2 chronicles 20:36 - He joined himself with him to make ships to go to Tarshish. They made the ships in Ezion Geber.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "2 chronicles 20:36" mean?
This verse, 2 Chronicles 20:36, describes a joint venture between King Jehoshaphat of Judah and King Ahaziah of Israel to build ships intended to sail to Tarshish from Ezion Geber. Let's break down the meaning and significance:
"He joined himself with him...": This refers to King Jehoshaphat of Judah forming an alliance or partnership with King Ahaziah of Israel. The Hebrew text implies a deliberate act of joining, suggesting a treaty or agreement.
"...to make ships to go to Tarshish.": The purpose of this alliance was to construct ships intended for trade or exploration with a place called Tarshish. "Ships of Tarshish" (even if not specifically sailing to Tarshish) often implied large, ocean-going vessels suitable for long voyages, often associated with trade and commerce. Tarshish is thought to have been a distant port city, likely in the western Mediterranean (possibly Spain or Sardinia).
"They made the ships in Ezion Geber.": Ezion Geber was a port city located on the Gulf of Aqaba (the northeastern arm of the Red Sea), near modern-day Eilat in Israel/Jordan. Its location made it a strategic point for maritime trade with regions accessible by the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and potentially beyond.
In essence, this verse indicates a commercial or exploratory partnership between Judah and Israel to build and operate a fleet of ships from Ezion Geber, likely to engage in trade with distant lands.
Underlying Implications and Historical Context:
Alliance (Often Uneasy): Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, was considered a righteous king, but the king of Israel was not. As the narrative continues, it is suggested that this alliance was looked down upon.
Trade and Prosperity: The endeavor suggests that both kingdoms were interested in expanding their trade networks and economic prosperity through maritime activities.
Strategic Location: Ezion Geber's importance as a port city is highlighted. It provided access to trade routes that were otherwise difficult to reach from the inland areas of Judah and Israel.
Divine Disapproval (Important for the Context): It's crucial to read this verse within the larger narrative of 2 Chronicles 20. Subsequent verses (2 Chronicles 20:37) reveal that God disapproved of Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahaziah. The ships were destroyed by a storm, and the venture failed. This reinforces the Chronicler's theological message that alliances with ungodly individuals or nations can lead to disaster. Jehoshaphat's righteousness did not excuse poor choices in partnering with those of questionable character.
In summary, 2 Chronicles 20:36 describes an ambitious (but ultimately doomed) attempt by Judah and Israel to establish a maritime trade venture, highlighting the importance of alliances and divine favor in the Chronicler's view of history.
2 chronicles 20:36 - He joined himself with him to make ships to go to Tarshish. They made the ships in Ezion Geber.
What does "2 chronicles 20:36" mean?
This verse, 2 Chronicles 20:36, describes a joint venture between King Jehoshaphat of Judah and King Ahaziah of Israel to build ships intended to sail to Tarshish from Ezion Geber. Let's break down the meaning and significance:
"He joined himself with him...": This refers to King Jehoshaphat of Judah forming an alliance or partnership with King Ahaziah of Israel. The Hebrew text implies a deliberate act of joining, suggesting a treaty or agreement.
"...to make ships to go to Tarshish.": The purpose of this alliance was to construct ships intended for trade or exploration with a place called Tarshish. "Ships of Tarshish" (even if not specifically sailing to Tarshish) often implied large, ocean-going vessels suitable for long voyages, often associated with trade and commerce. Tarshish is thought to have been a distant port city, likely in the western Mediterranean (possibly Spain or Sardinia).
"They made the ships in Ezion Geber.": Ezion Geber was a port city located on the Gulf of Aqaba (the northeastern arm of the Red Sea), near modern-day Eilat in Israel/Jordan. Its location made it a strategic point for maritime trade with regions accessible by the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and potentially beyond.
In essence, this verse indicates a commercial or exploratory partnership between Judah and Israel to build and operate a fleet of ships from Ezion Geber, likely to engage in trade with distant lands.
Underlying Implications and Historical Context:
Alliance (Often Uneasy): Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, was considered a righteous king, but the king of Israel was not. As the narrative continues, it is suggested that this alliance was looked down upon.
Trade and Prosperity: The endeavor suggests that both kingdoms were interested in expanding their trade networks and economic prosperity through maritime activities.
Strategic Location: Ezion Geber's importance as a port city is highlighted. It provided access to trade routes that were otherwise difficult to reach from the inland areas of Judah and Israel.
Divine Disapproval (Important for the Context): It's crucial to read this verse within the larger narrative of 2 Chronicles 20. Subsequent verses (2 Chronicles 20:37) reveal that God disapproved of Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahaziah. The ships were destroyed by a storm, and the venture failed. This reinforces the Chronicler's theological message that alliances with ungodly individuals or nations can lead to disaster. Jehoshaphat's righteousness did not excuse poor choices in partnering with those of questionable character.
In summary, 2 Chronicles 20:36 describes an ambitious (but ultimately doomed) attempt by Judah and Israel to establish a maritime trade venture, highlighting the importance of alliances and divine favor in the Chronicler's view of history.