why did jehoshaphat ally himself with ahab

Jehoshaphat had riches and honor in abundance; and by marriage he allied himself with Ahab. For the battle is not yours, but Gods." i. (29) Jehoshaphat and Ahab go into battle. Jehoshaphat (2): Jehoshaphat's Alliances | Believer's Magazine Hope Bolingeris an acquisitions editor at End Game Press, and the author 21+ books. Daniel 3, The Parable of the Vineyard Tenants. 2 A number of years later Jehoshaphat went to the city of Samaria to visit Ahab. He accomplishes a great deal in the last 25 years of his life, ushering Israel into a time of prosperity and military fortitude. According to 1 Kings 16:30, 33, Ahab was worse than all of the kings of Israel that . During Jehoram's reign, Edom successfully revolted against Judah (2 Kings 8:20-22; 2 Chronicles 21:8-10). Then a spirit came forward and stood before the LORD, and said, I will persuade him. The LORD said to him, In what way? So he said, I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And the Lord said, You shall persuade him and also prevail; go out and do so. Therefore look! Consistent dependence on God is the only way to succeed. Click to enable/disable essential site cookies. We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. At age 35,Jehoshaphat succeeded his father, Asa, who was the first good king over Judah. More than 1400 of her works have been featured in various publications. . He campaigned against idolatry and the renewed worship of the One True God. The Levites have the responsibility of seeing that the decisions of the courts are carried out. 1 When King Jehoshaphat of Judah became rich and famous, he arranged a marriage between a member of his family and the family of King Ahab of Israel. Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. Lets explore some of these verses. Or what fellowship has light with darkness? They had a great party with lots of food. There were even thrones for high officials to sit on at the gates of the city of Samaria. and it begins well in chapter 17. We need to learn this. The Lord will give you victory., 15 But Ahab replied, When you speak to me in the name of the Lord, tell the truth! 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. But wait, it gets worse. Ahab induced or enticed him to form a league with him to retake a disputed city in northern Israel Ramoth-gilead. Yet he was willing to listen to the king of Judah when he advised that Ahab should listen to the prophet Micaiah. The Lord has made these prophets of yours lie to you. Sermon Notes on Jehoshaphat's battle in 2 Chronicles 20:1-30 | The Art Although Jehoshaphat didnt die from the friendship, he made a massive mistake by trusting the wrong person. A Chronological Daily Bible Study of the Old Testament 7-Day Sections with a Summary-Commentary, Discussion Questions, and a Practical Daily Application. 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. To solidify devotion to God, Jehoshaphat sent prophets, priests, and Levites throughout the country to teach people God's laws. We will see what we can learn from this. Zavada, Jack. b. Jehosaphat being a spiritual man wanted to know the will of God, concerning their going to Ramoth Gilead. Of course, there may be some business arrangements where such matters would never be at issue. Bible text from the Good News Translation (GNT) is not to be reproduced in copies or otherwise by any means except as permitted in writing by American Bible Society, 101 North Independence Mall East, Floor 8, Philadelphia, PA 19106-2155 (www.americanbible.org). Did Ahab mislead Jehoshaphat in 1 Kings 22:29? . His heart was courageous in the ways of the Lord" - 2 Chronicles 17:3-6. God brought Judgement on Ahab; he would not listen to Elijah and was bent on his evil ways. Some other examples include a recorder for both king David and Solomon (2 Samuel 8:16) and a purveyor for Solomon (1 Kings 4:17). Probably this man already had shot many arrows, and he went on in his simplicity, little knowing that this particular arrow was to be guided through all the confusion straight to its mark by the unerring knowledge and power of God. He left Jerusalem, his proper responsibilities as Gods regent and went to be with Ahab. 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. He says that Jehoshaphat strengthened his kingdom and became more powerful than his predecessors. He introduced the worship of completely new, pagan gods. 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!. Jehoshaphat came onto the scene after this. But their joint ventures would not prosper, since God does not generally bless such dealings (compare 2 Chronicles 20:35-37). Jehoshaphat still wanted to hear from a prophet of Yahweh, the LORD (Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here, that we may inquire of Him?). We know of many good kings of Israel because we name our children after them: David, Josiah, Jedidiah (Solomon). It wasnt surprising that Ahab picked prophets who would tell them what they wanted to hear. Then he said, I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd. "Evil communications corrupt good manners."