6 His heart (Jehoshaphat) was devoted to the ways of the Lord; furthermore, he removed the high places and the Asherah poles from Judah. 2 Chronicles 17
God’s Word describes the posture of the King’s heart, his personal stance towards God, but also the clearing of idolatry from the land. He sought to rid the land of all connections with false worship and Jehu the seer later acknowledged this.
3 There is, however, some good in you, for you have rid the land of the Asherah poles and have set your heart on seeking God.’ 2 Chronicles 19
Jehoshaphat not only rid the land of false idols, but set about the reintroduction of the worship of the Lord in Judah. It’s often not enough to stop ‘wrong practices’, we need to substitute a better alternative so they don’t take hold again.
7 In the third year of his reign he sent his officials Ben-Hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel and Micaiah to teach in the towns of Judah. 9 They taught throughout Judah, taking with them the Book of the Law of the Lord; they went round to all the towns of Judah and taught the people. 2 Chronicles 17
So Jehoshaphat taught his people the worship of the Lord and blessings soon came to the King and the nation.
5 The Lord established the kingdom under his control; and all Judah brought gifts to Jehoshaphat, so that he had great wealth and honour. 2 Chronicles 17
His rule as King was established by God Himself and the people gave him gifts, so that he had both wealth and honour.
10 The fear of the Lord fell on all the kingdoms of the lands surrounding Judah, so that they did not go to war against Jehoshaphat.
7 When a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord,
he makes even his enemies live at peace with him. Proverbs 16
Lord help us your people to enjoy peace in our own land today!
11 Some Philistines brought Jehoshaphat gifts and silver as tribute, and the Arabs brought him flocks: seven thousand seven hundred rams and seven thousand seven hundred goats.
Jehoshaphat grew in renown under the blessings of the Lord.
12 Jehoshaphat became more and more powerful; he built forts and store cities in Judah 13 and had large supplies in the towns of Judah. He also kept experienced fighting men in Jerusalem.
The Favour of God rested powerfully upon Jehoshaphat and his people and they went from strength to strength. He brought the people of Judah out of Baal worship (prevalent in Israel) and back to the Lord, the God of their father David.
No matter how difficult things seem to be, hold on to your Faith, God will come through for His people, just as He did for Jehoshaphat and Judah.
13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 14 Do everything in love. 1 Corinthians 16
May God bless and keep you today.