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, following the example set by his father, Asa, and King David. Jehoshaphat's account is primarily recorded in 1 Kings 22 and 2 Chronicles 17-20.

Early Reign and Religious Reforms

Jehoshaphat ascended to the throne at the age of 35 and reigned for 25 years. His reign is characterized by a series of religious reforms aimed at turning the hearts of the people back to God. 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."

Jehoshaphat's dedication to God is further demonstrated by his efforts to remove the high places and Asherah poles from Judah, as noted 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."

Educational and Judicial Reforms

In addition to religious reforms, Jehoshaphat implemented educational reforms to ensure that the people of Judah were knowledgeable about the Law of the Lord. He sent officials, Levites, and priests throughout the land to teach the people, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 17:7-9. This initiative helped to solidify the spiritual foundation of the nation and promote a society grounded in the principles of God's law.

Jehoshaphat also established a system of judges to administer justice throughout the land, emphasizing the importance of righteous judgment and the fear of the Lord. In 2 Chronicles 19:6-7 , he instructed the judges, "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 may 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."

Military and Political Alliances

Jehoshaphat strengthened Judah's military defenses and built fortified cities. He maintained a formidable army, as detailed in 2 Chronicles 17:12-19. Despite his military strength, Jehoshaphat sought peace and stability through alliances, most notably with the Kingdom of Israel. He formed an alliance with King Ahab of Israel, which included the marriage of his son Jehoram to Ahab's daughter Athaliah. This alliance, however, led to some negative consequences, as seen in the ill-fated campaign at Ramoth-gilead (1 Kings 22).

Reliance on God in Times of Crisis

Jehoshaphat's reliance on God is most vividly illustrated during the crisis with the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites, who came to wage war against Judah. In 2 Chronicles 20, Jehoshaphat called upon the Lord in prayer and proclaimed a fast throughout Judah. His prayer, recorded in 2 Chronicles 20:12 , reflects his dependence on God: "O our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast army that comes against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You."

God responded to Jehoshaphat's faith by delivering Judah from their enemies without the need for battle. The Lord set ambushes against the invading armies, leading to their defeat (2 Chronicles 20:22-24).

Legacy

Jehoshaphat's reign is remembered for his dedication to walking in the ways of the Lord, his commitment to religious and judicial reforms, and his reliance on God during times of crisis. His efforts to lead Judah in righteousness left a lasting impact on the spiritual and social fabric of the nation. Despite some missteps, such as his alliance with Ahab, Jehoshaphat's heart remained devoted to God, and he is counted among the righteous rulers of Judah.1 Kings 22:41-46
And Jehoshaphat the son of Asa began to reign over Judah in the fourth year of Ahab king of Israel.
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2 Chronicles 17:3-10
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 19:1
And Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned to his house in peace to Jerusalem.
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2 Chronicles 20:3-30
And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.
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Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... A righteous and upright man, consenting with a wicked man ... Wicked rulers (look the
margin(401)) grieve and ... in espousing his quarrel, as Jehoshaphat joining with ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm

That the Employing Of, and Associating with the Malignant Party ...
... Jehoshaphat was reproved for joining with Ahab, because he ... Scotland, gives serious
warning to the rulers, to take ... when the wicked rise, the righteous is hidden ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section iii that the employing.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... was the word": the voice which Adam heard walking in the ... any beast of the field which
the Lord God had ... serpent," [for he often wounds;] and his ways are called ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

Saved by Grace;
... the shining of the sun""Then shall the righteous shine forth ... from his cradle to his
cross, by kings, rulers, &c. ... his hand in saving of us many ways; for they ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/saved by grace.htm

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