2 Chronicles 19:2

Jehu son of Hanani the seer went out to confront him and said to King Jehoshaphat, "Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Because of this, the wrath of the LORD is upon you.

Study Bible

Jehu son of Hanani the seer went out to confront him
Jehu, the son of Hanani, is identified as a seer, a term used for prophets in ancient Israel. Hanani, his father, was also a prophet who had previously rebuked King Asa of Judah (2 Chronicles 16:7-10). The role of a seer was to deliver God's messages, often involving correction or guidance. Jehu's confrontation with Jehoshaphat indicates the seriousness of the king's actions, as prophets were typically sent by God to address significant issues. This encounter underscores the importance of prophetic voices in maintaining the spiritual integrity of Israel and Judah.

and said to King Jehoshaphat
Jehoshaphat was the fourth king of the Kingdom of Judah, known for his initial faithfulness to God and efforts to rid the land of idolatry (2 Chronicles 17:3-6). However, his political alliances, particularly with the northern Kingdom of Israel, often led him into compromising situations. This address by Jehu highlights a moment of divine correction in Jehoshaphat's reign, emphasizing the king's responsibility to lead according to God's commandments.

“Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD?
This rhetorical question points to Jehoshaphat's alliance with King Ahab of Israel, who was notoriously wicked and led Israel into idolatry (1 Kings 16:30-33). By aligning with Ahab, Jehoshaphat inadvertently supported those who opposed God's ways. The question challenges the king's discernment and priorities, reminding him of the biblical principle of not being unequally yoked with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14). It serves as a warning against forming alliances that compromise one's commitment to God.

Because of this, the wrath of the LORD is upon you.
The phrase indicates divine displeasure and impending judgment due to Jehoshaphat's actions. In the Old Testament, God's wrath often manifested as a response to covenant unfaithfulness, leading to consequences intended to bring about repentance and restoration. This warning reflects the seriousness of Jehoshaphat's misstep and serves as a call to return to faithful obedience. It also echoes the broader biblical theme of God's justice and mercy, where divine correction aims to realign His people with His will.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jehu son of Hanani
A prophet or seer who confronts King Jehoshaphat. He is the son of Hanani, another prophet who had previously rebuked King Asa.

2. King Jehoshaphat
The king of Judah who is known for his reforms and efforts to bring the people back to the worship of Yahweh. He is rebuked by Jehu for forming an alliance with Ahab, the wicked king of Israel.

3. The Seer
A term used for prophets in ancient Israel, indicating someone who receives divine insight or revelation.

4. The Wrath of the LORD
Refers to God's displeasure and potential judgment due to Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahab, who was known for his idolatry and opposition to God.

5. Alliance with Ahab
The event that prompted Jehu's rebuke. Jehoshaphat had allied himself with Ahab through marriage and military cooperation, which was seen as compromising his faithfulness to God.

Teaching Points

Avoiding Compromise
Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahab serves as a warning against forming partnerships that compromise our faith and values. Believers are called to be in the world but not of it.

Heeding Prophetic Warnings
Just as Jehu delivered a message from God, we must be attentive to the warnings and guidance found in Scripture and through godly counsel.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Jehoshaphat's experience reminds us that disobedience to God can bring about His discipline. We must strive to align our actions with His will.

God's Mercy and Justice
While God is just and His wrath is real, His rebukes are also opportunities for repentance and restoration. Jehoshaphat's later reforms show that God is merciful to those who turn back to Him.

Evaluating Alliances
In our personal and professional lives, we should evaluate our relationships and partnerships to ensure they honor God and do not lead us away from His purposes.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from Jehoshaphat's mistake in forming an alliance with Ahab, and how can we apply this lesson to our own relationships and partnerships?

2. How does Jehu's role as a seer or prophet inform our understanding of the importance of listening to godly counsel today?

3. In what ways does the concept of "the wrath of the LORD" challenge or encourage you in your walk with God?

4. How can we discern when a relationship or alliance is leading us away from God's will, and what steps can we take to correct it?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's discipline. How did it lead to growth or change in your life, similar to Jehoshaphat's reforms after his rebuke?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 22
Provides the background of Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahab, including the battle at Ramoth-gilead where Ahab was killed.

2 Chronicles 16:7-9
Hanani, Jehu's father, rebukes King Asa for relying on the king of Aram instead of the LORD, showing a pattern of prophetic rebuke for alliances with ungodly nations.

James 4:4
Warns against friendship with the world, which parallels Jehoshaphat's mistake of aligning with those who oppose God.