You will remember him from the stories of Elijah. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. This king of Judah dared to do the right thing. Meet King Pharaoh: Arrogant Egyptian Ruler, Biography of King Solomon: The Wisest Man Who Ever Lived, Battle of Jericho Bible Story Study Guide, Scripture Readings for the Fourth Week of Lent, Crossing of the Jordan River Bible Study Guide, M.A., English Composition, Illinois State University, B.S., English Literature, Illinois State University. A number of priests move the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, including another Jehoshaphat. He set up a group of priests and qualified people to go around, teaching the people from God's laws (see 2 Chronicles 17:7-9). Yet in chapter 18, we find that Jehoshaphat enters into a partnership with him. He allied with Ahab against Syria, nearly losing his life as a result (18:2ff.). The woman he married his son to King Ahabs daughter later, after Jehoshaphat died, killed off the line of David. He was a weak man, the tool of a crafty, unscrupulous, and cruel woman: and some of the worst crimes that have ever been committed have been wrought by weak men, at the instigation of worse but stronger spirits than themselves. (Meyer), After some years he went down to visit Ahab in Samaria; and Ahab killed sheep and oxen in abundance for him and the people who were with him, and persuaded him to go up with him to Ramoth Gilead. Yet they clearly prophesied in the name of the LORD. You have removed all the symbols of the goddess Asherah which people worshiped, and you have tried to follow God's will., 4 Even though King Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem, he traveled regularly among the people, from Beersheba in the south to the edge of the hill country of Ephraim in the north, in order to call the people back to the Lord, the God of their ancestors. King Jehoshaphat, son of Asa, reigned for 25 years once he took the throne at the age of 35. And the LORD said, Who will persuade Ahab king of Israel to go up, that he may fall at Ramoth Gilead? So one spoke in this manner, and another spoke in that manner. a. Unless you do, you and your fellow citizens will feel the force of the Lord's anger. And the Lord said, These men have no leader; let them go home in peace., 17 Ahab said to Jehoshaphat, I told you that he never prophesies anything good for me; it's always something bad!, 18 Micaiah went on: Now listen to what the Lord says! Now Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah had made horns of iron for himself; and he said, Thus says the LORD: With these you shall gore the Syrians until they are destroyed. And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, Go up to Ramoth Gilead and prosper, for the LORD will deliver it into the kings hand.. ii. Only through the intervention of God did Jehoshaphat escape. Jehoshaphat, though a brilliant king, fell down in all three, not only allying himself with Ahab, but also with his two sons. When battle is joined, Ahab's plan seems to work. . This made some sense because Ramoth Gilead was only 40 miles from Jerusalem. He led the people to be faithful as well (like his father Asa). 1. 4-5 - Jehoshaphat agrees to go, BUT he has a request first. Unsurprisingly, Ahab throws Micaiah in prison on bread and water rations. He died at 60? (NIV), 2 Chronicles 20:15He said: Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! The prophet Elijah had previously prophesied evil concerning Ahab. Wicked men have the advantage of the way, godly men of the end. (Trapp). 3 But even so, there is some good in you. Wait a minute! But first, Jehoshaphat wanted to inquire of the Lord 18:4. . Perhaps these were true followers of Yahweh who were seduced by Ahabs sincere but shallow repentance three years before (1 Kings 21:27-29). And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself and go into battle; but you put on your robes. So the king of Israel disguised himself, and they went into battle. God gave the evil spirit permission to entice Ahab, and the evil spirit . 1 Kings 21:25 There was never anyone like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the eyes of the LORD, urged on by Jezebel his wife. Unlike today, many mothers in Ancient Israel decided to name their children Jehoshaphat. Ahab summoned 400 of his prophets, all of whom, unsurprisingly, foretold victory. 