Jehoshaphat, the son of Asa, was the fourth king of the Kingdom of Judah, reigning in the early 9th century BC. His reign is noted for religious reforms, military alliances, and a commitment to the worship of Yahweh. Jehoshaphat is often remembered for his efforts to strengthen the spiritual and political state of Judah, but he also faced criticism for certain alliances, particularly with the northern Kingdom of Israel.

Background and Reign

Jehoshaphat ascended to the throne following the death of his father, Asa. His reign is chronicled in 1 Kings 22 and 2 Chronicles 17-20. Jehoshaphat is praised for his devotion to God, as he sought to walk in the ways of his ancestor David. He removed high places and Asherah poles, and he sent officials, Levites, and priests throughout Judah to teach the people the Law of the Lord (2 Chronicles 17:7-9).

Alliance with Ahab

One of the most significant events during Jehoshaphat's reign was his alliance with Ahab, the king of Israel. This alliance was solidified through the marriage of Jehoshaphat's son, Jehoram, to Ahab's daughter, Athaliah. Jehoshaphat joined Ahab in a military campaign against Ramoth-gilead, despite the prophet Micaiah's warning of disaster (1 Kings 22:1-28). The battle ended in Ahab's death, and Jehoshaphat narrowly escaped with his life.

Rebuke by the Prophet Jehu

Upon returning safely to Jerusalem, Jehoshaphat was confronted by Jehu, the son of Hanani the seer. Jehu rebuked Jehoshaphat for his alliance with Ahab, a king who "hates the LORD" (2 Chronicles 19:2). Jehu's rebuke highlighted the danger of forming alliances with those who oppose God's commandments. The prophet declared, "Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Because of this, the wrath of the LORD is upon you" (2 Chronicles 19:2).

Despite this rebuke, Jehu acknowledged Jehoshaphat's positive actions, noting that "there is some good in you, for you have removed the Asherah poles from the land and have set your heart to seek God" (2 Chronicles 19:3). This acknowledgment underscores the complexity of Jehoshaphat's reign, marked by both commendable devotion and questionable political decisions.

Aftermath and Continued Reforms

Following Jehu's rebuke, Jehoshaphat continued his efforts to reform Judah. He appointed judges in the land, instructing them to judge with the fear of the Lord and without partiality (2 Chronicles 19:5-7). He also established a judicial system in Jerusalem, appointing Levites, priests, and family heads to administer justice and resolve disputes (2 Chronicles 19:8-11).

Jehoshaphat's reign was characterized by a commitment to seeking God's guidance, as demonstrated in his response to a coalition of enemies that threatened Judah. In a moment of crisis, Jehoshaphat called for a national fast and sought the Lord's help, resulting in a miraculous victory (2 Chronicles 20:1-30).

Legacy

Jehoshaphat's reign is remembered for its religious reforms and efforts to strengthen Judah's spiritual foundation. However, his political alliances, particularly with the house of Ahab, serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising with those who oppose God's ways. Jehoshaphat's life and reign offer valuable lessons on the importance of seeking God's guidance and maintaining faithfulness to His commandments.2 Chronicles 19:2
And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Should you help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore is wrath on you from before the LORD.
Nave's Topical Index

The Kingdom Op Judah.
... the Moabites, with Jehoshaphat's tributary, the King of Edom ... the thirsty hosts of
Israel and Judah, seemed to ... Jehoshaphat was succeeded in 891 by his son Jehoram ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vii the kingdom op.htm

The Greater Prophets.
... and Elijah Ahab, and Elisha Jehoram, and Jehu Jehoshaphat! ... in Hezekiah's reign by
Sennacherib, king of Assyria ... upon Ephraim and then upon Judah and Jerusalem ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxii the greater prophets.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... of Eglon in the attitude of a prophet, announced that ... foe, for we know that the people
of Judah aided the ... however, that they overthrew Adoni-bezek, King of the ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Why did God use a lying spirit to deceive Ahab? | GotQuestions.org

What is the valley of decision (Joel 3:14)? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about false prophets? | GotQuestions.org

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