And Jehoshaphat walked in the way of his father Asa and did not turn away from it; he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD. And he walkedThe phrase "And he walked" signifies a continuous action and lifestyle. In Hebrew, the word "walked" (הָלַךְ, halak) often implies living or conducting oneself in a particular manner. This suggests a deliberate choice and commitment to a path of righteousness. Walking in biblical terms often symbolizes one's journey of faith and obedience to God, indicating that Jehoshaphat's life was characterized by a consistent pursuit of godliness. in the way of his father Asa
The "way of his father Asa" refers to the spiritual and moral path established by Asa, Jehoshaphat's father. Asa was known for his reforms and dedication to God, as seen in earlier chapters of 2 Chronicles. The Hebrew term for "way" (דֶּרֶךְ, derek) can mean a road, journey, or manner of life. This highlights the importance of legacy and the influence of parental guidance in shaping one's spiritual journey. Jehoshaphat's adherence to Asa's way underscores the value of righteous examples set by previous generations. and did not turn aside from it
The phrase "and did not turn aside from it" emphasizes steadfastness and fidelity. The Hebrew root for "turn aside" (סוּר, sur) means to depart or deviate. This indicates Jehoshaphat's unwavering commitment to the path of righteousness, resisting the temptation to stray into idolatry or moral compromise. It reflects a disciplined and focused spiritual life, which is crucial for maintaining a strong relationship with God. doing what was right
"Doing what was right" conveys the idea of acting in accordance with divine standards. The Hebrew word for "right" (יָשָׁר, yashar) means straight, upright, or correct. This suggests that Jehoshaphat's actions were aligned with God's will and commandments. It highlights the importance of not just believing in God but also living out one's faith through righteous deeds, which is a central tenet of conservative Christian ethics. in the eyes of the LORD
The phrase "in the eyes of the LORD" indicates divine approval and perspective. In Hebrew, "eyes" (עֵינַיִם, enayim) often symbolize perception and judgment. This suggests that Jehoshaphat's actions were not only right by human standards but were also pleasing to God. It underscores the belief that true righteousness is measured by God's standards, not merely human opinion, and that living a life that honors God is the ultimate goal for believers. Persons / Places / Events 1. JehoshaphatThe fourth king of the Kingdom of Judah, known for his religious reforms and efforts to bring the people back to the worship of Yahweh. 2. AsaJehoshaphat's father, who was also a king of Judah and known for his dedication to God, though he faltered later in his reign. 3. JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, where Jehoshaphat reigned, known for its capital, Jerusalem, and the temple of the LORD. 4. The LORDThe covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is the central figure in the religious life of Judah and Israel. 5. The WayRefers to the path or manner of life that is in accordance with God's commandments and statutes. Teaching Points Faithfulness in LeadershipJehoshaphat's commitment to walking in the ways of his father Asa demonstrates the importance of faithfulness in leadership. Leaders today are called to uphold godly principles and guide others in righteousness. Generational InfluenceThe influence of Asa on Jehoshaphat highlights the impact of parental and generational faithfulness. Parents and mentors should strive to set a godly example for the next generation. Consistency in RighteousnessJehoshaphat's refusal to turn aside from doing what was right underscores the value of consistency in our walk with God. Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast in their faith and actions. The Importance of ObedienceWalking in the way of the LORD requires obedience to His commands. This obedience is a testament to our love and reverence for God. Legacy of FaithJehoshaphat's life serves as a reminder that our actions and faith can leave a lasting legacy. We should aim to leave a legacy that honors God and inspires others to follow Him. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jehoshaphat's adherence to his father's ways challenge us in our own spiritual walk? 2. In what ways can we ensure that we are walking in the way of the LORD and not turning aside? 3. How can the example of Jehoshaphat and Asa encourage us to influence the next generation positively? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to maintain consistency in our righteousness and obedience to God? 5. How does the concept of leaving a legacy of faith impact your current decisions and actions? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 15:11This verse describes Asa's reign and his commitment to doing what was right in the eyes of the LORD, similar to Jehoshaphat's actions. Deuteronomy 5:32-33These verses emphasize the importance of walking in the ways of the LORD and not turning aside, which aligns with Jehoshaphat's adherence to his father's path. Psalm 1:1-3This passage highlights the blessings of walking in the way of the righteous, akin to Jehoshaphat's life. Proverbs 4:26-27These verses advise not turning to the right or left, reinforcing the idea of steadfastness in following God's path. Hebrews 12:1-2Encourages believers to run with perseverance the race marked out for them, fixing their eyes on Jesus, similar to Jehoshaphat's focus on God's ways. People Ahaziah, Ammonites, Aram, Asa, Asaph, Azubah, Benaiah, Berachah, Dodavah, Eliezer, Geber, Hanani, Jahaziel, Jehoshaphat, Jehu, Jeiel, Kohathites, Korahites, Korhites, Levites, Maonites, Mattaniah, Meunim, Meunites, Moabites, Seir, Shilhi, Tamar, Tarshish, ZechariahPlaces Ammon, Edom, Egypt, Engedi, Ezion-geber, Hazazon-tamar, Jeruel, Jerusalem, Mareshah, Moab, Mount Seir, Seir, Tarshish, Tekoa, ZizTopics Asa, Aside, Depart, Departed, Didn't, Sight, Stray, Turn, Turning, Walked, WalkethDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Chronicles 20:31-32 5302 education 2 Chronicles 20:31-33 7241 Jerusalem, significance 2 Chronicles 20:32-33 7374 high places Library A Strange Battle
