2 Chronicles 20:37 Bible Verse Meaning, Explanation & Context
"Then Eliezer the son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, "Because you have joined yourself with Ahaziah, Yahweh has destroyed your works." The ships were wrecked, so that they were not able to go to Tarshish."
This verse closes the chapter, offering a final statement or summary of the message. Read this verse with nearby lines and chapter themes to avoid out-of-context interpretation.
Verse Navigation
Surrounding Context
These nearby verses help interpret 2 Chronicles 20:37 inside the chapter flow.
2 Chronicles 20:35
After this, Jehoshaphat king of Judah joined himself with Ahaziah king of Israel. The same did very wickedly.
2 Chronicles 20:36
He joined himself with him to make ships to go to Tarshish. They made the ships in Ezion Geber.
2 Chronicles 20:37
Then Eliezer the son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, "Because you have joined yourself with Ahaziah, Yahweh has destroyed your works." The ships were wrecked, so that they were not able to go to Tarshish.
Meaning and Themes
2 Chronicles 20:37 contains Scripture that reveals God's heart and invites personal response.
Reflection Questions
- What does the word "Dodavahu" suggest about God's character or His purposes in this verse?
- Read the verses immediately before and after 2 Chronicles 20:37. How does the surrounding context change the way you understand this verse?
- If you were explaining 2 Chronicles 20:37 to a friend, what is the one main idea you would share?
Praying This Verse
"Heavenly Father, as I read 2 Chronicles 20:37 — "Then Eliezer the son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, "Because you have joined yourself w…" — open my heart to understand what You are saying. Teach me about Your truth through this passage. Let these words shape how I think and act today. Help me carry this truth into every conversation and decision I face. In Jesus' name, amen."
Start with this prayer, then personalize it to your real situation.
5-Day Verse Study Plan
Day 1 — Read
Read 2 Chronicles 20 in full. Mark where verse 37 sits and observe the flow of the chapter.
Day 2 — Observe
Read 2 Chronicles 20:37 three times slowly. Write down every detail you notice: who is speaking, what is promised, and what action is described.
Day 3 — Interpret
Ask: What did 2 Chronicles 20:37 mean to its original audience? Compare the wording in different translations if possible.
Day 4 — Apply
Write one sentence about how 2 Chronicles 20:37 applies to your life this week. Share it with a friend or journal about it.
Day 5 — Pray
Turn 2 Chronicles 20:37 into a personal prayer. Thank God for what the verse teaches, and ask Him to help you live it out.
Personalized Next Paths
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When you need peace
Use this verse to calm anxious thoughts and turn stress into prayer.
When you need direction
RecommendedTurn this verse into a decision-making framework for real choices.
When you need gratitude
Use this verse to shift from pressure to thanksgiving and trust.
When you need relational wisdom
Apply this verse to family, marriage, friendship, or team conflict.
Common Questions
What does 2 Chronicles 20:37 mean?
2 Chronicles 20:37 is best understood by reading the full chapter. The meaning deepens when you see what comes before and after.
How can I apply 2 Chronicles 20:37 to my life today?
Start by reading 2 Chronicles 20:37 slowly: "Then Eliezer the son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, "Because you ha…" Ask what it reveals about God, whether there is a command or promise, and how the truth connects to a situation you are facing right now.
Is 2 Chronicles 20:37 a good verse to memorize?
Memorizing individual verses strengthens your faith. Read 2 Chronicles 20:37 aloud several times, write it from memory, and revisit it throughout the week. Psalm 119:11 says, "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."
Next Steps
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