2 Chronicles 18:31

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.

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.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jehoshaphat
The King of Judah, known for his faithfulness to God, who allied himself with Ahab, the King of Israel, through marriage and military alliance.

2. Chariot Commanders
Military leaders of the Aramean army, tasked with targeting the king of Israel during the battle.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The God of Israel, who intervenes to protect Jehoshaphat when he cries out for help.

4. Battle of Ramoth-gilead
The conflict where Jehoshaphat and Ahab joined forces against the Arameans, leading to the events of this verse.

5. Ahab
The King of Israel, who disguised himself in battle, leaving Jehoshaphat exposed to danger.

Teaching Points

Divine Intervention
God is attentive to the cries of His people and intervenes in their time of need. Jehoshaphat's experience reminds us that God is our protector and deliverer.

The Danger of Unequal Alliances
Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahab, a king who did not follow God, placed him in a precarious situation. Believers should be cautious about forming alliances that may compromise their faith.

The Power of Prayer
Jehoshaphat's immediate response to danger was to cry out to God. This highlights the importance of prayer as a first response in times of trouble.

God's Sovereignty in Battle
Despite human plans and disguises, God's will prevails. Ahab's attempt to avoid danger by disguising himself failed, while Jehoshaphat was saved by divine intervention.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from Jehoshaphat's response to danger about the importance of prayer in our own lives?

2. How does Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahab serve as a warning about forming partnerships that may lead us away from God's will?

3. In what ways does this passage demonstrate God's sovereignty and control over human affairs, especially in times of conflict?

4. How can we apply the principle of trusting in God's deliverance, as seen in Jehoshaphat's experience, to our current challenges?

5. What other biblical examples can you think of where God intervened in response to someone's cry for help, and how do these examples encourage us today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 22
Provides a parallel account of the same event, offering additional context and details about the battle and the prophecy of Micaiah.

Psalm 18:6
Illustrates the theme of crying out to God in distress and receiving His deliverance, similar to Jehoshaphat's experience.

2 Chronicles 20:12
Another instance where Jehoshaphat seeks God's help in battle, demonstrating his reliance on divine intervention.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Encourages trust in the Lord rather than one's own understanding, a principle Jehoshaphat exemplifies by crying out to God.