'We have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon Thee.'--2 CHRON xx. 12. A formidable combination of neighbouring nations, of which Moab and Ammon, the ancestral enemies of Judah, were the chief, was threatening Judah. Jehoshaphat, the king, was panic-stricken when he heard of the heavy war-cloud that was rolling on, ready to burst in thunder on his little kingdom. His first act was to muster the nation, not as a military levy …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureHolding Fast and Held Fast
'As they went forth Jehoshaphat stood and said, Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established.'--2 CHRON. xx. 20. Certainly no stronger army ever went forth to victory than these Jews, who poured out of Jerusalem that morning with no weapon in all their ranks, and having for their van, not their picked men, but singers who 'praised the beauty of holiness,' and chanted the old hymn, 'Give thanks unto the Lord, for His mercy endureth for ever.' That was all that men had to do in the battle, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Of the Public Fast.
A public fast is when, by the authority of the magistrate (Jonah iii. 7; 2 Chron. xx. 3; Ezra viii. 21), either the whole church within his dominion, or some special congregation, whom it concerneth, assemble themselves together, to perform the fore-mentioned duties of humiliation; either for the removing of some public calamity threatened or already inflicted upon them, as the sword, invasion, famine, pestilence, or other fearful sickness (1 Sam. vii. 5, 6; Joel ii. 15; 2 Chron. xx.; Jonah iii. …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety The Coast of the Asphaltites, the Essenes. En-Gedi.
"On the western shore" (of the Asphaltites) "dwell the Essenes; whom persons, guilty of any crimes, fly from on every side. A nation it is that lives alone, and of all other nations in the whole world, most to be admired; they are without any woman; all lust banished, &c. Below these, was the town Engadda, the next to Jerusalem for fruitfulness, and groves of palm-trees, now another burying-place. From thence stands Massada, a castle in a rock, and this castle not far from the Asphaltites." Solinus, …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica "Thou Shall Keep Him in Perfect Peace, Whose Mind is Stayed on Thee, Because He Trusteth in Thee. "
Isaiah xxvi. 3.--"Thou shall keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee." Christ hath left us his peace, as the great and comprehensive legacy, "My peace I leave you," John xiv. 27. And this was not peace in the world that he enjoyed; you know what his life was, a continual warfare; but a peace above the world, that passeth understanding. "In the world you shall have trouble, but in me you shall have peace," saith Christ,--a peace that shall make trouble …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning That the Employing Of, and Associating with the Malignant Party, According as is Contained in the Public Resolutions, is Sinful and Unlawful.
That The Employing Of, And Associating With The Malignant Party, According As Is Contained In The Public Resolutions, Is Sinful And Unlawful. If there be in the land a malignant party of power and policy, and the exceptions contained in the Act of Levy do comprehend but few of that party, then there need be no more difficulty to prove, that the present public resolutions and proceedings do import an association and conjunction with a malignant party, than to gather a conclusion from clear premises. …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Commerce
The remarkable change which we have noticed in the views of Jewish authorities, from contempt to almost affectation of manual labour, could certainly not have been arbitrary. But as we fail to discover here any religious motive, we can only account for it on the score of altered political and social circumstances. So long as the people were, at least nominally, independent, and in possession of their own land, constant engagement in a trade would probably mark an inferior social stage, and imply …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Concerning Peaceableness
Blessed are the peacemakers. Matthew 5:9 This is the seventh step of the golden ladder which leads to blessedness. The name of peace is sweet, and the work of peace is a blessed work. Blessed are the peacemakers'. Observe the connection. The Scripture links these two together, pureness of heart and peaceableness of spirit. The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable' (James 3:17). Follow peace and holiness' (Hebrews 12:14). And here Christ joins them together pure in heart, and peacemakers', …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Chronicles 20:32 NIV2 Chronicles 20:32 NLT2 Chronicles 20:32 ESV2 Chronicles 20:32 NASB2 Chronicles 20:32 KJV
2 Chronicles 20:32 Commentaries
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