In the Bible, Jehoshaphat means “Yahweh has judged” or “the Lord is judge.” He was a king of Judah known for his efforts to strengthen the religious practices of his kingdom and his alliances with other nations.
Scripture
22 For three years Syria and Israel continued without war.
2 It came to pass in the third year, that Jehoshaphat the king of Judah came down to the king of Israel.
3 And the king of Israel said to his servants, “Do you know that Ramoth-gilead belongs to us, and we keep quiet and do not take it out of the hand of the king of Syria?”
4 And he said to Jehoshaphat, “Will you go with me to battle at Ramoth-gilead?” And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses.”
5 But Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “Inquire first for the word of the Lord.”
6 Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said to them, “Shall I go to battle against Ramoth-gilead, or shall I refrain?” And they said, “Go up, for the Lord will give it into the hand of the king.”
7 But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there not here another prophet of the Lord of whom we may inquire?”
8 And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “There is yet one man by whom we may inquire of the Lord, Micaiah the son of Imlah, but I hate him, for he never prophesies good concerning me, but evil.” And Jehoshaphat said, “Let not the king say so.”
9 Then the king of Israel summoned an officer and said, “Bring quickly Micaiah the son of Imlah.”
10 Now the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah were sitting on their thrones, arrayed in their robes, at the threshing floor at the entrance of the gate of Samaria, and all the prophets were prophesying before them.
11 And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made for himself horns of iron and said, “Thus says the Lord, ‘With these you shall push the Syrians until they are destroyed.’”
12 And all the prophets prophesied so and said, “Go up to Ramoth-gilead and triumph; the Lord will give it into the hand of the king.”
13 And the messenger who went to summon Micaiah said to him, “Behold, the words of the prophets with one accord are favorable to the king. Let your word be like the word of one of them, and speak favorably.”
14 But Micaiah said, “As the Lord lives, what the Lord says to me, that I will speak.”
15 And when he had come to the king, the king said to him, “Micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall we refrain?” And he answered him, “Go up and triumph; the Lord will give it into the hand of the king.”
16 And the king said to him, “How many times shall I make you swear that you speak to me nothing but the truth in the name of the Lord?”
17 And he said, “I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd. And the Lord said, ‘These have no master; let each return to his home in peace.’”
18 And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “Did I not tell you that he would not prophesy good concerning me, but evil?”
19 And Micaiah said, “Therefore hear the word of the Lord: I saw the Lord sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing beside him on his right hand and on his left.
20 and the Lord said, ‘Who will entice Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead?’ And one said one thing, and another said another.
21 Then a spirit came forward and stood before the Lord, saying, ‘I will entice him.’
22 And the Lord said to him, ‘By what means?’ And he said, ‘I will go out, and will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.’ And he said, ‘You are to entice him, and you shall succeed; go out and do so.’
23 Now therefore behold, the Lord has put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these your prophets; the Lord has declared disaster for you.”
24 Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came near and struck Micaiah on the cheek and said, “How did the Spirit of the Lord go from me to speak to you?”
25 And Micaiah said, “Behold, you shall see on that day when you go into an inner chamber to hide yourself.”
26 And the king of Israel said, “Seize Micaiah, and take him back to Amon the governor of the city and to Joash the king’s son,
27 and say, ‘Thus says the king, “Put this fellow in prison and feed him meager rations of bread and water, until I come in peace.”
28 And Micaiah said, “If you return in peace, the Lord has not spoken by me.” And he said, “Hear, all you peoples!”
29 So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramoth-gilead.
30 And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “I will disguise myself and go into battle, but you wear your robes.” And the king of Israel disguised himself and went into battle.
31 Now the king of Syria had commanded the thirty-two captains of his chariots, “Fight with neither small nor great, but only with the king of Israel.”
32 And when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, they said, “It is surely the king of Israel.” So they turned to fight against him. And Jehoshaphat cried out.
33 And a certain man drew his bow at random and struck the king of Israel between the scale armor and the breastplate. So he said to the driver of his chariot, “Turn around and carry me out of the battle, for I am wounded.”
