Topical Bible: Fellowship: The Evil of Fellowship With the Wicked Exemplified by Jehoshaphat

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Introduction

Fellowship, in the biblical context, refers to the companionship and association with others, particularly in spiritual or moral matters. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings on the importance of choosing one's companions wisely, as fellowship with the wicked can lead to spiritual and moral compromise. One of the most illustrative examples of the dangers of such fellowship is found in the life of King Jehoshaphat of Judah.

Jehoshaphat's Alliance with Ahab

Jehoshaphat, the son of Asa, was a king of Judah who "walked in the ways of his father David" and "did not turn aside from doing what was right in the eyes of the LORD" (2 Chronicles 20:32). Despite his devotion to God, Jehoshaphat made a critical error in judgment by forming an alliance with Ahab, the king of Israel, who was notoriously wicked and led by his equally infamous wife, Jezebel.

The alliance was solidified through the marriage of Jehoshaphat's son, Jehoram, to Ahab's daughter, Athaliah. This union was not merely a political maneuver but a spiritual compromise that would have lasting repercussions. The Bible warns against such alliances, as seen in 2 Corinthians 6:14 : "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?"

The Battle of Ramoth-Gilead

Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahab led him to join Ahab in a military campaign against Ramoth-Gilead. Despite the prophet Micaiah's warning of disaster, Jehoshaphat went into battle alongside Ahab. The outcome was disastrous, as Ahab was killed, and Jehoshaphat narrowly escaped with his life (1 Kings 22:29-33). This event underscores the peril of aligning oneself with those who do not honor God.

Rebuke and Consequences

Upon returning to Jerusalem, Jehoshaphat was rebuked by the prophet Jehu, son of Hanani. Jehu confronted him, saying, "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 rebuke highlights the spiritual danger and divine disapproval that comes from fellowship with the wicked.

The consequences of Jehoshaphat's alliance extended beyond his reign. His son Jehoram, influenced by his marriage to Athaliah, led Judah into idolatry and wickedness, undoing much of the good that Jehoshaphat had accomplished. This tragic turn of events illustrates the long-term impact of compromising associations.

Lessons from Jehoshaphat's Example

Jehoshaphat's experience serves as a cautionary tale for believers. It emphasizes the importance of discerning and maintaining godly fellowship. The Bible consistently warns against forming close associations with those who reject God's ways, as seen in Proverbs 13:20 : "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm."

Jehoshaphat's account is a reminder that even those with sincere faith can be led astray by unwise alliances. It calls believers to seek fellowship with those who share a commitment to righteousness and to avoid partnerships that could lead to spiritual compromise.

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2 Chronicles 18:3
And Ahab king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat king of Judah, Will you go with me to Ramothgilead? And he answered him, I am as you are, and my people as your people; and we will be with you in the war.
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2 Chronicles 19:2
And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Should you help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore is wrath on you from before the LORD.
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2 Chronicles 20:35-37
And after this did Jehoshaphat king of Judah join himself with Ahaziah king of Israel, who did very wickedly:
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