Jehoshaphat Leads Judah

Jehoshaphat became king of Judah when he was thirty-five years old, and he reigned in Jerusalem for twenty-five years. He followed the way of Asa his father and did what was right in the Lord’s sight. He strengthened Judah, placed forces in fortified cities, and set garrisons in the land.

Jehoshaphat sought the God of his fathers and wanted the people to know the Lord’s law. In the third year of his reign, he sent officials, Levites, and priests through Judah with the book of the Lord’s law, and they taught the people. He also removed Asherah poles and high places out of Judah.

The Lord established Jehoshaphat’s kingdom, and the surrounding kingdoms did not make war against him. Some brought gifts, silver, and large flocks. Jehoshaphat grew strong, built fortresses and store cities, and had many fighting men in Jerusalem as well as in the fortified cities of Judah. He also made peace with the king of Israel.

After Jehoshaphat returned in peace to Jerusalem, Jehu son of Hanani the seer met him with a hard warning. Jehu said he should not help the wicked or love those who hated the Lord. Still, Jehu also said there was good in him, because he had removed idols and had set his heart to seek God. Then Jehoshaphat went out among the people and turned them back to the Lord.

Jehoshaphat appointed judges in the fortified cities and also appointed Levites, priests, and family leaders in Jerusalem for difficult cases. He warned them to judge in the fear of the Lord, faithfully, and without taking bribes. Later he joined Ahaziah king of Israel to make ships, but a prophet warned him that this alliance was wrong, and the ships were wrecked. When Jehoshaphat died, his son Jehoram became king. What kind of leader accepts correction and changes course?