Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, 2 Chronicles 17

Question

19 men and 1 woman were rulers of Judah, 19 men were kings of Israel, and 3 men were kings of the untied nation. Of these 42 rulers, how many were said to have walked in the ways of David and who were they?

Answer

Asa, 1 Kings 15:11; Jehoshaphat, 2 Chronicles 17:3; Hezekiah, 2 Kings 18:3 & 2 Chronicles 29:2; and Josiah, 2 Kings 22:2 & 2 Chronicles 34:2.

Theme

Sanctification and self: Jehoshaphat’s example as King of Judah. Jehoshaphat was a man who accomplished great things under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, but his spiritual legacy was mixed. Jehoshaphat is in some ways a picture of ourselves: a man with great accomplishments, but also with great failings.

Background

Jehoshaphat was the 6th king of the Davidic line (preceeded by David, Solomon, Rehoboam, Abijah, and Asa) from 873 to 848 BC. The nation of Israel was divided when Jeroboam and the ten Northern tribes rebelled against Rehoboam. David’s line was left to rule over Judah and Benjamin, with Jerusalem as the capital. Rehoboam and Judah turned to idol worship, resulting in God’s punishment by the means of Pharaoh Shishak’s invasion.

Abijah followed Rehoboam and reigned 3 years. 2 Chronicles 13 recounts a miraculous victory given by God over the Northern kingdom during Abijah’s reign.

Asa’s 41 year reign followed, marked by a war with Ethiopia and constant wars with Israel, during which Asa stripped the temple treasures and bribed Benhadad I of Syria to attack Israel. God rebuked Asa for not relying on Him, and after that rebuke Asa’s heart became increasingly hardened. During Asa’s reign, a number of kings rose and fell in Israel until Omri, Ahab’s father, took power.

Jehoshaphat became co-regent with his father Asa during the last few years of Asa’s reign. Asa became disobedient toward God, imprisoned His prophet Hanani, and oppressed others. He suffered a serious foot disease (2 Chronicles 16:12). Jehoshaphat managed the affairs of the kingdom at this point, just as Solomon ruled in David’s name until his death (1 Kings 1:39, 1 Chronicles 29:22).

Jehoshaphat began to rule at age 35. In the Northern kingdom, Omri’s son Ahab had just assumed the throne. The Northern kingdom was always politically unstable and was under Syrian rule for some of this period (1 Kings 20:34). The Syrian wars and subjugation were a great burden to Israel’s economy during Ahab’s reign. The peaceful conditions that God granted to Judah fostered dramatic growth of the Judean economy through industry and trade. Judah's military strength also grew during this period.

Chapter 17 records 3 good things about Jehoshaphat:

Jehoshaphat defended his people’s well being

2 Chronicles 17:1-2

And Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead, and strengthened himself against Israel. And he placed forces in all the fenced cities of Judah, and set garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim, which Asa his father had taken.

Jehoshaphat continued his father Asa’s military improvements. These preparations were purely defensive in nature: Jehoshaphat did not prepare for offensive action against Israel, which God through the prophet Shemaiah had forbidden (1 Kings 12:24). Jehoshaphat’s preparations ensured the safety and prosperity of God’s people and provided them with a nation and government where God could be served as He had appointed in Scripture.

Not only did Jehoshaphat do this for the people of Judah and Benjamin, but also for the cities of Ephraim that had fallen under his authority. (2 Chronicles 15:8)

Jehoshaphat did not resort to alliances with heathen nations at this point as his father Asa had done (2 Chronicles 16:2). Instead, he relied first upon God and His grace to protect the nation, and then used all the means that God had provided in accordance with God’s revealed will to accomplish this purpose.

Jehoshaphat’s personal piety and the blessings that followed

2 Chronicles 17:3-5

And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim; But sought to the LORD God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel. Therefore the LORD stablished the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honour in abundance.

Scripture refers to God’s judgement of David 120 years earlier: David’s sins of adultery, murder, inattention to justice, and numbering the people. A Christian's legacy is an important witness to those who follow and it is something that God takes very seriously. The Scriptures are full of instances of it. By God’s grace, we must strive to leave a godly heritage to those that we do not know, but will know of us.

Jehoshaphat’s piety was marked in this passage by three key elements:

Jehoshaphat followed David in his first ways, but not in his latter ways. Great care must be taken, when considering the works of men described in Scriptural narrative history, to make sure that we value only the things of which God approves as correct and worthy of emulation. Paul’s injunction in 1 Corinthians 11:1 is useful here: "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.", as is John Calvin’s commentary upon it:
"Here there are two things to be observed - first, that he prescribes nothing to others that he had not first practiced himself; and, secondly, that he directs himself and others to Christ as the only pattern of right acting. For while it is the part of a good teacher to enjoin nothing in words but what he is prepared to practice in action, he must not, at the same time, be so austere, as straightway to require from others everything that he does himself, as is the manner of the superstitious. For everything that they contract a liking for they impose also upon others, and would have their own example to be held absolutely as a rule. The world is also, of its own accord, inclined to a misdirected imitation, and, after the manner of apes, strive to copy whatever they see done by persons of great influence. We see, however how many evils have been introduced into the Church by this absurd desire of imitating all the actions of the saints, without exception. Let us, therefore, maintain so much the more carefully this doctrine of Paul - that we are to follow men, provided they take Christ as their grand model, that the examples of the saints may not tend to lead us away from Christ, but rather to direct us to him."
Jehoshaphat, throughout spiritual high points and spiritual failures, never succumbed to false religion. Even though he consorted with the rulers of Israel, causing great harm, he remained true to God. It is to be remembered that no man goes unrewarded for following the LORD.

