Jehoshaphat Makes a Mistake

Neither ruler felt like obeying the warning. Ahab had planned his course and was determined to follow it. Jehoshaphat had given his word, “We will be with you in the war” (2 Chronicles 18:3), and after making such a promise he was reluctant to withdraw his forces. “So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramoth Gilead.” 1 Kings 22:29. During the battle that followed, Ahab was shot by an arrow and died.RR 69.4

From this disastrous battle Jehoshaphat returned to Jerusalem. The prophet Jehu met him with the reproof: “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord? Therefore the wrath of the Lord is upon you. Nevertheless good things are found in you, in that you have removed the wooden images from the land, and have prepared your heart to seek God.” 2 Chronicles 19:2, 3. Jehoshaphat spent his later years mostly in strengthening Judah’s national and spiritual defenses. He “went out again among the people from Beersheba to the mountains of Ephraim, and brought them back to the Lord God of their fathers.” Verse 4.RR 69.5

One important step the king took was to establish efficient courts of justice. He “set judges in the land,” and in the instructions given them he urged: “Take heed to what you are doing, for you do not judge for man but for the Lord, who is with you in the judgment. ... With the Lord our God [there is] no partiality, nor taking of bribes.” Verses 5-7.RR 70.1

The king called on the judges of the appeals court at Jerusalem to be faithful. “Amariah the chief priest is over you in all matters of the Lord. ... The Levites will be officials before you. Behave courageously, and the Lord will be with the good.” Verse 11. In safeguarding the rights and liberties of his subjects, Jehoshaphat stressed the fact that every member of the human family receives from God, who rules over all. Those who are appointed to act as judges under Him are to “defend the poor and fatherless,” and “do justice to the afflicted and needy.” Psalm 82:3.RR 70.2