why did jehoshaphat ally himself with ahab

We may request cookies to be set on your device. The partnership between godly Jehoshaphat and wicked Ahab was repulsive to God. However, because this was an aberration from Jehoshaphat's usual stance of faith and obedience, the LORD did not punish Jehoshaphat. Thankfully, Jehoshaphat repented and returned to his true love: God. This city "was strategic in controlling the eastern caravan route" (Layman's Bible Book Commentary, Volume 6). 29 Ahab said to Jehoshaphat, As we go into battle, I will disguise myself, but you wear your royal garments. So the king of Israel went into battle in disguise. This was a dramatic scene. (2022, May 16). c. With these you shall gore the Syrians until they are destroyed: Zedekiah used a familiar tool of ancient prophets the object lesson. (see 2 Chronicles 19). 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. You have removed all the symbols of the goddess Asherah which people worshiped, and you have tried to follow God's will., 4 Even though King Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem, he traveled regularly among the people, from Beersheba in the south to the edge of the hill country of Ephraim in the north, in order to call the people back to the Lord, the God of their ancestors. Men may secrete themselves so that other men may never find them; but when the hour of their judgment has come, God takes hold on some ordinary event and makes it the highway on which He comes to carry out His purpose. He was a good king but with the weakness of wanting to be friends with Ahab. Because this king had God's interests at heart, for the most part, his reign was prosperous. Ahab, the king of the northern kingdom of Israel, was an evil king who, through the influence of his wife Jezebel, spread pagan practices and Baal worship. 7 Honor the Lord and act carefully, because the Lord our God does not tolerate fraud or partiality or the taking of bribes., 8 In Jerusalem Jehoshaphat appointed Levites, priests, and some of the leading citizens as judges in cases involving a violation of the Law of the Lord or legal disputes between inhabitants of the city. He appointed judges that would hear cases among the people. But their joint ventures would not prosper, since God does not generally bless such dealings (compare 2 Chronicles 20:35-37). How many times do I have to tell you that?, 16 Micaiah answered, I can see the army of Israel scattered over the hills like sheep without a shepherd. 2 A prophet, Jehu son of Hanani, went to meet the king and said to him, Do you think it is right to help those who are wicked and to take the side of those who hate the Lord? With whom did Jehoshaphat ally himself with by marriage? Learn Religions, May. These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features. Paul says about this, Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. The people enjoyed a great measure of prosperity and the blessing of God under Jehoshaphat. Jehoshaphat himself stepped before the congregated crowd and fervently implored Gd for help in this hour of distress, for the sake of His own glory and the salvation of His people. i. 1) Jehoshaphat the faithful. First, Jehoshaphat just went and visited Ahab. Who was King Ahaziah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Click to enable/disable _gid - Google Analytics Cookie. He was devoted to God in his heart and his actions. The LORD has put a lying spirit in the mouth of these prophets of yours, and the LORD has declared disaster against you.. These are all tokens of Gods blessing in this context. Scripture tells us to exercise discernment, especially with those in whom we place our trust. A bold and faithful follower of Yahweh, Jehoshaphat consulted God's prophets before making decisions and credited God for every victory. According to tradition, Jehoshaphat was buried in a magnificent manner to mimic the actions of King David. The Lord will give you victory., 15 But Ahab replied, When you speak to me in the name of the Lord, tell the truth! 1. Let's go over some of the things he did. It is more difficult to explain why Jehoshaphat agreed to go into the battle as the only clearly identified king. Romans 1-8: Word Biblical Commentary [WBC] Retail: $52.99. Pingback: Joining Forces with Ahab - CRIES from among US! 25 Then King Ahab ordered one of his officers, Arrest Micaiah and take him to Amon, the governor of the city, and to Prince Joash. i. Ahab summoned 400 of his prophets, all of whom, unsurprisingly, foretold victory. After Jehus rebuke, Jehoshaphat got back on track. Carmel, and he killed all the prophets of Baal. There were even thrones for high officials to sit on at the gates of the city of Samaria. Though disguised, Ahab is killed and Israel is defeated. Since he knew his words were true, it was fitting for him to cry out as they dragged him back to prison, Take heed, all you people!. He had a total of more than 1.1 million fighting men in his core force, in addition to those he had placed in different areas (see 2 Chronicles 17:14-19). i. Trapp described this gathering of prophets as, An ecumenical council.. 