Jehoshaphat
Jehoshaphat (Hebrew: יְהֹשָׁפַט, Yəhōshāphāṭ)[1] was the fourth king of the Southern Kingdom of Judah. He ascended the throne at the age of thirty-five following the death of his father Asa and reigned for twenty-five years. The Bible records that Jehoshaphat feared God and did what was right in the eyes of the LORD.[2] Along with Hezekiah and Josiah, he is regarded as one of the three great righteous kings of Judah.[3]
| Jehoshaphat | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Period | The Divided Kingdom era (c. 9th century BC) |
| Family | Father: Asa
Mother: Azubah Sons: Jehoram (successor), Azariah, Jehiel, Zechariah,Azariahu, Michael, Shephatiah |
| Occupation(Features) | The 4th king of the Southern Kingdom of Judah |
| Activity area | Jerusalem |
Historical Background
Unlike the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which fell into idolatry beginning with the reign of its first king Jeroboam, Judah continued to uphold true worship under the line of David, preserving both the temple of the LORD and the Levitical priesthood. Nevertheless, Judah was occasionally influenced by idolatrous practices from surrounding nations, including the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Asa, Jehoshaphat’s father and the third king of Judah, placed great importance on keeping God’s statutes and laws. He zealously eradicated idolatry from the land and restored the nation’s faith in God. Because of his faithfulness, God granted him victory over the vast army of Zerah the Cushite, which numbered one million. Witnessing his father’s devotion and the resulting blessings, Jehoshaphat learned that the true strength of a nation lies in obedience to God’s laws.
Reign of Jehoshaphat
Administrative Reforms
When Jehoshaphat ascended the throne, he followed his father Asa’s example by upholding God’s commandments and removing high places and Asherah poles from Judah.[4] In the third year of his reign, he sent out a delegation of officials, Levites, and priests throughout the land to teach the people the Law of God.[5] Jehoshaphat also strengthened Judah’s national defense, stationing troops in all the fortified cities[6] and establishing storehouses for provisions and weapons.[7] Because Jehoshaphat feared God and trusted in Him, the LORD protected Judah from its enemies. The neighboring nations recognized Judah’s growing strength and sought peaceful relations by offering tributes; the Philistines brought silver, and the Arabs presented 7,700 rams and 7,700 goats.[8]
Alliance With Israel
Jehoshaphat arranged for his son Jehoram to marry Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab, king of Israel.[9] Some years later, Jehoshaphat visited Ahab in Samaria, the capital of Israel. Ahab welcomed him with a lavish banquet and proposed a joint military campaign to reclaim Ramoth Gilead from the Arameans.[10]
Jehoshaphat, being a man who sought God’s guidance, insisted that they first inquire of the LORD.[11] Ahab then gathered about four hundred prophets, who all proclaimed in unison, “The LORD will deliver the city into the king’s hand.”[12] However, these were false prophets who spoke only to please the king. Jehoshaphat asked if there was still a prophet of the LORD through whom they could seek the truth. Reluctantly, Ahab summoned Micaiah, a true prophet of God. Micaiah foretold that Ahab would die in the coming battle. Enraged by the prophecy, Ahab ordered that Micaiah be imprisoned and went to war despite the warning.
Jehoshaphat accompanied Ahab into battle.[13] Knowing that the king of Aram had commanded his soldiers to target only the king of Israel, Ahab disguised himself in ordinary armor[14] while Jehoshaphat wore his royal robes. As a result, the Aramean soldiers mistook Jehoshaphat for Ahab and surrounded him, but he cried out to the LORD, and God delivered him. Ironically, Ahab—despite his disguise—was struck by a random arrow and died on the battlefield, just as Micaiah had prophesied.[15][16] When Jehoshaphat returned safely to Jerusalem, he was rebuked by Jehu the prophet for allying himself with Ahab, whom God regarded as wicked.[17]
Judicial Reforms
After the war with Aram, Jehoshaphat remained in Jerusalem for a time before traveling throughout Judah, from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim, to encourage the people to remain faithful to God’s law.[18] He appointed judges in every fortified city, instructing them to judge righteously and impartially in accordance with the law of God. In Jerusalem, Jehoshaphat established a high tribunal composed of Levites, priests, and family heads to oversee both civil and religious matters.[19]
War Against Ammon
