JEHOSHAPHAT BECOMES KING AND IS BLESSED

PROCLAMATION

“And The Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David and … walked in the commandments … therefore The Lord established the kingdom in his hand … and he had riches and honor in abundance.”  2 Chronicles 17:3-5 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

The words of First and Second Chronicles were written as one book under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Ezra the scribe and priest and historical Bible scholar according to Jewish tradition.  After the death of Asa, his son Jehoshaphat reigned in his stead.  He strengthened himself and Judah in case of war against Israel.  He fenced in the cities of Judah and set up garrisons throughout the land. (2 Chronicles 17:1-2)  He walked in the ways of David and The Lord was with him.  He kept the commandments of The Lord, and The Lord established his kingdom and blessed him with riches and honor in abundance. (2 Chronicles 17:2-5)  Jehoshaphat devoted his heart to the ways of The Lord.  He removed all of the high places for incense burning and all the Asherah poles from Judah.  He sent his princes throughout Judah along with Levites to teach the book of the law to the people. (2 Chronicles 17:6-9)  The fear of The Lord was upon all of the kingdoms around Judah so none of them made war with Jehoshaphat.  The Philistines brought him gifts and silver, and the Arabians brought him flocks of rams and goats.  He grew richer and more powerful.  He built forts and store cities in Judah, but he also kept a large number of experienced fighting men with him and in his fenced in cities. (2 Chronicles 17:10-19)

 

APPLICATION

We are all blessed in more ways than we can count.  We pray and ask God for more blessings and we have not thanked Him for all of the blessings which we have already received.  It is possible for us to receive blessings on top of blessings.   We can be blessed for being obedient to God’s Holy Word.  Knowing The Word of God is good but we will be blessed if we do what it says. (John 13:17)  If God is near and dear to our heart, our speech and behavior will show it and others will see it.  Jesus The Christ said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments." (John 14:15)