Monday, 07 April 2008 00:00  |  Written by Steve Hall [a] and posted in Jehoshaphat

The Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the example of his father’s early years and did not worship the images of Baal. He sought his father’s God and obeyed his commands instead of following the evil practices of the kingdom of Israel. 2 Chronicles 17:3-4

As you read the Old Testament books of 1 and 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles you’ll notice a common formula keeps arising. At the start and end of a king’s rein the author sums up the king’s life: did he follow God and did he get rid of idols? This informs us about the King’s character but also reminds us how God is jealously after our whole hearts.

Tuesday, 08 April 2008 00:00  |  Written by Steve Hall [a] and posted in Jehoshaphat

In the third year of his reign Jehoshaphat sent his officials to teach in all the towns of Judah…They took copies of the Book of the Law of the Lord and traveled around through all the towns of Judah, teaching the people. 2 Chronicles 17:7-10

Jehoshaphat was a security conscious king. He started his reign by strengthening his nation against Israel and the other nations by wise placement of his army. But his best strategic move was sending out teachers of the law amongst the people. Because Jehoshaphat put God first, God sent fear upon the surrounding nations so that none made war against Jehoshaphat.

Wednesday, 09 April 2008 00:00  |  Written by Steve Hall [a] and posted in Jehoshaphat

So the King of Israel, Ahab, summoned the prophets, 400 of them, and asked them, “Should we go to war…?” But Jehoshaphat, the King of Judah asked, “Is there not also a prophet of the Lord here? We should ask him the same question.”

Ahab, the King of Israel, was happy to consult the prophets – but only when they agreed with him! Jehoshaphat was different. He wanted to hear from a prophet of the Lord whether they should go to war.

We all face big decisions and often have to choose between different advisors. Do you seek out someone who will simply agree with you or who will bring godly wisdom to your situation?

Thursday, 10 April 2008 00:00  |  Written by Steve Hall [a] and posted in Jehoshaphat

When King Jehoshaphat of Judah arrived safely home in Jerusalem, Jehu son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him. “Why should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord?” he asked the king. “Because of what you have done, the Lord is very angry with you." 2 Chronicles 19:1-2

King Ahab died in battle, while Jehoshaphat was rescued from death by God and arrives safely home. He finds Jehu and a stinging rebuke from God waiting for him: he is told in no uncertain terms that he should never have entered personal and military alliances with the wicked King Ahab.

How do you think Jehoshaphat responded to this? How do you respond to being disciplined?

Friday, 11 April 2008 00:00  |  Written by Steve Hall [a] and posted in Jehoshaphat

Jehoshaphat told the judges he had appointed, “Fear the Lord and judge with integrity, for the Lord our God does not tolerate perverted justice, partiality, or the taking of bribes.” 2 Chronicles 19:7

Respect to Jehoshaphat! Yesterday he was rebuked by God and today he is walking among the people chatting to them about God and setting up Judges to promote peace and justice within Judah’s cities. We can all learn something from Jehoshaphat’s humility before God’s rebuke and how he allows it to positively shape his life.

Saturday, 12 April 2008 00:00  |  Written by Steve Hall [a] and posted in Jehoshaphat

Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army from Edom is marching against you from beyond the Dead Sea. Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and begged the Lord for guidance. He also ordered everyone in Judah to begin fasting. 2 Chronicles 20:2-3

Many kings in the Bible faced the terrifying prospect of going to war against a superior army. While we can think it would be easy to depend on God in those circumstances, terror and pride can easily cause us to take action without seeking God first. Those, like Jehoshaphat, who did choose to depend on God always won. Here, it’s a credit to Jehoshaphat’s leadership that both he and his people fast so readily.

Sunday, 13 April 2008 00:00  |  Written by Steve Hall [a] and posted in Jehoshaphat

After consulting the people, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy splendor. This is what they sang: “Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever!” 2 Chronicles 20:21

Singing and rejoicing as they march off to a battle!?!!?

This is definitely an unusual approach to war…

But then, this is war with a difference… God has told the people that they won’t have to fight a single person and all they have to do is take up their positions. The people believe God and show it by marching off worshipping!