Topical Bible: Obedience: Jehoshaphat

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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 his commitment to the ways of the Lord and his efforts to lead his people in obedience to God. The biblical account of Jehoshaphat's life and reign is primarily found in 1 Kings 22 and 2 Chronicles 17-20.

Commitment to God's Ways

Jehoshaphat's reign is marked by his dedication to following the commandments of God, as his father Asa had done. 2 Chronicles 17:3-4 states, "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." This passage highlights Jehoshaphat's deliberate choice to reject idolatry and adhere to the worship of Yahweh, distinguishing his reign from the idolatrous practices prevalent in the northern kingdom of Israel.

Religious Reforms

Jehoshaphat's obedience to God is further demonstrated through his religious reforms. He 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 initiative underscores his commitment to ensuring that the people of Judah were knowledgeable about God's laws and commandments, fostering a culture of obedience and reverence for God.

Alliance with Ahab

Despite his devotion, Jehoshaphat's reign was not without its challenges. One significant event was his alliance with Ahab, the king of Israel, through marriage and military cooperation. This alliance led to Jehoshaphat joining Ahab in battle against Ramoth-gilead. Although Jehoshaphat sought the counsel of the LORD before the battle, he was rebuked by the prophet Jehu for helping the wicked and loving those who hate the LORD (2 Chronicles 19:2). This incident serves as a reminder of the complexities and potential pitfalls in maintaining obedience to God while engaging in political alliances.

Judicial Reforms

In response to the rebuke, Jehoshaphat took further steps to align his kingdom with God's will. He appointed judges throughout the land, instructing them to judge not for man, but for the LORD, emphasizing the importance of justice and righteousness (2 Chronicles 19:5-7). Jehoshaphat's reforms in the judicial system reflect his understanding that true obedience to God encompasses all aspects of governance and societal order.

Victory through Faith

Jehoshaphat's faith and obedience were tested when a vast army from Moab, Ammon, and Mount Seir came against Judah. In response, Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast and sought the LORD in prayer, demonstrating his reliance on God rather than military might (2 Chronicles 20:3-4). The LORD answered by assuring Jehoshaphat that the battle belonged to Him, and Judah would not need to fight. In obedience, Jehoshaphat appointed singers to praise the LORD, and as they began to sing, the LORD set ambushes against the enemy, leading to a miraculous victory (2 Chronicles 20:21-22).

Legacy of Obedience

Jehoshaphat's reign is a testament to the blessings of obedience to God. His efforts to lead Judah in faithfulness to the LORD brought peace and prosperity to the kingdom. 2 Chronicles 20:30 records, "And the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side." Jehoshaphat's life serves as an example of the importance of seeking God's guidance, implementing His laws, and trusting in His power, even amidst challenges and potential missteps.

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2 Chronicles 17:3-6
And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not to Baalim;
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2 Chronicles 20:32
And he walked in the way of Asa his father, and departed not from it, doing that which was right in the sight of the LORD.
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2 Chronicles 22:9
And he sought Ahaziah: and they caught him, (for he was hid in Samaria,) and brought him to Jehu: and when they had slain him, they buried him: Because, said they, he is the son of Jehoshaphat, who sought the LORD with all his heart. So the house of Ahaziah had no power to keep still the kingdom.
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Library

How Joram and Jehoshaphat Made an Expedition against the Moabites ...
... he had gathered his own army together, he sent also to Jehoshaphat, and entreated
him ... into against the Moabites, who had departed from their obedience, who not ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 how joram and.htm

Jehoshaphat's Reform
... So the account of Jehoshaphat's efforts to spread the worship of Jehovah follows
the ... lifted to it by his happy experience of the blessed effects of obedience. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/jehoshaphats reform.htm

Jehoshaphat
... To this wise provision for the spiritual needs of his subjects, Jehoshaphat owed
much of his prosperity as a ruler. In obedience to God's law there is great ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 15 jehoshaphat.htm

The Kingdom Op Judah.
... No doubt Rehoboam's obedience saved him from sharing the fate of the other kings ...
His son Jehoshaphat was a very good and gentle prince, but his very gentleness ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vii the kingdom op.htm

Walking with God
... arguments which men of corrupt minds frequently urge against yielding obedience
to the ... appearance of real piety, as the Assyrians shot at Jehoshaphat in his ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/walking with god.htm

That it is not Lawful for the Well Affected Subjects to Concur in ...
... When Jehoshaphat was reproved for helping the ungodly, were not all his people reproved
that ... and bloody men, how can it be lawful to me, in obedience to that ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section iv that it is.htm

Note F. --Chap. xviii the Whole Heart
... so cleanse the heart to love Him with a wholehearted love, that obedience is within ...
Of Jehoshaphat, men said (2 Chronicles 22:9): "He sought the Lord with all ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/murray/the two covenants/note f chap xviii the whole.htm

Of a Private Fast.
... us to do such and such a good deed; for such obedience of the worker ... graces 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

Of Civil Government.
... And, What obedience is due to the magistrate ... that the business was committed to them
by God, to serve him in their office, and (as Moses and Jehoshaphat said to ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of civil government.htm

The Best Things Work for Good to the Godly
... When we say as Jehoshaphat, "We have no might against this great army"; the Lord
goes up ... As they are loadstones to love, so they are whetstones to obedience. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/the best things work for.htm