Jehoshaphat

Lore & Background

Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud served as recorder during the reigns of David and Solomon (2 Samuel 8:16; 2 Samuel 20:24; 1 Kings 4:3). A separate Jehoshaphat, the son of Paruah, is listed as a commissioner in Issachar (1 Kings 4:17). Jehoshaphat the son of Asa became king of Judah after his father Asa died (1 Kings 15:24). He made peace with the king of Israel (1 Kings 22:44) and allied with Ahab against Ramoth-gilead, insisting on inquiring of the Lord through a prophet (1 Kings 22:4-8). During that battle, Jehoshaphat cried out when mistaken for the king of Israel (1 Kings 22:32).

Reader's Guide

The passages portray Jehoshaphat as a king who sought divine guidance before military action. He twice asked for a prophet of the Lord—first with Ahab (1 Kings 22:5, 7) and later with Jehoram (2 Kings 3:11). He rebuked Ahab's dismissal of Micaiah (1 Kings 22:8) and insisted on hearing the Lord's word. Despite his piety, he allied with northern kings (1 Kings 22:4; 2 Kings 3:7) and was nearly killed in battle when wearing his royal robes (1 Kings 22:30, 32). He also attempted a maritime venture to Ophir that failed (1 Kings 22:48), and refused Ahaziah's offer of joint crews (1 Kings 22:49). His reign is summarized as having acts recorded in the chronicles of the kings of Judah (1 Kings 22:45).

Did You Know?

• Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud served as recorder under both David and Solomon (2 Samuel 8:16; 1 Kings 4:3).
• Jehoshaphat the king was 35 when he began to reign and reigned 25 years (1 Kings 22:42).
• He made ships at Eziongeber to go to Ophir for gold, but they were broken (1 Kings 22:48).
• He refused Ahaziah's request to send servants on his ships (1 Kings 22:49).