Who Was King Jehoshaphat in the Bible — In Biblical Context

The Biblical Context

Jehoshaphat was the son of Asa and reigned over Judah for twenty-five years. He 'walked in all the ways of Asa his father; he turned not aside from it, doing that which was right in the eyes of the LORD.' He sent officials and Levites throughout Judah to teach the people the Book of the Law. He fortified Judah's cities and built a mighty army. But his alliance by marriage with Ahab, king of Israel, led to compromise: he joined Ahab in an ill-fated campaign against Ramoth-gilead, where he narrowly escaped death. His most memorable moment came when a vast coalition of Moabites and Ammonites marched against Judah. Jehoshaphat prayed publicly in the temple court: 'We have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.' The Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel, who prophesied deliverance. Jehoshaphat appointed singers to march before the army, and when they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the enemy, who destroyed one another. Judah arrived to find only dead bodies and spoils. Jehoshaphat's story teaches that praise is a weapon of warfare and that faith looks to God when human resources fail.

Where It Sits in Scripture

Supporting Passages