The raise of King Jehoshaphat: Part-1

“The Moabites and Ammonites with some of the Meunites came to make war on Jehoshaphat.” 2Chron. 20: 1. King Jehoshaphat had a vast army which frightened all the kingdoms around Judah. (2Chron. 17:10, 14-19). Hence the Moabites & Ammonites with some more allies joined together to make a vast army to fight against King Jehoshaphat. Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom … It is already in Hazazon Tamar”. 2Cron. 20: 2. By the time King Jehoshaphat came to know about it, the vast army of the enemy had already entered into his territory. “Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judha” 2Chron. 20: 3. Though he himself had a vast army (2Chron. 17:14-19), he was frightened by the overwhelming and seemingly imminent catastrophic situation. Immediately, he decided to seek the Lord. He proclaimed a day of fasting and prayer through out Judah.

“The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him” 2Chron.20: 4. The whole nation including women and children took fast for one day and sat at the feet of the Lord. Good took mercy on the people of Judah and spoke to the people through a prophet, Jahaziel: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s… You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you. Go out to face them tomorrow and the Lord will be with you.” 2Chron.20:15-17. Amazingly, the Lord set ambushes against the enemy and the enemies destroyed one another by killing each other!

In the same way, we may also face challenges, difficulties, and attacks by the enemy at some point in life. First thing to do is to call upon the name of the Lord with full heart (Jer.33:3) preferably with fasting & prayer along with your family and / or friends. The Lord will immediately hear our prayers and deliver us from the evil!

The fall of King Jehoshaphat: Part-11

Jehoshaphat obeyed God’s commands and walked blamelessly in his early years. “The Lord was with Jehoshaphat because in his early years he walked in the ways his father David had followed.” 2Chron.17:3

But he committed a mistake. Thought he set his heart on the Lord and followed his decrees, he yoked himself with enemy. “Jehoshaphat had great wealth and honor and he allied himself with Ahab by marriage.” 2 Chrom.18:1. He made allies with a wicked King, Ahab by getting his son married to his daughter. Hence when Ahab asked Jehoshaphat to join with him to fight against Ramoth Gilead, he joined him. In spite of the warning by the prophet Micaiah, they fought the battle which was then lost. 2Chron.18:1-34. At the battlefield, Jehoshaphat cried out to the Lord, (2Chron.18:31) and the Lord saved him. On return, Jehu rebukes him saying, “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord? Because of this, the wrath of the Lord is upon you. However, there’s some good in you…you have set your heart on seeking the Lord.” 2Chron.19:2, 3

Jehoshaphat again repeated the same mistake, by making an alliance with Ahaziah king of Israel. He made an agreement with him to construct a fleet of trading ships. The fatal mistake was that HE DID NOT INQUIRE OF THE LORD about this. HE DID NOT WAIT ON THE LORD WITH FASTING. Having been warned by a prophet Eliezer, the Lord destroyed his ships and his trade collapsed. Eventually he died.

The lesson we learn from the King Jehoshaphat’s life:

1. Always & always keep things in prayer, before making any decisions in your life.
2. Always keep fast during those times, according to your strength, and it shows your earnestness to God.
3. Always wait til you get a WORD from the Lord.
4. Always give praises & thanks even before the battle begins.

(When you send showers of praise to the Lord, the Lord gives victory at the same time!) Hallelujah!! “As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against them…they destroyed each other” 2Chron.20:22. The battle was won!!!