Introduction:
Jehoshaphat, the son of Asa, was the fourth king of the Kingdom of Judah and reigned from approximately 873 to 849 BC. His reign is noted for religious reforms, military alliances, and efforts to strengthen the kingdom both spiritually and politically. Jehoshaphat is a significant figure in the biblical narrative, primarily found in the books of 1 Kings, 2 Kings, and 2 Chronicles.

Reign and Religious Reforms:
Jehoshaphat ascended to the throne following the death of his father, Asa. He is commended for his commitment to the ways of the Lord, as described in 2 Chronicles 17:3-4 : "Now the LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David. He did not seek out the Baals, but sought the God of his father and walked in His commandments rather than the practices of Israel."

Jehoshaphat's reign was marked by significant religious reforms. He removed high places and Asherah poles from Judah, striving to purify the worship practices of his people. He also sent officials, along with Levites and priests, throughout the land to teach the Book of the Law of the LORD, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 17:7-9. This initiative helped to solidify the spiritual foundation of Judah and distinguish it from the idolatrous practices of neighboring Israel.

Military Alliances and Campaigns:
Jehoshaphat's reign was also characterized by strategic military alliances. He fortified cities and built up a strong army, as noted in 2 Chronicles 17:12-19. One of his most notable alliances was with Ahab, king of Israel, through the marriage of his son Jehoram to Ahab's daughter Athaliah. This alliance, however, led to complications, as seen in the ill-fated campaign against Ramoth-gilead, where Ahab was killed (1 Kings 22:29-33).

Despite the alliance with Ahab, Jehoshaphat maintained his devotion to God. When faced with a vast coalition of enemies, including the Moabites and Ammonites, Jehoshaphat sought the Lord's guidance. In 2 Chronicles 20:12 , he prayed, "O our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast army that comes against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You." The Lord responded by delivering Judah from their enemies without the need for battle, as the enemies turned on each other (2 Chronicles 20:22-24).

Judicial and Administrative Reforms:
Jehoshaphat also implemented judicial reforms to ensure justice and righteousness in the land. He appointed judges in the fortified cities of Judah and instructed them to judge with the fear of the Lord, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 19:5-7. He emphasized the importance of impartiality and integrity, urging the judges to act with a heart devoted to God.

Legacy:
Jehoshaphat's reign is remembered for its emphasis on faithfulness to God and the strengthening of Judah's spiritual and political structures. His efforts to align the kingdom with the covenantal laws of God set a standard for future generations. Despite some missteps, such as his alliance with Ahab, Jehoshaphat's overall legacy is one of devotion and reform, as he sought to lead his people in accordance with God's will. His account serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking divine guidance and maintaining faithfulness amidst challenges.

The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ...
... After him Jehosaphat his son reigned twenty-five years. ... The period of Jehosaphat
extends from the close of the third book of Kings to the fourth. ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxi the jewish institutions and.htm

Answer to the Jewish Rabby's Letter.
... In the xxii. chapter is mention of another prophet of the Lord, by name Micajah,
of whom Ahab says to Jehosaphat in plain terms: I hate him. ...
/.../answer to the jewish rabbys.htm

Touching the First Subject of all the Forementioned Power of the ...
... As Jehosaphat sent Priests and Levites (and them accompanied and countenanced with
Princes and nobles) to preach and teach in the cities of Judah.2 Chron.17.7 ...
/.../chap vii touching the first.htm

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
... Can you be so hardy as to affirm this, both of Moses and Joshua, of Samuel and
David, of Jehosaphat, Ezra, Nehemiah, and all the prophets? ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 27 upon our lords.htm

The First Kings.
... The beautiful tomb in the "valley of Jehosaphat," is one of comparatively modern
construction, but it shows the admiration felt by the Hebrews for Absalom ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/the first kings.htm

Letter Lx. To Heliodorus.
... a single angel. [1892] When Jehosaphat sang the praises of the Lord, the
Lord gave His worshipper the victory. [1893] Again when ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lx to heliodorus.htm

Letter cxxxiii. To Ctesiphon.
... It is true that in the holy scriptures many are called righteous, as Zacharias and
Elizabeth, Job, Jehosaphat, Josiah, and many others who are mentioned in the ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxxiii to ctesiphon.htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... 37:23,24). Did not Aaron fall; yea, and Moses himself? What shall we say
of Hezekiah and Jehosaphat? There are, therefore, falls ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm

The Mystery
A Key to the Apocalypse. <. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the mystery 2.htm

Jehosaphat (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Jehosaphat (1 Occurrence). 1 Kings 4:3 Elihoreph and Ahiah,
the sons of Shisha, scribes; Jehosaphat the son of Ahilud, the recorder. ...
/j/jehosaphat.htm - 6k

Uzziah (27 Occurrences)
... his father's stead (2 Kings 14:21; 2 Chronicles 26:1). His long reign of about
fifty-two years was "the most prosperous excepting that of Jehosaphat since the ...
/u/uzziah.htm - 27k

Jehoshabeath (1 Occurrence)

/j/jehoshabeath.htm - 7k

Jehoram's (3 Occurrences)

/j/jehoram's.htm - 7k

Who was King Jehoshaphat in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

How did Elijah send a letter to King Jehoram, if Elijah had already been taken to heaven? | GotQuestions.org

Who was King Jehoram / Joram in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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