End of Jehoshaphat's Reign and Jehoram's Accession
2 Chronicles 20:31-21:3
2 C.20.31 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וימלך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהושפט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שלשים: NUM,m,pl,abs
- וחמש: CONJ+NUM,card,pl,abs
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- במלכו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ועשרים: NUM,m,pl,abs
- וחמש: CONJ+NUM,card,pl,abs
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- בירושלם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ושם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אמו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- עזובה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בת: NOUN,f,sg,cs
- שלחי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 22:41–42 (verbal): Direct parallel in the Deuteronomistic account: gives the same regnal data (Jehoshaphat's age at accession, length of reign, and his mother's name, Azubah daughter of Shilhi).
- 1 Kings 22:43–44 (thematic): Continues the Kings' summary of Jehoshaphat's reign (his conduct—walking in the ways of Asa, and the issue of high places), paralleling the Chronicler's treatment of his reignal character and reforms.
- 2 Chronicles 17:1–6 (structural): An earlier Chronicler summary of Jehoshaphat's reign (strengthening Judah, building fortresses, and prosperity) that complements the regnal notice in 20:31 by providing background to his rule.
- 2 Chronicles 20:1–30 (thematic): The narrative immediately preceding 20:31 (the invasion by Moab/Ammon/others and the miraculous deliverance) provides the topical context for the closing regnal formula in 20:31, linking the king's reign to this defining event.
Alternative generated candidates
- Jehoshaphat was thirty-five years old when he began to reign; he reigned twenty-five years in Jerusalem. The name of his mother was Azubah daughter of Shilhi.
- Jehoshaphat was thirty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-five years. His mother's name was Azubah daughter of Shilhi.
2 C.20.32 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בדרך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אביו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- אסא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- סר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ממנה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- לעשות: VERB,qal,inf
- הישר: ADJ,m,sg,def
- בעיני: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 22:43 (verbal): Direct parallel in the Deuteronomistic account: the same wording about Jehoshaphat walking in the ways of his father Asa and doing what was right in the sight of the LORD.
- 2 Chronicles 17:3 (thematic): An earlier Chronicle summary of Jehoshaphat's reign emphasizing that the LORD was with him because he walked in the righteous ways (following his father/earlier kings) and sought the LORD.
- 1 Kings 15:11 (verbal): Description of Asa: 'Asa did what was right in the eyes of the LORD,' providing the paternal model Jehoshaphat is said to have followed.
- 2 Chronicles 14:2 (verbal): Chronicles' characterization of Asa as a king who 'did what was right in the eyes of the LORD,' paralleling the reference to Jehoshaphat's adherence to his father Asa's ways.
Alternative generated candidates
- He walked in the ways of his father Asa and did not turn from them; he did what was right in the sight of the LORD.
- He walked in the way of his father Asa and did not turn from it, doing what was right in the sight of the LORD.
2 C.20.33 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אך: PART
- הבמות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- לא: PART_NEG
- סרו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ועוד: CONJ
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לא: PART_NEG
- הכינו: VERB,hiph,imp,2,m,pl
- לבבם: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3mp
- לאלהי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,const
- אבתיהם: NOUN,m,pl,cons+3mp
Parallels
- 1 Kings 15:14 (verbal): Almost identical wording in the parallel account of Asa: ‘the high places were not taken away… the people had not prepared their hearts to the LORD, the God of their fathers.’ Direct verbal/structural parallel.
- Deuteronomy 12:2-3 (thematic): The Torah’s command to destroy the high places and cut down Asherim — the legal/ideological background that 2 Chr. 20:33 indicates Israel failed to observe.
- 2 Chronicles 14:3 (structural): Report that Asa removed foreign altars and high places; serves as a structural contrast within Chronicles to the statement in 2 Chr. 20:33 that high places nevertheless remained.
- Judges 2:11-13 (thematic): Description of Israel’s turning to other gods and failing to serve the LORD with whole hearts — a recurring theme of communal failure to ‘prepare their hearts’ reflected in 2 Chr. 20:33.
Alternative generated candidates
- Nevertheless the high places were not removed, and the people’s hearts were not wholly devoted to the God of their fathers.
- But the high places were not removed; the people’s hearts were not prepared for the God of their fathers.
2 C.20.34 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויתר: CONJ+ADJ,m,sg,abs
- דברי: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,1,c,sg
- יהושפט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הראשנים: ADJ,m,pl,def
- והאחרנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- הנם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- כתובים: VERB,pual,ptcp,m,pl
- בדברי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cs
- יהוא: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חנני: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אשר: PRON,rel
- העלה: NOUN,f,sg,abs,def
- על: PREP
- ספר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלכי: NOUN,pl,m,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 22:41-42 (verbal): Parallel concluding formula about Jehoshaphat: 'the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat... are they not written in the book of the chronicles/kings of Israel'—a near verbal echo of Chronicles' notice.
- 2 Chronicles 19:2 (verbal): Mentions Jehu son of Hanani directly as the prophet who rebuked Jehoshaphat, linking the same prophetic figure named in 2 Chr 20:34.
- 1 Kings 16:1-4 (thematic): Records actions of Jehu son of Hanani as a prophet (pronouncing judgment on Baasha); shows the same prophet's activity elsewhere in the Deuteronomistic/Kings tradition.
- 1 Kings 11:41 (structural): Uses the same literary convention—'the rest of the acts... are they not written in the book of the acts/chronicles'—illustrating the common concluding formula for royal summaries in Kings/Chronicles.
Alternative generated candidates
- The rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, first and last, are written in the words of Jehu son of Hanani, who recorded them in the book of the kings of Israel.
- The rest of the matters of Jehoshaphat, first and last, are written in the record of Jehu son of Hanani, which is recorded in the book of the kings of Israel.
2 C.20.35 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואחריכן: CONJ
- אתחבר: VERB,hitpael,perf,3,m,sg
- יהושפט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- עם: PREP
- אחזיה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- הרשיע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לעשות: VERB,qal,inf
Parallels
- 1 Kings 22:41-43 (structural): Summary of Jehoshaphat’s reign in 1 Kings parallels the Chronicler’s account here; both passages frame Jehoshaphat’s policies and alliances with the northern kingdom.
- 1 Kings 22:51-53 (verbal): Describes Ahaziah son of Ahab as doing evil; parallels the Chronicler’s characterization of Ahaziah in 2 Chronicles 20:35 ('he did evil'), linking the two royal portraits.
- 2 Chronicles 18:1 (thematic): Records an earlier alliance between Jehoshaphat and Ahab (king of Israel) at Ramoth‑Gilead; thematically related as another instance of Jehoshaphat’s alliances with northern kings.
- 2 Chronicles 20:36-37 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same narrative: the joint maritime enterprise with Ahaziah and its failure (ships wrecked), showing the consequence of the alliance mentioned in v.35.
Alternative generated candidates
- After this Jehoshaphat king of Judah allied himself with Ahaziah king of Israel, who was wicked.
- And afterward Jehoshaphat king of Judah allied himself with Ahaziah king of Israel, who practiced wickedness.
2 C.20.36 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויחברהו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- לעשות: VERB,qal,inf
- אניות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ללכת: VERB,qal,inf
- תרשיש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויעשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- אניות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- בעציון: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גבר: NOUN,m,sg,prop
Parallels
- 1 Kings 9:26 (verbal): Solomon also built ships at Ezion‑Geber (same harbor) to engage in long‑distance sea trade—same place and shipbuilding motif.
- 2 Chronicles 8:17-18 (structural): Parallel report in Chronicles of Solomon’s fleet at Ezion‑Geber and voyages for gold—repeats the Ezion‑Geber/shipbuilding tradition within the Chronicler’s narrative world.
- Jonah 1:3 (thematic): Jonah hires a ship to 'go to Tarshish'—same destination language (חֶרֶב/תרשיש) and the theme of voyages to Tarshish.
- 1 Kings 10:22 (thematic): Speaks of the king’s fleet and maritime trade (ships bringing gold from distant lands such as Ophir/Tarshish), connecting the idea of royal ship expeditions and overseas commerce.
Alternative generated candidates
- He joined with him to make ships to go to Tarshish; they made ships at Ezion‑Geber.
- He joined with him to make ships to go to Tarshish, and they made ships at Ezion‑Geber.
2 C.20.37 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויתנבא: VERB,hitpael,impf,3,m,sg
- אליעזר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דדוהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ממרשה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- יהושפט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- כהתחברך: CONJ+VERB,hitpael,perf,2,m,sg
- עם: PREP
- אחזיהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- פרץ: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- מעשיך: NOUN,m,pl,abs,2,ms
- וישברו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- אניות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- עצרו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ללכת: VERB,qal,inf
- אל: NEG
- תרשיש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 20:36 (structural): Immediate preceding verse in the same chapter that narrates Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahaziah to build ships — the context for Eliezer's prophecy about the ships' failure.
- 1 Kings 22:48-49 (quotation): The parallel account in the Books of Kings of Jehoshaphat's association with the house of Ahab/Ahaziah and the failed maritime venture to Tarshish; Chronicles echoes and expands this Kings tradition.
- Jonah 1:3 (verbal): Both passages use the destination 'Tarshish' in connection with ships; Jonah's attempted voyage to Tarshish provides a recurrent biblical motif of ships bound for that distant port.
- Ezekiel 27:25 (thematic): Ezekiel's oracle about maritime trade (including Tarshish) and the vulnerability of ships/merchants thematically parallels the image of sea-vessels broken as a result of judgment or misfortune.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then Eliezer son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, “Because you have joined yourself with Ahaziah, the LORD has broken your plans; the ships were broken so that they could not go to Tarshish.”
- But Eliezer son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, “Because you have joined yourself with Ahaziah the LORD has broken your works; and the ships were broken so that they could not set sail for Tarshish.”
