2 Chronicles 17 -21

Jehoshaphat was a remarkable ruler who led Judah to prosperity and peace. He was the son of Asa and Azubah, and a direct descendant of King David. His reign lasted for 25 years, from 873 to 848 BC. The book of 2 Chronicles 17 -21 gives us a detailed account of his life and achievements. In this blog post, I will share some of the lessons I have learned from studying his character and actions.

1). A king devoted  to the LORD.

Jehoshaphat was a faithful king who loved God and obeyed his commands. Verse 3 says that he walked in the ways of his father David, who was a man after God’s own heart. He detested the idolatry and removed all the places of Baal worship. He also tore down the high places and the Asherah poles from Judah.

But he did not stop there. He sent his officials to teach the law of the LORD in all the towns of Judah and instructed his people on the Law of God. The teachers carried the book of the Law of God with them wherever they went to teach the law of the LORD.

When the neighboring countries came to attack Jehoshaphat, he sought the face of the LORD in the time of war and declared fasting and prayer. The prayer he prayed was (20:6-12) a powerful prayer at that time and God came to their aid and fought and won the battle for them.

It is a great blessing to have kings and rulers who are godly, following the scriptures.

2). A king who cared for his people.

17 vs 12 – he built forts and store cities in Judah and had large supplies in  the towns of Judah. He was  keen on establishing law and order in his countries.in ch,19 V :4 He wentout again among the people from Bersheba to the hill country  of Ephraim  and turned them back to the LORD. In V 5 He appointed judges  in the land

19 : v 5- 7 Then he set judges in the land throughout all the fortified cities of Judah, city by city,

 and said to the judges, “Take heed to what you are doing, for you do not judge for man but for the Lord, who is with you in the judgment.

Now therefore, let the fear of the Lord be upon you; take care and do it, for there is no iniquity with the Lord our God, no partiality, nor taking of bribes.”

What a tremendous action from a godly ruler.

3).A king who was established by God.

  In chapter 17 v.5, The LORD established  the kingdom under his control

v.10 the fear of the LORD fell on all the kingdoms of the  lands  surrounding Judah , so that they did not make war with Jehooshapha.

In v 12 Jehoshaphat became more and more powerful .