2 Chronicles 17-20

Introduction

We are continuing our study through the divided kingdom that began last week when Rehoboam’s foolish decision to not follow the wise counsel of Solomon’s counselors. Beginning in chapter 10 and going through the rest of 2 Chronicles, we are going to see all of the kings of Judah lifted up alongside their father David and compared to him in their faithfulness to God and His law, and whether or not they had a heart that sought the LORD like David.

Last week, you all saw that when Rehoboam walked in the ways of his father David for part of his reign, but then he abandoned the LORD after his kingdom was strengthened. He did not determine in his heart to seek the LORD like David did.

Then you have Abijah and Asa. Abijah was given success because of his trust in the LORD in his battle against Jeroboam and the LORD gave Abijah’s kingdom peace for ten years. Then with Asa, at the beginning, he “did what was good and right in the sight of the LORD” (14:2) and gained victory in battle also when he cried to the LORD for help in prayer (14:11). There was great reforms. They people renewed their covenant with the LORD, to seek him with all their heart. But then all falls apart for Abijah in ch16. He stops trusting in the LORD. He stops following in the ways of David when he went out to battle against Aram. Then he later on got a deadly disease, and at this point he did not trust the LORD or seek him, but only sought help from the medical professionals of his day.

In these kings and the ones who follow, how their reigns & battles go, and even how their health is, depends on whether or not they have walked in the ways of David and if they have sought God with all their heart consistently. Keep this in mind as we go through the rest of this book.

So we will being today in ch17. Jehoshaphat takes center stage in Chronicles’ account of the Divided Monarchy (chapters 10–28), exemplifying many of Chronicles’ key themes that we have talked about many times.

He is a man of prayer and faith who removes idolatrous symbols, gives God’s law new priority, and has a special concern for the Levites.

In typical Chronicles fashion, he is blessed with a strong army, new buildings, wealth, and international recognition.

On the other hand, his willingness for compromise with the northern kingdom is a notable weakness, and neither he nor his people are fully committed to God for the duration of his reign, just like his father Asa.

But in general, Jehoshaphat’s reign was remembered for his devotion to the Lord, which is the focus of chapter 17. He was thought of as a good king in Judah. Look at 17:3-4:

“Now the Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he walked in the former ways of his father David. He did not seek the Baals but sought the God of his father and walked by his commands, not according to the practices of Israel.” (, CSB)

In verse 5, we are told that Jehoshaphat, in his mind, “rejoiced in the LORD’s ways.” These are the kinds of things that you want stated of the leaders of God’s people. He followed the right example: his father David and not the ways of Israel. He found joy in doing what God wanted him to do. This is why we are told in v3 that the LORD was with him. The LORD blessed him as he did David and Solomon with wealth and honor from the people. And He also gave Jehoshaphat peace for now, bringing the terror of the LORD on the surrounding nations (v10). And also, Jehoshaphat’s army grew at this time. It was double the size of Asa’s army. He also increased the number of fortified cities within Judah. Rehoboam and Asa both built many also. So Judah is really being strengthened against enemy attack.

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He also increased the number of fortified cities within Judah. Rehoboam and Asa both built many also.

In verses 7-9, we have one of my favorite things mentioned about Jehoshaphat. We are told that Jehoshaphat sent his officials and the Levites into the cities of Judah. And what they are doing is great. They were going throughout the cities of Judah teaching the people the law of the LORD. The levites are fulfilling one of their most important duties of teaching God’s people. This is the way you bring religious reform to a nation. The word goes out. You don’t keep it to yourself. You share it so others can know the LORD also.

Josiah is the other…

In verses 7-9, we have one of my favorite things mentioned about Jehoshaphat. We are told that Jehoshaphat sent his officials and the Levites into the cities of Judah. And what they are doing is great. They were going throughout the cities of Judah teaching the people the law of the LORD. The levites are fulfilling one of their most important duties of teaching God’s people. This is the way you bring religious reform to a nation. The word goes out. You don’t keep it to yourself. We will see later on how there were kings who were good and were devoted to God’s law, but it did not impact the people. May it be the case that these kings did not go to the extent that Jehoshaphat does here? Maybe.

