Session 6 Leave a Legacy
Notes
Transcript
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Handout
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Intro
Intro
Jehoshaphat is obedient to the Davidic covenant and implements religious reforms. Thus he merits the blessings of the covenant. Perhaps chief among his religious policies is the renewing of the teaching of the Law.
This is a step beyond Asa’s religious reforms. The political resurgence begun with Omri in the north affects Judah in a practical way.
A summary of Jehoshaphat’s reign is given in 17:1–19. Jehoshaphat continues his predecessors’ policies of military preparedness. At the first, these are aimed against Israel. Jehoshaphat is obedient to the Davidic covenant and implements religious reforms. Thus he merits the blessings of the covenant. Perhaps chief among his religious policies is the renewing of the teaching of the Law. This is a step beyond Asa’s religious reforms. The political resurgence begun with Omri in the north affects Judah in a practical way. Judah’s share of the revived international power includes control over Philistia. In addition, new nomadic invaders, here called “Arabs” (v. 11), give allegiance to Jehoshaphat. The summary closes with further details of Jehoshaphat’s revived military effort.
Judah’s share of the revived international power includes control over Philistia.
In addition, new nomadic invaders, here called “Arabs” (v. 11), give allegiance to Jehoshaphat. The summary closes with further details of Jehoshaphat’s revived military effort.
Start with
1 Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his place and strengthened himself against Israel. 2 He placed forces in all the fortified cities of Judah and set garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim that Asa his father had captured. 3 The Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David. He did not seek the Baals, 4 but sought the God of his father and walked in his commandments, and not according to the practices of Israel. 5 Therefore the Lord established the kingdom in his hand. And all Judah brought tribute to Jehoshaphat, and he had great riches and honor. 6 His heart was courageous in the ways of the Lord. And furthermore, he took the high places and the Asherim out of Judah.
What one word sums up the behavior of Jehoshaphat here?
obedience
Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary Obedience
OBEDIENCE To hear God’s Word and act accordingly. The word translated “obey” in the OT means “to hear” and is often so translated. In the NT several words describe obedience. One word means “to hear or to listen in a state of submission.” Another NT word often translated “obey” means “to trust.”
The person’s obedient response to God’s Word is a response of trust or faith. Thus, to really hear God’s Word is to obey God’s Word (Exod. 19:5; Jer. 7:23).
The Bible views disobedience as a failure to hear and do God’s Word (Ps. 81:11).
11 “But my people did not listen to my voice;
Israel would not submit to me.
Psalm
The rituals of old required Israel to perform these as a Holy God cannot commune with the unholy.
They were set up as a temporary means of fellowship that were required if He was going to dwell among His people.
Today, He dwells among His people in the person of the Holy Spirit, and as such, we are to present our own bodies as the acceptable sacrifice ().
1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
God’s plan for our salvation is through knowing the person of Jesus Christ; and this can only become accomplished through developing a personal relationship with Him.
In order to do so, you must come to know Him intimately. After all, He knows you better than you know yourself. Isn’t it time you became obedient to holding up your end of the relationship?
As long as he continues in this attitude of faith in God and loyalty to the ways of David (vv. 3–6), his kingdom will enjoy security and prosperity. On later occasions, however, Jehoshaphat will be drawn into alliances through marriage or military and commercial arrangements with the northern kingdom, and all of these will lead to potentially disastrous consequences.
17:1–6 Jehoshaphat’s actions at the start of his reign are directed toward reforming the nation’s religious life and strengthening its military capabilities, no doubt in view of the border conflicts with the northern kingdom that marked the previous reigns. As long as he continues in this attitude of faith in God and loyalty to the ways of David (vv. 3–6), his kingdom will enjoy security and prosperity. On later occasions, however, Jehoshaphat will be drawn into alliances through marriage or military and commercial arrangements with the northern kingdom, and all of these will lead to potentially disastrous consequences.
17:1–2. When Jehoshaphat began his reign the tensions with the northern kingdom that had been evident during his father’s reign were still present. He made his position over Israel firm by fortifying the border cities that his father Asa had conquered. This was not necessarily a provocative act and did not signal an aggressive stance toward the northern kingdom.
b. He Devoted Himself to God (17:3–6)
17:3–6. Jehoshaphat began his reign by demonstrating his devotion to God. He followed the example of David’s earlier days (v. 3b; this seems an admission that David’s later days were less than exemplary; cf. 2Sm 11 and 12). Jehoshaphat did not seek the Baals (2Ch 17:3b), that is, he did not lapse into idolatry, as did so many of his fellow kings. He sought the God of his father (v. 4a)—once again, a main theme of the Chronicler. He obeyed the commandments of the Lord. He did not act as Israel did (v. 4b)—that is, he did not follow the idolatry of Jeroboam I. He took great pride in the ways of the Lord (v. 6a), that is, he openly and sincerely served the Lord and sought to obey Him. Finally, he removed the high places and the Asherim (Canaanite female fertility goddesses, v. 6b), that is, he continued and expanded the reforms begun under his father Asa (cf. 15:16–17) by demolishing the places of pagan worship in Judah. Clearly, the Chronicler intended his readers to see in Jehoshaphat a list of acts of devotion that exemplify the best of the Davidic line.
