Jehoshaphat’s Besetting Sin

I. THE STRENGTH OF JEHOSHAPHAT (2 Chronicles 17:1-12)

A. His Military Might (2 Chronicles 17:1-2)

1. He strengthened himself against Israel (2 Chronicles 17:1).
2. He placed forces in all the fenced cities of Judah (2 Chronicles 17:2).
3. He set garrisons in the land of Judah and in the cities of Ephraim which his father had taken (2 Chronicles 17:2).

B. His Spiritual Might (2 Chronicles 17:3-9)

1. The LORD was with him (2 Chronicles 17:3-4)
a. He walked in the first ways of his father David (2 Chronicles 17:3).
b. He sought not unto Baalim, but unto the LORD God of his father (2 Chronicles 17:3-4).
c. He walked in the commandments of God and not after the doings of Israel (2 Chronicles 17:4).
2. The LORD established his kingdom (2 Chronicles 17:5)
a. All Judah brought him presents.
b. He had riches and honour in abundance.
3. His heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD (2 Chronicles 17:6-9)
a. He took away the high places and groves (2 Chronicles 17:6).
b. He sent teachers throughout Judah to teach the law of the LORD (2 Chronicles 17:7-9).

C. His Political Might (2 Chronicles 17:10-12)

1. None would make war with him (2 Chronicles 17:10).
2. Other peoples brought him presents and tribute (2 Chronicles 17:11).
3. He waxed great exceedingly (2 Chronicles 17:12).

II. THE AFFINITIES OF JEHOSHAPHAT

A. His Affinity with Ahab (1 Kings 22:1-38; 2 Chronicles 18:1 – 2 Chronicles 19:2)

1. He went down to Ahab (1 Kings 22:2; 2 Chronicles 18:1-2). Note: Directionally Ahab was north of Jehoshaphat, but elevation wise he was down. Though, there is also a spiritual truth being taught.
2. He was lured into battle with Ahab (1 Kings 22:3-4; 2 Chronicles 18:2-3).
3. He had to contend with false prophecies and the imprisonment of the LORD’s prophet (1 Kings 22:5-28; 2 Chronicles 18:4-27).
a. Jehoshaphat desired a word from the LORD (1 Kings 22:5; 2 Chronicles 18:4).
b. He had to hear the lying spirit sent forth into the 400 prophets (1 Kings 22:6, 10-12, 19-23; 2 Chronicles 18:5, 9-11, 18-22).
c. He had to be a partaker in the hatred against God’s prophet (1 Kings 22:7-9, 13-28; 2 Chronicles 18:6-8, 12-27).
4. He nearly died with Ahab (1 Kings 22:29-38; 2 Chronicles 18:28-34).
5. He bore rebuke for his evil association (2 Chronicles 19:1-2).

B. His Affinity with Ahaziah (2 Kings 3:6-27; 2 Chronicles 20:35-37)

1. He was lured into battle with Ahaziah (2 Kings 3:6-10; 2 Chronicles 20:35).
2. He bore rebuke for his evil association (2 Chronicles 20:37).

III. THE HERITAGE OF JEHOSHAPHAT (1 Kings 22:44)

A. His Family

1. His son (Jehoram) married the daughter of Ahab (2 Chronicles 21:6).
2. Jehoram slew his brethren, likely out of envy (2 Chronicles 21:1-4).
3. Jehoram died a horrible death (2 Chronicles 21:18-20).

B. His People

1. They were compelled to commit fornication (2 Chronicles 21:11).
2. They suffered defeats (2 Chronicles 21:8-10, 16-17).