2 Chronicles 20:35 Later, Jehoshaphat king of Judah made an alliance King Jehoshaphat led a mostly prosperous life. Jehoshaphat and Peer Pressure - Part 2 - Shepherd Press God did it, says the man of faith. (Morgan), iii. He prioritized the worship of Yahweh, the true God of Israel. A Divine message reached the king and people through Jehaziel, a Levite, upon whom the spirit of Gd had descended. We should stay true to God. . . The world will draw you in: And, when you waver, it will pressure you to conform (like Ahab bringing out 400 prophets to 1). His mother was Azubah, the daughter of Shilhi. This article is part of our People from the Bible Series featuring the most well-known historical names and figures from Scripture. Please click here to learn how. God, however, made it very clear that He was with Elijah, and that He would protect him from the king's evil devices (2:10-15). Considering Jehoshaphat lived for a long time, according to the standards of his day, this meant that God really wanted him to rule for a long period of time. When battle is joined, Ahab's plan seems to work. Jehoram did evil in God's sight, but not to the extent that his father Ahab had, as he did put away his father's sacred pillar of Baal (verses 2-3). To honor Jehoshaphat and those with him, Ahab had a large number of sheep and cattle slaughtered for a feast. Ahab pretended herein to honour Jehoshaphat, but intended to save himself, and to elude Micaiahs prophecy. (Trapp). 10 One of them, Zedekiah son of Chenaanah, made iron horns and said to Ahab, This is what the Lord says, With these you will fight the Syrians and totally defeat them. 11 All the other prophets said the same thing. 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. For all the good that Jehoshaphat did, one sore thumb that stands out is his alliances with the house of Ahab in Israel. But first, Jehoshaphat wanted to inquire of the Lord 18:4. Joel 3:2: I will gatherall nationsand bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. It may be that Jehoshaphat had a fatalistic attitude towards the will of God, figuring that if it all was Gods will then there was nothing he or anyone else could do about it. 26 Tell them to throw him in prison and to put him on bread and water until I return safely., 27 If you return safely, Micaiah exclaimed, then the Lord has not spoken through me! And he added, Listen, everyone, to what I have said!. We can be certain that every eye was on Zedekiah when he used the horns of iron to powerfully illustrate the point. Romans 12:19-21, A true test of character: How you treat those weaker than you, Come to Jesus and find rest. In fact, Jehoshaphat was so blessed that aside from different nations or groups bringing tribute to him, he built citadels and storehouses in Judah, signifying much abundance. How Can I Recognize and Understand the Holy Spirit Better? 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. 2 A number of years later Jehoshaphat went to the city of Samaria to visit Ahab. He attempts to make peace with the northern kingdom of Israel but ends up getting tangled in some bad friendships along the way. Why did God use a lying spirit do deceive Ahab : r/Christianity - Reddit Jehoshaphat's Compromise, 2 Chr 17-20 - Bible Believers Baptist Church 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. But Jehoshaphat also made some bad decisions. Who Is Jehoshaphat in the Bible? - Learn Religions Jehosaphat being a spiritual man wanted to know the will of God, concerning their going to Ramoth Gilead. He sometimes followed the world's ways, such as making alliances with questionable neighbors. . a. To pry into the future King Ahab religiously consulted his false prophets, about four hundred of them. Ahab was killed by an enemy arrow. But wait, it gets worse. He blew a trumpet as they carried the ark of God toward the city. Jehoshaphat's Compromise 2-Chr. Mindful of the fact that Judah was bordered by Moab, Ammon, and Israelall hostilehe knew he needed a strong and well-positioned military. Only by divine intervention was one saved 2 Chronicles 22:10-12. Previous kings had sought the help of foreign gods such as Baal. b. So the king of Israel disguised himself, and they went into battle. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site. Despite his misgivings(?) (see 2 Chronicles 19). Secondly, Jehoshaphat teaches us the importance of breaking the familial cycle of mistakes. We will join you. 4 Then he added, But first let's consult the Lord., 5 So Ahab called in the prophets, about four hundred of them, and asked them, Should I go and attack Ramoth, or not?, Attack it, they answered. Put this fellow in prison: King Ahab responded the way many tyrants do when they are confronted with the truth. All rights reserved. Yet so it was. (Morgan), ii. We see a prophet in rags and chains stand before two kings, ready to speak on behalf of the LORD. Jehoshaphat solidified peace between Israel and Judah. B. This he construed into personal hatred. For the battle is not yours, but Gods." "Evil communications corrupt good manners."