FocusFaithfulness tested in leadership
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The early kings of Judah are portrayed through worship, conflict, reform, and responses to the LORD.
interpretation 2 Chronicles 18:1
KJVNow Jehoshaphat had riches and honour in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab.
Read it in context
Jehoshaphat Allies with Ahab
Start reading at 2 Chronicles 18:1 (2 Chronicles 18:1 to 2 Chronicles 18:11).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The early kings of Judah are portrayed through worship, conflict, reform, and responses to the LORD.
- 18:1 Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honour in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab.
- 18:2 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.
- 18:3 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.
- 18:4 And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Enquire, I pray thee, at the word of the LORD to day.
- 18:5 Therefore the king of Israel gathered together of prophets four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall we go to Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for God will deliver it into the king's hand.
- 18:6 But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might enquire of him?
- 18:7 And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he never prophesied good unto me, but always evil: the same is Micaiah the son of Imla. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.
- 18:8 And the king of Israel called for one of his officers, and said, Fetch quickly Micaiah the son of Imla.
- 18:9 And the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah sat either of them on his throne, clothed in their robes, and they sat in a void place at the entering in of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets prophesied before them.
- 18:10 And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah had made him horns of iron, and said, Thus saith the LORD, With these thou shalt push Syria until they be consumed.
- 18:11 And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, Go up to Ramothgilead, and prosper: for the LORD shall deliver it into the hand of the king.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Ezra is the traditional Jewish attribution, while the final compiler is not known with certainty. First and Second Chronicles are parts of the same historical work. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Chronicles 17:1–20:37): Jehoshaphat, Judah's officials and people, prophets, Levites, and neighboring kings are involved in instruction, alliances, judgment, and deliverance. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The Jewish community after exile, especially those concerned with the temple, worship, the Davidic kings, and the call to return and rebuild. Biblical references: 2 Chronicles 36:20; 2 Chronicles 36:22; 2 Chronicles 36:23. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Jehoshaphat Allies with Ahab. Read 2 Chronicles 18:1 through 2 Chronicles 18:11 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The early kings of Judah are portrayed through worship, conflict, reform, and responses to the LORD. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account moves from Solomon's reign through the kings of Judah, Jerusalem's fall, and Cyrus' proclamation. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Jerusalem and its temple are central, with episodes in other parts of Judah and neighboring kingdoms and a closing reference to Persia. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Jehoshaphat Allies with Ahab (2 Chronicles 18:1 to 2 Chronicles 18:11). Start reading at 2 Chronicles 18:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The Davidic kingship and temple history form part of the setting for the New Testament's account of Jesus. Matthew's genealogy places several of these kings in that line. See 2 Chronicles 7:18, Matthew 1:6, Matthew 1:7, Matthew 1:16. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Attend to the connection between worship and conduct. Promises given to Solomon concerning this temple and people should retain their stated setting and conditions when used in later exhortation. interpretation
Cited: 2 Chronicles 18:1, 2 Chronicles 18:11, 2 Chronicles 7:18, Matthew 1:6, Matthew 1:7, Matthew 1:16
Who wrote it, and how we know
Ezra (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author. It closes with the decree of Cyrus.
2 Chronicles 36:22
Early traditionJewish tradition (Baba Bathra 14b) names Ezra.
What is debatedAuthorship is not stated.
Other accounts of this event
Micaiah, Ahab, and the battle at Ramoth-gilead
Parallel accounts
These passages describe overlapping parts of the same event. Each account retains its own wording and emphasis.
Related passages
- A. M. 3107. B.C. 897. riches 2 Chr 1:11-15 2 Chr 17:5,12 Matt 6:33
- joined affinity 2 Chr 18:31 2 Chr 19:2 2 Chr 21:6 2 Chr 22:2-3 1 Kgs 16:31-33 1 Kgs 21:25 2 Kgs 8:18,26-27 2 Kgs 11:1
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of 2 Chronicles 18
Second Chronicles follows Solomon and the kings of Judah, emphasizing the temple, worship, and responses to prophetic warning. The closing proclamation of Cyrus points beyond exile toward return. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
2 Chronicles 7:12 2 Chronicles 36:15 2 Chronicles 36:22
Micaiah Prophesies against Ahab
2 Chronicles 18:12–27FocusFaithfulness tested in leadership
Connection to the wholeThe early kings of Judah are portrayed through worship, conflict, reform, and responses to the LORD.
interpretation Ahab’s Defeat and Death
2 Chronicles 18:28–34FocusFaithfulness tested in leadership
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The early kings of Judah are portrayed through worship, conflict, reform, and responses to the LORD.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of 2 Chronicles
Second Chronicles follows Solomon and the kings of Judah, emphasizing the temple, worship, and responses to prophetic warning. The closing proclamation of Cyrus points beyond exile toward return.
2 Chronicles 7:12 2 Chronicles 36:15 2 Chronicles 36:22
Solomon and the temple
2 Chronicles 1:1–9:31FocusWisdom, dedication, and royal glory
Connection to the wholeThe temple's construction and dedication stand at the center of the account of Solomon's reign.
interpretation FocusFaithfulness tested in leadership
Connection to the wholeThe early kings of Judah are portrayed through worship, conflict, reform, and responses to the LORD.
interpretation Successive kings and their choices
2 Chronicles 21:1–28:27FocusReform and rebellion
Connection to the wholeThe sequence of reigns repeatedly connects the kings' choices with the condition of the people and temple worship.
interpretation Hezekiah and Josiah's reforms
2 Chronicles 29:1–35:27FocusRestoring worship amid unfaithfulness
Connection to the wholeMajor reforms are set beside the sins of intervening reigns, preserving the tension between renewal and approaching judgment.
interpretation The end of the kingdom and Cyrus' decree
2 Chronicles 36:1–23FocusExile and permission to return
Connection to the wholeJerusalem's fall is explained in relation to rejected warnings, and Cyrus' proclamation opens the possibility of return and rebuilding.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.