Topical Bible: Fear of God: Jehoshaphat

◄ Fear of God: Jehoshaphat ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

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 and his efforts to lead his people in the fear of God. The biblical account of Jehoshaphat's reign is primarily found in 1 Kings 22 and 2 Chronicles 17-20.

Commitment to the Lord

Jehoshaphat's reign began with a strong commitment to the God of Israel. He is described as a king who "walked in the ways of his father David" and "did not seek the Baals" (2 Chronicles 17:3-4). Instead, Jehoshaphat sought the God of his father and followed His commandments, demonstrating a profound fear of God. This reverence for the Lord was evident in his actions to remove the high places and Asherah poles from Judah, as he sought to purify the worship practices of his kingdom (2 Chronicles 17:6).

Religious Reforms and Education

Jehoshaphat's fear of God was further manifested in his religious reforms and educational initiatives. He sent officials, along with Levites and priests, throughout the cities of Judah to teach the people from the Book of the Law of the Lord (2 Chronicles 17:7-9). This initiative was aimed at instilling a deeper understanding and fear of God among the people, ensuring that the nation was grounded in the divine statutes and commandments.

Military and Political Actions

Jehoshaphat's fear of God also influenced his military and political decisions. He fortified the cities of Judah and maintained a strong army, but he recognized that true security came from the Lord. His reliance on God was evident during the coalition of Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites against Judah. In response, Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast and gathered the people to seek help from the Lord, praying, "We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You" (2 Chronicles 20:12). This act of dependence on God demonstrated his belief that divine intervention was paramount to military might.

Divine Favor and Victory

Jehoshaphat's fear of God brought divine favor upon his reign. The Lord blessed him with peace and prosperity, and the surrounding nations feared the Lord and refrained from waging war against Judah (2 Chronicles 17:10). When faced with the aforementioned coalition, God delivered Judah without the need for battle, as the enemies turned against each other (2 Chronicles 20:22-24). This miraculous victory underscored the power and protection that comes from fearing God and relying on His guidance.

Alliance with Ahab and Consequences

Despite his devotion, Jehoshaphat's alliance with King Ahab of Israel was a notable misstep. He joined Ahab in battle against Ramoth-gilead, which resulted in Ahab's death and a rebuke from the prophet Jehu, who said, "Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Because of this, the wrath of the LORD is upon you" (2 Chronicles 19:2). This incident highlights the importance of maintaining a consistent fear of God, even in political alliances.

Judicial Reforms

In response to Jehu's rebuke, Jehoshaphat implemented judicial reforms to ensure justice and righteousness in the land. He appointed judges in the fortified cities and instructed them to judge with the fear of the Lord, reminding them, "There is no injustice or partiality or bribery with the LORD our God" (2 Chronicles 19:7). This emphasis on justice reflects Jehoshaphat's desire to align his kingdom with God's standards.

Jehoshaphat's reign is a testament to the blessings and challenges of leading with the fear of God. His life serves as an example of the importance of seeking the Lord, adhering to His commandments, and relying on His guidance in all aspects of leadership and governance.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Chronicles 20:3
And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Jehoshaphat's Reform
... Jehoshaphat's religion was, further, resolutely held in the face of prevailing
opposition. ... 'So did not I, because of the fear of God,' might have been his ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/jehoshaphats reform.htm

Jehoshaphat
... the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of those countries, when they had heard
that the Lord fought against the enemies of Israel. So the realm of Jehoshaphat ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 15 jehoshaphat.htm

'A Mirror for Magistrates'
... And for us all the spirit of Jehoshaphat's charge is binding, and every trivial
and secular task is to be discharged for God, with God, in the fear of God. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/a mirror for magistrates.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... A TREATISE OF THE FEAR OF GOD; SHOWING ... A TREATISE ON THE FEAR OF GOD. "BLESSED IS
EVERY ONE THAT FEARETH THE LORD.""Psalm 128:1. "FEAR GOD.""Revelation 14:7. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

Jehoram Succeeds Jehoshaphat; How Joram, his Namesake, King of ...
... CHAPTER 4. Jehoram Succeeds Jehoshaphat; How Joram, His Namesake, King Of ... the assistance
of God, and was himself without fear; and he besought God to make ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 jehoram succeeds jehoshaphat.htm

The Duty of the People of God to Excite Others to Seek this Rest.
... as softly as Eli did his sons; or to reprove him as gently as Jehoshaphat did Ahab ...
But that all who fear God may be excited to do their utmost to help others to ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter ix the duty of.htm

Note F. --Chap. xviii the Whole Heart
... Of Jehoshaphat, men said (2 Chronicles 22:9): "He sought the Lord ... Let us not fear
to give ourselves a whole burnt offering, acceptable to God; loving Him ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/murray/the two covenants/note f chap xviii the whole.htm

On Friendship with the World
... When Jehoshaphat forgot this, and formed a connexion with Ahab, what was the
consequence? ... all others, with any person who does not love, or at least, fear God. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 80 on friendship with.htm

The Means of Grace
... And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not; stand ... This was the salvation of God,
which they stood ... thus: "There came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying, There ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 16 the means of.htm

A Strange Battle
... and take away, knows no quiver of nameless fear, but jauntily ... on us is to open to
us Jehoshaphat's refuge in his ... props are struck away that we may cling to God. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/a strange battle.htm