After Jehoshaphat’s reforms, the Moabites and Ammonites formed a powerful alliance to attack the Southern Kingdom of Judah.[20] Alarmed by the threat, Jehoshaphat turned to God rather than military strength. He proclaimed a nationwide fast and called all the people of Judah to gather and seek help from the LORD. As the nation assembled at the temple of the LORD in Jerusalem, Jehoshaphat stood before the new courtyard and offered a heartfelt prayer, confessing the people’s dependence on God:[21]
“Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”
Jehoshaphat did not rely on his vast army of over 1.16 million troops[22] or his great wealth;[8] instead, he sought help from God. In response, God sent His Spirit upon Jahaziel, a Levite, who delivered this message: “Do not be afraid of the vast multitude. Take up your positions and stand firm, and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring.”[23]
Jehoshaphat appointed singers, dressed in sacred garments, to go before the army,[24] leading the people in songs of praise. As they began to sing and give thanks, the LORD set ambushes against the invading armies, causing them to turn on one another until they were utterly destroyed.[25] Not a single enemy soldier remained, and the battlefield was covered with the fallen.[26]
Jehoshaphat and his people went out to collect the plunder—clothing, valuables, and treasures—in such great abundance that it took three days to gather it all.[27] On the fourth day, they assembled in a valley and praised the LORD for His deliverance. The place was named the Valley of Berakah (בְּרָכָה,[28] meaning Blessing),[29] and later became known as the Valley of Jehoshaphat, as mentioned by the prophet Joel.[30][31]
When news of Judah’s miraculous victory spread throughout the surrounding regions, the fear of God fell upon all the neighboring nations. As a result, Judah enjoyed peace and prosperity.[32]
Death
In his later years, Jehoshaphat made the mistake of allying himself with Ahaziah, the son of Ahab, who did evil in the sight of the LORD.[33] Together, they built a fleet of trading ships at Ezion Geber to sail to Tarshish. However, the prophet Eliezer warned that the venture would fail because Jehoshaphat had joined with a wicked king. As foretold, the ships were wrecked and never set sail.[34][35] Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah for twenty-five years. Before his death, he appointed his firstborn son Jehoram as his successor and provided his other sons with fortified cities and abundant gifts. Jehoshaphat died peacefully and was buried in the City of David, the resting place of Judah’s kings.[36]
Lesson
Throughout his life, Jehoshaphat consistently sought God’s guidance rather than relying on his own judgment. Whether reorganizing the national administration after his accession, considering Ahab’s proposal to recover Ramoth Gilead, or facing the imminent invasion of the Moabites and Ammonites, he always inquired of the LORD first.
Because of his unwavering faith and determination to place God above all else, the kingdom of Judah was preserved through countless crises.[37] His life reminds believers that faith which seeks God first in every circumstance is the surest path to divine blessing and peace.
All you Israelites, trust in the LORD—he is their help and shield. House of Aaron, trust in the LORD—he is their help and shield. You who fear him, trust in the LORD—he is their help and shield. The LORD remembers us and will bless us: He will bless his people Israel, he will bless the house of Aaron, he will bless those who fear the LORD—small and great alike.
See also
References
- ↑ Strong's Hebrew: 3092. יְהוֹשָׁפָט, Bible Hub
- ↑ "2 Chronicles 20:32".
- ↑ 2 Chronicles Chapter 17, Bible Gateway
- ↑ "2 Chronicles 17:3–6".
- ↑ "2 Chronicles 17:7–9".
- ↑ "2 Chronicles 17:1–2".
- ↑ "2 Chronicles 17:12–13".
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 "2 Chronicles 17:11".
- ↑ "2 Chronicles 18:1".
- ↑ "2 Chronicles 18:2".
- ↑ "2 Chronicles 18:3–4".
- ↑ "2 Chronicles 18:5". 새번역.
- ↑ "2 Chronicles 18:25–28".
- ↑ "2 Chronicles 18:29".
- ↑ "2 Chronicles 18:33".
- ↑ "1 Kings 22:34–35".
- ↑ "2 Chronicles 19:1–2".
- ↑ "2 Chronicles 19:4".
- ↑ "2 Chronicles 19:11".
- ↑ "2 Chronicles 20:1–2".
- ↑ "2 Chronicles 20:3–5".
- ↑ "2 Chronicles 17:14–19".
- ↑ "2 Chronicles 20:14–17".
- ↑ "2 Chronicles 20:21".
- ↑ "2 Chronicles 20:22–23".
- ↑ "2 Chronicles 20:24".
- ↑ "2 Chronicles 20:25".
- ↑ Strong's Hebrew: 1294. בְּרָכָה, Bible Hub
- ↑ "2 Chronicles 20:26".
- ↑ "Joel 3:2".
- ↑ "Joel 3:12".
- ↑ "2 Chronicles 20:29–30".
- ↑ "2 Chronicles 20:35".
- ↑ "2 Chronicles 20:36–37".
- ↑ "1 Kings 22:48–49".
- ↑ "2 Chronicles 21:1–3".
- ↑ "Deuteronomy 28:1–7".