34 But someone drew his bow at random and struck the king of Israel between the scale armor and the breastplate. So he said to the driver of his chariot, “Turn around and carry me out of the battle, for I am wounded.”
35 And the battle continued that day, and the king was propped up in his chariot facing the Syrians, until at evening he died. And the blood of the wound flowed into the bottom of the chariot.
36 So there went a proclamation throughout the camp as the sun was going down, saying, “Every man to his city, and every man to his country.”
37 So the king died, and was brought to Samaria. And they buried the king in Samaria.
38 And they washed the chariot by the pool of Samaria, and the dogs licked up his blood, and the prostitutes washed themselves in it, according to the word of the Lord that he had spoken.
39 Now the rest of the acts of Ahab and all that he did, and the ivory house that he built and all the cities that he built, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel?
40 So Ahab slept with his fathers, and Ahaziah his son reigned in his place.
Meaning of Jehoshaphat in the Bible
The name Jehoshaphat, which translates to “Yahweh has judged,” epitomizes the themes of divine judgment and alliance in the context of biblical governance. His reign as king of Judah is chronicled in 2 Chronicles 17-20, where we see him implementing significant reforms that promote the worship of Yahweh, thereby strengthening the religious integrity of his kingdom. For instance, in 2 Chronicles 17:6, it is noted that Jehoshaphat “took delight in the ways of the Lord and sought out the Lord’s instruction.” His efforts to establish judges and ensure just rulings reinforced the idea that God is the ultimate arbiter of justice. By investing in the judicial system to uphold God’s laws, he shows that leadership is bound to divine accountability.
Additionally, Jehoshaphat’s alliances with neighboring nations, like his partnership with Israel in 2 Chronicles 18, reflect the complexities of aligning human connections under the oversight of divine governance. While striving for peace and cooperation, he learns the precariousness of these alliances, culminating in a call to trust in God during times of conflict, particularly in the face of impending war against Moab and Ammon in 2 Chronicles 20. His famous proclamation in 2 Chronicles 20:12—“We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you”—demonstrates a profound recognition of God’s sovereignty over situations of uncertainty. Ultimately, Jehoshaphat stands as a symbol of steadfast faith in divine judgment and providence, illustrating that true leadership hinges on humility before the Lord and reliance on His justice and wisdom.
The legacy of Jehoshaphat extends beyond specific events to embody a broader spiritual narrative within the biblical text. His name, reflecting divine judgment, serves as a reminder of the continuous interplay between human authority and God’s ultimate rulership. In many instances, Jehoshaphat’s actions provide a template for righteous governance, showcasing the idea that a leader’s prosperity is intertwined with their allegiance to divine principles. His reforms, centered around re-establishing the worship of Yahweh, demonstrate a proactive approach to leadership that prioritizes spiritual health as foundational to national success.
Moreover, Jehoshaphat’s diplomatic efforts illustrate the tension between faith and political maneuvering. His alliance with Ahab, the king of Israel, signifies a moment where the pursuit of political peace risks overshadowing divine directives. This relationship emphasizes the importance of discernment when aligning with others. Jehoshaphat’s later reforms, which emphasized judicial integrity and reliance on prophetic guidance, encapsulate the essence of a leader who learns from past alliances and navigates the complexities of governance with an awareness of divine oversight. His trials and triumphs remind the faithful leaders of all generations that godly wisdom must inform both personal choices and communal governance, allowing for a true reflection of one’s commitment to serving the Lord amidst societal pressures.
A Symbol of Divine Judgment
Jehoshaphat’s name, which means “Yahweh has judged,” signifies the importance of divine judgment in the biblical narrative. His reign is marked by a commitment to seeking God’s will and implementing justice among the people. This reflects a broader theme in the Bible where leaders are called to uphold righteousness and ensure that God’s judgment prevails in their governance.
A Model of Faith and Leadership
Jehoshaphat exemplifies the qualities of faith and reliance on God in times of crisis. His actions demonstrate the importance of prayer, seeking counsel from God, and trusting in divine intervention. This aspect of his character serves as a model for leaders and individuals alike, emphasizing the need for faith in God’s guidance during challenging circumstances.
