This affinity with the house of Ahab, had cost Jehoshaphat his life, but for divine interposition before. But yet we find a renewed instance of that folly, so as to call forth the reproof again of a prophet. Alas! it is impossible to keep company with, or to be in the society of the carnal; and the precept is unaccommodating, Come out from among them, and touch not the unclean thing. 2 Corinthians 6:17 . read more
REFLECTIONS WHERE shall believing souls fly in their trouble, but to a covenant God in Christ! Like Jehoshaphat, we are told, and from the unquestionable authority of God's word, that the children of Ammon, and the children of Moab, even the host of foes arising out of the world, from our own corrupt nature, and from the powers of darkness, all come forth against us, day by day, to battle. But if, like Jehoshaphat, instead of mustering human strength, and human skill, we take refuge in the God... read more
31-37 Jehoshaphat kept close to the worship of God, and did what he could to keep his people close to it. But after God had done such great things for him, given him not only victory, but wealth; after this, to go and join himself with a wicked king, was very ungrateful. What could he expect but that God would be angry with him? Yet it seems, he took the warning; for when Ahaziah afterward pressed him to join him, he would not, 1 Kings 22:49. Thus the alliance was broken, and the Divine rebuke... read more
Summary of Jehoshaphat's Reign v. 26. And on the fourth day they assembled themselves in the Valley of Berachah (blessing, praise); for there they blessed the Lord, in this beautiful little valley west of Tekoa they expressed their gratitude to Jehovah in prayers of praise and thanksgiving; therefore the name of the same place was called the Valley of Berachah unto this day. v. 27. Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, the entire procession which had left Jerusalem four days... read more
d. Jehoshaphat: the Prophets Michah Son of Imlah and Jehu Son of Hanani.—Ch. 17–20 α. Jehoshaphat’s Measures for the external and Internal Defence of his Kingdom: 2 Chronicles 17:1-92 Chronicles 17:1.And Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead, and strengthened himself against Israel. 2And he placed forces in all the fenced cities of Judah, and placed garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim, which 3Asa his father had taken. And the Lord was with Jehoshaphat; for he walked... read more
This chapter gives us the story which perhaps reveals most graphically the simplicity and splendor of the faith of Jehoshaphat. His kingdom was threatened with powerful and terrible invasion. In his extremity he gathered his people about him, and prayed. The prayer is a powerful outpouring of his consciousness of need. He pleaded, as men ever do when in need they come before God, recalled the past evidences of the faithfulness of Jehovah, and confessing his inability to cope with the danger,... read more
2 Chronicles 20:1-Amos : . Jehoshaphat’ s victory over the Ammonites and Moabites. This story of a miraculous battle is perhaps a midrash on the war described in 1 Kings 3:4 ff., and has, in so far, some historical basis; but the details are purely imaginary. 2 Chronicles 20:5 . before the new court: perhaps the same as “ the great court” in 2 Chronicles 4:9; the Chronicler has in his mind’ s eye the Temple as he knew it. 2 Chronicles 20:7 . Abraham thy friend: cf. Isaiah 41:8, James 2:23.... read more
CRITICAL NOTES.] Narrative to 2 Chronicles 20:30 entirely additional to Kings. Invasion of Moabites (2 Chronicles 20:1-3); fast and supplication of king and people (2 Chronicles 20:3-13); the message of Jahaziel (2 Chronicles 20:14-19); exhortation and victory of Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 20:20-30); close of his reign (2 Chronicles 20:31-37), which runs parallel with 1 Kings 22:41-49.2 Chronicles 20:1-2.—Invasion of Moabites. Ammonites, Sept., some of the Minœi, inhabitants of Maon (Mehunins),... read more
2 Chronicles 20:37 I. The example of Jehoshaphat is a warning to us. There is something of infinitely greater consequence in the world than making a fortune. What you have to settle first and foremost is the moral basis on which you are proceeding; you must get the full consent of your judgment, and heart, and conscience before you give yourself up to any commercial course. Have God for your Partner if you would make your business, in the highest sense of the term, honourable and successful.... read more
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The People's Bible by Joseph Parker - 2 Chronicles 20:1-37
Evil Compacts 2Ch 20:37 THESE words were spoken concerning Jehoshaphat, who "walked in the way of Asa his father, and departed not from it, doing that which was right in the sight of the Lord." He was a man of mature life, being thirty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty-five years in Jerusalem. Notwithstanding the ripeness of his experience, and his really substantial character, he entered into a ship-building speculation with "Ahaziah king of Israel, who did very... read more