Connect Jehoshaphat's actions to the First Commandment in Exodus 20:3. The First Commandment: God’s Exclusive Claim “You shall have no other gods before Me.” (Exodus 20:3) Jehoshaphat’s Early Devotion: Practicing the Commandment • 2 Chronicles 17:3-4—“The LORD was with Jehoshaphat…he sought the God of his father and walked in His commandments rather than the practices of Israel.” • 2 Chronicles 17:6—“His heart took delight in the ways of the LORD; moreover, he removed the high places and Asherah poles from Judah.” —Jehoshaphat’s reforms showed tangible obedience: tearing down idols so that no rival deity would stand “before” the LORD. Teaching the Law: Guardrails against Idolatry • 2 Chronicles 17:7-9—Jehoshaphat sent officials, Levites, and priests “to teach in the cities of Judah…They taught the people from the Book of the Law of the LORD.” —By spreading the Word, the king reinforced the First Commandment in every village. Compare Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Psalm 119:11. Alliances that Compromised Allegiance • 2 Chronicles 18:1—“Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honor in abundance, and he allied himself with Ahab by marriage.” • 1 Kings 22:43—Though generally faithful, “the high places were not removed; the people continued to sacrifice and burn incense there.” —Political partnership with an idol-worshiping house blurred the line of exclusive loyalty. Prophetic Rebuke: Loving Those Who Hate the LORD • 2 Chronicles 19:2—Jehu asked, “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Because of this, wrath has come upon you from the LORD.” —A sober reminder that even well-intentioned cooperation with idolatry offends the First Commandment. A Second Compromise—and Divine Intervention • 2 Chronicles 20:35-37—Jehoshaphat later partnered with Ahaziah, another evil king. The LORD sent Eliezer to declare, “Because you have allied yourself with Ahaziah, the LORD has destroyed your works.” —The ships were wrecked before they sailed, underscoring that God will tolerate no rivals. Course Corrections and Continuing Mercy • 2 Chronicles 19:4—After Jehu’s rebuke, Jehoshaphat “went out among the people… and turned them back to the LORD.” —His repentance highlights God’s readiness to restore when His people realign under the First Commandment (Isaiah 55:7). Take-Home Truths • God’s first word at Sinai remains His first expectation today—exclusive worship. • Removing visible idols is only half the battle; invisible alliances and compromises can enthrone “other gods” just as surely (Matthew 6:24; James 4:4). • Teaching Scripture fortifies hearts against drifting affections; neglect of the Word invites subtle idolatry (Psalm 1:2-3; 1 John 5:21). • When compromise occurs, swift repentance restores fellowship and protection (1 John 1:9). Jehoshaphat’s story affirms the literal force of Exodus 20:3: wholehearted, undivided allegiance belongs to the LORD alone. |
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