The Importance of Alliances and Community
Jehoshaphat’s alliances, particularly with Israel, highlight the significance of relationships and community in the biblical context. His efforts to strengthen ties with neighboring nations reflect a broader theme of unity and collaboration among God’s people. This underscores the idea that collective faith and cooperation can lead to greater strength and resilience in facing adversities.
How to Embrace Divine Guidance for a Better Christian Life
Embracing divine guidance is a transformative journey that can profoundly enhance your Christian life. Start by cultivating a habit of prayer, inviting God into your daily decisions and challenges; this creates a space for His wisdom to flow into your heart. As you read the Scriptures, allow the words to resonate with your spirit, seeking not just knowledge but understanding of how they apply to your life. Surround yourself with a community of believers who can offer support and share their own experiences of divine guidance, reminding you that you are not alone on this path. Finally, practice discernment by being attentive to the subtle nudges of the Holy Spirit—whether through a feeling of peace, a sense of conviction, or even the wise counsel of others. Remember, embracing divine guidance is not about perfection but about a sincere desire to align your life with God’s will, trusting that He will lead you toward a more fulfilling and purposeful existence.
Bible References to the Meaning of Jehoshaphat:
2 Chronicles 17:1-19: 1 Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his place and strengthened himself against Israel.
2 He placed forces in all the fortified cities of Judah and set garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim that Asa his father had captured.
3 The Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David. He did not seek the Baals,
4 But sought the God of his father and walked in his commandments, and not according to the practices of Israel.
5 Therefore the Lord established the kingdom in his hand. And all Judah brought tribute to Jehoshaphat, and he had great riches and honor.
6 His heart was courageous in the ways of the Lord.
7 Also in the third year of his reign he sent his officials, Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah.
8 With them were the Levites, Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tobadonijah; and with these Levites, the priests Elishama and Jehoram.
9 And they taught in Judah, having the Book of the Law of the Lord with them. They went about through all the cities of Judah and taught among the people.
10 And the fear of the Lord fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were around Judah, and they made no war against Jehoshaphat.
11 And some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents and silver for tribute, and the Arabians also brought him 7,700 rams and 7,700 goats.
12 And Jehoshaphat grew steadily greater. He built in Judah fortresses and store cities.
13 He had great riches and honor, and he made a marriage alliance with Ahab.
14 This was their muster according to their fathers’ houses: Of Judah, the commanders of thousands: Adnah the commander, with 300,000 mighty men of valor,
15 And next to him Jehohanan the commander, with 280,000;
16 and next to him Amasiah the son of Zichri, a volunteer for the service of the Lord, with 200,000 mighty men of valor.
17 And of Benjamin: Eliada, a mighty man of valor, with 200,000 men armed with bow and shield;
18 and next to him Jehozabad, and with him 180000 mighty men of valor.
19 These were in the service of the king, besides those whom the king had placed in the fortified cities throughout all Judah.
2 Chronicles 18:1-34: 1 Now Jehoshaphat had great riches and honor, and he made a marriage alliance with Ahab.
2 And after some years he went down to Ahab in Samaria. And Ahab killed an abundance of sheep and oxen for him and for the people who were with him, and induced him to go up against Ramoth-gilead.
3 And Ahab king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat king of Judah, “Will you go with me to Ramoth-gilead?” He answered him, “I am as you are, my people as your people. We will be with you in the war.”
4 And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “Inquire first for the word of the Lord.”
5 Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, four hundred men, and said to them, “Shall we go to battle against Ramoth-gilead, or shall I refrain?” And they said, “Go up, for God will give it into the hand of the king.”
6 But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there not here another prophet of the Lord of whom we may inquire?”
7 And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “There is yet one man by whom we may inquire of the Lord, Micaiah the son of Imlah; but I hate him, for he never prophesies good concerning me, but always evil.” And Jehoshaphat said, “Let not the king say so.”
8 And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “There is yet one man by whom we may inquire of the Lord, Micaiah the son of Imlah; but I hate him, for he never prophesies good concerning me, but always evil.” And Jehoshaphat said, “Let not the king say so.”
9 Now the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah were sitting on their thrones, arrayed in their robes. And they were sitting at the threshing floor at the entrance of the gate of Samaria, and all the prophets were prophesying before them.
10 And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made for himself horns of iron and said, “Thus says the Lord, ‘With these you shall push the Syrians until they are destroyed.’”
11 And all the prophets prophesied so and said, “Go up to Ramoth-gilead and triumph. The Lord will give it into the hand of the king.”
12 And the messenger who went to summon Micaiah said to him, “Behold, the words of the prophets with one accord are favorable to the king. Let your word be like the word of one of them, and speak favorably.”
13 And Micaiah said, “As the Lord lives, what my God says, that I will speak.”
14 And when he had come to the king, the king said to him, “Micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I refrain?” And he answered, “Go up and triumph; they will be given into your hand.”
15 And the king said to him, “How many times shall I make you swear that you speak to me nothing but the truth in the name of the Lord?”
16 And he said, “I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd. And the Lord said, ‘These have no master; let each return to his home in peace.’”
17 And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “Did I not tell you that he would not prophesy good concerning me, but evil?”
18 And Micaiah said, “Therefore hear the word of the Lord: I saw the Lord sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing on his right hand and on his left.
19 And the Lord said, ‘Who will entice Ahab the king of Israel, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead?’ And one said one thing, and another said another.
20 Then a spirit came forward and stood before the Lord, saying, ‘I will entice him.’ And the Lord said to him, ‘By what means?’
21 Then a spirit came forward and stood before the Lord, saying, ‘I will entice him.’ And the Lord said to him, ‘By what means?’
22 Now therefore behold, the Lord has put a lying spirit in the mouth of these your prophets. The Lord has declared disaster concerning you.”
23 Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came near and struck Micaiah on the cheek and said, “Which way did the Spirit of the Lord go from me to speak to you?”
24 And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah went near and struck Micaiah on the cheek and said, “How did the Spirit of the Lord go from me to speak to you?”
25 Then the king of Israel said, “Take Micaiah and return him to Amon the governor of the city and to Joash the king’s son,
26 and say, ‘Thus says the king, Put this fellow in prison and feed him with meager rations of bread and water until I return in peace.’”
27 And Micaiah said, “If you return in peace, the Lord has not spoken by me.” And he said, “Hear, all you peoples!”
28 So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramoth-gilead.
29 And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “I will disguise myself and go into battle, but you wear your robes.” And the king of Israel disguised himself, and they went into battle.
30 Now the king of Syria had commanded the captains of his chariots, “Fight with neither small nor great, but only with the king of Israel.”
31 And when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, they said, “It is the king of Israel.” So they turned to fight against him. And Jehoshaphat cried out, and the Lord helped him; God drew them away from him.
32 And when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, they said, “It is the king of Israel.” So they turned to fight against him. And Jehoshaphat cried out, and the Lord helped him; God drew them away from him.
33 And a certain man drew his bow at random and struck the king of Israel between the scale armor and the breastplate. So he said to the driver of his chariot, “Turn around and carry me out of the battle, for I am wounded.”
34 And the battle increased that day. And the king of Israel was propped up in his chariot facing the Syrians until evening, and at sunset he died.
2 Chronicles 19:1-11: 2 And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him and said to King Jehoshaphat, “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord? Because of this, wrath has gone out against you from the Lord.
19:2 And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him and said to King Jehoshaphat, “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord? Because of this, wrath has gone out against you from the Lord.
3 Nevertheless, some good is found in you, for you destroyed the Asherahs out of the land, and have set your heart to seek God.
4 Jehoshaphat lived at Jerusalem. And he went out again among the people, from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim, and brought them back to the Lord, the God of their fathers.
5 And he set judges in the land throughout all the fortified cities of Judah, city by city,
6 and said to the judges, “Consider what you do, for you judge not for man but for the Lord. He is with you in giving judgment.
