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 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of 2 Chronicles provides us with important details about Jehoshaphat, a king who reigned over Judah. It tells us that he was thirty-five years old when he began his reign and ruled for twenty-five years in Jerusalem. Additionally, we learn the name of his mother, Azubah, who was the daughter of Shilhi. These details may seem insignificant at first glance, but they offer valuable historical context and insights into the life of King Jehoshaphat. By understanding his age at the time of his reign and his mother's name, we can better appreciate the challenges and responsibilities he faced as a ruler. Furthermore, the mention of Azubah's lineage adds a layer of familial history that helps us connect with the personal aspects of Jehoshaphat's story. Overall, this verse enriches our understanding of the biblical narrative and provides a more comprehensive picture of the life and reign of King Jehoshaphat.
Theological Overview
In the verse concerning Jehoshaphat's reign in Judah, there is a theological interpretation that can be drawn from the context of his age at the beginning of his reign and the length of his reign. Jehoshaphat starts his reign at the age of thirty-five, which in biblical numerology symbolizes maturity, leadership, and the beginning of a new era. His twenty-five-year reign in Jerusalem signifies stability, perseverance, and God's abundant blessings towards his reign. Additionally, the mention of his mother's name, Azubah, the daughter of Shilhi, indicates the importance of lineage and ancestry in the divine plan as detailed genealogies were significant in ancient Hebrew culture. The inclusion of these details underscores the legitimacy and divine approval of Jehoshaphat's reign, highlighting his faithfulness and devotion to God throughout his rule over Judah.
2 Chronicles 20:31 in other translations
American Standard Version
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.
World English Bible
Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah: he was thirty-five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned twenty-five years in Jerusalem: and his mother’s name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi.
Douay-Rheims
And Josaphat reigned over Juda, and he was five and thirty years old, when he began to reign: and he reigned five and twenty years in Jerusalem: and the name of his mother was Azuba the daughter of Selahi.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And Iehoshaphat reigned ouer Iudah, and was fiue and thirtie yeere olde, when he began to reigne: and reigned fiue and twentie yeere in Ierusalem, and his mothers name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi.