The chapters of 2 Chronicles 16 to 23 cover a wide range of events, from the latter part of King Asa’s reign to the reign of King Jehoshaphat, and later to the intrigue, corruption, and restoration that follows. These chapters explore themes of reliance on God, the consequences of spiritual decline, and the importance of righteous leadership.
Let’s take a detailed look at what happens in these chapters and how they reflect significant spiritual lessons from the Bible.
Chapter 16: Asa’s Reliance on Foreign Powers and His Death
Chapter 16 begins with the latter years of King Asa’s reign. Although Asa had initially been a godly king who relied on the Lord, this chapter illustrates how he faltered in his faith later in life. When Baasha, the king of Israel, threatens Judah by fortifying Ramah, Asa seeks help—not from God—but from Benhadad, the king of Syria.
Asa bribes Benhadad with treasures from the temple and the royal palace, and Benhadad complies by attacking Israel, forcing Baasha to withdraw from Ramah. While this seems to be a military victory, it comes with spiritual consequences.
The prophet Hanani rebukes Asa for relying on a foreign king rather than trusting in God. Hanani reminds Asa of God’s past deliverance, such as the victory over the Ethiopians and the Lubims, and states that Asa’s lack of trust has cost him future victories. Instead of repenting, Asa imprisons the prophet and becomes hardened in his heart.
The chapter ends with Asa suffering from a severe foot disease in his old age. Instead of turning to God for healing, he turns only to physicians, and after two years of suffering, he dies. The chapter closes with Asa’s burial and the mourning of the people of Judah, but his legacy is tarnished by his failure to finish his reign with the same faith with which he began.
Chapter 17: Jehoshaphat’s Righteous Reign and Religious Reforms
Chapter 17 introduces Jehoshaphat, Asa’s son, who reigns in Judah. Jehoshaphat is depicted as a righteous king who “walked in the first ways of his father David” (2 Chronicles 17:3). He sought the Lord and did not follow after the idolatrous practices of the surrounding nations.
Jehoshaphat strengthens Judah militarily by building forts and garrisons, but more importantly, he focuses on spiritual reformation. He sends out officials, Levites, and priests throughout the land to teach the people the law of the Lord. This unique initiative emphasizes the importance of knowing God’s Word, and it leads to widespread respect for Judah from neighboring nations. As a result, Judah enjoys peace and prosperity.
Jehoshaphat’s reign is characterized by spiritual and material strength, showing the blessings that come from faithful leadership and devotion to God.
Chapter 18: Jehoshaphat’s Alliance with Ahab and the Failed Prophecy
Despite Jehoshaphat’s righteous reign, chapter 18 records a significant misstep: his alliance with King Ahab of Israel. Ahab, known for his wickedness and idolatry, invites Jehoshaphat to join him in a campaign against Ramoth-Gilead. Jehoshaphat agrees but insists that they first seek the counsel of the Lord.
Ahab gathers 400 prophets, all of whom predict victory. However, Jehoshaphat is suspicious and asks if there is another prophet who can give a word from the Lord. Ahab reluctantly summons Micaiah, a true prophet of God, who initially mocks the false prophets by predicting success. But when pressed, Micaiah reveals the truth: Israel will be defeated, and Ahab will die in the battle.
Ahab ignores Micaiah’s prophecy and proceeds with the campaign. True to Micaiah’s word, the battle goes badly for Israel, and Ahab is mortally wounded by a random arrow. Despite disguising himself to avoid attention, Ahab dies, and his army is scattered. Jehoshaphat narrowly escapes, but his alliance with Ahab leads to God’s displeasure.
Chapter 19: Jehoshaphat’s Return and Further Reforms
After his narrow escape from the disastrous battle, Jehoshaphat returns to Jerusalem. The prophet Jehu rebukes him for forming an alliance with Ahab, asking, “Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the Lord?” (2 Chronicles 19:2). Despite this rebuke, Jehu acknowledges that Jehoshaphat has good qualities, including his dedication to seeking the Lord.
In response, Jehoshaphat intensifies his efforts to bring spiritual reform to Judah. He appoints judges throughout the land, instructing them to judge not for man but for the Lord. He emphasizes the importance of justice and integrity, urging the judges to fear God and avoid corruption.