For all this the Lord was with Jehoshaphat (17:3a), and the Lord established the kingdom in his control (v. 5a). This blessing was made tangible in that the nation brought tribute to Jehoshaphat (v. 5b)—not only honor but also great riches.
17:3–4 The Chronicler’s characteristic theme of “seeking God” is accompanied by obedience to God’s commandments. This is the first mention of the Baals in Chronicles. Under Ahab and his Tyrean wife Jezebel (contemporaries of Jehoshaphat), the northern kingdom adopted Canaanite Baal worship (), leading to conflict with Elijah.
31 And as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, he took for his wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and went and served Baal and worshiped him.
17:6 Reform of worship is characteristic of faithful kings in Chronicles (see 14:3, 5; 15:8; 34:4).
Move to
7 In the third year of his reign he sent his officials, Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah; 8 and with them the Levites, Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tobadonijah; and with these Levites, the priests Elishama and Jehoram. 9 And they taught in Judah, having the Book of the Law of the Lord with them. They went about through all the cities of Judah and taught among the people.
Jehoshaphat’s reforms were not limited to worship but also included a mission by his officials, along with a number of Levites and priests, to instruct the nation in the Law of Moses.
What is “The Book of the Law”?
likely the first five books, or the Pentateuch. At the very least Deuteronomy
It was God’s intention from Israel’s beginning that his people be thoroughly conversant with the law (see ).
6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
a. Jehoshaphat’s “Spiritual” Administration (17:7–9)
He understood that while military might had its place, there was no substitute for obedience to the Lord if the nation was to enjoy security and prosperity.
This mission was intended to serve the people who could not make regular visits to the temple but still needed instruction in the Word of God.
What application can we draw from these two verses?
V. 9. And they taught, &c.—And these itinerant judges and itinerant preachers together, Mr. Henry observes were instrumental to diffuse a blessed light throughout the cities of Judah.
Finish with
10 And the fear of the Lord fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were around Judah, and they made no war against Jehoshaphat. 11 Some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents and silver for tribute, and the Arabians also brought him 7,700 rams and 7,700 goats. 12 And Jehoshaphat grew steadily greater. He built in Judah fortresses and store cities, 13 and he had large supplies in the cities of Judah. He had soldiers, mighty men of valor, in Jerusalem.
2 Chronicles 17:10-13
What about verse 10, the “Fear of the Lord”?
27 I will send my terror before you and will throw into confusion all the people against whom you shall come, and I will make all your enemies turn their backs to you.
29 And the fear of God came on all the kingdoms of the countries when they heard that the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel.
2
Jehoshaphat’s godly leadership prospered Judah, and the nations brought him tribute in an effort to forestall military conflict (v. 10b).
17:10–19. Jehoshaphat also continued to secure the nation militarily. Because he prospered under the Lord’s establishment of his kingdom (cf. v. 5a) the dread of the Lord (v. 10a) was upon the surrounding nations. Jehoshaphat’s godly leadership prospered Judah, and the nations brought him tribute in an effort to forestall military conflict (v. 10b). The Philistines on the west brought the monetary wealth from their sea trading (v. 11a) and the Arabians on the east brought the wealth of livestock they had gained through the caravan trade on the eastern side of the Jordan River (v. 11b). This wealth served to make Jehoshaphat even stronger, and with it he built fortresses and store cities (v. 12) and a formidable, well-equipped army (vv. 13–19).
This economic and political stability will in turn allow for further military strengthening, building projects and governmental expansion (vv. 12–19). Arabs. Likely seminomadic tribes in the desert regions to the south of the Judahite Negev and portions of the Sinaitic and (perhaps) Arabian peninsulas.
17:11 gifts and silver as tribute … flocks. This tribute, together with statements of military fortifications (vv. 13, 19), makes it clear that the southern kingdom now controls the caravan routes across the Arabah and Negev and on to the Coastal Highway (see note on 2Ki 23:29), providing a lucrative source of tax and tribute income for Jehoshaphat’s administration. This economic and political stability will in turn allow for further military strengthening, building projects and governmental expansion (vv. 12–19). Arabs. Likely seminomadic tribes in the desert regions to the south of the Judahite Negev and portions of the Sinaitic and (perhaps) Arabian peninsulas.
The blessings of peace with the neighboring nations, and tribute from them, are presented as a consequence of the people’s faithfulness to the law.
Preview of the fall
Preview of the fall
Large armies are regularly a sign of God’s blessing in Chronicles, but the author will show that they are no certain defense if priorities are wrong and faith is misplaced (cf. ). The details seem to be drawn from a military census list.
16 The king is not saved by his great army;
a warrior is not delivered by his great strength.
17 The war horse is a false hope for salvation,
and by its great might it cannot rescue.
18 Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him,
on those who hope in his steadfast love,
19 that he may deliver their soul from death
and keep them alive in famine.
Application and Self-Reflection
Application and Self-Reflection
We effect the next generation one way or another
If you were gone from this earth today, what would be your legacy?
If you were gone from this earth today, what would be your legacy?