*. Ahab had wanted to restore back what materially belonged to them but spiritually he . Then Ahab persuades Jehoshaphat to go into battle dressed in his royal robes, whilst Ahab disguises himself so he cannot be recognised in battle (vv. Jehoshaphat also established a strong justice system. He worked to remove the "high places" of worship, did not participate in any Baal worship, and cut down the Asherahs, which were worshipped in various places. Who had not rather be a Micaiah in the jail than Ahab in the chariot? Handling problems in Christian relationships, Letters to the Seven Churches in Revelation, Paul to the Thessalonians. Will you go with me against Ramoth Gilead? 3 But even so, there is some good in you. A victorious military leader, He was honored and made wealthy from tribute. Fight with no one small or great, but only with the king of Israel: Ahabs previous mercy to Ben-Hadad (1 Kings 20:31-34) did not win any lasting favor with the rulers of Syria. Ahab asks him if he would go with him to take the city of Ramoth in Gilead from Syria. Jehoshaphat made a bad alliance with King Ahab, one of the most wicked kings in Israels history. (NIV), 2 Chronicles 20:15He said: Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! He made his son, Jehoram, marry Ahab's daughter. This chapter lists King Davids bodyguards, a variant form of the name Jehoshaphat within the mix. You will remember him from the stories of Elijah. The Lord will give you victory., 12 Meanwhile, the official who had gone to get Micaiah said to him, All the other prophets have prophesied success for the king, and you had better do the same., 13 But Micaiah answered, By the living Lord I will say what my God tells me to!, 14 When he appeared before King Ahab, the king asked him, Micaiah, should King Jehoshaphat and I go and attack Ramoth, or not?, Attack! Micaiah answered. King Jehoshaphat comes to Samaria to visit with Ahab. Nevertheless, King Jehoshaphat has one moral weakness, similar to his father who came before him. Jehoshaphat in the Bible was the fourth king of Judah. Check to enable permanent hiding of message bar and refuse all cookies if you do not opt in. He was a weak man, the tool of a crafty, unscrupulous, and cruel woman: and some of the worst crimes that have ever been committed have been wrought by weak men, at the instigation of worse but stronger spirits than themselves. (Meyer), After some years he went down to visit Ahab in Samaria; and Ahab killed sheep and oxen in abundance for him and the people who were with him, and persuaded him to go up with him to Ramoth Gilead. 2 A few years later he went to Samaria to visit Ahab, who prepared a great banquet for him and his officials. An Unholy Alliance. Jehoshaphat in the Bible was the fourth king of Judah. Jehoshaphat - New World Encyclopedia Following that disaster, Jehoshaphat appointed judges throughout Judah to deal fairly with the people's disputes. Elijah had just confronted this Baal worship in the northern kingdom of Israel on Mt. But Jehoshaphat want to know if there is another prophet. Jehoshaphat - Wikipedia When Micaiah said this, his tone was probably mocking and sarcastic. During Jehoram's reign, Edom successfully revolted against Judah (2 Kings 8:20-22; 2 Chronicles 21:8-10). Jehoshaphat Righteous King - Amazing Bible Timeline Save: $14.00 (70%) Buy Now. You can check these in your browser security settings. Consistent dependence on God is the only way to succeed. He was 35 years old when he sat as king and reigned for 25 years until his death at age 60. God brought Judgement on Ahab; he would not listen to Elijah and was bent on his evil ways. At age 35,Jehoshaphat succeeded his father, Asa, who was the first good king over Judah. Ahab and his wife, Queen Jezebel, had well-deserved reputations for wickedness. For God had previously caused the "fear of the Lord [to fall] over all the surrounding kingdoms so that none of them wanted to declare war on Jehoshaphat" (2 Chron. It just happened, says the man of the world. So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramoth Gilead. Jehoram marries Athaliah the daughter of King Ahab and Jezebel The Lord has made these prophets of yours lie to you. Michelangelo's 'Asa-Jehoshaphat-Joram.' . . But he himself has decreed that you will meet with disaster!, 23 Then the prophet Zedekiah went up to Micaiah, slapped his face, and asked, Since when did the Lord's spirit leave me and speak to you?. He required these judges to be just, impartial, and take no bribes, for they "do not judge according to man but the Lord" (see 2 Chronicles 19:4-10). Please inquire for the word of the LORD today: Considering the generally adversarial relationship between Ahab and the prophets of Yahweh, this was a bold request of Jehoshaphat to ask of Ahab. King Jehoshaphat of Judah - Biography - VTAide "Who Is Jehoshaphat in the Bible?" d. I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets: Apparently, one of the fallen angels volunteered for this task. Thats old? Indeed, in ancient times, life expectancies didnt really exceed much beyond the age of 50. 