Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. a. He was devoted to God in his heart and his actions. 1 Kings 16:15-20 describes how Ahab's father, Omri, was the Israelite army's commander, who rebelled against the . He allied himself with Israel by marrying his son Jehoram to King Ahab's daughter Athaliah. He walked in God's ways - "The Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David. 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. His heart was courageous in the ways of the Lord 2 Chronicles 17:3-6. b. 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. To honor Jehoshaphat and those with him, Ahab had a large number of sheep and cattle slaughtered for a feast. Jehoshaphat was 35 years old when he began his reign and was king for 25 years. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him 1 John 2:15. 1 Kings 16:29-33 tells us just how bad Ahab was. But he himself has decreed that you will meet with disaster!, 23 Then the prophet Zedekiah went up to Micaiah, slapped his face, and asked, Since when did the Lord's spirit leave me and speak to you?. Micaiah assured him that he would simply repeat what God said to him. 41 Jehoshaphat son of Asa began to rule over Judah in the fourth year of King Ahab's reign in Israel. (29) Jehoshaphat and Ahab go into battle. Jehoshaphat then asked if there was not a prophet of the Lord to . We may not name our children after this king, but we can certainly look to his example and his trust in God during his reign. "Who Is Jehoshaphat in the Bible?" Ahab asks Jehoshaphat of Judah to join with him in a pact to fight against . Asa, his father, followed in the footsteps of God until the end of his reign. For all the good that Jehoshaphat did, one sore thumb that stands out is his alliances with the house of Ahab in Israel. But, not only that, so many times our sin ends up wounding those we love more than us. i. The king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah, clothed in their robes, sat each on his throne; and they sat at a threshing floor at the entrance of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets prophesied before them. Ahab knew in his heart that Micaiah would not fear or flatter him, but only declare the word of Jehovah. (see 2 Chronicles 17:10-12). His heart was courageous in the ways of the Lord" - 2 Chronicles 17:3-6. The alliance is - in my opinion - an example of Jehoshapat trying t. To be sure, this is a case of misguided judgment. Jehoshaphat, the fourth king of Judah, followed after his father, King Asa, and David's footsteps. This reminds us, sadly, that we reap what we sow. We may request cookies to be set on your device. In the eighteenth year of his reign Jehosaphat visited Ahab in Samaria, and nearly lost his life accompanying his ally to the siege of Ramoth-Gilead. We will focus on 2 Chronicles 18. . In order to succeed, he solicited the help of King Jehoshaphat of Judah. Check to enable permanent hiding of message bar and refuse all cookies if you do not opt in. The prophets' counsel did not sit well with Jehoshaphat, who then asked for another opinion. 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. He said, "I am as you are, and my people as your people; we will join you in the war.". a. "Who Is Jehoshaphat in the Bible?" The LORD has put a lying spirit in the mouth of these prophets of yours, and the LORD has declared disaster against you.. 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). He allied with Ahab against Syria, nearly losing his life as a result (18:2ff.). They butchered great numbers of sheep, goats, and cattle for the feast. Sitting in Ahab's palace, with a feast in front of him, surrounded by Ahab and related through marriage put him in a real awkward position. We see a prophet in rags and chains stand before two kings, ready to speak on behalf of the LORD. He went out with Ahab in battle, and was rebuked by Jehu the son of Hanani. Elijah Denounces Ahaziah. That brought further stability to his kingdom. Of course you'll win. But any that are considered must be given close scrutiny without glossing over potential difficulties. Jehoshaphat also pursued alliances with the kingdom of Israel in the North. 