Jehoshaphat (Jehosaphat, Josaphat, or Yehoshafat) was the mighty king of Judah. He was the 4th king of this place and later on became one of the most successful rulers of the place.
He was very successful because he followed the commands which were given to him by God.
At the age of 35, he succeeded his father who was the 1st king of Judah. He also did what was right in the eye of God and what was also truthful for the people of the country in several series of religious reforms.
Family Tree of Jehoshaphat
The family of Jehosaphat, Josaphat, or Yehoshafat was very famous and loved by all the people present in the country of Judah.
His father was king Asa, who was the first king who had done lots of good deeds for all the people living in the country of Judah. His mother was queen Azubah.
Later he had a son who was Jehoram, who later married a girl whose name was Athaliah.
Hometown and Location
Throughout his life, king Jehosaphat, Josaphat, or Yehoshafat traveled to a lot of countries. He got commands from God and lived his life wisely without any cheating. His hometown was in Jerusalem.
Life Lessons from Story and Folklore
Various life lessons can be learned from the life of the king of Judah Jehosaphat, Josaphat, or Yehoshafat. He was believed to be the one who always had faith in God and also had the commands which were given to him.
He used to lead a life that was wise and based on the path of truth. He believed in the fact that if a person does not take or ask God to help him or her then nothing in this particular world would be worthwhile.
That, if one wants to succeed in his or her life and reach the goal or the target it is set for themselves, then they have to consistently depend on God and ask him for having his grace and mercy on them.
He strictly followed the fact that if one puts anything ahead of the god then he or she is committing a crime.
Strengths of Jehoshaphat
A lot of strengths were present in the mighty king of Judah, Jehosaphat, Josaphat, or Yehoshafat. He was a faithful and bold follower of Yahweh.
He consulted different prophets of God before making any crucial decisions and also credited the god for every victory which he got in his life.
He was a victorious military leader and was also honored and was made different offerings and tribute by the people of Judah.
Weakness of the mighty king of Judah
Just like the strengths, the mighty king of Judah Jehosaphat, or Yehoshafat also had a lot of weaknesses. It was mentioned in some of the historical scriptures & books that he followed the world’s ways.
He made alliances with the questionable neighbors who are not at all trusted by the people of Judah.
He also failed to foresee the long-term consequences of the different decisions, which prove to be bad for his empire and also for his own country.
Occupation of the King Jehosaphat, Josaphat, or Yehoshafat
Occupation of Jehosaphat, Josaphat, or Yehoshafat, the Mighty king of the country of Judah was that he was the caretaker and the decision-maker for all the people who were living in Judah.
The decisions and the rules which he made had to be obeyed by every individual who is living in his Empire.
Accomplishment of Jehoshaphat
He accomplished a lot during his lifetime. He played a major role in strengthening the military of the country of Judah and also helped in building an army in majority parts of the forts.
He also campaigned against the idolatry and also for the renewed worship of the almighty or the one true God.
He educated the people living in the country of Judah for believing in the laws which are made by God and also traveled with the teachers in different parts of the country.
He also solidified peace between the country of Judah and Israel. He accomplished all of this because he was an obedient follower of the almighty God.
Unholy Alliance by Jehoshaphat
King Jehosaphat, Josaphat, or Yehoshafat is famous for his accomplishments and good deeds. But he has also made some terrible decisions and mistakes in his life span.
He made allies with Israel by marrying his son Jehoram with the daughter of King Ahab, Athaliah. King Ahab and his wife, queen Jessabelle already had developed a reputation for their wickedness.
At the very first glance, the alliance between the two countries completely words but king Ahab drew Jehoshaphat into a war that was against the will of the god.
The great battle which was fought at Ramoth was a complete catastrophe.
He was able to save his own life and escape because of the intervention of God. King Ahab was killed by an arrow, which was shot by the enemy.
Calling that particular disaster, the king of Judah appointed the judges throughout the country for dealing with the dispute of the people very fairly. This established a lot of stability in his Empire.
In some other times of crisis, the obedience of Jehoshaphat towards God helped in saving the country of Judah.
When enormous armies of Moabites, Ammonites, and the Meunites gathered at the End Gedi, which was situated near the Dead Sea.
He prayed to God after which the spirit of the Lord came upon the enemies and prophesied that the battle was the battle of the Lord’s.
When the king of Judah pushed the people out for meeting the invaders, he ordered his men to sing and praise God for his divinity and holiness. God then set the enemies of Judah upon each other.
By this particular time, the Hebrews arrived and saw only the dead bodies on the ground. The people of God needed 3 days for caring for this particular plunder.
Despite his earlier experience with the king of Ahab, the king of Judah entered into another alliance with Israel with the help of his son Ahab.
Together they were able to build a fleet of trading ships which would go to Ophir for collecting the gold but they got disapproved and the ships were wrecked before they could set to sail.
The name of Jehosaphat, Josaphat, or Yehoshafat has the meaning that Jehovah has judged was 35 years old when he began his reign and was the king of Judah for 25 years.
He was married at the age of 60 in the city of David present in Jerusalem. As per the tradition, he was buried in a very magnificent manner for mimicking the actions of king David.
References in the Bible
Jehoshaphat, the mighty king of Judah has various references in the holy book of the Bible and several other historical and religious textbooks and scriptures.
He is particularly mentioned in the 1 Kings 15:24 – 22:50 and 2 Chronicles 17:1 – 21:1. Other references include 2 Kings 3:1-14, Joel 3:2, 12, and Matthew 1:8.
Key Verses
Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah has been mentioned in various verses of the Bible.
His deeds and love for the people of his country and also the bravery which he showed throughout his life span is mentioned in different parts of the Bible.
He held fast to the LORD and did not cease to follow him; he kept the commands the LORD had given Moses. (2 Kings 18:6, NIV)
He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem!
This is what the LORD says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” (2 Chronicles 20:15, NIV)
He walked in the ways of his father Asa and did not stray from them; he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD.
The high places, however, were not removed, and the people still had not set their hearts on the God of their fathers. (2 Chronicles 20:32-33, NIV)
Conclusion
He was the mighty king of Judah and was the one who always followed the footstep which was carved out of the path of truth and
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Was the king Jehoshaphat religious?
King Jehosaphat, Josaphat, or Yehoshafat was very religious. He never did anything without asking it from God and if god rejected any of his proposals, then he withdrew himself from doing that particular task as he considered it to be a sin.
What was the significance of the town of Judah?
The town of Judah was considered to be a very holy place. King Jehoshaphat used to rule this particular place and followed the steps told by god and also made the people living there follow the same for leading a peaceful life. The meaning of the word Judah was praise.
When did the King Jehoshaphat die?
It is believed that King Jehosaphat, Josaphat, or Yehoshafat died in the year 849 BC.