3 He asked, Will you go with me to attack Ramoth?, Jehoshaphat replied, I am ready when you are, and so is my army. Well quote each of the verses below. So Ahab brings out . Jehoshaphat may have needed a lesson on how to make smart political alliances. Week 39. At sunset he died. Perhaps some hesitation on his part? Will the actions of orthodox Anglicans be as strong as their words post-Kigali? 1 Chronicles 11:43:Hanan son of Maakah, Joshaphat the Mithnite.. The Bible presents to us various rulers and persons of authority, and all of them serve as examples of what Godly and ungodly leadership produces. i. Using traveling teachers, he educated the people on God's laws. This strategy of the Syrian army made Ahabs counterstrategy of disguising himself in battle seem very wise. To enjoy our website, you'll need to enable JavaScript in your web browser. Zavada, Jack. Yet in chapter 18, we find that Jehoshaphat enters into a partnership with him. God looked with favor on Jehoshaphat, strengthening his kingdom and making him wealthy. Micaiah assured him that he would simply repeat what God said to him. Ahab determined that he should take the city of Ramoth-Gilead back from the Syrians. May their lives and walks with God strengthen your faith and encourage your soul. Daniel 3, The Parable of the Vineyard Tenants. He was willing to be judged by whether his prophecy came to pass or not. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? King Jehoshaphat in the Bible - Lessons from His Story - Crosswalk.com He made an alliance with marriage with Ahab, 18:2 plus after several years went down to visit Ahab in Samaria. When choices come along, you may want to keep your commitment to God, but you have to act in a way that works for the unbeliever as well. Jehoshaphat then asked if there was not a prophet of the Lord to . 11 Amariah the High Priest will have final authority in all religious cases, and Zebadiah son of Ishmael, governor of Judah, will have final authority in all civil cases. What he didnt consider was that though Micaiah prophesied evil towards Ahab, he prophesied truth. He said, "I am as you are, and my people as your people; we will join you in the war.". King Jehu and the House of Ahab - Woodland Hills Church of Christ King Ahab of Israel asked King Jehoshaphat of Judah to help him in this dispute against Syria. May we learn from Jehoshaphat, so that we will not make the same mistakes. 28-29). . The alliance is - in my opinion - an example of Jehoshapat trying t. 2 Kings 1 - After the death of Ahab, Moab rebelled against Israel. Now God's wrath in response to Jehoshaphat's unequal alliance with Ahab seems to be the connection. . Finally, Jehoshaphat shows us that God can start new parts of his plan for our lives at any time. Jehoshaphat did not carry a rebuke in his heart toward the wrong that was in Ahab, a man who had sold himself to do evil in the sight of God. After all, bad company corrupts good morals (1 Corinthians 15:33). But the Valley of Jehoshaphat does seem to be a judgment stomping ground for the enemies of Gods people. Therefore please let your word be like the word of one of them, and speak encouragement. And Micaiah said, As the LORD lives, whatever my God says, that I will speak. Then he came to the king; and the king said to him, Micaiah, shall we go to war against Ramoth Gilead, or shall I refrain? And he said, Go and prosper, and they shall be delivered into your hand! So the king said to him, How many times shall I make you swear that you tell me nothing but the truth in the name of the LORD?. God brought Judgement on Pharaoh by outright hardening his heart, so that God could multiply His miracles and signs throughout Egypt. Jehoshaphat did so because he did not want to offend Ahab. Like Jehu told Jehoshaphat about his seeking an alliance with Ahab, he should not love those who hate the Lord. He was not satisfied with what God had given him, but was longing for something else among the nations around him. 5 He appointed judges in each of the fortified cities of Judah 6 and instructed them: Be careful in pronouncing judgment; you are not acting on human authority, but on the authority of the Lord, and he is with you when you pass sentence. a. 2 Chronicles 18:1-3 "Now Jehoshaphat had great riches and honor; and he allied himself by marriage with Ahab." IT WAS THIS ALLIANCE That got Jehoshaphat into a battle that nearly got him . After King Ahaziah's death (1:18), his brother Jehoram (called Joram in 8:25), another son of evil King Ahab, became king over Israel since Ahaziah himself had no son (1:17; 3:1). A number of priests move the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, including another Jehoshaphat. (29) Jehoshaphat and Ahab go into battle. 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. Jehu - New World Encyclopedia But he did not do all that he should have, as he did not remove all the high places from Judah (2 Chronicles 20:33). That brought further stability to his kingdom. Soon after this, Moab, Ammon and Edom declared war against Jehoshaphat. b. King Jehoshaphat instituted another round of reforms . I'm wounded! he cried out to his chariot driver. This is what he should have been doing all along, instead of going to be with Ahab. He is Micaiah the son of Imla. 1 Kings 16:15-20 describes how Ahab's father, Omri, was the Israelite army's commander, who rebelled against the . We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website. God wanted to bring judgment against Ahab, so He asked this group of the host of heaven for a volunteer to lead Ahab into battle. We will focus on 2 Chronicles 18. . Now when Jehoshaphat learned a great army has come against him ( 2 Chronicles 20:1-2 ), he immediately realized three things. It will use peer pressure to make you stay in line. He walked in Gods ways The Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David. 