Jehoshaphat’s reforms show his commitment to righteous leadership and ensuring that the people of Judah live according to God’s laws.
Chapter 20: Jehoshaphat’s Prayer and the Miraculous Victory Over Moab and Ammon
Chapter 20 recounts one of the most famous events in Jehoshaphat’s reign: his miraculous victory over a massive coalition of enemies. The Moabites, Ammonites, and others come together to wage war against Judah. Jehoshaphat, alarmed by the threat, turns to God in prayer, declaring his dependence on divine help.
Jehoshaphat calls for a fast throughout Judah, and the people gather to seek the Lord. During the assembly, a Levite named Jahaziel delivers a message from God, telling them not to be afraid because the battle is the Lord’s. The people of Judah won’t even need to fight—God will deliver them.
In faith, Jehoshaphat sends a choir ahead of the army to praise the Lord. As they sing, the Lord sets ambushes against the enemy forces, causing confusion and infighting. By the time Judah arrives at the battlefield, the enemy armies have destroyed each other.
The victory is so complete that Judah spends three days gathering the spoils of war. They return to Jerusalem with joy, praising God for His deliverance. The chapter concludes with a note that Judah enjoys peace and prosperity for the remainder of Jehoshaphat’s reign.
Chapter 21: Jehoram’s Wicked Reign and Elijah’s Prophecy
Chapter 21 marks a stark contrast to the reign of Jehoshaphat. His son, Jehoram, takes the throne, and his rule is characterized by wickedness and idolatry. To secure his power, Jehoram kills all his brothers and leads Judah into idolatry by encouraging the worship of pagan gods.
Because of his evil actions, the prophet Elijah sends Jehoram a letter warning him of God’s judgment. Elijah predicts that Jehoram’s kingdom will be struck with disaster, his family will suffer, and Jehoram himself will be afflicted with a severe disease.
God sends the Philistines and the Arabians to invade Judah, plundering the royal palace and taking Jehoram’s family captive. Eventually, Jehoram is struck with a painful, incurable disease, and after two years of suffering, he dies in disgrace. His death is so shameful that the people do not honor him with a royal funeral, and he is buried without fanfare.
Chapter 22: The Short Reign of Ahaziah and the Rise of Athaliah
Jehoram is succeeded by his son Ahaziah, whose reign is brief and marked by further wickedness. Influenced by his mother, Athaliah, Ahaziah follows the ways of Ahab’s family and continues to lead Judah astray. He forms an alliance with Joram, the king of Israel, and both are involved in a battle against Hazael, the king of Syria.
After Joram is wounded in battle, Ahaziah visits him in Jezreel, where he is caught in the midst of a purge initiated by Jehu, who has been anointed by God to destroy the house of Ahab. Ahaziah is killed by Jehu’s men, leaving Judah without a king.
Athaliah, Ahaziah’s mother, seizes the opportunity to claim power. In a brutal move, she orders the killing of all the royal heirs to secure her rule.
Chapter 23: The Reign of Joash and the Fall of Athaliah
However, one of the royal heirs survives Athaliah’s massacre. Joash, the son of Ahaziah, is hidden in the temple for six years by Jehoiada the priest and his wife Jehosheba. In the seventh year, Jehoiada orchestrates a coup to dethrone Athaliah and crown Joash as king.
Jehoiada gathers the Levites, priests, and military leaders to support Joash’s ascension. In a dramatic scene, Joash is crowned king in the temple, and Athaliah is captured and executed. With Joash on the throne, Jehoiada leads a revival of true worship in Judah. The temple of Baal is destroyed, and the people of Judah renew their covenant with the Lord.
Joash’s reign begins with promise, under the guidance of Jehoiada, as the kingdom returns to the worship of God.
Conclusion
Chapters 16 to 23 of 2 Chronicles cover a dynamic period in Judah’s history, highlighting the consequences of relying on human strength over God, the importance of righteous leadership, and the power of prayer and obedience to God. From the righteous reign of Jehoshaphat to the wickedness of Jehoram and the restoration of true worship under Joash, these chapters illustrate the highs and lows of Judah’s spiritual journey.
Through these stories, the Bible emphasizes that success comes not through military alliances or human wisdom, but through wholehearted trust in the Lord. Each reign serves as a reminder of the blessings of obedience and the dangers of turning away from God.
