How does Jehoshaphat's reliance on God compare to David's in 1 Samuel 17? Setting the Scene • 2 Chronicles 17 opens by showing Jehoshaphat strengthening Judah militarily, yet v. 3 declares, “The LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David.” • By v. 19 we read, “These were the men who served the king, besides those he stationed in the fortified cities throughout Judah.” — a sizable, well-organized army. • 1 Samuel 17, in contrast, finds the young shepherd David facing Goliath alone; Israel’s army is paralyzed by fear. Jehoshaphat’s Reliance on God • Pursued obedience first – 2 Chronicles 17:4: “He sought the God of his father and walked in His commands.” – v. 6: “His heart took delight in the ways of the LORD.” • Taught the people Scripture – vv. 7-9: Officials, Levites, and priests “taught throughout Judah, having the Book of the Law of the LORD with them.” • God answered with peace and protection – v. 10: “The dread of the LORD fell on all the kingdoms of the lands surrounding Judah.” • Armies existed, yet trust remained in God’s favor, not in numbers (cf. Psalm 20:7). David’s Reliance on God • Faced an enemy no soldier dared approach • Rejected Saul’s armor (1 Samuel 17:39) to rely wholly on God’s provision • Declared his confidence openly – v. 45: “I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts.” • Gave God the credit before the victory happened – v. 47: “The battle is the LORD’s, and He will deliver you into our hand.” Side-by-Side Comparison " Point of Reliance " Jehoshaphat " David " " --- " --- " --- " " Primary expression of trust " National reforms, teaching the Law, prayer (see 2 Chron 20:12) " Personal faith, bold confession before Goliath " " Visible resources " Vast, organized army (17:19) " Five stones and a sling " " Key verbal acknowledgment " 2 Chron 20:12: “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” " 1 Samuel 17:45-47: “The battle is the LORD’s.” " " Result " Surrounding nations feared Judah; no war threatened him early in his reign " Goliath defeated; Israel’s morale revived " Connecting Threads • Both men held positions where human strength was available, yet each consciously subordinated that strength to God’s supremacy. • Both demonstrate Proverbs 3:5-6 in action: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.” • Their trust preceded victory, illustrating Hebrews 11:1: “Faith is the assurance of what we hope for.” Lessons for Today • Obedience and reliance cannot be separated; Jehoshaphat’s reforms and David’s courage sprang from confidence in God’s revealed word. • Visible resources—armies or talents—are secondary; victory comes from the Lord (Psalm 33:16-19). • Public acknowledgment of God before the outcome invites His glory into the situation (Matthew 10:32). |
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