2 CHRONICLES 17:1-13 -
JEHOSHAPHAT
1 Then Jehoshaphat his (Asa's) son reigned in his place, and
strengthened himself against Israel. 2 And he placed troops in all the
fortified cities of Judah, and set garrisons in the land of Judah and in the cities of
Ephraim which Asa his father had taken. 3 Now the Lord was with Jehoshaphat,
because he walked in the former ways of his father David; he did not seek the Baals, 4
but sought the God of his father, and walked in His commandments and not according
to the acts of Israel. 5 Therefore the Lord established the kingdom in his
hand; and all Judah gave presents to Jehoshaphat, and he had riches and honour in
abundance. 6 And his heart took delight in the ways of the Lord; moreover the
removed the high places and wooden images from Judah. 7 Also in the third year
of his reign he sent his leaders, Ben-Hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Michaiah, to
teah in the cities of Judah. 8 And with them he sent Levites...9 So
they taught in Judah, and had the Book of the Law of the Lord with them; they went
throughout all the cities of Judah and taught the people. 10 and the fear of
the Lord fell on all the kingdoms of the lands that were around Judah, so that they did
not make war against Jehoshaphat. 11 And some of the Philistines brought
Jehoshaphat presents and silver as tribute; and the Arabians brought him flocks, seven
thousand seven hundred rams and seven thousand seven hundred male goats. 12 So
Jehoshaphat became increasingly powerful, and he built fortresses and storage cities in
Judah. 13 He had much property in the cities of Judah...
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| It seems that
Jehoshaphat learnt from the mistakes of his father Asa, in that his reign as king was more
successful and pleasing to God. Let's examine the above scripture and get some insight
into Jehoshaphat's success as king.
1) HE BUILT A DEFENCE AGAINST THE ENEMY
Note the first thing he did when he inherited the kingdom - verse - "he
strengthened himself against Israel." Remember from the story of Asa (part I), that
Israel had attacked Judah. Jehoshaphat, unlike his father Asa, made sure his territory was
well protected. This is important. We who believe in Jesus Christ must strengthen
ourselves against our enemy - satan. Jesus says in John 10:10 "the thief (satan) does
not come except to steal, kill and destroy" and in 1 Peter 5:8 "...be sober, be
vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom
he may devour." We must strengthen ourselves against satan through prayer, fasting,
reading the Bible, and praising the Lord. This is how we grow close to God.
2) HE REJECTED IDOLS
Jehoshaphat chose to walk in the ways of his ancestor David. He did not seek the
Baals. Instead, verse 6 tells us that he removed them from Judah. The Baals were idols -
worshipped by the neighbouring people of Canaan. Idols can exist in our lives today. Idols
aren't only wooden statues that people pray to. An idol can be anything a person
consciously or subconsciously regards as more important in their lives than God. Possible
idols are money, career, family, reputation, even one's car. God is not pleased to take
second place in our lives. Why should he? He gave His only begotten Son Jesus, to
die for our sins, so we could be saved (John 3:16).
3) HE SOUGHT THE LORD
Jehoshaphat, instead of seeking idols sought God. 'Sought' suggests an active pursuit,
a desire to know God. We also should seek the Lord at all times, never being satisfied
with what we already know. There is so much more to know about our loving Heavenly Father.
The Bible tells us in Job 26:13, 14 that "..by His Spirit He adorned the
heavens; His hand pierced the fleeing serpent. Indeed, these are the mere edges of His
ways, and how small a whisper we hear of Him?"
Seeking God was a key to Jehoshaphat's success, and it is a key to ours also. Verse 5
indicates that as a result of seeking God, Jehoshaphat was blessed with "riches and
honour in abundance." Who says that Christians have to be poor to be holy?!
Unfortunately, some do still hold this view. However it is not biblical, for "God
delights in the prosperity of His servants." (Psalm 35:27). Jehoshaphat did not seek
God out of compulsion, but verse 6 says "..his heart took delight in the ways of the
Lord".
4) HE PLACED IMPORTANCE ON THE
WORD OF GOD
Jehoshaphat put emphasis on the word of God. This is shown in verses 8 and 9.
Jehoshaphat showed godly direction in sending out the priests and Levites to teach the
people the word of God ('law'). He could have been selfish and decided not to share it,
but he wasn't. He knew that it was by abiding in the word of God, that God would be
pleased and bless the people. Joshua 1:8 says "This book of the law shall not depart
from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do
according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and
then you will have good success."
5) HE WAS PROTECTED BY THE LORD
OF THE WORD
Verse 10 shows that in living by God's word, there is great protection from God. As a
result of Jehoshaphat teaching and living by the word, Judah's enemies were around them
but couldn't touch them. In fact the Philistines and Arabians - traditional enemies of
Judah actually gave Jehoshaphat gifts! We should be encouraged by the fact that the Lord
loves us and protects those who live according to His will for their lives. |
