King Jehoshaphat
King Jehoshaphat, the son of Asa, ruled over Judah from approximately 873–849 BC. He was a godly king who sought to lead his nation in the fear of the Lord, and his reign is recounted primarily in 2 Chronicles 17-20 and 1 Kings 22.
Jehoshaphat’s reign began with a strong commitment to covenantal faithfulness. 2 Chronicles 17:3-4 states that "the Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he walked in the former ways of his father David." Instead of seeking foreign gods, he followed the commandments of the Lord. His spiritual leadership was evident in his national reforms—he sent teachers throughout Judah to instruct the people in the Book of the Law (2 Chron. 17:7-9).
Because of his faithfulness, God established his kingdom (2 Chron. 17:5). This aligns with the doctrine of providence—God blesses obedience and works through faithful leaders to accomplish His purposes. His faith-driven reforms resulted in national security, prosperity, and the respect of surrounding nations (2 Chron. 17:10-11).
Despite his devotion to Yahweh, Jehoshaphat compromised by forming alliances with wicked rulers. His greatest failure was his alliance with King Ahab of Israel, a ruler steeped in idolatry and corruption (1 Kings 16:30-33). This partnership led to disastrous consequences, including his participation in Ahab’s ill-fated battle at Ramoth-Gilead (1 Kings 22:29-36).
Ahab sought prophetic counsel, and Jehoshaphat insisted on inquiring of a true prophet (1 Kings 22:7). Yet, despite the warning of Micaiah, he still went to battle, nearly losing his life. This highlights the danger of unequally yoked partnerships (2 Cor. 6:14) and the principle that even faithful believers can suffer for their compromises.
His family alliance with Ahab, through the marriage of his son Jehoram to Ahab’s daughter Athaliah, later brought devastating consequences (2 Chron. 21:6). Athaliah introduced Baal worship into Judah, leading to spiritual decline. This serves as a warning about compromising biblical principles for political or personal gain.
Despite his failures, Jehoshaphat turned back to God. In 2 Chronicles 20, he faced a massive invasion by the Moabites and Ammonites. Instead of relying on human wisdom, he led the nation in prayer and fasting (2 Chron. 20:3-12), confessing Judah’s dependence on God. The Lord answered through Jahaziel, declaring, "The battle is not yours, but God's" (2 Chron. 20:15).
When Judah went out to battle, they placed singers at the front of their army to praise God (2 Chron. 20:21), and the Lord miraculously caused their enemies to destroy themselves.
Jehoshaphat was a godly but flawed leader. His reign reminds us that faithfulness brings blessing, but compromise brings consequences. His story ultimately points to the need for a perfect King—Jesus Christ, who reigns in righteousness and secures an eternal kingdom. His trust in God’s sovereignty and his commitment to biblical instruction make him a key figure for those who hold to Reformed theology.