Jehoshaphat

Jehoshaphat succeeded his father Asa as king of Judah and "walked in the first ways of his father David," seeking the Lord and not following the Baals. He removed the high places and Asherah poles, then sent officials, Levites, and priests throughout Judah to teach the people from the Book of the Law.

God blessed Jehoshaphat with peace, wealth, and military strength. Neighboring nations brought tribute rather than making war. He fortified cities, maintained large armies, and appointed judges throughout the land with the charge: "Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the Lord."

Yet Jehoshaphat's greatest weakness was his alliances with Israel's wicked kings. He married his son to Ahab's daughter, creating a link that would nearly destroy David's line. He went into battle with Ahab despite the prophet Micaiah's warning and barely survived when Ahab was killed. He later partnered with Ahab's son Ahaziah in a shipbuilding venture that God destroyed.

When a vast army invaded Judah, Jehoshaphat led his people in prayer and fasting. God's answer came through a Levite: "The battle is not yours, but God's... Ye shall not need to fight." Jehoshaphat sent singers before the army praising God, and the enemies destroyed each other. Despite his flawed alliances, Jehoshaphat is remembered as one of Judah's good kings.