Jehoshaphat

1Jehoshaphat his son succeeded him as king and strengthened himself against Israel. 2He stationed troops in all the fortified cities of Judah and put garrisons in Judah and in the towns of Ephraim that his father Asa had captured.

3The Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the ways of his father David before him. He did not consult the Baals4but sought the God of his father and followed his commands rather than the practices of Israel. 5The Lord established the kingdom under his control; and all Judah brought gifts to Jehoshaphat, so that he had great wealth and honor. 6His heart was devoted to the ways of the Lord; furthermore, he removed the high places and the Asherah poles from Judah.

7In the third year of his reign he sent his officials Ben-Hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel and Micaiah to teach in the towns of Judah. 8With them were certain Levites—Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah and Tob-Adonijah—and the priests Elishama and Jehoram. 9They taught throughout Judah, taking with them the Book of the Law of the Lord (in accordance with Dt. 31:10-13); they went around to all the towns of Judah and taught the people.

10The fear of the Lord fell on all the kingdoms of the lands surrounding Judah, so that they did not go to war against Jehoshaphat. 11Some Philistines brought Jehoshaphat gifts and silver as tribute, and the Arabs brought him flocks: seven thousand seven hundred rams and seven thousand seven hundred goats.

Thoughts: Jehoshaphat was another good king of Judah (873-849).  He was considered good in the Bible because he did what a good king would do- rule the people with justice, but also keep the faith.  Jehosaphat even spread the faith with his officials.  A revival fell on the people during the reign of Jehoshaphat because of the preaching.  His name means "the Lord judged."  He helped the people to repent.  During his time there was safety (except for one war we will talk about tomorrow).  So there was also opportunity for wealth building and honor building.  Jehoshaphat cared about the faith because he cared about the Lord.  He trusted and relied on Him in the good and the bad times.  We are called to also keep the faith and to trust in God first.  

Prayer: Lord, Help me to trust in you.  As I repent and honor you may you be near to me.