Matthew Henry on 2 Chronicles 20:31–end
We are now drawing towards the close of the history of Jehoshaphat's reign, for a further account of which those who lived when this book was published were referred to an authentic history of it, written by Jehu the prophet (Ch2 19:2), which was then extant, Ch2 20:34. This was the general character of his reign, that he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, kept close to the worship of God himself and did what he could to keep his people close to it. But two things are here to be lamented: - 1. The people still retained a partiality for the high places, Ch2 20:33. Those that were erected to the honour of strange gods were taken away (Ch2 17:6); but those where the true God was…
Read the whole note in the consoleJamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 20:35
after this did Jehoshaphat . . . join himself with Ahaziah . . . to make ships--A combined fleet was built at Ezion-geber, the destination of which was to voyage to Tartessus, but it was wrecked. Jehoshaphat's motive for entering into this partnership was to secure a free passage through Israel, for the vessels were to be conveyed across the Isthmus of Suez, and to sail to the west of Europe from one of the ports of Palestine on the Mediterranean. Eliezer, a prophet, denounced this unholy alliance, and foretold, as divine judgment, the total wreck of the whole fleet. The consequence was, that although Jehoshaphat broke off--in obedience to the divine will--his league with Ahaziah, he formed…
Read the whole note in the consoleAdam Clarke on 2 Chronicles 20:36
To go to Tarshish - "In the great sea." - Targum. By which expression they always meant the Mediterranean Sea.
John Gill on 2 Chronicles 20:36
And he joined himself with him to make ships to go to Tarshish,.... Of which; see Gill on 1 Kings 22:48, and though it is there said, 1 Kings 22:49, that Jehoshaphat refused letting the servants of Ahaziah go with his, that was after he had been reproved for joining with him, and after the ships were broken:
and they made the ships in Eziongeber; of which see Gill on 1 Kings 9:26.
