2 Chronicles 20:37 Meaning and Explanation
“Then Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, Because thou hast joined thyself with Ahaziah, the LORD hath broken thy works. And the ships were broken, that they were not able to go to Tarshish.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The prophet Eliezer warns Jehoshaphat that his alliance with Ahaziah has incurred God's judgment; the ships are destroyed before sailing.
The Context of 2 Chronicles 20:37
God's judgment interrupts Jehoshaphat's unfaithful alliance, demonstrating that covenant requires sustained obedience.
What Does 2 Chronicles 20:37 Mean?
God responds to Jehoshaphat's unfaithful alliance through the prophet Eliezer. The words 'the LORD hath broken thy works' indicate divine judgment—the shipbuilding project, into which Jehoshaphat and Ahaziah invested heavily, is destroyed. The ships are broken 'that they were not able to go to Tarshish'—God prevents the commercial venture before it can sail, thus limiting the damage of the partnership.
This prophetic intervention demonstrates that God's patience with Jehoshaphat is not unlimited. Despite his earlier faithfulness and prayer, this alliance with the wicked triggers divine correction. The broken ships serve as a visible punishment and warning. The message is clear: covenantal faithfulness cannot be abandoned without consequences, even for a king who has proven his devotion.
2 Chronicles 20:37 in the Original Language
'Broken' (shabar; שָׁבַר) means to break or shatter; the destruction is total and irrevocable.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Chronicles 20:37
What does 2 Chronicles 20:37 mean?
The prophet Eliezer warns Jehoshaphat that his alliance with Ahaziah has incurred God's judgment; the ships are destroyed before sailing.
What is the context of 2 Chronicles 20:37?
God's judgment interrupts Jehoshaphat's unfaithful alliance, demonstrating that covenant requires sustained obedience.