Jehoshaphat, the fourth king of the Kingdom of Judah, is noted for his piety and reforms, which sought to bring the people back to the worship of Yahweh. His reign is detailed in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles. Despite his devotion, Jehoshaphat's alliances with the northern Kingdom of Israel, particularly with King Ahab and later with Ahab's son Ahaziah, drew divine disapproval and led to his reproval by the prophet Jehu.

Background and Context

Jehoshaphat ascended to the throne of Judah following the reign of his father, Asa. His rule is characterized by efforts to strengthen the spiritual and political state of Judah. He sent officials, along with Levites and priests, throughout the land to teach the people the Law of the Lord (2 Chronicles 17:7-9). His commitment to God brought him prosperity and peace, as "the fear of the LORD fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands surrounding Judah" (2 Chronicles 17:10).

However, Jehoshaphat's political strategy included forming alliances with the northern Kingdom of Israel, which was often led by kings who did not follow the ways of the Lord. His most notable alliance was with King Ahab, sealed by the marriage of his son Jehoram to Ahab's daughter, Athaliah. This alliance led Jehoshaphat to join Ahab in the ill-fated campaign against Ramoth-gilead, where Ahab was killed (1 Kings 22:29-33).

Reproof by Jehu

After Jehoshaphat's return from the battle at Ramoth-gilead, he was confronted by Jehu, the son of Hanani the seer. Jehu's rebuke is recorded in 2 Chronicles 19:2-3: "Jehu son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him and said to King Jehoshaphat, 'Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Because of this, the wrath of the LORD is upon you. However, some good is found in you, for you have removed the Asherah poles from the land and have set your heart to seek God.'" .

Jehu's reproval highlights the tension between Jehoshaphat's faithfulness to God and his political alliances with ungodly rulers. The prophet's words underscore the principle that alliances with those who oppose God can lead to divine displeasure, even for a king as righteous as Jehoshaphat.

Aftermath and Legacy

Following Jehu's rebuke, Jehoshaphat continued his reforms and further strengthened the judicial system in Judah, appointing judges and instructing them to act with the fear of the Lord (2 Chronicles 19:5-7). He also organized a military defense against a coalition of enemies, seeking the Lord's guidance through prayer and fasting (2 Chronicles 20:3-4).

Jehoshaphat's reign is remembered for his dedication to God and his efforts to lead Judah in righteousness. However, his alliances with Israel serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising with ungodly influences. Despite his missteps, Jehoshaphat's heart remained inclined toward God, and his legacy is one of a king who earnestly sought to follow the Lord, even when corrected by His prophets.