Topical Encyclopedia Jehoshaphat, the son of Asa, was the fourth king of the Kingdom of Judah and reigned from approximately 873 to 849 BC. His reign is noted for his efforts to bring the people of Judah back to the worship of Yahweh and for his reliance on God during times of national crisis. Jehoshaphat's trust in the Lord is a significant theme in his account, as recorded in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles.Religious Reforms and Trust in God Jehoshaphat is commended for his dedication to the ways of the Lord, following the example of his father Asa. He sought to rid Judah of idolatry and pagan practices, as described 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." Jehoshaphat's trust in God was evident in his commitment to religious reform, which included sending officials, Levites, and priests throughout Judah to teach the people the Law of the Lord (2 Chronicles 17:7-9). Alliance with Ahab and the Battle of Ramoth-Gilead Despite his faithfulness, Jehoshaphat made a questionable alliance with Ahab, the king of Israel, by marrying his son Jehoram to Ahab's daughter Athaliah. This alliance led him to join Ahab in the ill-fated battle at Ramoth-Gilead. Before the battle, Jehoshaphat insisted on seeking the counsel of the Lord, demonstrating his trust in divine guidance. In 1 Kings 22:5, he said to Ahab, "First, please inquire for the word of the LORD." Despite the false assurances of Ahab's prophets, Jehoshaphat heeded the true prophet Micaiah, who foretold disaster. The battle ended in Ahab's death, and Jehoshaphat narrowly escaped with his life, learning the importance of discerning God's will. The Moabite-Ammonite Invasion One of the most profound demonstrations of Jehoshaphat's trust in God occurred during the invasion by the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites. Faced with a vast army, Jehoshaphat turned to the Lord in prayer, proclaiming a fast throughout Judah. His prayer, recorded in 2 Chronicles 20:6-12, reflects his deep trust in God's sovereignty and power: "O 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." In response to Jehoshaphat's faith, the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel, who assured the king and the people that the battle belonged to God. Encouraged by this promise, Jehoshaphat led his people in worship and praise, appointing singers to go before the army, singing, "Give thanks to the LORD, for His loving devotion endures forever" (2 Chronicles 20:21). The Lord set ambushes against the enemy, leading to their defeat without Judah having to fight. Legacy of Trust Jehoshaphat's reign is a testament to the power of trusting in God. His reliance on divine guidance and his commitment to leading his people in faith serve as an enduring example of the trust of saints. Despite his occasional missteps, Jehoshaphat's life illustrates the blessings that come from seeking the Lord and placing confidence in His providence. His account encourages believers to trust in God's wisdom and strength, even in the face of overwhelming challenges. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Chronicles 20:12O our God, will you not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that comes against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are on you. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library "Thou Shall Keep Him in Perfect Peace, Whose Mind is Stayed on ... The Sleeper. Revelation of Esdras. Prayer Perfumed with Praise Saved by Grace; The Minstrel Consolation in Christ An Awful Contrast Concerning Peaceableness On the Formation of the Character of Believers, and on Giving of ... Resources Why should I trust the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about trust? | GotQuestions.org How can I learn to trust in God? | GotQuestions.org Trust: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Trust of Saints Is in the Mercy of God Trust of Saints Is in the Word of God Trust of Saints Is: Despised by the Wicked Trust of Saints Is: Grounded on the Covenant Trust of Saints Is: Not in Carnal Weapons Trust of Saints Is: Not in the Flesh Trust of Saints Is: Not in Themselves Trust of Saints Is: Strong in the Prospect of Death Trust of Saints Is: Through Christ Trust of Saints Is: Unalterable Trust of the Wicked is in Earthly Alliances Trust of the Wicked is in Falsehood Trust of the Wicked is in Idols Trust of the Wicked is in Their own Heart Trust of the Wicked is in Their own Righteousness Trust of the Wicked is in Vanity Trust of the Wicked is in Wealth Trust of the Wicked is not in God Trust of the Wicked is Vain and Delusive Trust of the Wicked: Israelites Trust of the Wicked: Sennacherib Trust of the Wicked: Shall be Destroyed Trust of the Wicked: Shall Make Them Ashamed Trust of the Wicked--Illustrated Trust: Blessedness of Placing, in God Trust: Encouragements to Former Deliverances Trust: Encouragements to The Care of God for Us Trust: Encouragements to The Everlasting Strength of God Trust: Encouragements to The Goodness of God Trust: Encouragements to The Loving-Kindness of God Trust: Encouragements to The Rich Bounty of God Trust: God is the True Object of Trust: Leads to Being Compassed With Mercy Trust: Leads to Deliverance from Enemies Trust: Leads to Enjoyment of all Temporal and Spiritual Blessings Trust: Leads to Enjoyment of Happiness Trust: Leads to Enjoyment of Perfect Peace Trust: Leads to Fulfilment of all Holy Desires Trust: Leads to Rejoicing in God Trust: Leads to Safety in Times of Danger Trust: Saints Plead, in Prayer Trust: should be from Youth Up Trust: should be With the Whole Heart Trust: The Fear of God Leads To Trust: The Lord Knows Those Who Have Trust: To be Accompanied by Doing Good Related Terms |
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