2 C.21.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישכב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יהושפט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עם: PREP
- אבתיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,3s
- ויקבר: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- עם: PREP
- אבתיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,3s
- בעיר: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- דויד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וימלך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהורם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בנו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- תחתיו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Kings 22:50 (quotation): Direct parallel report: same wording that Jehoshaphat 'slept with his fathers' and 'Jehoram his son reigned in his stead.'
- 2 Kings 8:16-17 (verbal): Parallel Kings account giving the start of Joram/Jehoram of Judah's reign (ties the succession information to the chronology in Kings).
- 2 Chronicles 22:1 (structural): Continues the dynastic succession narrative immediately after Jehoram's reign (the inhabitants make Ahaziah son of Jehoram king), showing the royal succession pattern in Chronicles.
- 1 Kings 11:43 (thematic): Uses the same royal epitaph formula 'slept with his fathers and was buried with his fathers'—a recurring thematic phrase applied to other Israelite/Judahite kings (e.g., Solomon).
Alternative generated candidates
- Jehoshaphat slept with his fathers and was buried with his fathers in the City of David. Jehoram his son became king in his place.
- Then Jehoshaphat slept with his fathers and was buried with his fathers in the city of David; and his son Jehoram reigned in his place.
2 C.21.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולו: CONJ+PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- אחים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- יהושפט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עזריה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויחיאל: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וזכריהו: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועזריהו: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומיכאל: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושפטיהו: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- אלה: DEM,pl,abs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- יהושפט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 21:1 (structural): Immediate context in Chronicles: introduces Jehoram as the son who succeeded Jehoshaphat, of which verse 21:2 then lists Jehoshaphat’s other sons.
- 1 Kings 22:50 (structural): Parallel account in Kings: records the death of Jehoshaphat and the succession of his son Jehoram (Joram) — a corresponding narrative notice of the royal transition.
- 2 Kings 8:16 (structural): Kings’ narrative that likewise introduces Jehoram (son of Jehoshaphat) beginning to reign in Judah; parallels the Chronicles notice of Jehoshaphat’s heirs and succession.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now the brothers of Jehoram were Azariah, Jehiel, Zechariah, Azariah, Michael, and Shephatiah— all these the sons of Jehoshaphat king of Israel.
- Now Jehoshaphat had brothers: Azariah, Jehiel, Zechariah, Azariahu, Michael, and Shephatiah— all these were sons of Jehoshaphat king of Judah.
2 C.21.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- אביהם: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
- מתנות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- רבות: ADJ,f,pl,abs
- לכסף: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולזהב: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולמגדנות: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- עם: PREP
- ערי: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- מצרות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ביהודה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- הממלכה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- נתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ליהורם: PREP+NOUN,prop,sg,m,abs
- כי: CONJ
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- הבכור: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 2 Kings 8:16-24 (verbal): Parallel narrative in Kings describing Jehoram (son of Jehoshaphat) becoming king of Judah; Chronicles and Kings give overlapping accounts of his accession and reign.
- 1 Chronicles 3:11 (structural): Genealogical listing that identifies Jehoram as the son and successor of Jehoshaphat, corroborating the dynastic transfer mentioned in Chronicles 21:3.
- Deuteronomy 21:17 (thematic): Law establishing the rights of the firstborn to a double portion—provides legal/cultural background for giving the kingdom to the eldest son.
- Genesis 48:8-20 (thematic): Jacob's bestowal of blessing and inheritance on Joseph's sons illustrates the broader biblical motif of a father granting status and property among sons.
- 1 Kings 22:50 (allusion): Chronological/royal summary in Kings noting Jehoshaphat's death and succession by his son—another brief account of the transfer of rule in the same royal line.
Alternative generated candidates
- Their father gave them abundant gifts: silver and gold and precious vessels and fortified cities in Judah; and he gave the kingdom to Jehoram, for he was the firstborn.
- Their father provided them with many gifts of silver and gold and costly possessions, and gave them fortified cities in Judah; and he gave the kingdom to Jehoram, for he was the firstborn.
Jehoshaphat was thirty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty-five years in Jerusalem. The name of his mother was Azubah daughter of Shilhi.
He walked in the ways of his father Asa and did not depart from them; he did what was right in the sight of the LORD.
Nevertheless the high places were not removed, and the people’s hearts were not wholly devoted to the God of their fathers.
The rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, first and last, are written in the book of Jehu son of Hanani, which is recorded in the book of the kings of Israel.
After this Jehoshaphat king of Judah joined himself with Ahaziah king of Israel, who did wickedly.
He allied with him to make ships to go to Tarshish; they made ships at Ezion‑Geber. But Eliezer son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, “Because you have allied yourself with Ahaziah, the LORD has broken your works; and the ships were broken so that they could not go to Tarshish.”
Jehoshaphat slept with his fathers and was buried with his fathers in the city of David. And Jehoram his son reigned in his place. Now the other sons of Jehoshaphat were Azariah, Jehiel, Zechariah, Azariah, Michael, and Shephatiah—all these were sons of Jehoshaphat king of Judah.
Their father gave them many gifts of silver and gold and costly things, and gave them fortified cities in Judah; and he gave the kingdom to Jehoram, for he was the firstborn.