2 Chronicles / Notebook . Bible Lesson 7. The Two Sides of Jehoshaphat
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For Your Reflection
2 Chronicles / Notebook .
Bible Lesson 7.
The Two Sides of Jehoshaphat
Jehoshaphat reigned for about 25 years and died at the age of sixty. His name is mentioned around 77 times in the Bible. His father’s name was Asa.
Unlike some kings who turned away, Jehoshaphat began his reign by seeking God, following the example of his father. Among the good kings who ruled Judah, he stands as one of the most notable.
The Beginning of Jehoshaphat’s Life
He was faithful to God.
He sought the Lord.
He removed foreign gods.
He sent priests and Levites among the people to teach God’s Word. Among all his reforms, this action was the most significant. The effort he took to sow and teach the Word of God among the people sets a great example for today’s church leaders. Leaders must sow the Word among believers, creating in them a desire to read and meditate on Scripture. Only then can a zealous generation be raised for the Lord.
He appointed judges in every city, ensuring that justice was administered righteously.
In wars and troubles, he first looked to God.
Biblical references: 2 Chronicles chapters 17, 19, 20
The Other Side – His Failures
Jehoshaphat made a grave mistake—he arranged for his son to marry Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab, who led Israel into Baal worship. Through that marriage, the history of Judah saw its only female ruler—Athaliah.
Biblical references: 2 Chronicles 19:2; 18:1; 21:6; 2 Kings 8:18.
Even though God warned him, he joined Ahab in the battle of Ramoth-Gilead. He ignored the warnings of God’s prophets. He later made a trade alliance with Ahaziah (Ahab’s son) to build ships for business. But because he joined with someone who displeased God, the ships were destroyed, and the plan failed. Thus the work he began did not succeed.
A king who began well ended his days making decisions that did not please God—forming ungodly relationships, maintaining friendship with those against God, and entering business with them. These were the darker sides of his spiritual life.
A Lesson For Believers
As days go by, the fear of God in our hearts can fade. In the early days, we seek God’s will in everything. But later, spiritual pride and self-confidence creep in. We begin to feel God is with us no matter what we do, and in that pride, we fail to obey His will.
If we remain humble till the end, seeking His will in all things, then our ending will be as blessed as our beginning.
Even though Jehoshaphat appointed priests to teach the people, in the end, he himself fell short in submitting fully to God. This is a sad truth.
Those who sow the Word in others can also fail to obey God at times.
May God grant us the grace to remain faithful till the end, to walk in His ways, and to finish well!