Lives of Scripture
Eliezer (M)
First named in 2 Chronicles 20:37
Eliezer son of Dodavahu of Mareshah appears once in Scripture, delivering a prophetic word of judgment to King Jehoshaphat of Judah (2 Chronicles 20:35-37). Late in an otherwise faithful reign, Jehoshaphat allied himself with Ahaziah king of Israel, described as one "who acted wickedly," to build a fleet of ships at Ezion-geber intended to sail to Tarshish for trade. Eliezer confronted the king directly: "Because you have allied yourself with Ahaziah, the LORD has destroyed your works." The prophecy was immediately vindicated -- the ships were wrecked and were not able to go to Tarshish (20:37). The episode echoes an earlier partnership between Jehoshaphat and Ahab, Ahaziah's father, which also drew prophetic rebuke (2 Chronicles 19:2), suggesting a recurring pattern in Jehoshaphat's reign: a generally godly king repeatedly tempted to compromise Judah's covenant faithfulness through alliances with Israel's idolatrous royal house. Eliezer's brief appearance stands alongside other minor prophets in Chronicles whose entire recorded ministry is a single confrontational message -- but one that Scripture records as accurate and consequential.
Thought for Today
Eliezer warned Jehoshaphat that his alliance with a wicked king would fail, and the ships wrecked exactly as he said. God's warnings are as reliable as His promises.
References: 2 Chronicles 20:37
Genealogy
Connections
- Dodavahu (M) — begot → Eliezer (M)
- Eliezer (M) — rebuked → Jehoshaphat (M)
Eliezer pronounced judgment on Jehoshaphat for allying with wicked King Ahaziah of Israel to build trading ships; the ships were wrecked.
2 Chronicles 20:35-37
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