7 Now then, let the fear of the Lord be upon you. Be careful what you do, for there is no injustice with the Lord our God, or partiality or taking bribes.
8 Moreover, in Jerusalem Jehoshaphat appointed certain Levites and priests and heads of families of Israel, to give judgment for the Lord and to decide disputed cases. They had their seat at Jerusalem.
9 And he charged them: “Thus you shall do in the fear of the Lord, in faithfulness, and with your whole heart:
10 Whenever a case comes to you from your brothers who live in their cities, concerning bloodshed, law or commandment, statutes or rules, then you shall warn them, that they may not incur guilt before the Lord and wrath may not come upon you and your brothers. Thus you shall do, and you will not incur guilt.
11 Behold, Amariah the chief priest is over you in all matters of the Lord; and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the governor of the house of Judah, in all the king’s matters, and the Levites will serve you as officers. Deal courageously, and may the Lord be with the upright!
2 Chronicles 20:1-30: 21 And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the Lord and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, “Give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures forever.”
2 Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, “A great multitude is coming against you from Edom, from beyond the sea; and, behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar” (that is, Engedi).
3 Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.
4 And Judah assembled to seek help from the Lord; from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord.
5 And Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord, before the new court,
6 and said, “O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you.
7 Did you not, our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel, and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend?
8 and they have lived in it and have built for you in it a sanctuary for your name, saying,
9 ‘If disaster comes upon us, the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this house and before you—for your name is in this house—and cry out to you in our affliction, and you will hear and save.’
10 And now behold, the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir, whom you would not let Israel invade when they came from the land of Egypt, and whom they avoided and did not destroy—
11 behold, they reward us by coming to drive us out of your possession, which you have given us to inherit.
12 O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”
13 Meanwhile all Judah stood before the Lord, with their little ones, their wives, and their children.
14 And the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, in the midst of the assembly.
15 Thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s.
16 Tomorrow go down against them. Behold, they will come up by the ascent of Ziz. You will find them at the end of the valley, east of the wilderness of Jeruel.
17 You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.”
18 Then Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the Lord, worshiping the Lord.
19 And the Levites, of the Kohathites and the Korahites, stood up to praise the Lord, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice.
20 And they rose early in the morning and went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. And when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be established; believe his prophets, and you will succeed.”
21 And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the Lord and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, “Give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures forever.”
22 And when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed.
23 For the men of Ammon and Moab rose against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, devoting them to destruction, and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, they all helped to destroy one another.
24 When Judah came to the watchtower of the wilderness, they looked toward the horde, and behold, there were dead bodies lying on the ground; none had escaped.
25 When Jehoshaphat and his people came to take their spoil, they found among them, in great numbers, goods, clothing, and precious things, which they took for themselves until they could carry no more. They were three days in taking the spoil, it was so much.
26 On the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Beracah, for there they blessed the Lord. Therefore the name of that place has been called the Valley of Beracah to this day.
And they returned every man of Judah and Jerusalem, and Jehoshaphat at their head, returning to Jerusalem with joy, for the Lord had made them rejoice over their enemies.
28 They came to Jerusalem with harps and lyres and trumpets, to the house of the Lord.
29 And the fear of God came on all the kingdoms of the countries when they heard that the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel.
30 So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet, for his God gave him rest all around.
2 Chronicles 21:1-3: 1 Jehoram his son reigned in his place and strengthened himself against Israel.
2 He had brothers, the sons of Jehoshaphat: Azariah, Jehiel, Zechariah, Azariah, Michael, and Shephatiah; all these were the sons of Jehoshaphat king of Israel.
3 Their father gave them great gifts of silver, gold, and valuable possessions, along with fortified cities in Judah, but he gave the kingdom to Jehoram, because he was the firstborn.
2 Kings 3:1-27: 3 Now Jehoram the son of Ahab became king over Israel in Samaria in the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned twelve years.
2 He did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, though not like his father and mother, for he put away the pillar of Baal that his father had made.
3 Nevertheless, he clung to the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which he made Israel to sin; he did not depart from them.
