After the somewhat blemished reign of Asa, his son Jehoshaphat comes to the throne of David and walks "in the earlier ways of his father" (17:3). He does not "seek the Baals," the chronicler tells us, "but instead [seeks] the God of his Father." Jehoshaphat follows the LORD's commands, and does not follow "the ways of Israel" (17:4). The northern kingdom, with its syncretistic faith, is for the chronicler the chief font of corruption for Judah and contact with it is a constant danger to the descendents of David.
Each of the Judean kings, even the worst, has some of the characteristics of their ancestor David. Like David Jehoshaphat's heart is "courageous in the ways of the LORD," continuing his father's reforms by removing "the high places and sacred poles from Judah" (17:6). He sends Levite missionaries throughout his kingdom, taking with them a copy of the Law of Moses, to instruct the people how to follow it (17:9).
He enjoys international respect. As a result of the LORD's favor, Jehoshaphat triumphs over "all the kingdoms of the land around Judah, and they [do] not make war against Jehoshaphat" (17:10). But his success carries him too far and he makes a "marriage alliance with Ahab" of Israel (18:1). This was a common practice in ancient times, but in the eyes of the chronicler this is a very bad thing, because it brings the house of David into too much contact with the corrupting influence of the northern kingdom.
In 1 Kings 22 we have heard the story of the disastrous joint campaign of Jehoshaphat and Ahab against their mutual enemies, the Arameans . The brave prophet Michaiah tells Ahab that the LORD has decreed his death in the battle. So the King of Israel disguises himself, but King Jehoshaphat goes into battle in his own robes. The Arameans pursue Jehoshaphat, thinking that he is Ahab. But Jehophaphat cries out, "and the LORD [helps] him." God responds by drawing them away from his Chosen One (18:31). But a misdirected arrow strikes Ahab, and as the prophet had foretold he dies. But "King Jehoshaphat of Judah [returns] in safety to his house in Jerusalem" (19:1).
The prophet Jehu makes clear to him the meaning of his deliverance. "Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD?" the prophet asks the king, meaning Ahab of Israel (19:2). Nevertheless, in spite of his bad judgment in making his cause one with Israel, nevertheless the king's earlier obedience to the LORD saves him (19:3).
Jehoshaphat, chastened, concentrates on internal judicial reforms, appointing judges and telling them to "let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take care what you do, for there is no perversion of justice with the LORD our God, or partiality, or taking of bribes" (19:7). He also establishes a sort of "supreme court" of Levites and priests and elders in Jerusalem to "decide disputed cases" (19:8), commanding them to be impartial and just. "Deal courageously," he tells them, "and may the LORD be with the good" (19:11).
And the LORD is with the good—that is the moral of the story of Jehoshaphat. His enlightened reign is one of the bright spots in the darkening story of the southern kingdom.
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