400 prophets predict that they should go out to war for they will be successful. But we also know that only some good kings came from the Kingdom of Judah, Jehoshaphat being one of them. Let each return to his house in peace. And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell you he would not prophesy good concerning me, but evil?. This is significant if we compare this with how many other Israelite kings passed away. 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. According to 1 Kings 16:30, 33, Ahab was worse than all of the kings of Israel that . God gave the evil spirit permission to entice Ahab, and the evil spirit . Not only that, but Ahab decides that he can get around all of this by dressing Jehoshaphat up in his robes and putting him at the front and disguising himself as a soldier. Unsurprisingly, Ahab throws Micaiah in prison on bread and water rations. But I hate him because he never prophesies anything good for me; it's always something bad.. 42 Jehoshaphat was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-five years. This might have daunted the good prophet, but that he had lately seen the Lord sitting upon His throne with all the host of heaven standing by Him, and hence he so boldly looked in the face these two kings in their majesty; for he beheld them as so many mice. (Trapp). 1992 American Bible Society. Click to enable/disable Google Analytics tracking. More importantly, he undid the pagan rituals and monuments other kings who came before him had practiced and worshipped. God straight up used that man for His own Glory. Bible Reading Plans - Bible in 90 Days - NIV - April 27, 2023 Jehoshaphat prayed to God, and the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel, who prophesied that the battle was the Lord's. i. Jehoshaphat immediately agreed to go, but asked that they first inquire of the Lord. Thankfully, Jehoshaphat repented and returned to his true love: God. battle. Jehu says, Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord? 19:2. When Jehoshaphat took office, about 873 BC, he immediately began to abolish the idol worship that had consumed the land. Such arranged dynastic marriages were quite common in those days. . Jehoshaphat established for his kingdom a very strong fighting force, reaching astounding numbers of fighting men. To solidify devotion to God, Jehoshaphat sent prophets, priests, and Levites throughout the country to teach people God's laws. After all it was 400 to 1! He certainly did not walk in Gods ways. 12, 14-19). It forced him to comprise his faithfulness to God being away from his job of leading Judah, helping the wicked; participating in the persecution of a true prophet Micaiah. But if you do your duty, you will not be guilty. 1 kings - Why did Jehoshaphat go to Ramoth-gilead? - Biblical Despite the riches, fame, and military might that he possessed, Jehoshaphat had a humble heart that kept inquiring of the Lord for any detail of his life and that's what makes him a really great king (see 2 Chronicles 17:3-6). God's people needed three days to carry off the plunder. Jehoshaphat - Chabad.org Despite his earlier experience with Ahab, Jehoshaphat entered into another alliance with Israel, through Ahab's son, evil King Ahaziah. Jehoshaphat and Ahab. They butchered great numbers of sheep, goats, and cattle for the feast. What you have done has brought the Lord's anger on you. Now Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah had made horns of iron for himself; and he said, Thus says the LORD: With these you shall gore the Syrians until they are destroyed. And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, Go up to Ramoth Gilead and prosper, for the LORD will deliver it into the kings hand.. He also had a lot of property. The Levites have the responsibility of seeing that the decisions of the courts are carried out. How to Have Joy in Your Golden Years Despite These 10 Life 4 Things You May Not Know About Abraham in the Bible, 20 Facts You May Not Know About Moses from the Bible, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. He drove out the male cult prostitutes and destroyed the Asherah poles where the people had worshiped false gods. Not even his vast army is a match for the joint forces of the invaders. Enduring Word Bible Commentary 2 Chronicles Chapter 18 Generally speaking, Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, walked in the way of God. Instead, Jehoshaphat removes places of worship to foreign gods such as Asherah poles, and he fortifies Israels defenses against their enemies.

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