Dodavahu דּוֹדָוָהוּ
Prophet who rebuked Jehoshaphat for his alliance with Ahaziah
Who is Dodavahu in the Bible?
Dodavahu, son of Eliezer of Mareshah, was a prophet of Judah mentioned in 2 Chronicles 20:37 who rebuked King Jehoshaphat for forming an alliance with Ahaziah, the wicked king of Israel. After Jehoshaphat had experienced a miraculous victory against the Moabites and Ammonites through reliance on God, he unwisely partnered with the idolatrous Ahaziah to build merchant ships bound for Tarshish. Dodavahu's rebuke highlighted the spiritual danger of Jehoshaphat's political alliance with an ungodly ruler, warning that God would destroy the ships because of this partnership. His prophetic intervention underscores the biblical principle that believers should not form close alliances with those who turn from God, even when political or economic benefits seem attractive.
Biography
Dodavahu, son of Eliezer of Mareshah, is mentioned in 2Ch.20.37 as a prophet who rebuked King Jehoshaphat of Judah for his alliance with Ahaziah, the wicked king of Israel. This incident occurred after Jehoshaphat had successfully sought the Lord's help in defeating the Moabites and Ammonites (2Ch.20.1-30).
Following this victory, Jehoshaphat allied himself with Ahaziah to build ships to go to Tarshish (2Ch.20.35-36). This alliance was ill-advised, as Ahaziah was known for his wickedness and had led Israel into idolatry (1 Kings 22).
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical book2 Chronicles 1 verse
- 2 Chronicles 20:37
"Then Eliezer son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, “Because you have allied yourself with Ahaziah, the LORD has destroyed your works.” So the ships were wrecked and were unable to sail to Tarshish."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | דּוֹדָוָהוּ |