1 Chronicles 15:24 Shebaniah, Joshaphat, Nethanel, Amasai, Zechariah, Benaiah and Eliezer the priests were to blow trumpets before the ark of God. How Can I Recognize and Understand the Holy Spirit Better? He is Micaiah the son of Imla. q. Generally speaking, Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, walked in the way of God. Perhaps he felt as many do today that he should not judge, or perhaps he felt that the end justified the . b. Who had not rather be a Micaiah in the jail than Ahab in the chariot? He made an alliance with marriage with Ahab, 18:2 plus after several years went down to visit Ahab in Samaria. In his disobedience, Jeroboam (the first king of the kingdom of the northern tribes) said, I will worship the LORD, but do it my way. Ahab said, I want to forget about the LORD completely and worship Baal., ii. Ahab tells Jehoshaphat his plan. Click on the different category headings to find out more. Learn Religions. Bible text from the Good News Translation (GNT) is not to be reproduced in copies or otherwise by any means except as permitted in writing by American Bible Society, 101 North Independence Mall East, Floor 8, Philadelphia, PA 19106-2155 (www.americanbible.org). Ahab had a very nonchalant attitude towards his sin and the sins of others. Ahab asks him if he would go with him to take the city of Ramoth in Gilead from Syria. He allied with Ahab's house by marrying his son (Jehoram) to Ahab's daughter (Athaliah) (18:1). Romans 12:19-21, A true test of character: How you treat those weaker than you, Come to Jesus and find rest. Jack Zavada is a writer who covers the Bible, theology, and other Christianity topics. 1 Kings 22:29 So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah went up against Ramoth-gilead. What he didnt consider was that though Micaiah prophesied evil towards Ahab, he prophesied truth. How? That is, he gave his son in marriage to Ahabs daughter. Ahab was killed by an enemy arrow. Now the king of Syria had commanded the captains of the chariots who were with him, saying, Fight with no one small or great, but only with the king of Israel. So it was, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, It is the king of Israel! Therefore they surrounded him to attack; but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him, and God diverted them from him. Unfortunately, Jehoram did not follow in the paths of . Asa, his father, followed in the footsteps of God until the end of his reign. But their joint ventures would not prosper, since God does not generally bless such dealings (compare 2 Chronicles 20:35-37). a. I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: Micaiah was challenged to tell the truth, and now he changed his tone from mocking to serious. On His right hand and His left: Since the right hand was the place of favor, this may indicate that God spoke to the combined host of heaven, both faithful and fallen angelic beings. Week 39. But we also know that only some good kings came from the Kingdom of Judah, Jehoshaphat being one of them. This suggests that Jehoshaphat was a strong and effective leader, who worked hard to consolidate his power and improve Judah's position. i. Zedekiah had the agreement of 400 other prophets (all the prophets prophesied so). Despite the riches, fame, and military might that he possessed, Jehoshaphat had a humble heart that kept inquiring of the Lord for any detail of his life and that's what makes him a really great king (see 2 Chronicles 17:3-6). The man on the left is generally considered to be Jehoshaphat. This is a stark change in policy from 17:1, where Jehoshaphat had strengthened himself against Israel. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him 1 John 2:15. That brought further stability to his kingdom. If there's one mistake Jehoshaphat made, it's the time he decided to ally himself with King Ahab of Israel, the devious Jezebel's husband. The world will not be a true partner to you. I got my facts mixed up. In other words, he should not have made a partnership with an evil king, who was Gods enemy. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. Of course, there may be some business arrangements where such matters would never be at issue. But how did he die, if God protected him in the war in which Ahab drew him into? https://www.learnreligions.com/jehoshaphat-king-of-judah-4114131 (accessed May 1, 2023). 