The Kingship of Jehoshaphat

1 Kings 22:41–50

Drawing Near

What does it mean to "lead by example"? Why is it important for godly leaders not only to set a good example but also instruct people in how to act and behave?

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

The Context

When King Asa died, his son Jehoshaphat took the throne in Judah. In fact, it is likely that Jehoshaphat reigned alongside his father as co-in Judah during the last years of Asa's life, when he was suffering from a severe disease in his feet (possibly gangrene). Although during Asa's final years he placed his faith in men rather than in God, his kingship had been mostly good, because Asa was generally a godly king.

His son, however, was even godlier. King Jehoshaphat was not perfect, of course, and he had a weakness for making bad alliances. One such alliance was with the wicked King Ahab who, together with his evil queen, Jezebel, had led Israel into idolatry and murdered God's prophets. Jehoshaphat had allied himself with Ahab by marrying his son to Ahab's daughter. He then joined with Ahab in a military alliance against Syria that almost cost him his life.

Nevertheless, Jehoshaphat's reign was characterized by godliness and obedience, and the Bible declares emphatically that he walked in the ways of David. Of course, one cannot teach God's Word without first living it out, but Jehoshaphat did this as well. As we will see in this study, when he was faced with a terrific crisis he did not rely on any of his human alliances but turned immediately to God for help — the Lord did not let him down. We will learn, as did Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah, that the battle belongs to God, not to us.

Keys to the Text

Read 1 Kings 22:41–50, noting the key words and phrases indicated below.

A Godly King: When Jehoshaphat takes the throne, he follows his father's godly example, leads Judah in the ways of the Lord, and teaches the people from God's Word.

22:41. Jehoshaphat the son of Asa: Jehoshaphat's name means "Jehovah has judged." The statement that he became king of Judah "in the fourth year of Ahab" refers to the beginning of Jehoshaphat's reign, after being cowith his father Asa (in 870 BC).

42. HE REIGNED TWENTY-FIVE YEARS: Jehoshaphat reigned from 873–848 BC. The author of Chronicles states he ruled Judah during turbulent times, when the nation faced enemies in every direction — their own kinsmen of Israel immediately to the north. This was, therefore, prudent leadership, and the nation of Judah enjoyed a season of peace. It is important to note, however, that the peace was due to the neighboring nations experiencing "the fear of the Lord" (verse 10), not the fear of Judah's military might (see 2 Chronicles 17:2).

43. he walked in all the ways of his father Asa: Jehoshaphat followed in his father Asa's footsteps and did what pleased the Lord. As we have seen, the Lord promises to be with His people if they seek Him and observe His commands. This does not mean a person earns God's favor by doing good deeds, for God's favor cannot be earned by any person or by any means. Nevertheless, those who have been redeemed must live in fellowship with the Lord if they want to experience the full presence and blessing of God in their lives.

DOING WHAT WAS RIGHT: In 1 Chronicles 17:6 we read that "his heart took delight in the ways of the Lord," which could be literally translated "his soul was exalted." This suggests that Jehoshaphat found pleasure in obeying God's Word and that the process enriched his entire being. Interestingly, this was the first time the author described any king since the division of Israel and Judah as one who delighted in God's way.

44. made peace with the king of Israel: According to 2 Chronicles 19:2, Jehu the prophet rebuked Jehoshaphat for making this alliance with Ahaziah, the son of the wicked King Ahab who succeeded his father to the throne of Israel. Jehu said to Jehoshaphat, "Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord? Therefore the wrath of the Lord is upon you." Ahaziah would end up reigning only two years over Israel (see 1 Kings 22:51).

45. the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat: In Chronicles 17:7, we read that one of these acts was to send leaders to teach in the cities of Judah. Asa had commanded the people of Judah to seek God, but Jehoshaphat went further and taught the people from God's Word. This was God's original intention for the leaders of Israel at every level: that they instruct others in the Word of God. Making God's commandments the law of the land forces a nation to live by godly principles, but teaching the people His Word permits them to love Him of their own free will.

45. AND HOW HE MADE WAR: The author of Chronicles goes into more detail about this war, which Jehoshaphat fought against Moab, Ammon, and other Canaanite tribes (see 2 Chronicles 20:1–30 and the Going Deeper section below).

47. no king in Edom: Jehoshaphat controlled the region of Edom, which gave him access to the seaport of Ezion Geber. He sought to emulate Solomon's fleet and wealth, but he was unsuccessful in doing so. According to 2 Chronicles 20:36–37, the Lord destroyed his fleet because of Jehoshaphat's agreement to build it with Ahaziah.

49. LET MY SERVANTS GO WITH YOUR SERVANTS: This apparently refers to a subsequent attempt by Ahaziah to continue the joint venture after the disaster.

Going Deeper

The author of Chronicles gives us some details about Jehoshaphat's reign not found in the book of Kings. Read 2 Chronicles 20:1–30, noting the key words and phrases indicated below.

Betrayal: After Jehoshaphat institutes his reforms, three armies suddenly attack the nation of Judah — the Israelites had historically treated well.

20:1. the people of Moab with the people of Ammon: These were Canaanite neighbors to the east of Judah and Israel, respectively. (See the map in the Introduction.)

3. Jehoshaphat feared: In this case, fear was the normal human reaction to the grave threat that had suddenly materialized. But Jehoshaphat did not permit his fear to control him; instead, he immediately turned to the Lord for help.

set himself to seek the Lord: King Jehoshaphat devoted himself to prayer and fasting, committing all his time and energy to calling on the Lord. As the king, he must have had many pressing concerns and...