*. Ahab was greatly influenced towards wickedness by his Phoenician wife Jezebel. He led the people to be faithful as well (like his father Asa). . First, Jehoshaphat allied himself with Ahab by taking Ahab's daughter . God orchestrated the unintended actions of man to result in an exercise of His judgment. i. God intervened to help him. But if you do your duty, you will not be guilty. 30 The king of Syria had ordered his chariot commanders to attack no one else except the king of Israel. 8 So King Ahab called in a court official and told him to go and get Micaiah at once. Ahab is basically threatening God here with consequences. Click to enable/disable _ga - Google Analytics Cookie. Luke 2:40-52, How to overcome evil with good. 16 In the fifth year of Joram son of Ahab king of Israel, when Jehoshaphat was king of Judah, Jehoram son of Jehoshaphat began his reign as king of Judah. 2 Kings 1 - After the death of Ahab, Moab rebelled against Israel. Now He was rescued on the battlefield and was allowed to continue as king. 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. i. Dramas of this kind were a typical method of prophetic revelation (cf. Jehoshaphat goes forward with the plan. Who was King Ahaziah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org You will remember him from the stories of Elijah. 43 Jehoshaphat was a You will succeed., 22 And Micaiah concluded: This is what has happened. Believers and unbelievers have different values and commitments. The wisest strategy for the protection of his kingdom was obedience instead of compromise with the ungodly King Ahab of Israel and his wife, Queen Jezebel. This reminds us, sadly, that we reap what we sow. Who Is Jehoshaphat in the Bible? - Learn Religions Jehoshaphat was the fourth king of the southern kingdom of Judah, the son of Asa, of the line of David. a. battle. A number of priests move the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, including another Jehoshaphat. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain. On His right hand and His left: Since the right hand was the place of favor, this may indicate that God spoke to the combined host of heaven, both faithful and fallen angelic beings. Ahab determined that he should take the city of Ramoth-Gilead back from the Syrians. During most of Jehoshaphat's reign, Ahab was ruling Israel. Only through the intervention of God did Jehoshaphat escape. This was in fulfillment of what Isaac foretold many centuries before (Genesis 27:39,40). He walked in Gods ways The Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David. . Go up, for God will deliver it into the kings hand: When Ahab gathered the prophets, they were not faithful prophets of the LORD. Ahab and his wife, Queen Jezebel, had well-deserved reputations for wickedness. Sunday (2 Chronicles 18-23) Jehosophat Allies because Ahab. 21 The spirit replied, I will go and make all of Ahab's prophets tell lies. The Lord said, Go and deceive him. Jehoshaphat Allies With Ahaziah (2 Chronicles 20:34-37; 1 Kings 22:45 B. But any that are considered must be given close scrutiny without glossing over potential difficulties. King Ahab & King Jehoshaphat - TNCC | The New Covenant Church Ahaziah became sick, and rather than establishing a relationship with the true God and placing his trust in Him, he attempted to inquire of the pagan god Baal-Zebub whether he would live or die. 2 Chronicles 18 NLT - Jehoshaphat and Ahab - Bible Gateway Luke 16:10, Follow Christian teaching on WordPress.com, v. 6 he took away the high places and Asherim, vs. 7-9 he began a program that taught the people the Law of God, 17:10-11 The nations feared him so there was no war, but rather they gave him tribute. 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. 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?. Why did Ahab enter into a military alliance with Jehoshaphat? He was buried at age 60 in the City of David in Jerusalem. 1 Chronicles 15:24 Shebaniah, Joshaphat, Nethanel, Amasai, Zechariah, Benaiah and Eliezer the priests were to blow trumpets before the ark of God. 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). Jehoshaphat - Wikipedia In order to succeed, he solicited the help of King Jehoshaphat of Judah. The Prophet Micaiah Warns Ahab (1 Kings 22.1-28)1 When King Jehoshaphat of Judah became rich and famous, he arranged a marriage between a member of his family and the family of King Ahab of Israel. I'm wounded! he cried out to his chariot driver. These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features. Why did God use a lying spirit do deceive Ahab : r/Christianity - Reddit 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). Hatred of the messenger of God is clear evidence of willful wickedness. (Morgan), Then Micaiah said, Therefore hear the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing on His right hand and His left. https://www.learnreligions.com/jehoshaphat-king-of-judah-4114131 (accessed May 1, 2023). "Who Is Jehoshaphat in the Bible?" God does not want us to enter into binding partnerships with the wicked that could conflict with our commitment to Him and His ways. The way people who live righteously