מלכים א, פרק כ״ב, פסוק נ׳

Following a disastrous naval expedition, Ahaziah, the king of Israel, approaches Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, with a proposal for a renewed partnership. At the time, relations between the two kingdoms were positive. The kingdom of Israel enjoyed a strategic advantage: being situated close to the sea and maintaining strong ties with the kings of Sidon, they had access to highly skilled workers. These men were experts in repairing, building, and navigating ships [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Ahaziah suggests that his experienced men join Jehoshaphat's crew for a new voyage.

This new proposal is intentionally different from their past arrangement. Previously, the two kings shared full ownership of the fleet, a venture that ended in ruin when the ships were destroyed. To avoid a repeat of this failure, Ahaziah suggests a much more limited partnership. He offers to supply the manpower for the journey without claiming any ownership over Jehoshaphat's vessels [מלבי"ם].

Despite the adjusted terms, the king of Judah firmly rejects the offer [מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. His refusal is driven by a deep concern that such an alliance is displeasing to God [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The memory of their previous attempt to sail to Tarshish remains fresh in his mind, particularly the destruction of the fleet and the prophet's severe rebuke for joining forces with Ahaziah. Because of this past warning, he refuses to launch another expedition to Ophir [מצודת דוד]. He understands clearly that even a partial and limited partnership with the king of Israel carries the risk of bringing harm upon himself [מלבי"ם].