Solomon’s ships returned safely, but Jehoshaphat’s vessels never reached the land of gold. In the same kind of work and at the same place, God allowed one to prosper and another to fail—yet the great Ruler was just as good and wise in the one case as in the other. May God give us grace today, as we reflect on this Scripture, to bless Him not only for ships loaded with blessings, but also for ships broken at Ezion Geber. Let us not envy those who seem more successful, nor complain over our losses as though we alone were singled out for hardship. Like Jehoshaphat, we may still be precious in the Lord’s sight even when our plans end in disappointment.
The hidden reason for Jehoshaphat’s loss is worth careful attention, because it lies at the root of much of the suffering experienced by God’s people. It was his alliance with a sinful family—his partnership with the ungodly. In 2 Chronicles 20:37, a prophet declared to him, “Because you have allied yourself with Ahaziah, the Lord has destroyed your works.” This was a loving, fatherly correction, and it appears to have had its intended effect. In the very next verse after today’s text, we see Jehoshaphat refusing to allow his servants to sail together with those of the wicked king.
If only Jehoshaphat’s experience would serve as a warning to God’s people today, urging them to avoid being unequally yoked with unbelievers. A life of sorrow often follows those who bind themselves—whether in marriage or in other close partnerships of their own choosing—to people of the world. Oh, for such love for Jesus that, like Him, we may be holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners. For if this is not so, we should not be surprised to hear these words spoken over our efforts again and again: “The Lord has broken your works.”