Jehoshaphat, the fourth king of the Kingdom of Judah, is a notable biblical figure recognized for his devout leadership and reliance on God through public prayer. His reign, which is detailed in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles, is marked by a commitment to seeking divine guidance, particularly in times of national crisis.

Jehoshaphat's Reign and Religious Reforms

Jehoshaphat ascended to the throne following the reign of his father, Asa. His rule is characterized by a series of religious reforms aimed at turning the hearts of the people back to the worship of Yahweh. He removed high places and Asherah poles, and he sent officials, Levites, and priests throughout Judah to teach the people the Law of the Lord (2 Chronicles 17:7-9). This commitment to spiritual renewal set the stage for his reliance on God in public prayer.

The Threat of Invasion and Jehoshaphat's Prayer

One of the most significant instances of public prayer during Jehoshaphat's reign occurred when Judah faced the threat of invasion by a vast coalition of Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites. The narrative is found in 2 Chronicles 20. Alarmed by the impending attack, Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast for all Judah and gathered the people at the temple in Jerusalem to seek the Lord's help.

Jehoshaphat's prayer, recorded in 2 Chronicles 20:5-12, is a profound example of humility and faith. Standing before the assembly, he acknowledged God's sovereignty and past deliverances, saying, "O LORD, God of our fathers, are You not the God who is in heaven? And do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand, and no one can stand against You" (2 Chronicles 20:6). He confessed Judah's powerlessness against the formidable enemy and expressed complete dependence on God: "We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You" (2 Chronicles 20:12).

Divine Response and Victory

In response to Jehoshaphat's public prayer, the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel, a Levite, who delivered God's message of assurance: "Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's" (2 Chronicles 20:15). The people of Judah were instructed to march out against the enemy, but they would not need to fight. Instead, they were to stand firm and witness the Lord's deliverance.

True to the divine promise, as Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah went out singing and praising, the Lord set ambushes against their enemies, leading to a miraculous victory without Judah having to engage in battle (2 Chronicles 20:22-24).

Legacy of Jehoshaphat's Public Prayer

Jehoshaphat's public prayer is a testament to the power of communal supplication and faith in God's providence. His leadership exemplifies the importance of seeking divine guidance in times of uncertainty and crisis. The account of Jehoshaphat's prayer and the subsequent victory serves as an enduring reminder of God's faithfulness to those who earnestly seek Him.2 Chronicles 20:5-13
And Jehoshaphat stood in the congregation of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD, before the new court,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Book 5 Footnotes
... number of Benjamites, both in the days of Asa and Jehoshaphat, 2 Chronicles 14 ... curse
was understood and set right, and God propitiated by public prayer, is here ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 5 footnotes.htm

'A Mirror for Magistrates'
... be with the good!' That may be a prayer, like the ... But another thought is suggested
by Jehoshaphat's language. ... It is not public men, judges and the like, alone ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/a mirror for magistrates.htm

Chronicles
... in extenuation of his silence that his public were already ... which recorded the history
of Jehoshaphat, is said ... Neither is the prayer of Manasseh (2 Chronicles 33 ...
/.../mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/chronicles.htm

The Means of Grace
... with regard to prayer of every kind, public or private ... When we say, "Prayer is a
means of grace," we ... thus: "There came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying, There ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 16 the means of.htm

Of a Private Fast.
... of which still remains, especially in public fasts, at ... but by fasting, joined to
prayer (Matthew 17:21 ... in the examples of Hannah, Jehoshaphat, Nehemiah, Daniel ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/i of a private fast.htm

Walking with God
... But whether a public or private person, he has a ... as the Assyrians left off shooting
at Jehoshaphat, when they ... Hence that a averseness to prayer and holy duties ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/walking with god.htm

On Friendship with the World
... When Jehoshaphat forgot this, and formed a connexion ... lessens their exactness in private
prayer, in family duty, in fasting, in attending public service, and ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 80 on friendship with.htm

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
... time when they returned from the public service ... of Ammon, came against Jehoshaphat
to battle, Jehoshaphat set himself ... it is an help to prayer; particularly when ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 27 upon our lords.htm

Jer. 6:16 the Good Way.
... Daily private prayer and daily Bible-reading are too ... David, and Solomon, and Hezekiah,
and Jehoshaphat,"the paths ... faith in some organs of public opinion, and ...
/.../ryle/the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter v jer 6 16 the.htm

From his Commission to Reside Abroad in 1820 to his Removal to ...
... Ann Jones had much service, both in public and private. ... endeavoring to serve had
answered my prayer in sending ... down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, or judgment ...
/.../chapter iii from his commission.htm

Questions about Prayer (All) | GotQuestions.org

What is the purpose of prayer? | GotQuestions.org

What is a prayer circle? | GotQuestions.org

Prayer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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