Jehoshaphat, a lesser-known figure in the biblical narrative, is recognized primarily as the father of Jehu, one of the kings of the northern kingdom of Israel. His mention in the Scriptures is brief, yet his lineage plays a significant role in the unfolding history of Israel.

Genealogical Context

Jehoshaphat is mentioned in the context of the royal lineage of the northern kingdom. He is identified as the father of Jehu, who was anointed by the prophet Elisha to become king over Israel. This anointing was a divine directive to bring judgment upon the house of Ahab, fulfilling the prophecy given to Elijah. The genealogical record in 2 Kings 9:2 provides the primary reference to Jehoshaphat: "When you arrive, look there for Jehu son of Jehoshaphat, the son of Nimshi. Go to him, get him to rise from among his companions, and take him to an inner room."

Historical and Theological Significance

Jehoshaphat's significance is largely derived from his son Jehu's actions and the divine mandate he carried out. Jehu's reign marked a pivotal moment in Israel's history, characterized by a zealous purge of Baal worship and the eradication of Ahab's lineage. This was in accordance with God's judgment against the idolatry and apostasy that had permeated the northern kingdom under Ahab and Jezebel's influence.

Theologically, Jehoshaphat's mention underscores the importance of divine sovereignty and the fulfillment of prophetic words. His son Jehu's rise to power was not merely a political shift but a divinely orchestrated event that demonstrated God's control over the affairs of nations and His commitment to uphold His covenant with Israel.

Cultural and Religious Context

In the cultural and religious milieu of ancient Israel, lineage and ancestry were of paramount importance. The mention of Jehoshaphat as Jehu's father serves to authenticate Jehu's legitimacy and authority as king. It also situates Jehu within the broader narrative of Israel's kings, each of whom played a role in the nation's spiritual and political trajectory.

Jehoshaphat's name, meaning "Yahweh has judged," is fitting given the context of his son's mission to execute divine judgment. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's justice and the accountability of leaders to uphold His statutes.

Conclusion

While Jehoshaphat himself does not occupy a prominent place in the biblical text, his role as the progenitor of Jehu places him within the significant narrative of Israel's history. His mention serves as a reminder of the intricate tapestry of individuals through whom God works to accomplish His purposes, often in ways that transcend human understanding and expectation.2 Kings 9:2,14
And when you come thither, look out there Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat the son of Nimshi, and go in, and make him arise up from among his brothers, and carry him to an inner chamber;
Nave's Topical Index

The Fall of the House of Ahab
... hast not walked in the ways of Jehoshaphat thy father ... his counselors after the death
of his father to his ... of the prophets to Ramothgilead to anoint Jehu king of ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 16 the fall of.htm

Jehoshaphat
... which remained in the days of his father Asa, he ... From this disastrous battle Jehoshaphat
returned to Jerusalem ... he approached the city, the prophet Jehu met him ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 15 jehoshaphat.htm

The End of Ahab's Selfish Family
... look for Jehu, the son of Jehoshaphat, and when ... Then Jehu said to Bidkar, his charioteer,
"Take him ... I rode together after Ahab, his father, Jehovah pronounced ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/the end of ahabs selfish.htm

The Kingdom Op Judah.
... all the riches left him by his father, paid the ... Jehoshaphat was succeeded in 891
by his son Jehoram, who ... of Israel, he was slain with him in Jehu's massacre of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vii the kingdom op.htm

Ahaziah
... he went out with Jehoram against Jehu the son ... David's blood in his veins, and
Jehoshaphat's, and mingled ... was a Syro-Phenician princess, whose father ruled over ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/ahaziah.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... Complied In All Things With His Father-In-Law's ... CHAPTER 4. Jehoram Succeeds Jehoshaphat;
How Joram, His Namesake ... CHAPTER 6. How Jehu Was Anointed King, And Slew ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

Book 9 Footnotes
... Pontus and Thrace, as the places whither Jehoshaphat's fleet sailed ... out two horsemen,
one after another, to Jehu, and at ... not at all like to his father," seems a ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 9 footnotes.htm

Jer. 6:16 the Good Way.
... and bringing trouble on her father's house (Gen ... the many "driving furiously," like
Jehu, after business ... and Solomon, and Hezekiah, and Jehoshaphat,"the paths ...
/.../ryle/the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter v jer 6 16 the.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... A few weeks had sufficed for him to complete, on this side, the work bequeathed
to him by his father, and to open up the neighbourhood of the northeast ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

Questions.
... Which son of Jacob was to be father of the promised Seed? ... 9. What great deliverances
were vouchsafed to Jehoshaphat? ... How long was the house of Jehu to continue ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/questions.htm

Why did God use a lying spirit to deceive Ahab? | GotQuestions.org

What is the valley of decision (Joel 3:14)? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about false prophets? | GotQuestions.org

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