Jehoshaphat’s Righteous Leadership

GOLDEN TEXT: “Deal courageously, and the Lord shall be with the good.” —II Chronicles 19:11

II CHRONICLES 17:1-7,9; 19:4-7

JEHOSHAPHAT was Asa’s successor to the throne of Judah, and he continued in the righteous course of his father. He was one of the best kings of Judah, and the most prosperous of any after Solomon. The record is that the Lord was with Jehoshaphat, “because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim: but sought to the Lord God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel [the ten-tribe kingdom].”

Because of this the Lord established the kingdom in his hands, and he became very popular among the people, who brought presents to him, “and he had riches and honor in abundance.” This did not turn him away from the Lord, but instead, as we read, “His heart was lifted up [or encouraged] in the ways of the Lord,” and he became resolute in destroying the worship of false gods.

In the third year of his reign he sent instructors throughout Judah to teach the people the law of the Lord. This was a wise plan. Few in those days possessed copies of God’s law, and not many could read. To send instructors from city to city and from village to village would help greatly in acquainting the people with God’s law. This in itself would strengthen the nation against evil.

After providing the people with this assistance, Jehoshaphat appointed judges to serve throughout the land. He said to these judges, “Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the Lord, who is with you in the judgment. Wherefore now let the fear of the Lord be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the Lord our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.”

To the extent these judges appointed by Jehoshaphat heeded his instructions, the decisions they rendered were sure to be just and righteous, and, of course, in keeping with the law of the Lord which was being taught. Under such circumstances the nation was certain to prosper and happiness prevail.

Notice the details of Jehoshaphat’s instructions. First the judges were to remember that they were doing their work before the Lord, based upon his law, not upon laws of their own. They were to seek to please the Lord, not man. Often there is a miscarriage of justice simply because there is a desire to please man.

God’s standard of justice and judgment was to be their guide; and, as the king pointed out to these judges, “There is no iniquity with the Lord”—no injustice, that is. Nor is God a respecter of persons, therefore they could not show partiality in their judgments.

Nor can God be bribed, the king told the judges; therefore, they were not to yield to temptation along this line. How many times throughout the ages justice has been turned aside by “gifts.” The king knew that the judges he was appointing to serve the people would be tempted to accept “gifts,” or bribes, but he warned against this.

In verse 11, from which our Golden Text is taken, we learn that Amariah, the chief priest, was to be a chief judge in religious matters; while all “the king’s matters”—that is, the civil affairs governed by God’s law, were to be in the hands of Zebadiah. Thus both the religious and civil affairs of the nation were brought directly under the king, being put in control by his appointment. The messianic kingdom will function somewhat after this manner, with Christ being the King supreme.

“Deal courageously,” Jehoshaphat said to his appointees, “and the Lord shall be with the good.” Thus again he reminded them that their service was unto the Lord, that in administering his law they were serving him and were responsible to him.

Between the death of Joshua and their first king, Saul, the people of Israel had no definite governmental arrangements. Everyone did what seemed good in his own sight. However, when conditions became too chaotic, permitting Israel’s enemies easily to invade and conquer, the Lord raised up “judges,” and under their leadership the people were delivered.

God has promised that during the reign of Christ he will raise up “judges as at the first.” (Isa. 1:26) These judges will be Christ and the church, and have as their human representatives, the ancient worthies. Under that righteous arrangement the whole world will be delivered from the greatest of all enemies, which is Death.

QUESTIONS

Who was Jehoshaphat, and for what reason did God establish the kingdom of Judah in his hands?

What measures did Jehoshaphat take to acquaint the people with the law of God?

What arrangement did he make to give assurance that the law of God would be properly interpreted and applied by the people in their dealings with one another?

To whom were the judges appointed by Jehoshaphat to consider themselves responsible, and how was this to influence their work?

What is implied by God’s promise that in the kingdom of Christ he will raise up judges “as at the first”?

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