2 Chronicles 20:31
And Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah: he was thirty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi.
2 Chronicles 20:31 (KJV)
Context
This verse is a formal summary of King Jehoshaphat’s reign over Judah. He was the son of Asa and the fourth king of Judah after the kingdom divided. The record gives his age, the length of his reign, and his mother’s name, following the usual pattern for kings of Judah. Such summaries appear throughout the royal chronicles, showing that God’s people valued precise historical details.
Meaning
Jehoshaphat began ruling at thirty-five and reigned twenty-five years in Jerusalem. These details help place his life within the timeline of Judah’s history. The mention of his mother, Azubah the daughter of Shilhi, shows the importance of family lineage in the royal records. The parallel account in 1 Kings 22:42 confirms the same facts, showing the reliability of the biblical record. This verse also serves as a transition, closing the narrative of his reign and preparing for the account of his death and succession.
Biblical connections
Jehoshaphat followed the Lord as his father Asa had done, yet his reign also included moments of compromise. The text does not hide his failures, reminding us that even faithful kings are part of a larger story of redemption. This verse closes the account of his rule and prepares for the report of his death and succession. It reminds us that God works through specific people and events, weaving them into His larger plan of redemption.
Application
Faithfulness and stability: A long reign of twenty-five years shows Jehoshaphat’s commitment to leading Judah according to God’s law. It encourages us to remain faithful and steady in our own responsibilities.
Age and leadership: Starting at thirty-five, Jehoshaphat was relatively young, yet he sought the Lord and led wisely. Age does not limit effective service when a person trusts God.
Acknowledging family: The verse names his mother, Azubah, even though little else is said about her. This highlights the value of honoring family members and recognizing their influence.
God’s sovereignty: Jehoshaphat’s victories and reliance on God remind us that God can work through leaders who trust Him. We are encouraged to seek His guidance and depend on His power.
Reflection
This summary verse may seem simple, but it carries a deep truth: God records the lives of His people with care. Every detail, including a king’s age and his mother’s name, matters to Him. Our lives also fit into God’s story, and He sees both our public service and our private connections. Let us live faithfully, knowing that our days are written in His book.