2 Chronicles 17:1. Why did Ahab hate Micaiah? Unsurprisingly, Ahab still goes into battle. The ruse fails, in the end. Trans Britain: are the numbers really adding up. Such arranged dynastic marriages were quite common in those days. Luke 2:40-52, How to overcome evil with good. King Ahab recognized the mocking tone of Micaiahs prophecy and knew it contradicted the message of the 400 prophets. Thankfully, Jehoshaphat repented and returned to his true love: God. He received mercy: Jehu says, Nevertheless, some good is found in you, for you destroyed the Asherahs out of the land, and have set your heart to seek God 19:3. At this point in history, the nation of Israel had split into two separate countriesone called Israel containing ten tribes and one called Judah containing two trib es. Instead, Jehoshaphat removes places of worship to foreign gods such as Asherah poles, and he fortifies Israels defenses against their enemies. This he construed into personal hatred. Asa also did what was right in God's eyes and led Judah in a series of religious reforms. But first, Jehoshaphat wanted to inquire of the Lord 18:4. Elijah had just confronted this Baal worship in the northern kingdom of Israel on Mt. 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. Today we begin looking at the story of Jehoshaphat. Despite his earlier experience with Ahab, Jehoshaphat entered into another alliance with Israel, through Ahab's son, evil King Ahaziah. 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. Please click here to learn how. He made an alliance by marriage with Ahab, 18:2 and after several years went down to visit Ahab in Samaria. Otherwise you will be prompted again when opening a new browser window or new a tab. Jehoshaphat in the Bible was the fourth king of Judah. Ahab's treatment of Micaiah (vv. (2022, May 16). Unless you do, you and your fellow citizens will feel the force of the Lord's anger. May their lives and walks with God strengthen your faith and encourage your soul. 10 Whenever your fellow citizens from any of the cities bring before you a case of homicide or any other violation of a law or commandment, you must instruct them carefully how to conduct themselves during the trial, so that they do not become guilty of sinning against the Lord. 18 Jehoshaphat enjoyed great riches and high esteem, and he made an alliance with Ahab of Israel by having his son marry Ahab's daughter. Of course, there may be some business arrangements where such matters would never be at issue. 1 Thessalonians, Dangerous Partnerships: The story of Jehoshaphat & Ahab. 16, 2022, learnreligions.com/jehoshaphat-king-of-judah-4114131. He also had a lot of property. But he also received a word of judgment: Jehu says, Because of this, wrath has gone out against you from the Lord 19:2. Previous kings had sought the help of foreign gods such as Baal. So Ahab brings out . Nederlandstalige Bijbelstudies door Stan Marinussen, Copyright - Enduring Word       |      . 30 The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, " I will disguise myself and go into . God does not want us to enter into binding partnerships with the wicked that could conflict with our commitment to Him and His ways. He allied with Ahab's house by marrying his son (Jehoram) to Ahab's daughter (Athaliah) (18:1). Not only was he faithful he was a reformer. There I will put them on trial for what they did to my inheritance, my people Israel, because they scatteredmy people among the nationsand divided up my land., Joel 3:12 Let the nations be roused; let them advance into the Valley of Jehoshaphat, for there I will sit to judgeall the nations on every side.. More importantly, he undid the pagan rituals and monuments other kings who came before him had practiced and worshipped. . Our website uses cookies to store user preferences. And now what joy could Ahabs black soul, ready to depart, have of his ivory house? Consistent dependence on God is the only way to succeed. Once back, the Lord rebukes him through his prophet Jehu, whose father, by the way, had rebuked Jehoshaphats father King Asa. i. But Ahab devises what he thinks is a clever plan to avoid the fate prophesied by Micaiah. (see 2 Chronicles 17). 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. In Jehoshaphat we have one of Judah's finest rulers. Many commentators believe these prophets were pagan prophets, perhaps representatives of Asherah or other pagan gods or goddesses. By proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage. Hope Bolingeris an acquisitions editor at End Game Press, and the author 21+ books. 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! 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. 2 Now Ahaziah fell through the lattice in his upper chamber in Samaria, and lay sick; so he sent messengers, telling them, " Go, inquire of c Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, d whether I shall recover from this sickness. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. But the one we want to focus on today reigns a little after the time of Solomon and David, long after the kingdom splits into two. He used horns of iron to illustrate the thrust of two powerful forces, armies that would rout the Syrians. The name Jehoshaphat means means "Jehovah has judged," Yahweh judges, or Yahweh establishes the right.". i. