Definition: Jehoshaphat made ships of Tharshish to go to Ophir for gold: but they went not; for the ships were broken at Eziongeber.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that passage from 1 Kings 22:48. It's a really interesting story with some serious symbolism! Here’s an explanation in simple terms: The Basic Story: Jehoshaphat was a king of Judah. He was a wise and just ruler who had rebuilt the Temple in Jerusalem after its destruction. He sent ships to Ophir. Ophir is a place far to the east, known for its wealth and trade – think of a very wealthy, distant region. The ships were broken at Eziongeber. This is the crucial part. “Eziongeber” was a special, powerful place within the Temple complex. It’s essentially a strategic point where the King could oversee everything happening within the temple. What it Means – A Layered Explanation: This verse speaks about a very difficult and ultimately disastrous situation. Here's what it suggests: The Goal Was to Acquire Wealth: Jehoshaphat was trying to get rich by trading with Ophir. He believed this would bring prosperity back to Judah. A Problem Arises – A Betrayal: The ships were broken at Eziongeber . This wasn't just a random accident. It suggests that someone, or something, deliberately sabotaged them. It was a deliberate act of betrayal. It Was a Sign of Disruption and Loss: The fact that the ships were broken at Eziongeber points to a significant loss of trust, power, and stability. It’s like a crack in the foundation of everything they'd built. Symbolic Meaning – What it Represents: This story is rich with symbolism: The Ships Represent Hope & Opportunity: The ships were a symbol of Judah’s future prosperity and a way to rebuild their nation. Ophir Represented Temptation/Danger: Ophir was associated with wealth, but also with danger and potentially corrupting influences. It suggested a place where the pursuit of riches could lead to ruin. Eziongeber Represents Divine Authority & Protection: It signifies that God’s presence and his authority were crucial for this endeavor. The disruption at Eziongeber highlights the potential for divine disapproval or even a challenge to the King's decisions. In short, the story is about a king who tried to exploit a potentially dangerous opportunity, only to have it undermined by betrayal. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Connect this verse to other biblical stories or themes?