2 Chronicles 19:1 – 11 Jehoshaphat Reproved by Jehu
“Jehoshaphat king of Judah returned safely to his home in Jerusalem. Then Jehu son of Hanani the seer went out to confront him and said to King Jehoshaphat, “Do you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Because of this, the wrath of the LORD is upon you. However, some good is found in you, for you have removed the Asherah poles from the land and have set your heart on seeking God.”
Jehoshaphat’s Reforms
Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem, and once again he went out among the people from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim and turned them back to the LORD, the God of their fathers. He appointed judges in the land, in each of the fortified cities of Judah. Then he said to the judges, “Consider carefully what you do, for you are not judging for man, but for the LORD, who is with you when you render judgment. And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice, partiality, or bribery.” In Jerusalem Jehoshaphat also appointed some of the Levites, priests, and heads of the Israelite families to judge on behalf of the LORD and to settle disputes. And they lived in Jerusalem. He commanded them, saying, “You must serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the LORD. For every dispute that comes before you from your brothers who dwell in their cities—whether of bloodshed or offenses against the law, the commandments, the statutes, or the judgments—you are to warn them, so that they will not incur guilt before the LORD and wrath will not come upon you and your brothers. Do this, and you will not incur guilt.
Note that Amariah, the chief priest, will be over you in all that pertains to the LORD, and Zebadiah son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, in all that pertains to the king. And the Levites will serve as officers before you. Act resolutely; may the LORD be with the upright!”
Jehoshaphat is back in Jerusalem after nearly being killed by the Syrians. After stupidly marrying King Ahab’s daughter and allying himself with a Baal – worshiping family to avoid attack by Israel, Jehoshaphat compounded his blunder by allying himself with Ahab in a senseless war to re – take the city of Ramoth – gilead from the Syrians.
Micaiah, a true prophet, warned both Ahab and Jehoshaphat that this attack would end in disaster and destruction for Ahab; however, Jehoshaphat didn’t listen to the Lord because his pride was on the line. Ahab persuaded Jehoshaphat to go into battle in his royal robes, making him a perfect target, while Ahab cleverly disguised himself as a common chariot driver. But when God showed the Syrians that Jehoshaphat was not the King of Israel, the Syrians let him alone. Ahab died from a chance arrow wound that pierced the joints in his armor and Jehoshaphat fled for his life.
Now Jehu, the son of Hanani the Seer, is confronting Jehoshaphat over his attempts to assist evil King Ahab. “Do you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Because of this, the wrath of the LORD is upon you. However, some good is found in you, for you have removed the Asherah poles from the land and have set your heart on seeking God.”
Some other kings when rebuked would throw the seer into prison or even have him killed. But Jehoshaphat is made of different stuff. For once, an Israelite king receives an admonishment from the Lord meekly. This might be the first time since Nathan confronted David over the Bathsheba affair that a king of Judah has actually listened when God sends a message of correction. There is an adage that says, “If you’re at the bottom of a hole, stop digging!” Amazingly, Jehoshaphat does exactly that.
Rather than go off in a royal snit and pout in a corner, Jehoshaphat travels throughout Judah, establishing judges and ordering them to behave wisely and honestly. “Consider carefully what you do, for you are not judging for man, but for the LORD, who is with you when you render judgment. And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice, partiality, or bribery.” Even in Jerusalem, Jehoshaphat establishes a system of judges involving Levites, priests, and heads of the Israelite families. In short, Jehoshaphat straightens up and flies right.
APPLICATION: How well do any of us receive correction? The amazing thing about Jehoshaphat is that there is no record of his becoming angry at Jehu or punishing him. Contrast this attitude with that of Ahab, who threw Micaiah in prison when Micaiah warned that Ahab’s four hundred prophets were all lying to him and that the proposed battle would turn into a rout. Even King Asa, Jehoshaphat’s father, threw Hanani the Seer into jail when Hanani brought a rebuke from the Lord because Asa failed to trust God and relied on the Syrian army to defend him from King Baasha of Israel.
Perhaps Jehoshaphat has actually learned something from his father’s mistakes. At any rate, Jehoshaphat continues to behave righteously, establishing judges and ordering them to judge honestly.
The sad part of Jehoshaphat’s story is that despite all his good works, the wrath of the Lord is upon him for becoming involved with Ahab’s family and trying to help Ahab attack Ramoth – gilead, ignoring God’s warnings. Jehoshaphat was the one who insisted on hearing from a man of God. When Micaiah gave that warning, Jehoshaphat should have been resolute enough to tell Ahab, “Sorry. God has spoken and we need to obey.” Then Jehoshaphat should have returned to Jerusalem with all his men. But Jehoshaphat had already proudly proclaimed that his people were as Ahab’s people, a strong declaration of alliance. Faced with obeying the Lord or saving face, Jehoshaphat chose to save face.
It’s tempting to read these stories and assume that we would behave far more wisely were we in a similar position. But human nature hasn’t changed in thousands of years; if you doubt that statement, simply turn on the television or check news on – line and see how politicians all over the world are acting. King Solomon was right when he said that there is nothing new under the sun!
King Jehoshaphat continues to serve as an example to all of us. Jehoshaphat got involved with the wrong group of people; however, he finally recognized his mistakes and accepted reproof. May God give each of us meek and sensitive hearts, so that when He brings correction, we accept it gladly!
PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, help us to have hearts of wisdom, hearts that will receive correction gladly. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.
Burunche's Blog 
Leave a comment