Question 1

Why was Jehoshaphat rebuked for helping the ungodly king?

Accepted Answer

Jehoshaphat was corrected because he had joined with Ahab, a king who worshiped idols and opposed the Lord. The prophet asked, “Should you help the ungodly, and love them that hate the Lord?” By making an alliance and going to war with Ahab, Jehoshaphat treated an enemy of God as a close partner. This showed the wrong kind of loyalty and gave support to wickedness. God’s anger is said to be on him for this, not to destroy him, but to show that God’s people should not join themselves closely with those who hate God’s ways.

Question 2

What does it mean that there were good things found in Jehoshaphat?

Accepted Answer

Even though Jehoshaphat had sinned in joining Ahab, God still saw real grace in him. The passage says he had taken away the groves, meaning he removed places of idol worship, and that he prepared his heart to seek God. So he was not a hypocrite. He truly wanted to honor the Lord and had acted to clear out false worship. This shows that God can rebuke a believer for real sin and at the same time encourage them by pointing out the sincere good work He has already done in their heart and life.

Question 3

How did Jehoshaphat respond after being rebuked by the prophet?

Accepted Answer

Jehoshaphat did not harden his heart or attack the prophet. Instead, he stayed in Jerusalem and then personally went out among the people again, from Beer-sheba in the south to Mount Ephraim in the north. His goal was to bring the people back to the Lord, the God of their fathers. This shows repentance in action. He did not just feel sorry; he changed direction and used his position as king to help others turn from idols to the true worship of God, trying to repair the damage his earlier choices had caused.

Question 4

What does it mean that the judges did not judge for man but for the Lord?

Accepted Answer

When Jehoshaphat told the judges they judged not for man but for the Lord, he reminded them that every case they handled was really before God. They were to use God’s law as their standard, seek His honor, and remember He was watching. Their job was not to please powerful people, protect friends, or gain money, but to reflect God’s justice. Knowing that God was with them in judgment should both comfort and sober them, because He would guide them in right decisions and also hold them accountable if they twisted justice.

Question 5

Why did Jehoshaphat stress the fear of the Lord in judging cases?

Accepted Answer

Jehoshaphat said, “Let the fear of the Lord be upon you,” because right judgment flows from a heart that respects God. He reminded the judges that with the Lord there is no wrong, no respect of persons, and no taking of gifts. If they kept this in mind, they would avoid bribes, favoritism, and crooked decisions. The fear of the Lord keeps a judge from selling justice or bending the law to help the rich or powerful. It also teaches that if they sin in judgment, God’s wrath can fall not only on them but on the people they lead.

Question 6

What was the role of the Levites, priests, and leaders in Jerusalem’s court?

Accepted Answer

In Jerusalem, Jehoshaphat set up a higher court made of Levites, priests, and heads of families. They were to handle hard cases brought from the cities, in both spiritual matters about God’s law and civil disputes between people. Amariah, the chief priest, was over matters of the Lord, like questions about worship and commandments. Zebadiah, a ruler from Judah, was over the king’s matters, such as civil government. The Levites served as officers to carry out the court’s decisions. This structure helped keep both worship and public life in line with God’s will.

Question 7

What does this passage teach about God’s character in justice and mercy?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that God is both just and merciful. He brings a clear word of anger to Jehoshaphat for helping the wicked, showing that He cares deeply about holiness and will not overlook sin. At the same time, He points out the good in Jehoshaphat and spares his life, guiding him back into faithful service. The words to the judges state that there is no iniquity, no favoritism, and no taking of gifts with God. So He is perfectly fair, cannot be bribed, and expects His people in authority to mirror His justice and steady kindness.

Question 8

How can Jehoshaphat’s reforms about judges apply to leaders today?

Accepted Answer

Jehoshaphat’s words to the judges still speak to anyone in authority. He reminds them that they serve under God, not just under people. Leaders should act in the fear of the Lord, handle matters faithfully, and keep a sincere heart. They must avoid favoritism and bribes, and remember that unjust decisions bring harm and can bring God’s anger. The charge to “deal courageously” shows that doing what is right can be hard when powerful people push for their way, but God promises to be with those who choose what is good and refuse to twist what is right.

Question 9

Who were Amariah and Zebadiah in this passage, and what did they do?

Accepted Answer

Amariah is called the chief priest and was placed over all matters of the Lord in the high court at Jerusalem. That likely meant he led in judging cases that involved God’s law, worship, and religious duties. Zebadiah, the son of Ishmael, is named as the ruler of the house of Judah for all the king’s matters, which points to civil and governmental issues. Together, with the Levites serving as officers, they formed a team that handled both spiritual and civil cases. This helped ensure that the people’s daily lives and their worship were guided by God’s ways.

Question 10

What does “deal courageously, and the Lord shall be with the good” mean?

Accepted Answer

“Deal courageously” is a call for the judges and leaders not to be timid or fearful when they make decisions. They would face pressure, angry people, and perhaps threats, but they were to stand firm in what was right. The promise that “the Lord shall be with the good” means God supports those who choose what is good in His eyes. It is not a promise of an easy life, but it does say that when leaders cling to justice, God is on their side to help, guide, and give strength, even when doing right is costly.

2 Chronicles 19:1

And Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned to his house in peace to Jerusalem.

Jehoshaphat Reproved by Jehu

Jehoshaphat’s Reforms

Jehoshaphat Reproved by Jehu

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2 Chronicles 19:1

And Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned to his house in peace to Jerusalem.

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Jehoshaphat Reproved by Jehu

Jehoshaphat’s Reforms

Jehoshaphat Reproved by Jehu

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