His fighting forces grew in strength (17:10–19), and the surrounding nations were terrified, not of Judah in particular, but of the LORD who gave them their strength.

Jehoshaphat’s reign (872–869 B.C.) was remembered for his devotion to the Lord, which is the focus of chapter 17. He sent Levites throughout the territory of Judah to instruct the people in the Book of the Law (17:1–9). “The Lord was with Jehoshaphat” (17:3) and gave him peace. His fighting forces grew in strength (17:10–19), and the surrounding nations were terrified, not of Judah in particular, but of the LORD who gave them their strength.

“The Lord was with Jehoshaphat” (17:3) and gave him peace.

His fighting forces grew in strength (17:10–19), and the surrounding nations were terrified, not of Judah in particular, but of the LORD who gave them their strength.

APPLICATION

Those who love the LORD delight in His ways. They don’t view God’s laws as burdensome, but joyously desire to obey.

As David is lifted up as the example of how to love and trust the LORD, we need to lift up “David” also as an example to ourselves. Our David: Jesus, is the ultimate example for us to aim to follow. Following in the steps of David/Jesus brings success.

Not only do GOd’s people find joy in devoting themselves to the law of the LORD, but also in helping others know the LORD. In both Old and New Testaments, God desired that his servants teach his laws to the people. We all, as God’s priesthood, have this duty. Those who know the LORD share the LORD with others.

Now, in ch18, things start to go downhill a little bit for Jehoshaphat. He makes an alliance with the last person you would think a king of Judah would make an alliance with: the wicked king Ahab of Israel. Jehoshaphat allied himself with Ahab through marriage, giving his son Jehoram to Ahab’s daughter Athaliah (, ). This will be condemned by the prophet Jehu in ch19, and it will have terrible consequences for kings who reigned after him. Let’s skip ahead for a moment to ch19 and look at 19:1-3:

Now, in ch18, things start to go downhill a little bit for Jehoshaphat. He makes an alliance with the last person you would think a king of Judah would make an alliance with: the wicked king Ahab of Israel. Jehoshaphat allied himself with Ahab through marriage, giving his son Jehoram to Ahab’s daughter Athaliah (, ). This will be condemned by the prophet Jehu in ch19, and it will have terrible consequences for kings who reigned after him. Let’s skip ahead for a moment to ch19 and look at 19:1-3:

Jehoshaphat had allied himself with Ahab through marriage, giving his son Jehoram to Ahab’s daughter Athaliah (, ). He was persuaded to join Israel in a campaign against the Arameans at Ramoth Gilead. In contrast to Ahab, Jehoshaphat insisted on hearing from a prophet of the Lord. Ahab reluctantly called for Micaiah, whom he had imprisoned (; ).

“King Jehoshaphat of Judah returned to his home in Jerusalem in peace. Then Jehu son of the seer Hanani 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 Lord’s wrath is on you. However, some good is found in you, for you have eradicated the Asherah poles from the land and have decided to seek God.”” (, CSB)

Jehu has some strong words for Jehoshaphat here. He was helping the wicked and loving those who hated the LORD. The Lord didn’t approve of this, which he may have learned if he petitioned the LORD before making the alliance in the first place. This should be one of those times when you find yourself asking the question, “why didn’t he inquire of the LORD about this.” If this question comes to your mind when reading through this book, there is probably a good reason why it came to your mind! Not inquiring of the LORD usually brings disastrous results! Jehoshaphat doesn’t do that here, at least in making this decision. He will petition the LORD later.

