Topical Bible: Faithfulness: Jehoshaphat

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Jehoshaphat, the son of Asa, was the fourth king of the Kingdom of Judah, reigning in the 9th century BC. His reign is noted for his faithfulness to God, his religious reforms, and his efforts to strengthen the kingdom both spiritually and militarily. Jehoshaphat's account is primarily found in 1 Kings 22 and 2 Chronicles 17-20.

Religious Reforms and Faithfulness

Jehoshaphat is commended for his commitment to the ways of the Lord, following the example of his father Asa. 2 Chronicles 17:3-4 states, "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." This passage highlights Jehoshaphat's dedication to the worship of Yahweh and his rejection of idolatry, which was prevalent in the neighboring kingdom of Israel.

One of Jehoshaphat's significant acts of faithfulness was his initiative to educate the people of Judah in the Law of the Lord. He sent officials, along with Levites and priests, throughout the cities of Judah to teach the people, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 17:7-9. This effort to spread the knowledge of God's laws demonstrated his commitment to ensuring that his kingdom was grounded in the principles of the covenant.

Military and Political Alliances

Jehoshaphat's reign was marked by a strong military presence, which he fortified by building fortresses and store cities in Judah (2 Chronicles 17:12). His faithfulness to God brought him peace and prosperity, as "the fear of the LORD fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands surrounding Judah, so that they did not make war against Jehoshaphat" (2 Chronicles 17:10).

However, Jehoshaphat's political alliances were not without controversy. He formed an alliance with Ahab, the king of Israel, through the marriage of his son Jehoram to Ahab's daughter Athaliah. This alliance led to his participation in a military campaign with Ahab against Ramoth-gilead, which ended disastrously. The prophet Jehu rebuked Jehoshaphat for helping the wicked and loving those who hate the Lord (2 Chronicles 19:2). Despite this misstep, Jehoshaphat's heart remained devoted to God, and he continued to lead Judah in righteousness.

Jehoshaphat's Prayer and Deliverance

One of the most profound demonstrations of Jehoshaphat's faithfulness is found in 2 Chronicles 20, where he faced a formidable coalition of enemies. In response, Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast throughout Judah and sought the Lord in prayer. His prayer, recorded in 2 Chronicles 20:6-12, acknowledges God's sovereignty and power, expressing complete reliance on Him for deliverance: "We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You" (2 Chronicles 20:12).

God answered Jehoshaphat's prayer through the prophet Jahaziel, assuring him that the battle belonged to the Lord. In an act of faith, Jehoshaphat appointed singers to praise the Lord as they went out before the army. The Lord set ambushes against the enemy, leading to a miraculous victory for Judah without the need for battle (2 Chronicles 20:21-24).

Legacy of Faithfulness

Jehoshaphat's reign is characterized by his efforts to lead Judah in faithfulness to God. Despite occasional lapses in judgment, his overall legacy is one of devotion and reliance on the Lord. His account serves as a testament to the blessings of faithfulness and the importance of seeking God's guidance in all aspects of life.

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2 Chronicles 20:1-30
It came to pass after this also, that the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon, and with them other beside the Ammonites, came against Jehoshaphat to battle.
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Library

'A Mirror for Magistrates'
... to the proof in these characteristics enjoined on Jehoshaphat's supreme court? Begin
with 'the fear of the Lord'; that will help us to 'faithfulness and a ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/a mirror for magistrates.htm

The Divided Kingdom.
... This weakening of the people's faithfulness to God gave place for the manifestations
of their former ... 4. Jehoshaphat, 1:K.13:24; 23:41-50; 2:K.3:1-27; 2:Chron.17 ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xiii the divided kingdom.htm

The Duty of the People of God to Excite Others to Seek this Rest.
... softly as Eli did his sons; or to reprove him as gently as Jehoshaphat did Ahab ...
Christian faithfulness requires us not only to do good when it falls in our way ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter ix the duty of.htm

That the Employing Of, and Associating with the Malignant Party ...
... Jehoshaphat was reproved for joining with Ahab, because he was "ungodly, and hated
the ... of the West,(366) who have given more proof of their faithfulness to the ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section iii that the employing.htm

"Thou Shall Keep Him in Perfect Peace, Whose Mind is Stayed on ...
... which would sink him down: the believer is such a one as Jehoshaphat, 2 Chronicles ...
It considereth his power, his good will, and his faithfulness; he is able to ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xiii thou shall keep.htm

The Last visit.
... The grey mists of morning were still hovering over the Jehoshaphat valley, as ... and
apathy; if you would exhibit among your members more faithfulness, more zeal ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/xxi the last visit.htm

The Historical Books.
... the Theocracy from Solomon to the captivity as an illustration of God's faithfulness
in the ... 15:1-15; of the reformatory labors and faith of Jehoshaphat, 2 Chron ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xx the historical books.htm

The Fourth vision "In Heaven"
... On the death of Jehoshaphat, his son Jehoram, made a beginning (to serve his own
purposes, of ... All the faithfulness of God depended on the life of that one babe ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the fourth vision in heaven.htm

Expositions of Holy Scripture
... ASA'S PRAYER. THE SEARCH THAT ALWAYS FINDS. JEHOSHAPHAT'S REFORM. AMASIAH. ... A LOVING
CALL TO REUNION. A STRANGE REWARD FOR FAITHFULNESS. MANASSEH'S SIN AND REPENTANCE ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/

Conclusion
... to a few closing reflections upon our present theme, "And Jehoshaphat stood in ... of
predestination, discourage the Lord's servants from faithfulness in evangelism ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the sovereignty of god/conclusion.htm