Also translates the common Hebrew conjunction, but it is difficult to determine whether or not the conjunction is intended to connect the alliance with Israel with the failure to remove the high places as another negative aspect of Jehoshaphat’s reign. The form of the Hebrew verb translated made peace may mean “to submit” in some contexts. It is possible that here the writer is criticizing Jehoshaphat, saying that he “submitted” to Ahab. New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, for example, says “And further, Jehoshaphat submitted to the king of Israel.” Or the sense may be positive; for example, New Jerusalem Bible translates “Jehoshaphat was at peace with the king of Israel” (similarly Revised English Bible, Bible en français courant, Parole de Vie). This second interpretation is more likely the intended meaning.

The king of Israel is probably King Ahab (see verse 4 and 2 Kgs 3.7), whose daughter Athaliah married Jehoshaphat’s son Jehoram (2 Kgs 8.18). It is, however, possible that the singular noun king is used in a collective sense, that is, it may refer to all of the kings of Israel (Ahab, Ahaziah, and Joram) who ruled in the north while Jehoshaphat ruled in Judah.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Kings, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .