Topical Bible: Children: Jehoshaphat

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Introduction:
Jehoshaphat, the son of Asa, was the fourth king of the Kingdom of Judah and reigned from approximately 873 to 849 BC. He is noted for his religious reforms and efforts to bring the people of Judah back to the worship of Yahweh. His account is primarily found in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles.

Early Reign:
Jehoshaphat ascended to the throne following the death of his father, Asa. He is described as a king who "walked in the ways of his father David" and did not seek the Baals (2 Chronicles 17:3-4). His early reign was marked by a commitment to strengthening the kingdom both spiritually and militarily. He fortified cities and stationed troops throughout Judah, ensuring the kingdom's security against potential threats (2 Chronicles 17:2).

Religious Reforms:
Jehoshaphat is particularly remembered for his religious reforms. He sent officials, along with Levites and priests, throughout the land to teach the people the Book of the Law of the LORD (2 Chronicles 17:7-9). This initiative was aimed at reviving the spiritual life of Judah and ensuring that the people were knowledgeable about God's commandments.

Alliance with Ahab:
Despite his devotion to God, Jehoshaphat made a controversial alliance with Ahab, the king of Israel, through marriage and military cooperation. This alliance led to his participation in the ill-fated battle at Ramoth-gilead, where Ahab was killed (1 Kings 22:29-33). Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahab was criticized by the prophet Jehu, who rebuked him for helping the wicked and loving those who hate the LORD (2 Chronicles 19:2).

Judicial Reforms:
In addition to his religious reforms, Jehoshaphat also implemented judicial reforms. He appointed judges throughout the land and instructed them to judge fairly, without partiality, and in the fear of the LORD (2 Chronicles 19:5-7). He emphasized the importance of justice and righteousness, reflecting his desire to align the kingdom's governance with God's standards.

Military Campaigns:
Jehoshaphat's reign included several military campaigns. Notably, he faced a coalition of Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites who came to make war against Judah. In response, Jehoshaphat sought the LORD through prayer and fasting, leading the people in a national act of repentance and dependence on God (2 Chronicles 20:3-4). The LORD delivered Judah by causing confusion among the enemy forces, resulting in their self-destruction (2 Chronicles 20:22-23).

Legacy:
Jehoshaphat's reign is characterized by his efforts to lead Judah in faithfulness to God. Despite his missteps, such as the alliance with Ahab, he is remembered for his dedication to religious and judicial reforms. His reign brought a period of peace and prosperity to Judah, and he is often cited as an example of a godly leader who sought to honor the LORD in his governance.

References in Scripture:
· 1 Kings 22:41-50
· 2 Chronicles 17-20

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 22:43
And he walked in all the ways of Asa his father; he turned not aside from it, doing that which was right in the eyes of the LORD: nevertheless the high places were not taken away; for the people offered and burnt incense yet in the high places.
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2 Chronicles 17:3
And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not to Baalim;
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Library

Jehoshaphat's Reform
... Sunday-school teacher may do much to lead the children of godly ... Jehoshaphat's religion
was, further, resolutely held in the face of prevailing opposition. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/jehoshaphats reform.htm

Jehoshaphat
... "The children of Moab, and the children of Ammon, and with them other beside the
Ammonites, came against Jehoshaphat to battle." Tidings of this invasion ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 15 jehoshaphat.htm

Jehoram Succeeds Jehoshaphat; How Joram, his Namesake, King of ...
... CHAPTER 4. Jehoram Succeeds Jehoshaphat; How Joram, His Namesake, King Of Israel,
Fought With ... 1. Jehoshapat had a good number of children; but he appointed his ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 jehoram succeeds jehoshaphat.htm

Micaiah's Courage in Telling the Truth
The Children's Bible. ... But in the third year, when Jehoshaphat the ruler of Judah
came to visit the ruler of Israel, Ahab said to his followers, "Do you not know ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/micaiahs courage in telling the.htm

Concerning Jehoshaphat Again; How He Constituted Judges And,
... [2] Now Jehoshaphat heard that the ... When he had prayed thus, he fell into tears; and
the whole multitude, together with their wives and children, made their ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 concerning jehoshaphat again.htm

The Kingdom Op Judah.
... Jehoshaphat was succeeded in 891 by his son Jehoram, who, though he had seen ... Philistines,
who ravaged his very house, and killed all his children except the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vii the kingdom op.htm

The Shout of Faith
... Without a thought of doubt Jehoshaphat and the children of Israel believed the Word
of the Lord and began at once to praise Him beforehand for the victory that ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/smith/the god of all comfort/chapter 14 the shout of.htm

'A Mirror for Magistrates'
... And for us all the spirit of Jehoshaphat's charge is binding, and every trivial
and ... And we are to be 'imitators of God, as beloved children,' though our best ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/a mirror for magistrates.htm

Joel's Rhapsody of the Locust Plague
... all nations, and will bring them down into the Valley of Jehoshaphat[6]; and ... and
have carried into your temples my goodly pleasant things; the children also of ...
/.../select masterpieces of biblical literature/joels rhapsody of the locust.htm

"We have no Might. " 2 Chron. xx. 12
... Jehoshaphat did not first of all review his troops, he called a meeting for prayer. ...
Not only the men, but the women and children came to the meeting. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/xv we have no might.htm