Topical Encyclopedia Jehoshaphat, the son of Asa, reigned as the fourth king of Judah, succeeding his father around 873 BC. His reign is noted for religious reforms, military fortifications, and a commitment to the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel. Jehoshaphat's dedication to the spiritual and material prosperity of the kingdom is evident in his contributions to the Temple in Jerusalem.Jehoshaphat's reign is characterized by a return to the religious practices established by his forefathers, David and Solomon. He sought to rid the land of idolatry and pagan practices, reinforcing the centrality of the Temple as the focal point of worship. In 2 Chronicles 17:3-4 , it is recorded, "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 commitment to the Temple is further demonstrated through his valuable gifts and offerings. These contributions were not merely acts of piety but also served to strengthen the religious and cultural identity of Judah. By enhancing the Temple's wealth and resources, Jehoshaphat ensured that the worship of Yahweh remained central to the life of the nation. The king's gifts to the Temple included precious metals, livestock, and other valuable resources. These offerings were intended to support the priests and Levites, ensuring that the sacrificial system and other religious duties could be carried out with excellence. In 2 Chronicles 17:5 , it is noted, "So the LORD established the kingdom in his hand, and all Judah brought tribute to Jehoshaphat, and he had riches and honor in abundance." Jehoshaphat's contributions to the Temple were part of a broader strategy to fortify the kingdom both spiritually and militarily. By investing in the Temple, he reinforced the covenantal relationship between God and His people, fostering a sense of unity and purpose among the inhabitants of Judah. His reign is marked by peace and prosperity, attributed to his faithfulness and the favor of God. In summary, Jehoshaphat's valuable gifts to the Temple underscore his dedication to the worship of Yahweh and his desire to see Judah flourish under divine guidance. His actions reflect a deep understanding of the importance of the Temple as the heart of Judah's religious life and a commitment to ensuring its continued prominence and sanctity. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 12:18And Jehoash king of Judah took all the hallowed things that Jehoshaphat, and Jehoram, and Ahaziah, his fathers, kings of Judah, had dedicated, and his own hallowed things, and all the gold that was found in the treasures of the house of the LORD, and in the king's house, and sent it to Hazael king of Syria: and he went away from Jerusalem. Nave's Topical Index Library The Earlier Hebrew Histories. The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses. Some Gospel Truths Opened, According to the Scriptures; Or, the ... Paul's Departure and Crown; An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... 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 |