4 Now Mesha king of Moab was a sheep breeder, and he had to deliver to the king of Israel 100,000 lambs and the wool of 100,000 rams.
5 But when Ahab died, the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel.
6 And King Jehoram marched out of Samaria at that time and mustered all Israel.
7 And he went and sent word to Jehoshaphat king of Judah: “The king of Moab has rebelled against me. Will you go with me to battle against Moab?” And he said, “I will go. I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses.”
8 And he said, “By which way shall we march?” Jesus answered, “By the way of the wilderness of Edom.”
9 So the king of Israel went with the king of Judah and the king of Edom. And when they had made a circuitous march of seven days, there was no water for the army or for the animals that followed them.
10 And the king of Israel said, “Alas! The Lord has called these three kings to give them into the hand of Moab.”
11 But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there no prophet of the Lord here, through whom we may inquire of the Lord?” Then one of the king of Israel’s servants answered, “Elisha the son of Shaphat is here, who poured water on the hands of Elijah.”
12 And Jehoshaphat said, “The word of the Lord is with him.” So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him.
13 And Elisha said to the king of Israel, “What have I to do with you? Go to the prophets of your father and to the prophets of your mother.” But the king of Israel said to him, “No; it is the Lord who has called these three kings to give them into the hand of Moab.”
14 And Elisha said, “As the Lord of hosts lives, before whom I stand, were it not that I have regard for Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would neither look at you nor see you.
15 But now bring me a musician.” And when the musician played, the hand of the Lord came upon him.
16 And he said, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Make this valley full of trenches.’
17 For thus says the Lord, ‘You shall not see wind or rain, but that streambed shall be filled with water, so that you shall drink, you, your livestock, and your animals.’
18 This is a light thing in the sight of the Lord. He will also give the Moabites into your hand,
19 And you shall attack every fortified city and every choice city, and shall fell every good tree and stop up all springs of water and ruin every good piece of land with stones.”
20 The next morning, about the time of offering the sacrifice, behold, water came from the direction of Edom, till the country was filled with water.
21 And when all the Moabites heard that the kings had come up to fight against them, all who were able to put on armor, from the youngest to the oldest, were called out and were drawn up at the border.
22 And they rose early in the morning, and the sun shone upon the water, and the Moabites saw the water opposite them as red as blood.
23 And they said, “This is blood; the kings have surely fought together and struck one another down. Now then, Moab, to the spoil!”
24 But when they came to the camp of Israel, the Israelites rose and struck the Moabites, until they fled before them. And they went forward, striking the Moabites as they went.
25 And they overthrew the cities, and on every good piece of land every man threw a stone until it was covered. They stopped every spring of water and felled all the good trees, till only its stones were left in Kir-hareseth, and the slingers surrounded and attacked it.
26 When the king of Moab saw that the battle was too fierce for him, he took with him 700 swordsmen to break through, opposite the king of Edom, but they could not.
27 Then he took his oldest son who was to reign in his place and offered him for a burnt offering on the wall. And there came great wrath against Israel. And they withdrew from him and returned to their own land.
2 Kings 8:16-24: 16 In the fifth year of Joram the son of Ahab, king of Israel, when Jehoshaphat was king of Judah, Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, began to reign.
17 He walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as the house of Ahab had done, for the daughter of Ahab was his wife. And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord.
18 And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as the house of Ahab had done, for the daughter of Ahab was his wife. And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord.
19 Yet the Lord was not willing to destroy Judah, for the sake of David his servant, since he promised to give a lamp to him and to his sons forever.
20 In his days Edom revolted from the rule of Judah and set up a king of their own.
21 Then Joram passed over to Zair, and all his chariots with him. And he rose by night and struck the Edomites who had surrounded him and his chariot commanders.
22 To Edom. So Edom revolted from the rule of Judah to this day. Then Libnah revolted at the same time.
23 Now the rest of the acts of Joram, and all that he did, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah?
24 Joram slept with his fathers and was buried with his fathers in the city of David, and Ahaziah his son reigned in his place.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.