17:10). Sunday (2 Chronicles 18-23) Jehosophat Allies because Ahab. Jehoshaphat (also spelled Jehoshaphat or Yehoshafat) ( , " Yahweh is judge," Hebrew: Yhoafat) was the son and successor of Asa and king of Judah. Though Jehoshaphat had already committed himself to the enterprise (2 Chronicles 18:3), and though he went on to disregard the guidance that was given him (2 Chronicles 18:28), he still retained the religion of Yahweh to the extent that he insisted on seeking the counsel of the Lord. (Payne). Not only that, but Ahab decides that he can get around all of this by dressing Jehoshaphat up in his robes and putting him at the front and disguising himself as a soldier. This is what he should have been doing all along, instead of going to be with Ahab. When choices come along, you may want to keep your commitment to God, but you have to act in a way that works for the unbeliever as well. He became one of the country's most successful rulers for one simple reason: He followed the commands of God. The Bible doesnt really say, but we can assume he died of old age. King Ahab recognized the mocking tone of Micaiahs prophecy and knew it contradicted the message of the 400 prophets. A Chronological Daily Bible Study regarding the Old Testament 7-Day Sections with a Summary-Commentary, Discussion Questions, and a Practical Almost Claim. I saw the Lord sitting on his throne in heaven, with all his angels standing beside him. Ahab was a king of Israel, first mentioned in 1 Kings 16. Jehoshaphat did not carry a rebuke in his heart toward the wrong that was in Ahab, a man who had sold himself to do evil in the sight of God. Ahab induced or enticed him to form a league with him to retake a disputed city in northern Israel Ramoth-gilead. The Lord has made these prophets of yours lie to you. He was devoted to God in his heart and his actions. As James says, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God James 4:4. Mark 12:1-12, Be faithful in the little things. We can learn a great deal from this Old Testament king who we sadly do not learn enough about in Sunday school classes or in sermons. So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramoth Gilead. Believers and unbelievers have different values and commitments. So Ahab brings out . To honor his ally's request, Ahab had Micaiah brought to the court. We should not love the world. Jehoshaphats life was half over by the time he took the throne, but that didnt stop God from moving in his life. It will party with you (like Ahab with Jehoshaphat), It will give you honor and acceptance (like Ahab gave to Jehoshaphat), It will entice you to make compromises (like Ahab did with Jehoshaphat). Click to enable/disable _gid - Google Analytics Cookie. b. To pry into the future King Ahab religiously consulted his false prophets, about four hundred of them. King Jehoshaphat. 18 He followed the ways of the kings of Israel, as the house of Ahab had done, for he married a . Three years later, Aram had failed to return the cities that Ben-hadad promised and so Ahab decides to go and take them for himself. Although Asa didnt worship the idols placed throughout Judah, he didnt do a whole lot to tear them down. He strengthened himself against Israel [2 Chr 17:1], the Lord was with him [2 Chr 17:3], his heart was lifted up in the ways of the Lord [2 Chr 17:6], he authorized the teaching of the words of God throughout Judah [2 Chr 17:7-9], the fear of God . First of all, the king shows us that we all can make mistakes of judgment. i. So Ahab king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat king of Judah, Will you go with me against Ramoth Gilead? And he answered him, I am as you are, and my people as your people; we will be with you in the war.. Here is the Bible's explanation: "for the daughter of Ahab was his wife" (2 Kings 8:18). "Evil communications corrupt good manners."*. No-one did more to educate the people of God than this man and that's why he's often known as Judah's great teacher, or Judah's teacher-king. (He) sought the God of his father and walked in his commandments. Pingback: Joining Forces with Ahab - CRIES from among US! Go up, for God will deliver it into the kings hand: When Ahab gathered the prophets, they were not faithful prophets of the LORD. The name Jehoshaphat means means "Jehovah has judged," Yahweh judges, or Yahweh establishes the right.". He is the author "Hope for Hurting Singles: A Christian Guide to Overcoming Life's Challenges.". [1] One of the "good" kings in the Bible, he was a descendant of David, and his mother's name was Azubah . i. Jehoshaphat also pursued alliances with the kingdom of Israel in the North. Joel 3:2: I will gatherall nationsand bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. The people's hearts were turned from the false worship of Baal that was present in the land during his time in power. 