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 its religious reforms, military successes, and acts of liberality, which are documented in the biblical books of 1 Kings, 2 Kings, and 2 Chronicles.

Jehoshaphat's liberality is most evident in his commitment to the spiritual and material welfare of his people. He is described as a king who "sought the God of his father and walked in His commandments" (2 Chronicles 17:4). His dedication to God was not only personal but also extended to the nation of Judah. Jehoshaphat sent officials, along with Levites and priests, throughout the cities of Judah to teach the people the Book of the Law of the LORD (2 Chronicles 17:7-9). This act of liberality ensured that the people had access to spiritual knowledge and guidance, fostering a society grounded in the principles of God's law.

Moreover, Jehoshaphat's liberality is reflected in his efforts to fortify the nation. He strengthened the defenses of Judah by building fortresses and store cities (2 Chronicles 17:12). This not only provided security but also demonstrated his concern for the well-being and prosperity of his subjects. His reign brought peace and stability, as "the fear of the LORD fell on all the kingdoms of the lands surrounding Judah, so that they did not make war against Jehoshaphat" (2 Chronicles 17:10).

Jehoshaphat's alliances also illustrate his liberal approach to leadership. He formed an alliance with Ahab, the king of Israel, through marriage (2 Chronicles 18:1). While this alliance had its pitfalls, it showed Jehoshaphat's willingness to engage diplomatically with neighboring kingdoms. His liberality extended to his interactions with other nations, as he sought peace and cooperation.

Despite his successes, Jehoshaphat's liberality was not without its challenges. His alliance with Ahab led to his involvement in the ill-fated battle at Ramoth-gilead, where Ahab was killed (2 Chronicles 18:28-34). This incident serves as a reminder of the complexities and potential pitfalls of political alliances.

Jehoshaphat's reign is also marked by his judicial reforms, which further highlight his liberality. He appointed judges in the land, instructing them to judge fairly and with the fear of the LORD (2 Chronicles 19:5-7). He emphasized justice and integrity, ensuring that the judicial system was not only fair but also aligned with divine principles.

In summary, Jehoshaphat's liberality is evident in his religious reforms, military fortifications, diplomatic efforts, and judicial appointments. His reign is characterized by a commitment to the spiritual and material prosperity of his people, reflecting a deep-seated dedication to the principles of God's law.2 Kings 12:18
And 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

Expositions of Holy Scripture
... JEHOIADA AND JOASH. METHODICAL LIBERALITY. THE SPIRIT OF POWER. A KINGDOM'S EPITAPH. ...
ASA'S PRAYER. THE SEARCH THAT ALWAYS FINDS. JEHOSHAPHAT'S REFORM. AMASIAH. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/

Of a Private Fast.
... 4. Liberality in alms-deeds is our surest foundation that we shall obtain ... which he
wanted, as appears in the examples of Hannah, Jehoshaphat, Nehemiah, Daniel ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/i of a private fast.htm

Prayer Perfumed with Praise
... Does not liberality itself close its hand when ingratitude stands in the way ... Now,
take an instance of this in Second Chronicles 20:20"Jehoshaphat went out to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 25 1879/prayer perfumed with praise.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... Thirdly, As to the king's liberality towards the building of this house, &c. ... Jehoshaphat
and Hezekiah did both sometimes bring trouble (2 Chronicles 19:2; 20:35 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

Liberality: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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