Jehoshaphat

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Hebrew Yehoshaphat (“Yahweh has judged”), reflecting Israel’s covenantal view of divine justice.
• Period/Era: Divided Kingdom (Southern Kingdom of Judah), 9th century BC.
• Main References: 1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 17–20.
• Key Connections: Son of Asa; allied by marriage with Ahab’s house; interacted with prophets including Micaiah and Jehu son of Hanani.

Who was Jehoshaphat?

Jehoshaphat was king of Judah who succeeded his father Asa and strengthened royal administration and worship in Jerusalem.
He is remembered for promoting instruction in the law and for judicial reforms in Judah’s cities.
His reign included cooperation and conflict shaped by alliances with the northern kingdom of Israel.
He sought prophetic counsel during national crises and is portrayed as a pious Davidic ruler.

Key Events & Achievements

• Event 1: Organized officials and Levites to teach the Book of the Law throughout Judah (2 Chronicles 17:7–9).
• Event 2: Allied with Ahab and joined the campaign at Ramoth-gilead, narrowly escaping after Micaiah’s warning proved true (1 Kings 22:4–37).
• Event 3: Led Judah in seeking the LORD when threatened by a coalition from the east, followed by deliverance associated with temple worship (2 Chronicles 20:1–30).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Jehoshaphat’s reign illustrates how covenant faithfulness and political alliances together shaped Judah’s stability during the Divided Kingdom.

Key Verse

"Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be established; believe his prophets, and you will succeed." — 2 Chronicles 20:20, ESV