1Kings 22:48 Jehoshaphat made ships of Tarshish to go to Ophir for gold, but they did not go, for the ships were wrecked at Ezion-geber.
2 Chronicles 20:37 Then Eliezer the son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, “Because you have joined with Ahaziah, the LORD will destroy what you have made.” And the ships were wrecked and were not able to go to Tarshish.
Today, let us seek grace to bless the Lord both for “ships” that return with blessing and for plans that end in disappointment. We may envy those who prosper or feel singled out when we fail, yet Jehoshaphat’s example shows we can remain precious to the Lord even when our schemes do not succeed.
Jehoshaphat’s loss is instructive. In 2 Chronicles 20:37, the Lord said through a prophet, “Because thou hast joined thyself with Ahaziah, the Lord hath broken thy works.” His alliance with a sinful king brought fatherly chastisement—not random misfortune, but loving correction.
The passage warns against being unequally yoked with unbelievers in marriage, business, or other partnerships. Such alliances can bring disappointment and suffering. Jehoshaphat learned this lesson and ended his partnership with Ahaziah, giving us an example to follow.
May Jehoshaphat’s story both warn and encourage us. Let us love Jesus in a way that keeps us “holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners,” walking closely with the Lord so we need not hear, “The Lord hath broken thy works.”
Lord, grant us the grace to accept both success and disappointment as coming from your wise and loving hand. Help us to avoid alliances that would compromise our faith, and give us a heart wholly devoted to you. May we learn from Jehoshaphat’s experience—to trust you with our plans and to walk in holiness, separated unto you. Amen. (Spurgeon)
