2 Chr 20:31-37

The book reports briefly about the balance of Jehoshaphat's reign. All in all, he reigned for 25 years and his heart didn't turn from the Lord as his father did. He did however fail to remove the idol worship that persisted in the land which reflected the divided hearts of the people. The agreement he had with Ahaziah was not "blessed" since Ahaziah was a wicked king whose heart was against the Lord. Ahaziah was the king of Israel around 850-849 BC. As a result, according to the commentary:

Jehoshaphat had not learned the lesson from his agreement with Ahab. The LORD sent Eliezer to prophesy against Jehoshaphat. Jehoshaphat ought not to have made an agreement with Ahaziah. Because he had done so, the LORD destroyed the ships. Probably Jehoshaphat did not do what he had promised to Ahaziah. He built ships at Ezion-Geber to trade with Ophir. When Ahaziah wanted his sailors to join with Jehoshaphat’s sailors, Jehoshaphat refused. But all of the ships broke up as they sailed from Ezion-Geber (1 Kings 22:48-49).

 

Still the reign of  Jehoshaphat  was one that was commendable. All of the kings and men that are recorded had their flaws since they all pointed to the One that was flawless - Jesus. Jesus's reign would be eternal while theirs would be limited and usually would be one that lacked.

 

Overall, good weekend with the wedding on Sat and church yesterday. Good to see people that I haven't seen in years. This week should shape up to be decent despite paying respect to Keira who goes to be with the Lord. Prayers for those who I just found out have become victims of the economy as well.

 

Praise for today: Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful. 2 Chr 20:20