2 Chronicles 17:3 And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim;
Jehoshaphat was able to turn the tides of the evil kings before him. As you read through Chronicles there is a long line of bad kings who did evil in the LORD’s eyes. Jehoshaphat brought the nation of Israel back to serving God like his father David had.
How did he do this?
And what was the outcome for him?
1. He took away the high places - II Chr 17:6
2. He began to teach about God in all the surrounding cities - II Chr 17:6-9
The high places were where the people went to worship their little “g” gods. Idols had become commonplace in Israel, and Jehoshaphat set out to fix that. While this was no small task, he ensured his success by reinforcing his actions through teaching. He sent out teachers of the Bible who would help people understand not only the things they shouldn’t do but also the blessing associated with doing right.
The Outcome?
1. Peace
2 Chronicles 17:10 And the fear of the Lord fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat.
2. Presents
2 Chronicles 17:11 Also some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents, and tribute silver; and the Arabians brought him flocks, seven thousand and seven hundred rams, and seven thousand and seven hundred he goats.
3. Prosperity
2 Chronicles 17:12-13 And Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly, and he built in Judah castles and cities of store. And he had much business in the cities of Judah: and the men of war, mighty men of valour, were in Jerusalem.
The contrast between the evil kings is amazing because most of them suffered great judgment from God. It pays to serve the Lord!
Too often we seek peace, presents, and prosperity outside of pleasing God. If we truly desire to be blessed, we must start by doing the hard things that God wants us to do.
Removing the high places in our hearts and teaching God’s Word to those around us will lead to the same outcome that Jehoshaphat had.