The view of God and God’s people regarding Jehoshaphat

God established the kingdom under Jehoshaphat and by God’s grace, peace and prosperity followed. Jehoshaphat’s subjects brought him presents, verse 5. Keil notes that the word translated “presents” does not indicate tribute, but voluntary gifts. The prosperity of the nation was great and the people recognized God’s hand in Jehoshaphat’s rule. The nature of this blessing of wealth is similar to the record of David’s and Solomon’s in 1 Chronicles 29:28 and 2 Chronicles 1:12.

The effect of God’s blessings on Jehoshaphat, and how he sought his people’s welfare by teaching God’s Law

2 Chronicles 17:6-10

And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah. Also in the third year of his reign he sent to his princes, even to Benhail, and to Obadiah, and to Zechariah, and to Nethaneel, and to Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah. And with them he sent Levites, even Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and Zebadiah, and Asahel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehonathan, and Adonijah, and Tobijah, and Tobadonijah, Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, priests. And they taught in Judah, and had the book of the law of the LORD with them, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people. And the fear of the LORD fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat.

Jehoshaphat reacts to God’s blessings - fighting error

These blessings from God had a positive effect on Jehoshaphat, and he deepened his walk with the LORD by sharing the God’s Word with his people. The idea of verse 6 is that God’s blessings lifted Jehoshaphat’s courage, so that he dared to remove idols and idol worship from the land. Jehoshaphat’s action is in contrast to that of Saul, who was so intent on retaining the esteem of the people, that he disobeyed God’s direct commands on several occasions.

Habakkuk 2:18

What profiteth the graven image that the maker thereof hath graven it; the molten image, and a teacher of lies, that the maker of his work trusteth therein, to make dumb idols?

Habakkuk refers to idols as “teachers of lies”. Jehoshaphat saw his duty to God and to the welfare of God’s people as active suppression of false teaching. Jehoshaphat’s godly example teaches that correct doctrine is no insignificant thing, and that each person’s spiritual well-being is intimately connected with their knowledge of God through His Word. That God would bless our nation with rulers who would follow Christ by glorifying God like Jehoshaphat!

Jehoshaphat reacts to God’s blessings - preaching true doctrine

Jehoshaphat then followed the “cleansing” of idolatry with a “filling” of God’s Word, reflecting our LORD Jesus Christ’s teaching:

Matthew 12:43-45

When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.

The people were given a foundation for pleasing God and living well: sound doctrinal teaching. During Asa’s reign, idol groves had been removed, but people were not instructed in the sound doctrines of God. It was only natural that idolatry would continue under these circumstances.

Jehoshaphat encouraged living for God in both the secular and the spiritual

Scripture does not compartmentalize life into secular and spiritual as is common today. When God entered into a covenant relationship with Israel at Mt. Sinai, He revealed a way of life governed by the Law that included every aspect of life. The rulers of Israel were God’s appointed representatives for ministering His will.

Recognizing the people’s need to serve God faithfully in all aspects of life, Jehoshaphat appointed high government officials and qualified spiritual leaders to go out to the population and teach people their duty to both God and man as taught in the Law. Since both civil and spiritual aspects of life were covered by the Law as God’s will for each person, Jehoshaphat sent out men who were able to address both the civil and spiritual requirements of the Law.

Copies of God’s Word were few before printing presses, so the rulers, priests, and Levites were sent out with “the book of the law of the LORD”, to ensure that the whole Word of God was presented to the people. Part of the reason for the people’s ignorance of the Law was  Levitical neglect of  duty (Deuteronomy 33:10). Jehoshaphat not only took God’s Word to the people, but he restored the proper emphasis to the Levites’ duties. The judges judged and the teachers taught according to God’s plan at Jehoshaphat’s direction. Who could doubt that much good would come of this activity, knowing that God’s Word is effective in changing the hearts of man? (Psalm 119:105, Isaiah 55:11, Romans 1:16, etc.)

The effect of Jehoshaphat’s reforms

Sweeping away idols and false religion, and teaching complete and pure doctrine had a tremendous effect on Judah and upon Judah’s neighbors. Matthew Henry says “The more there is of true religion among a people the more there will be of conscientious loyalty. A government that answers the end of government will be supported.” The entire nation experienced prosperity and peace as a result of the teaching of and obedience to God’s Word. Since all stations of life were a part of this revival, and especially the leaders of church and state, the blessings that God had promised in Leviticus 26:3-11 materialized.

