Jehoshaphat, the son of Asa, was the fourth king of the Kingdom of Judah and reigned from approximately 873 to 849 BC. He is noted for his religious reforms and efforts to bring the people of Judah back to the worship of Yahweh. His reign is documented in 1 Kings 22 and 2 Chronicles 17-20.

Early Reign and Religious Reforms

Jehoshaphat ascended to the throne following the death of his father, Asa. He is commended for walking in the ways of David and not seeking the Baals. 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 the Baals, but sought the God of his father and walked in His commandments rather than the practices of Israel."

Jehoshaphat's commitment to God was evident in his religious reforms. He removed the high places and Asherah poles from Judah, striving to purify the worship practices of his people. He also sent officials, along with Levites and priests, throughout the cities of Judah to teach the Book of the Law of the LORD, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 17:7-9. This initiative helped to strengthen the spiritual foundation of the nation.

Military and Political Alliances

Jehoshaphat fortified Judah by building strongholds and store cities. He maintained a large and well-equipped army, which contributed to the peace and security of his kingdom. His military might is detailed in 2 Chronicles 17:12-19, where it is noted that he had over a million men ready for battle.

Despite his devotion to God, Jehoshaphat made a controversial alliance with Ahab, the king of Israel, through the marriage of his son Jehoram to Ahab's daughter Athaliah. This alliance led to his involvement in the ill-fated battle at Ramoth-gilead, where Ahab was killed. Jehoshaphat narrowly escaped with his life, and upon his return, he was rebuked by the prophet Jehu for helping the wicked (2 Chronicles 19:1-3).

Judicial Reforms and Administration

Jehoshaphat's reign was marked by significant judicial reforms. He appointed judges in the land, instructing them to judge fairly and with the fear of the LORD. In 2 Chronicles 19:6-7 , he charged them, "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."

He also established a system of appeals in Jerusalem, appointing Levites, priests, and heads of Israelite families to administer justice and resolve disputes, as described in 2 Chronicles 19:8-11.

Challenges and Faith

Jehoshaphat faced a significant challenge when a vast coalition of Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites came against Judah. In response, he proclaimed a fast and sought the LORD in prayer, demonstrating his reliance on God. His prayer, recorded in 2 Chronicles 20:6-12, is a powerful testament to his faith and trust in God's sovereignty.

God answered Jehoshaphat's prayer through the prophet Jahaziel, who assured him that the battle belonged to the LORD. In a remarkable display of faith, Jehoshaphat appointed singers to lead the army, praising God for His holiness. As they sang, the LORD set ambushes against the enemy, leading to a miraculous victory for Judah (2 Chronicles 20:21-24).

Legacy

Jehoshaphat's reign is remembered for his dedication to God, his efforts to reform the religious and judicial systems, and his reliance on divine guidance in times of crisis. Despite his missteps, particularly in his alliances, he is regarded as a king who sought to honor God and lead his people in righteousness. His account serves as an example of the blessings that come from seeking the LORD and the importance of faithfulness in leadership.1 Kings 22:43
And 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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jehoshaphat
... by whom we may inquire of the Lord," Ahab answered; "but I hate him" for he doth
not prophesy good concerning me, but evil." 1 Kings 22:8. Jehoshaphat was firm ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 15 jehoshaphat.htm

The Two Boy Kings.
... There were a few good kings of Judah, such as Asa and Jehoshaphat, and Hezekiah,
and among them were two who became kings when they were very young. ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxx the two boy.htm

Genealogy of Jesus According to Matthew.
... David twice, first as a patriarch, second as one of the kings; and thus ... who reformed
his kingdom of Judah]; 8 and Asa begat Jehoshaphat [a good king, much ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/iii genealogy of jesus according.htm

The Kingdom Op Judah.
... to the Temple at Jerusalem; and the kings, though obedient ... His end was less good
than his beginning; he made a ... His son Jehoshaphat was a very good and gentle ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vii the kingdom op.htm

Jehoshaphat's Reform
... But it is not only in kings' houses that that ... Jehoshaphat did not issue royal commands,
but sent out teachers. ... Prudence dictated keeping on good terms with him ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/jehoshaphats reform.htm

Chronicles
... Kings (1 Kings 15:14, xxii.43) he says that Asa and Jehoshaphat did not ... they did
(2 Chron, xiv.5, xvii.6) as, on his theory,"being good kings, they should. ...
/.../mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/chronicles.htm

Jehoram Succeeds Jehoshaphat; How Joram, his Namesake, King of ...
... CHAPTER 4. Jehoram Succeeds Jehoshaphat; How Joram, His Namesake, King ... an active
man, and had the good-will of ... pomp pay their worship to these kings, [13] and ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 jehoram succeeds jehoshaphat.htm

How David Brought under the Philistines, and the Moabites, and the ...
... all things in his army were in a good state, he ... been the most excellent of all their
kings in strength ... of his whole army Joab; and he made Jehoshaphat, the son ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how david brought.htm

Ahaziah
... David's blood in his veins, and Jehoshaphat's, and mingled ... A good mother has been
at work"woman's gracious ... list of vile and idolatrous kings, whose fathers ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/ahaziah.htm

Book 8 Footnotes
... armies, as subjects and soldiers are to their earthly kings and generals ... entirely
disappointed, while still the escape of the good man Jehoshaphat, and the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 8 footnotes.htm

What does it mean that Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords? | GotQuestions.org

Who were the kings of Israel and Judah? | GotQuestions.org

Who was King Joash in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus