Lesson 306 - Junior

Memory Verse

"Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass" (Prsalm 37:5).

Notes

God's Mercy

Jehoshaphat returned to his home after the battle against the Syrians. According to the words of prophecy, Ahab, the King of Israel, was slain in that battle. The Lord had spared Jehoshaphat's life when he was surrounded by the enemy. God had shown mercy to Jehoshaphat by permitting him to return home in safety.

Appearance of Evil

The armies of the Children of Israel and Judah were scattered. They were not victorious in their battle. Jehu, the son of a prophet, told Jehoshaphat why they had failed, and that wrath was upon him from the Lord. Jehoshaphat had joined forces with Ahab, a man who hated Micaiah, a Prophet of the Lord, and who called Elijah, another Prophet, his enemy [2CH:18:7]; [1KG:21:20]). By making an alliance with Ahab, it appeared that Jehoshaphat was helping Ahab in his sin and that Jehoshaphat was loving this man who hated God. Before this time, Jehoshaphat had shown that he wanted to do what was right. He had prepared his heart to seek God. He had reformed Judah by taking away the groves of idolatrous worship. But now he made a mistake in agreeing with Ahab and in going to battle with him.

The Psalmist David said that he hated those who hated God, that he considered the enemies of God to be his enemies, and that he had no fellowship with the wicked [PS:139:21-22]; [PS:26:5]). From the writings of the Apostle Paul we read: "Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good”; and, "Abstain from all appearance of evil” [ROM:12:9]; [1TS:5:22]). Jehoshaphat failed to do that, and made a great mistake.

Back to God

Jehoshaphat returned to his duty of ruling in Judah. He went through the land "and brought them back unto the LORD God of their fathers.” Perhaps his alliance with idolatrous Ahab had given the impression that he approved of idols. Lest his association with Ahab have the wrong influence, Jehoshaphat went through the land to reform the people. If there had been any damage done to his people by his joining forces with Ahab, he went about to repair and to restore Judah to worship the Lord.

Judges

Jehoshaphat established courts of justice throughout the land. To the judges who were appointed to rule the courts, he gave specific orders. He reminded them that they were judging for the Lord, and that they were accountable to Him. He warned them to give righteous judgment over the people -– there was to be no partiality shown and there were to be no bribes accepted. Johoshaphat said to the judges, "Let the fear of the LORD be upon you.”

For the Lord

God's people today are not set up as judges one over the other but they are given privileges to work for the Lord. What they do they do for the honour and glory of God. Their works are not done especially to please men but to please God. Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” [1CO:10:31]). When children are given the privilege of singing in the Sunday School chorus, they sing heartily unto the Lord. Christian children know that God is watching, and if they are faithful the Lord may give them other privileges to work for Him. When Christian children are given opportunities to help at church -– like handing out the books and papers, straightening the chairs, running errands, and even caring for smaller children -– they act obediently and quietly as if the Lord Himself had asked them to do it for Him.

The Law of God

In Jerusalem, too, Jehoshaphat set up judges. These were Levites, priests, and chiefs of the fathers of Israel. Jehoshaphat told them to do everything "in the fear of the LORD, faithfully, and with a perfect heart.” Two men were appointed over all the judges. Amariah, the chief priest, was in charge of the matters of the Lord. Zebadiah, the ruler of the house of Judah, was placed over all the king's matters. These two groups of judges were to handle the judgments that arose among the people, "that they trespass not against the LORD.” The one, with Amariah at its head, ruled according to the Church. The other group was to settle matters concerning the law of the land. For example, today in most countries there are laws to govern the speed which automobiles should travel, to specify what things cannot be sent through the mails, and what things may or may not be done. All people do not obey God's law; but Christians should obey not only the law of God, but also the laws of the land, so long as those laws do not conflict with the law of God [ACT:5:29]). A Christian is a good citizen.

Invaders

When Jehoshaphat had provided justice and the worship of the Lord for his people, it might have been expected that they would have peace and prosperity. Instead, word of an invasion came to Jehoshaphat. A mixed group from the children of Moab, Ammon, and others, planned to invade Judah. In times past, Jehoshaphat had had a great army prepared for war [2CH:17:13-18]). At this time, no mention is made about assembling an army and equipment for the battle. Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast throughout all the land of Judah. Not only the king and the judges but also all the people were admonished to seek God. A fast is for the purpose of seeking God in a particular matter. In a fast, the people pray and do not even take time to eat, because they are concerned about seeking God. (Click here to see lesson 267.)

Prayer

Jehoshaphat stood before the people who had gathered at the house of the Lord, the temple which Solomon built (Click here to read lesson 257.) As Jehoshaphat prayed, he acknowledged that God had all power and might, so that none could withstand Him. He reminded God that the land had been promised to Abraham and his seed. He remembered how Solomon had prayed at the dedication of the very temple in which they were gathered. Solomon had asked God to hear the prayer that was made in that place [2CH:6:40]). He had asked that in time of famine, pestilence, and war, whether the prayer was that of one man or of all His people, God would "maintain their cause” [1KG:8:37], [1KG:8:44-45]). When Solomon had thus prayed, God answered: fire came down from Heaven, and consumed the sacrifices; and "the glory of the LORD” filled the place [2CH:7:1]). The Lord said to Solomon, "Mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attend unto the prayer that is made in this place” [2CH:7:15]).

Jehoshaphat recalled that the Children of Israel ha been obedient in this matter while travelling through the wilderness. God had commanded them not to distress, meddle with, or fight with the Moabites, Ammonites, or the children of Easu, which dwelt in Seir [DEU:2:4], [DEU:2:9], [DEU:2:19]). Now these very armies were trying to drive God's people out of the land. Jehoshaphat asked God to be judge, and said, "We have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.”

Seeking God First

In the time of trouble, some people try the advice of friends, their own strength, and dependence upon men's ways. Sometimes, after all these things fail, as a last resort they will turn to God for help. How much better to pray and seek God first! The Bible says: "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man” [PS:118:8]); "O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee” [PS:84:12]); "Whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe” [PRO:29:25]). What do you do in the time of trouble -– get friends together to help you? form a plan to out trick the others? Talk your way out? Or do you pray and seek God first?

The Answer

The Lord sent an answer to Jehoshaphat's prayer. He spoke through Jahaziel, the Levite of the sons of Asaph, the singer, musician, and writer of some of the Psalms. Jahaziel spoke these words to all Judah: "Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. . . . stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you.” Upon hearing the words of encouragement, Jehoshaphat and all the people worshiped the Lord. The Levites "stood up to praise the LORD God of Israel with a loud voice on high.” These people worshiped and praised the Lord as soon as they had received the promise of help and deliverance. They believed that God was able to accomplish what He had promised.

Faith

Some people are so fearful that they must be completely delivered before they believe and thank God. In the Bible we are told, that, "the just shall live by faith” [HEB:10:38]). God is pleased when we believe Him, because "we walk by faith, not by sight” [2CO:5:7]). Jesus said to some blind men, "According to your faith be it unto you.” And their eyes were opened [MAT:9:29-30]). Jesus also said, "All things are possible to him that believeth” [MAK:9:23]).

Deliverance and Spoils

Jehoshaphat told the people to believe in the Lord, and declared that they would prosper. They prepared to go to battle, with the singers in front of the army. When they began to sing and to praise the Lord, saying, "Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever,” the Lord began to work among the enemy. There was an ambush among them. The enemies began to fall on each other; "every one helped to destroy another” until all were killed, and "none escape.”

Jehoshaphat and his people had done no fighting, yet they were the victors. How different was this battle from the one in which they trusted in men and were scattered! This time the battle was the Lord's, and in a strange way the armies of the enemies were destroyed. The spoils of the battle were for the children of Judah. There was an abundance of spoil, including precious jewels, which they gathered for themselves. God not only delivered Judah but also enriched them with so much spoil from the battle that it took them three days to gather it.

Jehoshaphat and his people appreciated what God had done for them. Even before they returned home, they gathered to thank God and bless His name. Then they returned with joy because God had "made them to rejoice over their enemies.” Whenever God helps us and sends deliverance from pain, trouble, temptation, or danger, we can and should thank Him immediately. We need not wait until the hour of family worship. We need not wait until we can go to church. Wherever we are, we should breathe a prayer of thanks and praise to God. The Lord can hear, whether our praises are spoken aloud or silently in our hearts. Then we, too, will return to our homes with joy.

Word soon was spread throughout the land that God had fought against the enemies of Judah. The people feared the Lord because they knew that He had worked for His people. "So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet: for his God gave him rest round about.”

Questions

1. Why did it seem that Jehoshaphat loved those who hated God?

2. Why did Jehoshaphat go through the land of Judah?

3. How were the judges to rule?

4. Over what two kinds of affairs were there judges?

5. Why did Jehoshaphat proclaim a fast?

6. What is a fast?

7. Where did they gather to pray?

8. Upon whom were they depending for deliverance?

9. Who fought for Jehoshaphat and his people?

10. Why did the people praise the Lord? When did they praise the Lord?