The impact of Jehoshaphat’s spiritual actions

Jehoshaphat wisely used the means that God had provided in the areas of responsibility and resource to secure his nation from Israel, where hostilities had existed for 60 years. However, Israel’s threat to Judah had much more to do with spiritual issues than it did with military ones. Jehoshaphat may not have known this at the time, just as our country did not perceive the true weakness of the Soviet Union until its inability to maintain control of its Warsaw Pact satellites was clear.

When anything purports to be Christian, it is claiming to have spiritual value, and it is right to examine and judge that person or entity on a spiritual basis. This is what the Bereans did to Paul, and they were commended it (Acts 17:11). The basis for judging  spiritual issues is Scripture alone. It is only by Scripture that the true nature of any claimed knowledge and relationship with God can be verified. That is why it is vital to understand Scripture, and why Jehoshaphat’s action in taking God’s Word to his people was such an important part of strengthening the land.

The spiritual state of Judah and Israel compared

Judah and Israel started from the same point: Both nations were ruled by Solomon, who toward the end of his reign introduced the worship of false gods in connection with his many wives (1 Kings 11:1-8). After Jeroboam’s rebellion, the Israel followed the calf cult (1 Kings 12:27-30). Judah followed Rehoboam (the son of an Ammonitess, 1 Kings 14:21), and forsook the Lord (2 Chronicles 12:1). Judah’s wickedness at this time is particularly noted in 1 Kings 14:22-24, which mentions idolatry, pagan fertility worship, and homosexuality. After Rehoboam, Judah followed his son Abijah, who continued these practices (1 Kings 15:3).

The spiritual condition of Judah was at least as bad as that of Israel until Asa began suppressing idolatry. Jehoshaphat, though he committed grievous mistakes in his reign that had dire consequences for his people, laid down a spiritual foundation that long survived Israel and, by God’s grace, is part of our spiritual heritage today (Deuteronomy 7:9).

The power of God’s sovereignty displayed in Jehoshaphat and Judah

Scripture does not refer to Jehoshaphat as a great warrior or general, like David, nor does Scripture speak of Jehoshaphat’s wisdom as it does of Solomon. The division of God’s people had left Jehoshaphat as the ruler of two tribes out of twelve: a “rump state”. Yet, Judah experienced peace because the “fear of the LORD” fell upon neighboring peoples.

God provided similar protection for Jacob and his family in Genesis 35:5, about which John Calvin comments:

"It now manifestly appears that deliverance was not in vain promised to the holy man by God; since, amidst so many hostile swords, he goes forth not only in safety but undisturbed. By the destruction of the Shechemites all the neighboring people were inflamed with enmity against a single family; yet no one moves to take vengeance. The reason is explained by Moses, that the terror of God had fallen upon them, which repressed their violent assaults. Hence we may learn that the hearts of men are in the hands of God; that he can inspire those with fortitude who in themselves are weak; and, on the other hand, soften their iron-hardness whenever he pleases. Sometimes, indeed, he suffers many to cast up the foam of their pride, against whom he afterwards opposes his power: but he often weakens those with fear who were naturally bold as lions: thus we find these giants, who were able to devour Jacob a hundred times, so struck with terror that they faint away. Wherefore, whenever we see the wicked furiously bent on our destruction, lest our hearts should fail with fear and be broken by desperation, let us call to mind this terror of God, by which the rage, however furious, of the whole world may be easily subdued."
Jehoshaphat and Judah, under the Law, possessed specific covenant promises from God regarding the keeping of the Law, which has passed away since Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection. The scriptural principle that Calvin illustrates is however, still true: God is in complete and total control of the hearts of all men. Jehoshaphat did not need superior military acumen, overpowering intellect, or any other attribute in which the world places confidence, to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. This fact is as valid today as it was 2850 years ago.

We do well to follow Jehoshaphat’s example in this passage: committing our ways to the Sovereign God of the universe while being a good steward of His blessings, walking before Him by the light of complete spiritual truth, and seeking to share the entire counsel of God at every opportunity.

Resources

Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible, 2 Chronicles 16 - 20, Matthew Henry

Commentary on the Old Testament, Keil and Delitzsch, 2 Chronicles 16 - 20, C. F. Keil

A Commentary on Genesis, Genesis 35:5, John Calvin

Commentary upon Saint Paul’s Epistles to the Corinthians, 1 Corinthians 11:1, John Calvin

“Reformation under Jehoshaphat", The Annotated Bible, Vol. 2, 2nd Book of Chronicles, section 2, A. C. Gaebelein

Articles: “Jehoshaphat” “Rehoboam” “Abijah” “Jeroboam” “Chronology of the Old Testament”, The Zondervon Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible, ed. by Merrill Tenney

Article: “Israel, Constitution of”, section: Theocratic Constitution, Unger’s Bible Dictionary, ed. by Merrill F. Unger

Chronological Charts of the Old Testament, John H. Walton


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