Divided kingdom · around 870–848 BC
Jehoshaphat in the Bible
The king who sought the LORD. Name meaning: “The LORD judges” (probable meaning of the Hebrew Yehoshaphat); the Bible does not explain it
The son of Asa, Jehoshaphat reigns twenty-five years over Judah. The LORD is with him, for he walks in the ways of David: he has the law taught in the cities of Judah and appoints judges. His alliance with Ahab earns him a rebuke, but facing a multitude from Moab and Ammon, he prays: “neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee” (2 Chr 20:12). God gives the victory without a fight, to the sound of praise.
Key moments
- He sends out teachers of the law to the cities of Judah 2 Chronicles 17:7
- He forms a marriage alliance with Ahab 2 Chronicles 18:1
- He asks for a prophet of the LORD 1 Kings 22:7
- He cries out at Ramoth and the LORD helps him 2 Chronicles 18:31
- He appoints judges in the fortified cities 2 Chronicles 19:5
- He proclaims a fast and prays before the assembly 2 Chronicles 20:3
- The singers march ahead of the army 2 Chronicles 20:21
- His ships bound for Tarshish are wrecked 2 Chronicles 20:37
Strengths
- Devotion
- A sense of justice
- Trust in God
- Rash alliances
Weaknesses
Jehoshaphat forms a marriage alliance with the house of Ahab, joins the war at Ramoth, and partners with Ahaziah, which earns him rebukes from Jehu and Eliezer (2 Chr 18:1; 19:2; 20:35-37). What is more, the high places are not removed during his reign (1 Kgs 22:43).
Lessons for today
- When we do not know what to do, we can turn our eyes to God: “neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee” (2 Chr 20:12).
- Praise goes hand in hand with victory: the singers march ahead of the army, and God acts at the first notes of song (2 Chr 20:21-22).
- An alliance with those who hate the LORD pulls us further than we intended: Jehoshaphat learns this at Ramoth and Ezion-geber (2 Chr 19:2; 20:35-37).
- Justice is carried out before God: Jehoshaphat’s judges judge “for the LORD” (2 Chr 19:6-7).
Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast taken away the groves out of the land, and hast prepared thine heart to seek God.
O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.
And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the Lord unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s.
People around Jehoshaphat
- Asa — Father, king of Judah before him
- Ahab — King of Israel, his ally by marriage, with whom he is drawn into the battle at Ramoth
- Micaiah — Prophet of the LORD whom Jehoshaphat asks for in Samaria
- Jehu — Prophet, son of Hanani, who rebukes him for his alliance
- Elisha — Prophet who answers Jehoshaphat’s request during the campaign against Moab
- Jehoram — Eldest son and successor, married to a daughter of Ahab
Stories with Jehoshaphat
Quiz: how well do you know Jehoshaphat?
Who was Jehoshaphat’s father?
“Asa slept with his fathers… and Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead.” Jehoram was Jehoshaphat’s son, and Rehoboam his great-grandfather. 1 Kings 15:24
With which king of Israel did Jehoshaphat form a marriage alliance?
Jehoshaphat had riches and honor in abundance, “and joined affinity with Ahab.” 2 Chronicles 18:1
Which prophet did Ahab say he hated because he prophesied only evil about him?
Ahab told Jehoshaphat: “There is yet one man, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him… Micaiah the son of Imlah.” 1 Kings 22:8
There are many more questions like these in Bible Academy, each with its explanation and verse. Start your free trial.