30 The king of Syria had ordered his chariot commanders to attack no one else except the king of Israel. Despite his misgivings(?) Jehoshaphat in the Bible was the fourth king of Judah. Theologians have squabbled over this issue for centuries, and since the passage in Joel is prophetic in nature, we cant definitely say we know what it means. The Lord substantially blessed Jehoshaphat and Judah during Jehoshaphat's reign. Hope Bolingeris an acquisitions editor at End Game Press, and the author 21+ books. He also had a lot of property. Jehoshaphat's Defining Flaw. God intervened to help him. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. i. Similarly, John tells us Do not love the world or the things in the world. May we learn from Jehoshaphat, so that we will not make the same mistakes. Thankfully, Jehoshaphat repented and returned to his true love: God. 9 The two kings, dressed in their royal robes, were sitting on their thrones at the threshing place just outside the gate of Samaria, and all the prophets were prophesying in front of them. The joint forces of the invaders are no match for God almighty. a. Jehoshaphat did so because he did not want to offend Ahab. He used horns of iron to illustrate the thrust of two powerful forces, armies that would rout the Syrians. Like Jehu told Jehoshaphat about his seeking an alliance with Ahab, he should not love those who hate the Lord. He was not satisfied with what God had given him, but was longing for something else among the nations around him. For so it was, when the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, that they turned back from pursuing him. In the process he killed both the reigning King of Israel, Joram, and the King of Judah, Ahaziah, at the same time. Israel and Judah had not been on good terms with each other in the years following their divide. We are first introduced to him in 1 Kings 15:24 but are told nothing more than that he succeeded Asa. Following that disaster, Jehoshaphat appointed judges throughout Judah to deal fairly with the people's disputes. 1 Kings 16:29-33 tells us just how bad Ahab was. This site is a proud member of the Salem Web Network, a subsidiary of, Copyright 2023, Crosswalk.com. It will use peer pressure to make you stay in line. He said, "I am as you are, and my people as your people; we will join you in the war.". The wisest strategy for the protection of his kingdom was obedience instead of compromise with the ungodly King Ahab of Israel and his wife, Queen Jezebel. Why did Ahab enter into a military alliance with Jehoshaphat? Registered in England and Wales 5090917, Christian Today, International House, 24 Holborn Viaduct, London EC1A 2BN, God is on the move in the broken Anglican Communion, Church of England bishops urged 'to step back from the brink' on same-sex blessings, Lessons for today from the Salem Witch Trials. If there's one mistake Jehoshaphat made, it's the time he decided to ally himself with King Ahab of Israel, the devious Jezebel's husband. All rights reserved. To honor Jehoshaphat and those with him, Ahab had a large number of sheep and cattle slaughtered for a feast. Obed-Edom and Jehiah were also to be doorkeepers for the ark.. Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. Romans 1-8: Word Biblical Commentary [WBC] Retail: $52.99. And finally, Jehoshaphat slinks back to Jerusalem, humiliated by his bad decision. 2 Chronicles 17:1. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. 32 The chariot commanders saw that he was not the king of Israel, so they stopped pursuing him. " 3 But the angel of the Lord said to . In Jehoshaphat we have one of Judah's finest rulers. When his death became known the battle was over. Of course you'll win. Jehoshaphat made a disastrous treaty with AHAB (as in Ahab and Jezebel). Sin never pays! He not only considered it . i. And now what joy could Ahabs black soul, ready to depart, have of his ivory house? Michelangelo's 'Asa-Jehoshaphat-Joram.' Acts 6:1-6, Four things to remember in times of trial. God set Judah's enemies upon each other, and by the time the Hebrews arrived, they saw only dead bodies on the ground. And then we have one of the most interesting stories in the Bible, which we cant get into in detail, but with regard to our focus . When Jehoshaphat arrived in Samaria, Ahab asked Jehoshaphat to join with him in battle against Ramoth Gilead. Otherwise you will be prompted again when opening a new browser window or new a tab. Scholars have variously dated his reign to around 873-849 B.C.E. i. He allied himself with Israel by marrying his son Jehoram to King Ahab's daughter Athaliah. Without God's help, we can do nothing worthwhile. Well quote each of the verses below. At age 35,Jehoshaphat succeeded his father, Asa, who was the first good king over