2 Chronicles 17-20
Jumping Jehoshaphat

We should trust in God because any other alternative is nothing. If you put men of high or low degree (important or unsavory) in a scale they are nothing. True power belongs to God, not in oppression nor wealth (which also flies up and away). God is not only the source of true power, but of hesed, the covenantal loyalty to those who are in an exclusive relationship with Him. He demonstrates loyalty to His promises by rewarding each according to his/her work.

Kings are like lions: they're great to have on your side if they like you; but if they don't, you're dead. You probably don't have a king to manage, but a boss. A wise person learns how to manage and fulfill the expectations of their boss. The wise work objective is to work heartily, serving the needs of their boss and company, to please them and God (Colossians 3:22-25). Honesty is the best policy, although truth-speaking might get you in trouble if not combined with discretion (“Why are you saying what you're saying; what objective will it accomplish?”). The fool who only works to boost their sagging self-esteem at the expense of others, will soon find themselves to be cat-food.

Asa's son, Jehoshaphat, became exceedingly great, and had riches and honor in abundance. His secret? God was with him. Why was God with him? Because he obeyed God and did what God wanted. Not just once, but Jehoshaphat walked (as in every day) in the commandments of God. He learned them, and obeyed them, and then helped others do the same. As king, he strengthened the nation militarily by building physical defenses, and built them up spiritually as well, so the people wouldn't do the things that brought God's wrath upon them.

Jehoshaphat not only removed the high places and idols, but revived the people by sending out teachers of the law, both princes and priests, to teach them. No revival can be sustained that isn't based upon an accurate understanding of and commitment to God's word.

God responds with not only peace, but tribute form former enemies.

This chapter is very similar to 1Kg 22, see more observations there. Jehoshaphat's son married the daughter of Ahab, one of the most evil kings of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. There should have been no alliance between them. Perhaps Jehoshaphat started desiring the acceptance and honor of men, more than that of Yahweh. Jehoshaphat ignores the warning of the one true prophet of Yahweh, and follows the 400 lying prophets instead. If someone inquires of Yahweh, they should obey what He reveals.

Jehoshaphat foolishly follows Ahab's scheme of disguise, but God rescues Jehoshaphat when he calls out to Him. 1Kg 22 doesn't mention that when Jehoshaphat cried out, “Yahweh helped him; and God moved them to depart from him” (18:31). However, there were still negative consequences for his folly (next chapter).

Jehoshaphat gets his life spared after his folly with Ahab in the previous chapter, but gets met by a prophet with a message of wrath from Yahweh for helping the wicked. Apparently, random acts of kindness don't please God; discernment is always needed. If the individual is forsaking God, then God has forsaken them. It's their choice, and God's sovereign consequence attached to the choice. God's displeasure was tempered by Jehoshaphat's monotheistic devotion to Him.

Jehoshaphat seeks to reinstate Yahweh worship and the rule of Yahweh's law, even from Beersheba in the south, to the hill country of Ephraim in the north. He sets up judges to manifest God's justice, warning them to warn the people to live justly so God's wrath would not come upon the nation.

Faced with an insurmountable problem of imminent destruction, Jehoshaphat and the people fast and seek Yahweh.

Jehoshaphat provides a model prayer based upon God's revelation and promises, echoing Solomon's dedication of the temple. He reminds himself who God is, and what He's done, and promised. Then he casually mentions that their problem exists because God didn't allow them to invade Ammon and Moab, and that it is unjust to be attacked by them. It's always good to give God reasons to answer a plea for help, especially noting that He is the only hope of salvation, and they are trusting in Him to come through for them.

 God answers the battle isn't theirs, but His. All they have to do is set, stand, and see the salvation of Yahweh, which required faithfully trusting God.

Despite Jehoshaphat's example, efforts and victories, the people didn't set their hearts after God, and apparently rebuilt the high places he had destroyed earlier in his reign. Jehoshaphat didn't depart from orthodox worship, but did repeat his folly of aligning himself with apostate Israel, this time in a business venture. God sends a prophet to make it clear that He was destroying the works which weren't His will. Sigh.