think is as different from those who disregard God's laws as day is from night (compare 2 Corinthians 6:14-18). i. Mark 12:1-12, Be faithful in the little things. And the Lord said, These men have no leader; let them go home in peace., 17 Ahab said to Jehoshaphat, I told you that he never prophesies anything good for me; it's always something bad!, 18 Micaiah went on: Now listen to what the Lord says! This he construed into personal hatred. He also had a lot of property. ii. Cautious as Serpents Among Wolves Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY - JW.ORG . What you have done has brought the Lord's anger on you. And the LORD said, Who will persuade Ahab king of Israel to go up, that he may fall at Ramoth Gilead? So one spoke in this manner, and another spoke in that manner. When Jehoshaphat took office, about 873 BC, he immediately began to abolish the idol worship that had consumed the land. 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). Generally speaking, Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, walked in the way of God. Today we begin looking at the story of Jehoshaphat. 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). Click to enable/disable _gat_* - Google Analytics Cookie. When Jehoshaphat led the people out to meet the invaders, he ordered men to sing, praising God for his holiness. Ahab wanted Micaiah imprisoned and deprived (feed him with bread of affliction and water of affliction). Jehoshaphat did so because he did not want to offend Ahab. So the king of Israel disguised himself, and they went into battle. Ahab was penitent and humbled himself and so the Lord waited to fulfill the prophecy until Ahab's son reigned in his place. Here Micaiah explained the message of the 400 prophets. Click to enable/disable Google reCaptcha. Also Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, Please inquire for the word of the LORD today. Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, four hundred men, and said to them, Shall we go to war against Ramoth Gilead, or shall I refrain? So they said, Go up, for God will deliver it into the kings hand. But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here, that we may inquire of Him? So the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, There is still one man by whom we may inquire of the LORD; but I hate him, because he never prophesies good concerning me, but always evil. The King of Syria had instructed his men that the Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? 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. When Micaiah said this, his tone was probably mocking and sarcastic. Asa also did what was right in God's eyes and led Judah in a series of religious reforms. 3 He asked, Will you go with me to attack Ramoth?, Jehoshaphat replied, I am ready when you are, and so is my army. A more apparent weakness of Jehoshaphat can be seen in the compromising nature of his allying himself with evil rulers, a fault that became evident again near the end of his life when he allied himself with Israel's wicked King Ahaziah, son of Ahab (1 Kings 22:51-53). (see 2 Chronicles 17:10-12). c. With these you shall gore the Syrians until they are destroyed: Zedekiah used a familiar tool of ancient prophets the object lesson. Now a certain man drew a bow at random, and struck the king of Israel between the joints of his armor. Ahab knew in his heart that Micaiah would not fear or flatter him, but only declare the word of Jehovah. A Lesson in Stupidity: Jehoshaphat and Peer Pressure - Part 1 (2022, May 16). 41 Jehoshaphat son of Asa began to rule over Judah in the fourth year of King Ahab's reign in Israel. " 3 But the angel of the Lord said to . Secondly, Jehoshaphat teaches us the importance of breaking the familial cycle of mistakes. 1) Jehoshaphat the faithful. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? 1) Jehoshaphat the faithful. Was Ahab Truly the Evilest King in Israel's History? He assumed the throne after being anointed by a messenger of the prophet Elisha and carried out one of history's most violent coups. 33 By chance, however, a Syrian soldier shot an arrow which struck King Ahab between the joints of his armor. We will look at this briefly to set the stage. In other words, he should not have made a partnership with an evil king, who was Gods enemy. They go to battle, but Ahab tries to be deceitful. At first, the alliance worked, but Ahab drew Jehoshaphat into a war that was against God's will. Complete the following verse found in 2 Chronicles 18:1 - . This must have been a vivid and entertaining presentation. They prophesied favorably, saying: "Go up, and Jehovah will give it into the king's hand." Ahab. Despite his earlier experience with Ahab, Jehoshaphat entered into another alliance with Israel, through Ahab's son, evil King Ahaziah. The people's hearts were turned from the false worship of Baal that was present in the land during his time in power. Jehoshaphat and Ahab. 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. More importantly, he undid the pagan rituals and monuments other kings who came before him had practiced and worshipped. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say such things! Then the king of Israel called one of his officers and said, Bring Micaiah the son of Imla quickly!. Previous kings had sought the help of foreign gods such as Baal. Yet so it was. (Morgan), ii. Joining Forces with Ahab - CRIES from among US! 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. Though God will sometimes intervene for the sake of a righteous person in such circumstances (compare 2 Kings 3:14), we shouldn't count on itparticularly when we know better. Changes will take effect once you reload the page. This made some sense because Ramoth Gilead was only 40 miles from Jerusalem. It appears that the Israelites and Jews maintained the fight the whole of the day; but when at evening the king died, and this was known, there was a proclamation made, probably with the consent of both Syrians and Israelites, that the war was over. (Clarke), (c) 2021 TheEnduring WordBible Commentary by David Guzik ewm@enduringword.com. 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. A Divine message reached the king and people through Jehaziel, a Levite, upon whom the spirit of Gd had descended. He was the son of Ahab and Jezebel, who were among the most wicked rulers Israel ever had. What he didnt consider was that though Micaiah prophesied evil towards Ahab, he prophesied truth. And so we can learn from him. 10 Whenever your fellow citizens from any of the cities bring before you a case of homicide or any other violation of a law or commandment, you must instruct them carefully how to conduct themselves during the trial, so that they do not become guilty of sinning against the Lord. This strange incident can only be understood against the background of other Old Testament passages, especially Deuteronomy 13:11 and Ezekiel 14:1-11. both these passages speak of people being enticed by false prophets, in each case as a result of a link with idolatry. (Selman), Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah went near and struck Micaiah on the cheek, and said, Which way did the spirit from the LORD go from me to speak to you? And Micaiah said, Indeed you shall see on that day when you go into an inner chamber to hide! Then the king of Israel said, Take Micaiah, and return him to Amon the governor of the city and to Joash the kings son; and say, Thus says the king: Put this fellow in prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and water of affliction until I return in peace. But Micaiah said, If you ever return in peace, the LORD has not spoken by me. And he said, Take heed, all you people!. Ahab asked Micaiah whether they should go up to Ramoth When Jehoshaphat took over the throne, he quickly established himself as a righteous ruler who feared the Lord. 7-27) should have alerted Jehoshaphat to the true character of the man he had befriended. So Ahab summoned about 400 prophets to his court. a. 31 So when they saw King Jehoshaphat, they all thought that he was the king of Israel, and they turned to attack him. This is significant if we compare this with how many other Israelite kings passed away. Although God protects Jehoshaphat, the king should not have made this friendship in the first place. How? a. After that, they began to align with Ahab uncritically. This was a dramatic scene. a. Jehoshaphat (also spelled Jehoshaphat or Yehoshafat) ( , " Yahweh is judge," Hebrew: Yhoafat) was the son and successor of Asa and king of Judah. 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. But Jehoshaphat want to know if there is another prophet. Week 39. The result of all this is that Jehoshaphat proclaims I am as you are, my people as your people. His love for God greatly benefited the kingdom of Judah. Ahab goes to war against Aram despite Micaiah's prediction. The Lord substantially blessed Jehoshaphat and Judah during Jehoshaphat's reign. Jesus stays behind in the temple. 24 You will find out when you go into some back room to hide, Micaiah replied. c. I hate him, because he never prophesies good concerning me, but always evil: Ahab hated the messenger because of the message. Ahab, whose wife was the infamous Jezebel, was possibly the most wicked king who ever ruled over Israel. The ruse fails, in the end. Finally, Jehoshaphat shows us that God can start new parts of his plan for our lives at any time. Theologians have squabbled over this issue for centuries, and since the passage in Joel is prophetic in nature, we cant definitely say we know what it means. May their lives and walks with God strengthen your faith and encourage your soul. "Ahab son of Omri did more evil in the eyes of the Lord than any of those before him. Go and prosper, and they shall be delivered into your hand! 42 Jehoshaphat was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-five years. Article Images Copyright , Lessons From the Bible Story of King Jehoshaphat. He was a good king but with the weakness of wanting to be friends with Ahab. The people enjoyed a great measure of prosperity and the blessing of God under Jehoshaphat. This king of Judah dared to do the right thing.

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