King Jehoshaphat, son of Asa, reigned for 25 years once he took the throne at the age of 35. Who Was Isaiah & Why Was He Important? Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah went near and struck Micaiah on the cheek: Zedekiah responded the way some do when they are defeated in an argument he responded with violence. . Nevertheless, King Jehoshaphat has one moral weakness, similar to his father who came before him. i. And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself and go into battle; but you put on your robes. So the king of Israel disguised himself, and they went into battle. King Jehoshaphat in the Bible - Lessons from His Story - Crosswalk.com God gave the evil spirit permission to entice Ahab, and the evil spirit . But the Valley of Jehoshaphat does seem to be a judgment stomping ground for the enemies of Gods people. We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. Today we begin looking at the story of Jehoshaphat. God did it, says the man of faith. (Morgan), iii. It is best to regard these not as pagan prophets, but unfaithful prophets to the true God. He was willing to be judged by whether his prophecy came to pass or not. Some people forget that Satan and his fellow fallen angels have access to heaven (Job 1:6, Revelation 12:10). "Ahab son of Omri did more evil in the eyes of the Lord than any of those before him. Pingback: Joining Forces with Ahab - CRIES from among US! What you have done has brought the Lord's anger on you. You will remember him from the stories of Elijah. 10 Things You Need to Know about the Number 666, 10 Books of the Bible You Should Read Again and Again, 10 Most Encouraging Bible Verses That Will Uplift Your Heart and Soul, 5 Things That Hurt Relationships with Grandkids, 30 Morning Prayers to Start Each Day with God, How to Have Joy in Your Golden Years Despite These 10 Life Losses, 4 Things You Should Know about Big George Foreman, 8 Ways You Are Belittling Your Husband and What God Says about It, Maybe Money Can Buy Happiness, but Not Joy. He not only considered it . Zavada, Jack. 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. . At age 35, Jehoshaphat succeeded his father, Asa, who was the first good king over Judah. In this article, well explore the life of Jehoshaphat (the good and the bad), well lightly touch on a place known as the valley of Jehoshaphat, and discuss what lessons we can learn from the fourth monarch from the kingdom of Judah. Click on the different category headings to find out more. B. Ahab knew in his heart that Micaiah would not fear or flatter him, but only declare the word of Jehovah. He sometimes followed the world's ways, such as making alliances with questionable neighbors. He improved the military and financial prowess of the southern kingdom. During Jehoram's reign, Edom successfully revolted against Judah (2 Kings 8:20-22; 2 Chronicles 21:8-10). Zavada, Jack. "Please, inquire of the LORD today.". Jehoshaphat also established a strong justice system. The kings in the lands surrounding Judah did not dare to go to war against Jehoshaphat because they feared God. There was nothing righteous about Ahab. He said that not only would Israel be defeated, but also that their leader (shepherd) would perish. Jehoshaphat: His serious mistakes We will see what we can learn from this. Who Is Jehoshaphat in the Bible? - Learn Religions At age 35,Jehoshaphat succeeded his father, Asa, who was the first good king over Judah. Source: 1 Kings 22:1-40; 2 Chronicles 18:1 - 19:3 Jehoshaphat's Later Reforms . This is the same word that I Chronicles 21:1 says about Satan enticing David to sin by means of the census. 18 He followed the ways of the kings of Israel, as the house of Ahab had done, for he married a . Micaiah assured him that he would simply repeat what God said to him. Thats old? Indeed, in ancient times, life expectancies didnt really exceed much beyond the age of 50. 28 Then King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah went to attack the city of Ramoth in Gilead. Perhaps he was either not very smart or he had very great faith. 17-20 CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO. However, because this was an aberration from Jehoshaphat's usual stance of faith and obedience, the LORD did not punish Jehoshaphat. c. Now a certain man drew a bow at random, and struck the king of Israel: This seemed to be pure chance. Learn Religions. 43 Jehoshaphat was a Ahab, the father of the daughter, attempts to draw king Jehoshaphat into a war that God does not approve of. Why did God use a lying spirit do deceive Ahab : r/Christianity - Reddit He strengthened himself against Israel [2 Chr 17:1], the Lord was with him [2 Chr 17:3], his heart was lifted up in the ways of the Lord [2 Chr 17:6], he authorized the teaching of the words of God throughout Judah [2 Chr 17:7-9], the fear of God . After that, they began to align with Ahab uncritically. 1 Kings 22 | Bible Teaching Notes 2 Chronicles 17:1. So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramoth Gilead: It is easy to understand why King Ahab of Israel went to this battle; he didnt want to believe that Micaiahs prophecy was true and wanted to courageously oppose it. Ahaziah of Israel was king from 853852 BC. Hatred of the messenger of God is clear evidence of willful wickedness. (Morgan), Then Micaiah said, Therefore hear the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing on His right hand and His left. He repented when he did wrong. because he never prophesied anything good about him, but always bad. Jehoshaphat responded as if the kings were of one mind and heritage. After Jehus rebuke, Jehoshaphat got back on track. Daniel 3, The Parable of the Vineyard Tenants. We see a prophet in rags and chains stand before two kings, ready to speak on behalf of the LORD. Ahab: Why Did He Go To War? 1 Kings 22 - Rose Avenue So Ahab brings out . Well quote each of the verses below. When Jehoshaphat led the people out to meet the invaders, he ordered men to sing, praising God for his holiness. 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. Jehosaphat being a spiritual man wanted to know the will of God, concerning their going to Ramoth Gilead. At sunset he died. Asa also did what was right in God's eyes and led Judah in a series of religious reforms. Stay up to date with the latest Christian news! King Jehoshaphat led a mostly prosperous life. In the process he killed both the reigning King of Israel, Joram, and the King of Judah, Ahaziah, at the same time. When his death became known the battle was over. Now when Jehoshaphat learned a great army has come against him ( 2 Chronicles 20:1-2 ), he immediately realized three things. It is less easy to understand why King Jehoshaphat of Judah went to this battle with Ahab. We will focus on 2 Chronicles 18. . And the LORD said, These have no master. This he construed into personal hatred. 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. 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. At the beginning of his reign, Jehoshaphat "strengthened himself against Israel (2 Chronicles 17:1). This is what he should have been doing all along, instead of going to be with Ahab. Despite Jehoshaphat's errors in this regard, it appears that he later recognized that he should not have allied himself with Ahaziah (compare 1 Kings 22:49). Jehoshaphat's Compromise 2-Chr. King Ahab recognized the mocking tone of Micaiahs prophecy and knew it contradicted the message of the 400 prophets. He made his son, Jehoram, marry Ahab's daughter. Article Images Copyright , Lessons From the Bible Story of King Jehoshaphat. (NIV), 2 Chronicles 20:15He said: Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! 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. But how did he die, if God protected him in the war in which Ahab drew him into? The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them: You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page.