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 its religious reforms and efforts to bring the people of Judah back to the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel. Jehoshaphat's religious zeal is a significant aspect of his rule, as he sought to align the kingdom more closely with the laws and commandments of God.Upon ascending to the throne, Jehoshaphat fortified his kingdom both militarily and spiritually. One of his first acts was to strengthen the defenses of Judah against potential threats, particularly from the northern kingdom of Israel. However, his primary focus was on spiritual reformation. The king's dedication to God is evident in his removal of high places and Asherah poles, which were associated with the worship of foreign deities. This act demonstrated his commitment to purging idolatry from the land, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 17:6: "His heart was devoted to the ways of the LORD; furthermore, he removed the high places and Asherah poles from Judah." Jehoshaphat's religious zeal extended beyond the removal of idols. He took proactive steps to educate the people in the ways of the Lord. In the third year of his reign, he sent officials, along with Levites and priests, throughout the cities of Judah to teach the Book of the Law of the LORD. This initiative is detailed in 2 Chronicles 17:7-9, where it is noted that they "taught throughout Judah, having with them the Book of the Law of the LORD, and they went around to all the cities of Judah and taught the people." This effort was unprecedented and demonstrated his commitment to ensuring that the people of Judah understood and followed God's commandments. Jehoshaphat's religious reforms were not limited to education and the removal of idols. He also sought to establish a judicial system that was rooted in righteousness and the fear of the Lord. He appointed judges in the fortified cities of Judah and instructed them to judge not for man, but for the Lord, emphasizing the importance of justice and integrity. In 2 Chronicles 19:6-7, Jehoshaphat charged the judges, saying, "Consider carefully what you do, because you are not judging for man, but for the LORD, who is with you whenever you give a verdict. Now let the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful in what you do, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery." Jehoshaphat's religious zeal also influenced his foreign policy. He sought alliances that would promote peace and stability, yet he was careful to maintain his devotion to God. His alliance with Ahab, king of Israel, through marriage was a political move, but it also led to a military campaign that was not sanctioned by God, resulting in a rebuke from the prophet Jehu (2 Chronicles 19:2-3). Despite this misstep, Jehoshaphat's overall reign was marked by a sincere desire to lead his people in accordance with God's will. Throughout his reign, Jehoshaphat demonstrated a deep commitment to the spiritual welfare of his kingdom. His efforts to reform religious practices, educate the populace in the ways of the Lord, and establish a just judicial system underscore his zeal for the worship of Yahweh. His reign is remembered as a time of religious revival and adherence to the covenant between God and His people. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 22:43,46And 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 17:1-9 2 Chronicles 19:1 2 Chronicles 20:1-32 2 Chronicles 22:9 Library Jehoshaphat's Reform Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon. Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close. Some Gospel Truths Opened, According to the Scriptures; Or, the ... Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses. An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ... 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 |
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