After these
tragic experiences with Ahab, Jehoshaphat returned to Jerusalem. His alliance
with wicked Ahab did not go unrebuked. A prophet named Jehu stood in
Jehoshaphat’s presence and condemned him. Judah’s king was also informed that
Jehovah approved his efforts to
rid
his land of Baalism. With renewed determination Jehoshaphat visited all of his
people from Beersheba in the south to Ephraim in the north encouraging them to
worship Jehovah. He set up a system of judges and courts throughout his kingdom
charging these officials to fear the Lord and not respect persons or accept
bribes. He also re-established the high court at the Temple in Jerusalem in
which the priests passed judgment on very serious matters which the Iesser
courts couId not handle (Deuteronomy 17:8-13).Amariah, the high priest, was in charge of the Temple court and all
of the matters of business that were associated with God’s House.[1]
LESSON 20: Jehoshaphat and Ahab—war with
Moab and Ammon (2 CHR. 18-20)
CHAPTER 18
Jehoshaphat’s
relation with the northern kingdom was not entered into with a view to
weakening the southern kingdom. The king of Judah probably wanted to share some
of the prosperity of his kingdom with Ahab. Jehoshaphat’s reign extended over a
period of twenty five years. His peaceful overtures toward the northern kingdom
probably came during the first half of his reign. The “affinity” with Ahab was
effected in the marriage of Jehoshaphat’s son, Jehoram, with Athaliah, daughter
of Ahab.[1]
LESSON 19: Asa, the reformer; Hanani, the
man of God; and the Life and Times of Jehoshaphat (2 CHR. 15-17)
CHAPTER 15
Azariah,
son of Oded, appears on the scene to bring the word of Jehovah to Asa… The name
“Azariah” means “Jehovah is keeper.” The prophet addressed his words
specifically to Judah and Benjamin. The northern kingdom is called “Israel” in
verse 3. Asa’s only hope was to trust Jehovah. He must go with God. He
must seek the Lord. The alternative carried with it some terrible consequences.
If Jehovah’s people are unfaithful, He will forsake them.[1]