Topical Encyclopedia Jehoshaphat, the son of Asa, was the fourth king of the Kingdom of Judah, reigning from approximately 873 to 849 BC. His reign is noted for its wisdom, religious reforms, and efforts to strengthen the kingdom both spiritually and militarily. Jehoshaphat's account is primarily recorded in 1 Kings 22 and 2 Chronicles 17-20.Religious Reforms and Devotion to God Jehoshaphat is commended for his devotion to the LORD, following in the footsteps of his father Asa, but with even greater zeal for the LORD's commandments. "He walked in the ways of his father David, and did not turn aside to the Baals" (2 Chronicles 17:3). One of his first acts as king was to remove the high places and Asherah poles from Judah, demonstrating his commitment to purifying the worship practices of his people (2 Chronicles 17:6). In the third year of his reign, Jehoshaphat sent officials, along with Levites and priests, throughout the cities of Judah to teach the people from the Book of the Law of the LORD (2 Chronicles 17:7-9). This initiative not only educated the populace in the ways of God but also reinforced the centrality of the Mosaic Law in the life of the nation. Military and Political Strength Jehoshaphat's reign was marked by significant military fortification and strategic alliances. He built fortresses and store cities in Judah and maintained a large, well-equipped army (2 Chronicles 17:12-19). His military might was a deterrent to potential aggressors, and "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). Despite his military strength, Jehoshaphat sought peace and cooperation with the northern Kingdom of Israel. He formed an alliance with King Ahab of Israel, which included a marriage between his son Jehoram and Ahab's daughter Athaliah (2 Chronicles 18:1). However, this alliance was not without its challenges, as it led to Jehoshaphat's involvement in Ahab's ill-fated campaign at Ramoth-gilead (1 Kings 22:29-33). Judicial Reforms and Administration Jehoshaphat's wisdom extended to the administration of justice within his kingdom. He appointed judges in the fortified cities of Judah, instructing them to judge fairly and with the fear of the LORD, reminding them that they were judging not for man, but for the LORD (2 Chronicles 19:5-7). He also established a central court in Jerusalem, led by the chief priest and Levites, to handle more difficult cases (2 Chronicles 19:8-11). Challenges and Divine Deliverance Despite his wise and godly leadership, Jehoshaphat faced significant challenges. The most notable was the coalition of Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites that came against Judah. In response, Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast throughout Judah and sought the LORD in prayer, demonstrating his reliance on divine intervention rather than solely on military might (2 Chronicles 20:3-4). The LORD answered Jehoshaphat's prayer through the prophet Jahaziel, assuring him that the battle belonged to God. In a remarkable display of faith, Jehoshaphat appointed singers to lead the army, praising the LORD for His enduring love. As they began to sing, 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 Jehoshaphat's reign is remembered for its emphasis on spiritual renewal, justice, and reliance on God. His efforts to lead Judah in the fear of the LORD brought peace and prosperity to the kingdom. However, his alliances with Israel, particularly with the house of Ahab, had long-term consequences for Judah, as seen in the subsequent reigns of his descendants. Nonetheless, Jehoshaphat's commitment to God and his wise leadership left a lasting impact on the history of Judah. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 22:43And 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. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 17:7-9 2 Chronicles 19:3-11 Library Jehoshaphat's Reform Jehoshaphat The Kingdom of Judah. The Fall of the House of Ahab The Nations of the South-East Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon. Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses. Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men The Greater Prophets. The Fourth vision "In Heaven" Resources Who was King Jehoshaphat in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgHow 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 Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Iconoclasm: Destroyed by Jehoshaphat Jehoshaphat: A Priest Who Assisted in Bringing the Ark of the Covenant from Obed-Edom Jehoshaphat: A Valley: Called the Valley of Decision Jehoshaphat: Joins Jehoram, King of Israel, in an Invasion of the Land of Moab, Defeats the Moabites Jehoshaphat: King of Judah: Bequests of, to his Children Jehoshaphat: King of Judah: Builds Ships for Commerce With Tarshish, Ships are Destroyed Jehoshaphat: King of Judah: Death of Jehoshaphat: King of Judah: His Military Forces and Armaments Jehoshaphat: King of Judah: His System of Taxation Jehoshaphat: King of Judah: His Wise Reign Jehoshaphat: King of Judah: Inaugurates a System of Public Instruction in the Law Jehoshaphat: King of Judah: Joins Ahab in an Invasion of Ramoth-Gilead Jehoshaphat: King of Judah: Makes Valuable Gifts to the Temple Jehoshaphat: King of Judah: Prosperity of Jehoshaphat: King of Judah: Rebuked by the Prophet Jehu Jehoshaphat: King of Judah: Religious Zeal of Jehoshaphat: King of Judah: Strengthens Himself Against Israel Jehoshaphat: King of Judah: Succeeds Asa Jehoshaphat: One of Solomon's Commissariat officers Jehoshaphat: The Allied Forces of the Amorites, Moabites Related Terms |
    |