2 chronicles 18:2 - After some years, he went down to Ahab to Samaria. Ahab killed sheep and cattle for him in abundance, and for the people who were with him, and moved him to go up with him to Ramoth Gilead.

Generated Verse: 2 chronicles 18:2

What does "2 chronicles 18:2" mean?


This verse from 2 Chronicles 18:2 describes a visit by King Jehoshaphat of Judah to King Ahab of Israel in Samaria. Let's break it down:

"After some years...": This indicates that a period of time had passed since a previous event. We would need to read the surrounding verses to understand what period this refers to.
"...he went down to Ahab to Samaria.": King Jehoshaphat of Judah traveled to Samaria, the capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel, to visit King Ahab. The phrase "went down" often indicates travel from a higher elevation (Judah) to a lower one (Samaria).
"Ahab killed sheep and cattle for him in abundance, and for the people who were with him...": King Ahab, seeking to impress or flatter Jehoshaphat, hosted a lavish feast for Jehoshaphat and his entourage. Killing many animals for the feast signified wealth and power, and was a sign of honor.
"...and moved him to go up with him to Ramoth Gilead.": Ahab then attempted to persuade Jehoshaphat to join him in a military campaign to reclaim the city of Ramoth Gilead. "Moved him" suggests that Ahab was using flattery and possibly gifts to influence Jehoshaphat's decision. Ramoth Gilead was a city on the border between Israel and Aram (Syria) that Israel believed rightfully belonged to them.

In summary, the verse portrays Ahab trying to win over Jehoshaphat through hospitality and feasts, with the ultimate goal of convincing him to join a military alliance against Aram (Syria) to recapture Ramoth Gilead. This sets the stage for a decision with significant consequences, as explored in the following verses.

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