2Ch 17:1-4 | KingComments | STEP | Jehoshaphat – he reigns from 870-845 BC – is a king who on the one hand is faithful to the LORD and on the other hand is connected to the wicked Ahab and his family. In the first part of his history there is still a clear distinction between Jehoshaphat and Ahab. After his connection with Ahab it appears that he has more to fear from Ahab as a friend than as an enemy. It also happens in the Christian’s life that, at the beginning of his being a Christian, he arms himself well against his dealings with the evil in which he has lived, but that he later becomes careless in it. Jehoshaphat succeeds his father Asa as king ( ). He is one of the God-fearing kings of Judah. In this chapter we read about his faithfulness to the LORD and about his dedication to the people of the LORD. He starts well. He has a powerful influence not only on Judah, over which he is king, but also on Israel, over which Ahab rules. In Judah he lays armies and garrisons in all the fortified cities ( ). He does the same in the cities in Ephraim that his father Asa has conquered. Here Jehoshaphat is not yet connected to Ahab by family ties. In the beginning Jehoshaphat walks in “his father David’s earlier days” (cf. ; ), to which it is related that he does not seek the Baals ( ). One excludes the other. In the next verse the same is said, but by other examples ( ). In contrast to not seeking the Baals ( ) he seeks “the God of his father” and that he “followed His commandments”. This is linked to the fact that he “did not act as Israel did”. Jehoshaphat has two fathers, his: “his father Asa” ( ) and “his father David” ( ). With his father Asa he has seen what trust in daily life means. Going in the earlier ways of his father David shows that he remains faithful to what this man of God once instituted for the temple service. He remains on the old paths and does not seek renewal as if the old were no longer good. This mindset the LORD blesses. He confirms the kingship of Jehoshaphat ( ). Jehoshaphat is also confirmed by the people. He receives tribute from all Judah. By this Judah joyfully acknowledges that a king reigns who wants the right things for them. Thus he has great riches and honor. Jehoshaphat may conclude from all this that God will bless him if he continues in this way. That he “took courage” (Darby Translation) in the ways of the LORD is a beautiful expression of his gratitude to Him ( ). His taking courage is not only an intention, but is also reflected in his actions. He proves his faithfulness by removing “the high places and the Asherim from Judah”.

‏ 2 Chronicles 17:1-4

Introduction

Jehoshaphat – he reigns from 870-845 BC – is a king who on the one hand is faithful to the LORD and on the other hand is connected to the wicked Ahab and his family. In the first part of his history there is still a clear distinction between Jehoshaphat and Ahab. After his connection with Ahab it appears that he has more to fear from Ahab as a friend than as an enemy.

It also happens in the Christian’s life that, at the beginning of his being a Christian, he arms himself well against his dealings with the evil in which he has lived, but that he later becomes careless in it.

The Faithfulness of Jehoshaphat

Jehoshaphat succeeds his father Asa as king (2Chr 17:1). He is one of the God-fearing kings of Judah. In this chapter we read about his faithfulness to the LORD and about his dedication to the people of the LORD. He starts well. He has a powerful influence not only on Judah, over which he is king, but also on Israel, over which Ahab rules. In Judah he lays armies and garrisons in all the fortified cities (2Chr 17:2). He does the same in the cities in Ephraim that his father Asa has conquered. Here Jehoshaphat is not yet connected to Ahab by family ties.

In the beginning Jehoshaphat walks in “his father David’s earlier days” (cf. 1Kgs 15:3 ; 11; 2Kgs 14:3 ; 2Kgs 16:2 ; 2Kgs 18:3), to which it is related that he does not seek the Baals (2Chr 17:3). One excludes the other. In the next verse the same is said, but by other examples (2Chr 17:4). In contrast to not seeking the Baals (2Chr 17:3) he seeks “the God of his father” and that he “followed His commandments”. This is linked to the fact that he “did not act as Israel did”.

Jehoshaphat has two fathers, his: “his father Asa” (2Chr 17:2) and “his father David” (2Chr 17:3). With his father Asa he has seen what trust in daily life means. Going in the earlier ways of his father David shows that he remains faithful to what this man of God once instituted for the temple service. He remains on the old paths and does not seek renewal as if the old were no longer good. This mindset the LORD blesses. He confirms the kingship of Jehoshaphat (2Chr 17:5). Jehoshaphat is also confirmed by the people. He receives tribute from all Judah. By this Judah joyfully acknowledges that a king reigns who wants the right things for them. Thus he has great riches and honor.

Jehoshaphat may conclude from all this that God will bless him if he continues in this way. That he “took courage” (Darby Translation) in the ways of the LORD is a beautiful expression of his gratitude to Him (2Chr 17:6). His taking courage is not only an intention, but is also reflected in his actions. He proves his faithfulness by removing “the high places and the Asherim from Judah”.