One who loves the LORD and delights in his ways will love what God loves and hate what God hates. But Jehoshaphat didn’t have this attitude here. He gave his son to Ahab’s daughter, and when asked to go out into battle alongside Ahab, look at what Jehoshaphat says in verse 3:

“He replied to him, “I am as you are, my people as your people; we will be with you in the battle.”” (, CSB)

BUT thankfully, Jehoshaphat after this does desire to inquire of the LORD before going into battle with Ahab. Ahab seemed to be happy hearing anyone who offered good news of victory regarding the battle, but not Jehoshaphat. Jehoshaphat insisted on hearing from a prophet of the Lord. Ahab reluctantly called for Micaiah to be brought to them ().

In contrast to Ahab, Jehoshaphat insisted on hearing from a prophet of the Lord. Ahab reluctantly called for Micaiah, whom he had imprisoned (; ).

The false prophet Zedekiah had predicted a victory for Israel, but Micaiah condemned his prophecy, attributing it to a lying spirit that the LORD allowed to be sent to Ahab’s prophets so that he would go out into battle to die in battle. It is an interesting scene that Micaiah portrays for us of the conversation between God and his heavenly host (18:18-22).

Ahab disguised himself as he entered the battle, and Jehoshaphat alone wore his royal clothing. When the enemy mistook Jehoshaphat for Ahab, they pursued him, but the Lord spared Jehoshaphat when he cried out to the LORD. (It is surprising that Jehoshaphat still went into battle after hearing Micaiah’s prophecy). Ahab was “at random” mortally wounded by a bowman (; ).

APPLICATION

I think the application that is the clearest for us is the danger of alliances with the wicked. Not just because it is dangerous for our own welfare spiritually, but also because it can make an impact on those who follow us, specifically our children. God’s people can be influenced in a negative way and it can impact many generations.

We need to love what the LORD loves and hate what the LORD hates morally. “Let love be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good.” (, CSB)

There is always a need to seek what the LORD says. Jehoshaphat doesn’t inquire of the LORD before making an alliance with Ahab, but fortunately, he does later on. Jehoshaphat does so before going out to battle, and he is saved in the battle when he cries to the LORD again. When we make decisions, need deliverance in our battles, we need to first seek the LORD.

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We should not just be pleased with hearing what we want to hear… We must desire the truth (see ). The LORD sends a strong delusion (or a deluding influence) on those who do not love the truth… We can be like.

- the LORD sends a strong delusion (or a deluding influence) on those who do not love the truth… We can be like

We already talked about verses 1-3 where the prophet Jehu prophesied God’s wrath on Jehoshaphat for allying himself with Ahab.

The other notable thing in chapter 19 is the “revival” among the people that Jehoshaphat continued to bring about. This may be talking about the same teaching campaign that he began in ch17. But this time, the call to return to the LORD and to obey his laws went into the hill country of Ephraim - into the northern kingdom of Israel. This is interesting. You have a failed alliance with the northern kingdom in chapter 18, and then you have at least some of Israel called to return to the LORD here (v4). This shows that the only way God’s people can truly be united is if it is based on God’s law. There is no strong alliance without faithfulness to the truth.

In verse 5, Jehoshaphat appoints judges for the people, and reminds them of how serious their job is in v6-7:

“Then he said to the judges, “Consider what you are doing, for you do not judge for a mere mortal, but for the Lord, who is with you in the matter of judgment. And now, may the terror of the Lord be on you. Watch what you do, for there is no injustice or partiality or taking bribes with the Lord our God.”” (, CSB)

That is sobering. Remember that you are representatives of the LORD, and if they perverted justice, they would be held accountable. He also says the same kind of things to the priests he appointed as judges in Jerusalem.

APPLICATION

These included Levites and priests, who taught Judah to love the Lord and fear His wrath (19:4–11).

Being a representative of the LORD or being a leader of the LORD’s people is a serious matter. This kind of point is made about those who teach God’s word in . “Let not many of you become teachers because you will receive a stricter judgment.” Speaking for the LORD is serious, and you need to make sure that if you do it as a teacher, an evangelist, or as a shepherd that you are being faithful to the LORD in what you are saying. Your soul is on the line and the souls of others are on the line!!! Take your responsibility seriously!