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer. But Jehoshaphat also made some bad decisions. Also Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, Please inquire for the word of the LORD today. Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, four hundred men, and said to them, Shall we go to war against Ramoth Gilead, or shall I refrain? So they said, Go up, for God will deliver it into the kings hand. But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here, that we may inquire of Him? So the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, There is still one man by whom we may inquire of the LORD; but I hate him, because he never prophesies good concerning me, but always evil. How to Have Joy in Your Golden Years Despite These 10 Life 4 Things You May Not Know About Abraham in the Bible, 20 Facts You May Not Know About Moses from the Bible, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. God wanted to bring judgment against Ahab, so He asked this group of the host of heaven for a volunteer to lead Ahab into battle. The Prophet Micaiah Warns Ahab (1 Kings 22.1-28)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. Jehoshaphat's son Jehoram married Athaliah, daughter of king Ahab of Israel. His story is told in 1 Kings 22 and 2 Chronicles 17-20. Probably this man already had shot many arrows, and he went on in his simplicity, little knowing that this particular arrow was to be guided through all the confusion straight to its mark by the unerring knowledge and power of God. Jehoshaphat established a very strong nation under him. 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. I. Ahab's proposal (18:1-3) As Jehoshaphat celebrated a feast with the most ungodly king Israel would know, Ahab hits him with a request. 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.. This strange incident can only be understood against the background of other Old Testament passages, especially Deuteronomy 13:11 and Ezekiel 14:1-11. both these passages speak of people being enticed by false prophets, in each case as a result of a link with idolatry. (Selman), Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah went near and struck Micaiah on the cheek, and said, Which way did the spirit from the LORD go from me to speak to you? And Micaiah said, Indeed you shall see on that day when you go into an inner chamber to hide! Then the king of Israel said, Take Micaiah, and return him to Amon the governor of the city and to Joash the kings son; and say, Thus says the king: Put this fellow in prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and water of affliction until I return in peace. But Micaiah said, If you ever return in peace, the LORD has not spoken by me. And he said, Take heed, all you people!. (1 Chronicles 17: 1-6, 10) However, although he could have relied totally on God to protect him, Jehoshaphat allied himself with the evil king of Israel, Ahab. King Jehoshaphat comes to Samaria to visit with Ahab. Finally, Jehoshaphat shows us that God can start new parts of his plan for our lives at any time. Thus says the LORD: These unfaithful prophets (such as Zedekiah) prophesied in the name of the LORD, but they did not prophesy truthfully. Jehoshaphat believed prayer is a Rapid Response. This suggests that Jehoshaphat was a strong and effective leader, who worked hard to consolidate his power and improve Judah's position. Now when Jehoshaphat learned a great army has come against him ( 2 Chronicles 20:1-2 ), he immediately realized three things. Then he said, I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd. Last week I said Jehoshaphat was Ahab's son-in-law, that is wrong. Sat each on his throne, and they sat at a threshing floor at the entrance of the gate of Samaria: This illustrates the ancient custom of holding court and making decisions at the gates of the city. Or what fellowship has light with darkness? 1 a After the death of Ahab, Moab b rebelled against Israel. The man on the left is generally considered to be Jehoshaphat. Ungodly partners can lead to spiritual compromise (see 1 Corinthians 15:33). A Chronological Daily Bible Study of the Old Testament 7-Day Sections with a Summary-Commentary, Discussion Questions, and a Practical Daily Application. Ahab decides to disguise himself so that he will not be recognized, but tells Jehoshaphat to dress as a king. And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, "I will disguise myself and go into battle; but you put on your robes.". He allied with Ahab's son, Ahaziah, in a mercantile venture until God destroyed their fleet (20:35-37; 1 Kings 22:48, 49 ). He had a total of more than 1.1 million fighting men in his core force, in addition to those he had placed in different areas (see 2 Chronicles 17:14-19).