Judah. Although God protects Jehoshaphat, the king should not have made this friendship in the first place. Jehoshaphat still wanted to hear from a prophet of Yahweh, the LORD (Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here, that we may inquire of Him?). Although Jehoshaphat didn't die from the friendship, he made a massive mistake by trusting the . As the LORD lives, whatever my God says, that I will speak: The assistant of King Ahab tried to persuade Micaiah to speak in agreement with the 400 other prophets. And sure enough, the enemy all came after Jehoshaphat thinking he was Ahab and he barely escaped death. Scripture tells us to exercise discernment, especially with those in whom we place our trust. The Hebrew that underlies the phrase rendered a spirit (came forward) reads literally, the (well-known) spirit, i.e., Satan the tempter (as in Job 1:6-12). But Jehoshaphat also made some bad decisions. 2 A number of years later Jehoshaphat went to the city of Samaria to visit Ahab. Micaiah who always prophesies bad things about Ahab. What agreement has the temple of God with idols? 2 Corinthians 6:14-16. 400 prophets predict that they should go out to war for they will be successful. Zavada, Jack. This king did great things in the name of the Lord, and yet, we dont christen any children after this king from the kingdom of Judah. 26 Tell them to throw him in prison and to put him on bread and water until I return safely., 27 If you return safely, Micaiah exclaimed, then the Lord has not spoken through me! And he added, Listen, everyone, to what I have said!. An Unholy Alliance. Jehoshaphat also established a strong justice system. The prayer was answered. Then he said, I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd. 18:1 Jehoshaphat was very loaded and greatly respected. First, Jehoshaphat just went and visited Ahab. More importantly, he undid the pagan rituals and monuments other kings who came before him had practiced and worshipped. c. How many times shall I make you swear that you tell me nothing but the truth in the name of the LORD? Jehoshaphat then asked if there was not a prophet of the Lord to . 29 Ahab said to Jehoshaphat, As we go into battle, I will disguise myself, but you wear your royal garments. So the king of Israel went into battle in disguise. At the beginning of his reign, Jehoshaphat "strengthened himself against Israel (2 Chronicles 17:1). 1 When King Jehoshaphat of Judah became rich and famous, he arranged a marriage between a member of his family and the family of King Ahab of Israel. A Divine message reached the king and people through Jehaziel, a Levite, upon whom the spirit of Gd had descended. When Jehoshaphat led the people out to meet the invaders, he ordered men to sing, praising God for his holiness. By proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage. So Ahab summoned about 400 prophets to his court. It was an opportunity to walk away, but he did not take it. Jehoshaphat and Ahab cemented their relationship by arranging a marriage between Jehoshaphat's son, Jehoram, and Ahab and Jezebel's daughter, Athaliah. He did have some kind of conscience. I mean here, serious, committed relationships with unbelievers dating, marriage, business whatever. It came about because Jehoshaphat allied himself to the king of Israel, Ahab, through marriage: his son and successor as king, Jehoram, married Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab. c. With these you shall gore the Syrians until they are destroyed: Zedekiah used a familiar tool of ancient prophets the object lesson. d. I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets: Apparently, one of the fallen angels volunteered for this task. "Please, inquire of the LORD today.". In general, Christians can't work effectively in close relationships with unbelieversin godly peace and harmonyany more than mismatched animals can make a useful plowing team for a farmer. He said that not only would Israel be defeated, but also that their leader (shepherd) would perish. He ruled for 25 years. . Answer. Our Price: $5.99. 11 Amariah the High Priest will have final authority in all religious cases, and Zebadiah son of Ishmael, governor of Judah, will have final authority in all civil cases. We need 2 cookies to store this setting. All rights reserved. Jehoshaphat believed prayer is a Rapid Response. I'm wounded! he cried out to his chariot driver. A victorious military leader, He was honored and made wealthy from tribute. Ahab asks Jehoshaphat of Judah to join with him in a pact to fight against . He seeks after Gods own heart throughout his reign.