Jehoshaphat

Overview

Jehoshaphat, son of Asa, reigned as one of Judah's most faithful kings, described as walking in the earlier ways of his father David, seeking not the Baalim but the God of his fathers. He strengthened Judah against Israel, removed high places and groves in the early years of his reign, and famously sent priests and Levites throughout Judah's cities teaching the Book of the Law to the people. His faith was most vividly displayed when a vast coalition of Moabites, Ammonites, and others came against Judah; rather than mustering for battle first, Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast, gathered the nation to seek the Lord, and prayed publicly, ending with the memorable confession, 'we have no might against this great company... neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.' God answered through the prophet Jahaziel, promising the battle was the Lord's, and Judah went out the next day with singers leading the army in praise, only to find their enemies had already destroyed one another.