saved Jehoshaphat but also demonstrated God's power to alter the course of human affairs. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's ability to protect and preserve His people, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

Pulpit Commentary
Verse 31. - Comparing this and following verse minutely with the parallel (1 Kings 22:32, 33), the exact correspondence of the latter of each pair of verses only the more clearly points the significance belonging to the two clauses of foreign matter interposed so characteristically by the writer of Chronicles for his own unvarying special objects, viz. the Lord helped him; and God moved them. What the cry of Jehoshaphat was remains uncertain; whether a cry to his own bodyguard and soldiers, or a cry to those who were beginning "to compass him about as bees," to let them know at any rate that he was not the king they sought, or whether most improbably, a cry to the Lord is meant. The cry fulfilled its purpose, and if Jehoshaphat had a sneaking love for Ahab (see the significant "love them," etc., of Jehu in second verse of next chapter), he evidently had not any idea of needlessly dying for him. The happy distinction of perceiving in next verse, as compared with seeing in this verse, is not warranted by the Hebrew text (in both cases כִּרְאות), though it is by the gist of the connection and English idiom,

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
When the chariot
הָרֶ֜כֶב (hā·re·ḵeḇ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7393: A vehicle, a team, cavalry, a rider, the upper millstone

commanders
שָׂרֵ֨י (śā·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

saw
כִּרְאוֹת֩ (kir·’ō·wṯ)
Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7200: To see

Jehoshaphat,
יְהוֹשָׁפָ֗ט (yə·hō·wō·šā·p̄āṭ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3092: Jehoshaphat -- 'the LORD has judged', the name of a number of Israelites

they
וְהֵ֤מָּה (wə·hêm·māh)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1992: They

said,
אָֽמְרוּ֙ (’ā·mə·rū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“This
ה֔וּא (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

is the king
מֶ֣לֶךְ (me·leḵ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428: A king

of Israel!”
יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

So they turned
וַיָּסֹ֥בּוּ (way·yā·sōb·bū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5437: To turn about, go around, surround

to fight
עָלָ֖יו (‘ā·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

against him,
לְהִלָּחֵ֑ם (lə·hil·lā·ḥêm)
Preposition-l | Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3898: To feed on, to consume, to battle

but Jehoshaphat
יְהֽוֹשָׁפָט֙ (yə·hō·wō·šā·p̄āṭ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3092: Jehoshaphat -- 'the LORD has judged', the name of a number of Israelites

cried out,
וַיִּזְעַ֤ק (way·yiz·‘aq)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2199: To shriek, to announce, convene publicly

and the LORD
וַֽיהוָ֣ה (Yah·weh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

helped him.
עֲזָר֔וֹ (‘ă·zā·rōw)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5826: To surround, protect, aid

God
אֱלֹהִ֖ים (’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

drew them away
וַיְסִיתֵ֥ם (way·sî·ṯêm)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5496: To prick, stimulate, to seduce

from him.
מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃ (mim·men·nū)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of


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OT History: 2 Chronicles 18:31 It happened when the captains (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)
2 Chronicles 18:30
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