2 Chronicles 19:1-11
Q.1. What rebuke did the prophet Jehu deliver to the king? What encouragement did God give Jehoshaphat? How did he respond? – (2 Chr.19:1-4)
God had heard Jehoshaphat’s cry in the desperate battle and had diverted the pursuing soldiers from him (2 Chr.18:31). This was because God recognized that Jehoshaphat had set his heart to seek Him (2 Chr.19:3). However, his marriage alliance with Ahab and Jezebel had caused him to place his people under their wicked influence. Therefore, God sent His prophet, Jehu with a stern warning – … “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord and so bring wrath on yourself from the Lord? (2 Chr.19:2). Unlike his father Asa, and after ignoring the warning of Micaiah, Jehoshaphat’s repentance was real. He – … brought them back to the Lord, the God of their fathers (2 Chr.19:4 c.f. 2 Chr.18:16-27).
Q.2. What reforms did Jehoshaphat institute in the land? What was to be the focus of the judges? What difference would this make? – (2 Chr.19:4-7)
Judah’s kings generally ruled wisely and knew how to organize their kingdom. Jehoshaphat was no exception. In response to Jehu’s warning, he appointed judges to call the people back to God. Their brief was to bring about righteousness in the nation – … let the fear of the Lord be upon you; be very careful what you do, for the Lord our God will have no part in unrighteousness or partiality or the taking of a bribe.” (2 Chr.19:7). As Solomon had observed – Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people (Prov.14:34).
Q.3. How did Jehoshaphat use the Levites and priests to undergird the reformation? What attitude were these leaders to display? – (2 Chr.19:8-11)
Jehoshaphat re-established the role of the Levites and priests in administering justice, particularly in Jerusalem. He gave this challenge – Then he charged them saying, “Thus you shall do in the fear of the Lord, faithfully and wholeheartedly (2 Chr.19:9). He then appointed men who would be accountable to him for this task. He charged them – … Act resolutely, and the Lord be with the upright.” (2 Chr.19:11). In this way the king brought revival back to the nation.