Topical Bible: Seeking God: Jehoshaphat

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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 religious reforms and efforts to seek God, aligning Judah more closely with the laws and commandments of the Lord. Jehoshaphat's account is primarily found in 1 Kings 22 and 2 Chronicles 17-20.

Religious Reforms and Devotion

Jehoshaphat is commended for his dedication to seeking God, following in the footsteps of his father Asa, who also sought to rid Judah of idolatry. 2 Chronicles 17:3-4 states, "Now the LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David. He did not seek the Baals, but sought the God of his father and walked by His commandments rather than the practices of Israel." This passage highlights Jehoshaphat's commitment to the worship of Yahweh and his rejection of the idolatrous practices prevalent in the northern kingdom of Israel.

Jehoshaphat's reforms included the removal of high places and Asherah poles, as well as the dispatching of officials, Levites, and priests throughout Judah to teach the people from the Book of the Law of the LORD (2 Chronicles 17:7-9). This initiative was a significant step in ensuring that the people of Judah were knowledgeable about God's laws and commandments.

Alliance with Ahab and Consequences

Despite his devotion, Jehoshaphat made a controversial alliance with Ahab, the king of Israel, through marriage and military cooperation. This alliance is detailed in 2 Chronicles 18, where Jehoshaphat agrees to join Ahab in battle against Ramoth-gilead. Before the battle, Jehoshaphat insists on seeking the counsel of the LORD, demonstrating his continued desire to seek God's guidance (2 Chronicles 18:4).

However, the alliance with Ahab brought negative consequences. Ahab's prophets falsely assured victory, but the true prophet Micaiah warned of disaster. The battle resulted in Ahab's death, and Jehoshaphat narrowly escaped with his life. Upon his return, Jehoshaphat was rebuked by the prophet Jehu for helping the wicked and loving those who hate the LORD (2 Chronicles 19:2).

Renewed Commitment and Divine Deliverance

Following this rebuke, Jehoshaphat renewed his commitment to seeking God. He appointed judges throughout the land, instructing them to judge with the fear of the LORD and with integrity (2 Chronicles 19:5-7). His reforms emphasized justice and righteousness, aligning the kingdom more closely with God's will.

Jehoshaphat's reliance on God is further exemplified during the invasion by the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites. In 2 Chronicles 20, Jehoshaphat seeks the LORD through prayer and fasting, acknowledging Judah's powerlessness and placing their trust in God. His prayer in 2 Chronicles 20:12 reflects his dependence on divine intervention: "O our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast army that comes against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You."

God responds to Jehoshaphat's faith by delivering Judah without the need for battle. The LORD sets ambushes against the invading armies, leading to their defeat (2 Chronicles 20:22-24). This miraculous victory underscores the blessings of seeking God and relying on His strength.

Legacy

Jehoshaphat's reign is marked by his efforts to seek God and lead Judah in accordance with divine principles. Despite his missteps, particularly in his alliance with Ahab, Jehoshaphat's overall legacy is one of devotion and reform. His account serves as a testament to the importance of seeking God, adhering to His commandments, and trusting in His providence.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 17:3,4
And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not to Baalim;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Jehoshaphat's Reform
... Jehoshaphat's religion was, further, resolutely held in the face ... similar determined
setting of our faces God-ward, in ... the doings of Israel.' His seeking to God ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/jehoshaphats reform.htm

Concerning Jehoshaphat the King of Jerusalem and How Ahab Made an ...
... But I now return to Jehoshaphat, the king of Jerusalem ... But then he had God favorable
and assisting to him ... being both righteous and religious, and seeking to do ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 15 concerning jehoshaphat the.htm

Note F. --Chap. xviii the Whole Heart
... Of Jehoshaphat, men said (2 Chronicles 22:9): "He sought the Lord with all ... I cried
with my whole heart." Praise and prayer; seeking God and keeping His precepts ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/murray/the two covenants/note f chap xviii the whole.htm

The Sound in the Mulberry Trees
... in a continuous current; remember, you may to-morrow without seeking God's advice
venture ... David, "Let us enquire of the Lord," and like Jehoshaphat, who said ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the sound in the mulberry.htm

The Duty of the People of God to Excite Others to Seek this Rest.
... Eli did his sons; or to reprove him as gently as Jehoshaphat did Ahab ... Wo to us, if
God had been as impatient with us as we ... Another hinderance is, self-seeking. ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter ix the duty of.htm

Elijah the Great Heart of Israel.
... During the reign of Jehoshaphat, fourth king of Judah, and ... And God heard Elijah,
and the soul of the child ... He was seeking grass and water for the king's horses ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxvii elijah the great.htm

Conclusion
... a few closing reflections upon our present theme, "And Jehoshaphat stood in ... First,
he needs to learn from Scripture that God is not now seeking to convert ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the sovereignty of god/conclusion.htm

Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
... that were round about Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat" (2:Chron ...
If he searches them with a heart that is seeking after God then does ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter eight sovereignty and human.htm

The Minstrel
... votary of the calves of Jeroboam; and Jehoshaphat, the man ... What are those, who are
earnestly seeking the Lord, to ... Without faith it is impossible to please God. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 27 1881/the minstrel.htm

Ahab and Naboth
... man gives way to selfishness, and self-seeking, to a ... danger on his ally, good King
Jehoshaphat of Judah ... stories in the whole Bible, of God's impartial justice. ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon xi ahab and naboth.htm