2Ch 20:31 | KingComments | STEP | The kingship of Jehoshaphat is a finite kingship. The chronicler has come to an end with his description of it. He concludes by saying that Jehoshaphat has reigned over Judah ( ). He also gives some general information about the age of Jehoshaphat, the duration of his reign and who his mother is. He reminds us that Jehoshaphat did not depart from the way his father Asa went – without mentioning the failure we also saw with Asa – and that he did what was “right in the sight of the LORD” ( ). This is the general impression that the Spirit of God gives of Jehoshaphat’s life. It’s good to remember this when we think about Jehoshaphat’s life. However, this general impression does not blind him to the fact that the high places have remained ( ) and that he has not been able to change the direction of the heart of the people. The high places are a danger to the people, for they work to forget the place where the LORD dwells. That is also the case today. There is one place of worship. If this is thought up, it will prevent someone from setting up a place of worship on his own initiative. The rest of what Jehoshaphat did during his reign is written down by Jehu, Hanani’s son. This prophet described the history of Jehoshaphat’s kingdom and works, from beginning to end. This description is not part of Holy Scripture, but is included in the book describing the lives of the kings of Israel. It is not inconceivable that on the day we are all revealed before the judgment seat of Christ ( ) it will also serve as testimony to judge the life of Jehoshaphat.

‏ 2 Chronicles 20:31

End of the Reign of Jehoshaphat

The kingship of Jehoshaphat is a finite kingship. The chronicler has come to an end with his description of it. He concludes by saying that Jehoshaphat has reigned over Judah (2Chr 20:31). He also gives some general information about the age of Jehoshaphat, the duration of his reign and who his mother is. He reminds us that Jehoshaphat did not depart from the way his father Asa went – without mentioning the failure we also saw with Asa – and that he did what was “right in the sight of the LORD” (2Chr 20:32). This is the general impression that the Spirit of God gives of Jehoshaphat’s life. It’s good to remember this when we think about Jehoshaphat’s life.

However, this general impression does not blind him to the fact that the high places have remained (2Chr 20:33) and that he has not been able to change the direction of the heart of the people. The high places are a danger to the people, for they work to forget the place where the LORD dwells. That is also the case today. There is one place of worship. If this is thought up, it will prevent someone from setting up a place of worship on his own initiative.

The rest of what Jehoshaphat did during his reign is written down by Jehu, Hanani’s son. This prophet described the history of Jehoshaphat’s kingdom and works, from beginning to end. This description is not part of Holy Scripture, but is included in the book describing the lives of the kings of Israel. It is not inconceivable that on the day we are all revealed before the judgment seat of Christ (2Cor 5:10) it will also serve as testimony to judge the life of Jehoshaphat.