Topical Bible: Answers To Prayer: Jehoshaphat

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Topical Encyclopedia

Jehoshaphat, the fourth king of the Kingdom of Judah, is a notable biblical figure whose reign is marked by a profound reliance on God, particularly through prayer. His account is primarily recorded in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles, where his faith and leadership are highlighted.

Background

Jehoshaphat was the son of Asa and succeeded him as king of Judah. His reign is characterized by a commitment to the ways of the Lord, as he sought to strengthen the spiritual and political state of Judah. He is noted for his reforms, which included the removal of high places and Asherah poles, and for sending officials throughout Judah to teach the people the Law of the Lord (2 Chronicles 17:6-9).

The Prayer of Jehoshaphat

One of the most significant instances of answered prayer in Jehoshaphat's life occurred during a time of national crisis. In 2 Chronicles 20, Judah faced a formidable alliance of enemies: the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites. Alarmed by the threat, Jehoshaphat turned to God in prayer, demonstrating his dependence on divine intervention.

Jehoshaphat's prayer is recorded in 2 Chronicles 20:5-12. Standing before the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem in the house of the Lord, he prayed:

"Lord, God of our fathers, are You not the God who is in heaven? And do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand, and no one can stand against You. Our God, did You not drive out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham Your friend?" (2 Chronicles 20:6-7).

Jehoshaphat acknowledged God's sovereignty and past faithfulness, appealing to His covenant with Abraham. He confessed Judah's powerlessness against the vast army and expressed complete reliance on God: "We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You" (2 Chronicles 20:12).

God's Response

God answered Jehoshaphat's prayer through the prophet Jahaziel, who assured the king and the people of Judah that the battle belonged to the Lord. Jahaziel declared, "Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's" (2 Chronicles 20:15).

Following this divine assurance, Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah worshiped the Lord. The next day, they went out to face their enemies, led by singers praising God. As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the enemy forces, causing them to turn on each other and leading to their defeat (2 Chronicles 20:21-23).

Impact and Legacy

Jehoshaphat's prayer and God's miraculous intervention resulted in a great victory for Judah without the need for battle. The fear of God fell on all the surrounding kingdoms when they heard how the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel, and the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace (2 Chronicles 20:29-30).

Jehoshaphat's reliance on prayer and God's faithfulness serves as a powerful example of divine intervention in response to sincere and humble supplication. His account underscores the importance of seeking God's guidance and trusting in His power during times of crisis.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 20:6-17
And said, O LORD God of our fathers, are not you God in heaven? and rule not you over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in your hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand you?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Prayer Perfumed with Praise
... in the morning and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth,
Jehoshaphat stood and said ... You shall get your answers to prayer when you ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 25 1879/prayer perfumed with praise.htm

The Means of Grace
... Believe, and thou shalt be saved!" he answers, "True; but ... When we say, "Prayer is
a means of grace ... thus: "There came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying, There ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 16 the means of.htm

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
... Ammon, came against Jehoshaphat to battle, Jehoshaphat set himself ... It, in some measure,
answers some of the ... your observing solemn times of fasting and prayer. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 27 upon our lords.htm

Books of the Hebrew Canon.
... consists of another recension of the summary of Jehoshaphat's reign which ... answers
to the first word of the Psalm in as ... 7. Magnificat.8. Prayer of Manasseh [543 ...
/.../chapter ii books of the.htm

The Duty of the People of God to Excite Others to Seek this Rest.
... this duty is so much neglected, and answers some objections ... to reprove him as gently
as Jehoshaphat did Ahab ... them, by your own example, to prayer, reading, and ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter ix the duty of.htm

Saved by Grace;
... upon the words, and direct particular answers to them; in which answers I hope I ...
in life and vigour, as faith, hope, love, a spirit of prayer, and every grace ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/saved by grace.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... He answers, Even I, "which have" set, or "placed the sand for the bound of the ... This
fear takes away their heart from all holy and godly prayer in private, and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

Some Gospel Truths Opened, According to the Scriptures; Or, the ...
... Answers to several Questions, with profitable Directions to stand fast in the Doctrine
of Jesus ... which had enforced attendance on a form of common prayer, and a ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/some gospel truths opened according.htm

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ...
... be circumspect to the utmost in all civility and morality, yet he answers not the ...
10:3) He therefore that approacheth the presence of Christ in prayer, or any ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a holy life the beauty.htm