This is one of the more well-known sections regarding the reign of Jehoshaphat. It includes one of the great prayers of the kings of Judah and a great response from the LORD at a time of crisis.

A coalition of Ammonites, Moabites, and others marched against Judah. Upon hearing about this, Jehoshaphat was afraid and resolved to seek the LORD. He proclaimed a fast throughout Judah. Then Jehoshaphat prayed, calling upon God to deliver. Let’s read his prayer in verses 6-12:

Jehoshaphat prayed, calling upon God to deliver. Let’s read his prayer in verses 6-12:

“He said: Lord, God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven, and do you not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in your hand, and no one can stand against you. Are you not our God who drove out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and who gave it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? They have lived in the land and have built you a sanctuary in it for your name and have said, “If disaster comes on us—sword or judgment, pestilence or famine—we will stand before this temple and before you, for your name is in this temple. We will cry out to you because of our distress, and you will hear and deliver.” Now here are the Ammonites, Moabites, and the inhabitants of Mount Seir. You did not let Israel invade them when Israel came out of the land of Egypt, but Israel turned away from them and did not destroy them. Look how they repay us by coming to drive us out of your possession that you gave us as an inheritance. Our God, will you not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast number that comes to fight against us. We do not know what to do, but we look to you.” (, CSB)

You see in this prayer of Josiah great trust in the LORD. He knows what God has done in the past and what God is capable of. He knows that, without the LORD’s help in battle, they are helpless and will be defeated.

But you also see in this prayer a remembrance of another prayer offered in this book and GOd’s response to it. Remember in , Solomon prayed at the time of the dedication of the temple that when His people go out to battle and pray towards the temple that God give them victory and deliverance? Jehoshaphat is saying here, remember your promise to Solomon, and please fulfill it now! Give us victory!

A coalition of Ammonites, Moabites, and others marched against Judah. Jehoshaphat prayed, calling upon God to deliver Judah based on His promises to Abraham (20:1–12). Jahaziel, a Levite, prophesied that the battle was the Lord’s, and the Levites worshiped the Lord with a psalm and music (20:13–21). As they worshiped, the Lord responded to their prayers of deliverance by causing the enemy to turn upon one another. The place became known as the Valley of Beracah (blessing). The nations recognized that Israel’s God had given them the victory, and they feared Jehoshaphat so that Judah remained at peace (20:22–30).

While all the nation was gathered together, we see Jahaziel, a Levite, prophesy that the battle was the Lord’s (v15) and that they would not even have to fight in this battle. He would give them victory the following day.

And the LORD does what He promised. As the people and Jehoshaphat praised the LORD, the LORD turned the nations in this coalition against one another. When Judah came upon the battle field, all they had to do was collect the plunder of victory. The LORD fought for his people.

APPLICATION:

This is a great event for us to remember when we feel overwhelmed by the attacks of Satan. The battle belongs to the LORD.

Jahaziel, a Levite, prophesied that the battle was the Lord’s, and the Levites worshiped the Lord with a psalm and music (20:13–21). As they worshiped, the Lord responded to their prayers of deliverance by causing the enemy to turn upon one another. The place became known as the Valley of Beracah (blessing). The nations recognized that Israel’s God had given them the victory, and they feared Jehoshaphat so that Judah remained at peace (20:22–30).

Although Jehoshaphat acted righteously by removing pagan objects of worship, he failed the Lord later in his reign when he became an ally with Ahaziah, Ahab’s son (853–852 B.C.). Together they built a navy, but it never set sail from port. The Lord destroyed it as the prophet Eliezer predicted (20:31–37; ).

We do have one more negative thing said about Jehoshaphat. He made another alliance with Israel - with king Ahaziah (Ahab’s son). He didn’t learn from the alliance he made with Ahab. He built a fleet of ships with Ahaziah, and the LORD destroyed the ships as a punishment. His alliances with Israel were his greatest weakness.