Immanuel Lutheran Church ~ Mankato, MN
Fall 2000 Bible Study
Lesson 06 — November 5, 2000
JEHOSHAPHAT
2 Chronicles 17-20
Preliminary Considerations:
- Jehoshaphat was the great-great-grandson of King David.
- He ruled the southern kingdom of Judah for 25 years from
873-848 BC (cf. 2 Chronicles 20:31).
- He was a good and faithful king, who "took delight in the
ways of the LORD" and was consequently blessed by the LORD
(cf. 2 Chronicles 17:3-6,10-13).
- He took a great interest in "Christian education" and saw to
the religious instruction of his people (cf. 2 Chronicles 17:7-9).
- In spite of all of the positive things, he still made some very
foolish decisions, which proved harmful to his family and his nation
(cf. 2 Chronicles 18:1; 19:2-3; 20:35-37; 21:1,4-6).
Jehoshaphat’s Life and Career:
- Jehoshaphat’s foolish alliance with King Ahab →
Read 2 Chronicles 18:1-34
- Why was Jehoshaphat’s alliance with King Ahab politically foolish and spiritually dangerous?
- Why is Ahab’s reaction to the initial prophecy of Micaiah so ironic?
- How was the Lord working His will throughout this entire situation?
- How did Ahab, despite his unbelief, demonstrate he feared the words of God’s prophet were true?
- What should we learn from King Ahab’s end?
- Jehoshaphat’s wise governmental/judicial appointments →
Read 2 Chronicles 19:4-11
- Analyze and discuss Jehoshaphat’s advice for those people he appointed to judge his people.
- How does Jehoshaphat’s advice reflect biblical truth with regard both to the source of government’s power and the responsibility of governmental officials.
- How might Jehoshaphat’s advice assist Christians as they approach the election of governmental officials.
- Jehoshaphat’s successful battle against Judah’s enemies →
Read 2 Chronicles 20:1-30
- Discuss the nature and state of Jehoshaphat’s faith based on his prayer to God.
- What general and specific truths did the LORD’s prophet Jahaziel reveal after Jehoshaphat’s prayer?
- How did the armies of Judah display their faith en route to the battlefield?
- How did the LORD win the day for Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah?
[PDN]