Royalty and Ruin

Jehoshaphat, the King Who Believed God

Called to the throne at the age of thirty-five, Jehoshaphat had the benefit of good King Asa’s example. In nearly every crisis Asa had done “what was right in the eyes of the Lord.” 1 Kings 15:11. During his own reign of twenty-five years, Jehoshaphat aimed to walk “in all the ways of his father Asa. He did not turn aside from them.” 1 Kings 22:43. He tried to persuade his subjects to take a firm stand against idol worship. Many in his realm “offered sacrifices and burned incense on the high places.” 1 Kings 22:43. From the beginning the king tried to safeguard Judah from the sins that characterized the northern kingdom under Ahab. Jehoshaphat “did not seek the Baals, but sought the God of his father, and walked in His commandments and not according to the acts of Israel.” The Lord was with him, and “established the kingdom in his hand.” 2 Chronicles 17:3-5. RR 68.1

Jehoshaphat “had riches and honor in abundance.” As time passed, the king “removed the high places and wooden images from Judah.” Verses 5, 6. “And the rest of the perverted persons, who remained in the days of his father Asa, he banished from the land.” 1 Kings 22:46. In this way he gradually freed the inhabitants of Judah from dangers that had threatened their spiritual development. RR 68.2

Throughout the kingdom the people needed instruction in the law of God. If they brought their lives into harmony with its requirements, they would become loyal both to God and to one another. Knowing this, Jehoshaphat took steps to see that his people received thorough instruction in the Holy Scriptures. By royal appointment instructors “went throughout all the cities of Judah and taught the people.” 2 Chronicles 17:9. And, as many put away sin, a revival took place. RR 68.3

Great gain comes from obeying God’s law. If the teachings of God’s Word were the controlling influence in the life of every man and woman, the evils that now exist in national and social life would disappear. From every home an influence would go forth that would make men and women strong in spiritual insight and in moral power. RR 68.4

For many years the surrounding nations did not threaten Jehoshaphat. “The fear of the Lord fell on all the kingdoms of the lands that were around Judah.” “Jehoshaphat became increasingly powerful, and he built fortresses and storage cities in Judah. ... Men of war, mighty men of valor ... served the king.” 2 Chronicles 17:10, 12-19. Blessed with “riches and honor” (2 Chronicles 18:1), he was able to exert a mighty influence for truth and righteousness. But at the height of his prosperity Jehoshaphat consented to the marriage of his son Jehoram to Athaliah, daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. This union formed an alliance between Judah and Israel that in a time of crisis brought disaster to the king and to many of his subjects. RR 68.5

On one occasion Jehoshaphat visited the king of Israel at Samaria. The royal guest from Jerusalem was shown special honor, and Ahab persuaded him to unite with Israel in war against the Syrians. Ahab hoped that by joining with Judah he might recapture Ramoth Gilead, one of the old cities of refuge, which, he claimed, rightfully belonged to Israel. RR 69.1

In a moment of weakness Jehoshaphat rashly promised to join him against the Syrians. His better judgment, however, led him to seek the will of God concerning the matter. “Please inquire for the word of the Lord today,” he asked Ahab. In response, Ahab called four hundred false prophets, and said, “Shall we go to war against Ramoth Gilead, or shall I refrain?” They answered, “Go up, for God will deliver it into the king’s hand.” Verses 4, 5. RR 69.2

Unsatisfied, Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not still a prophet of the Lord here, that we may inquire of him?” Verse 6. “There is still one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may inquire of the Lord,” Ahab answered, “but I hate him, because he never prophesies good concerning me, but evil.” 1 Kings 22:8. Jehoshaphat was firm in his request that they call the man of God. Micaiah said, “I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd. And the Lord said, ‘These have no master. Let each return to his house in peace. ’” Verse 17. RR 69.3