King Jehosophat Does What is Right

By Mary Vee
II Chronicles 19

From King Jehosophat's Scrolls

I must admit, I made a big mistake when deciding to help king Ahab with his battle. The prophet of the Lord warned us not to go. I should have listened.

I have repented. Now I must show the Lord, my strong interest in doing His will. 

I went out among the people from as far south as Beersheba to the northern hill country of Ephraim, and spoke with them about the importance of turning back to the Lord, the God of their fathers. The people listened.

I appointed judges in the land, one for each fortified city of Judah and told the judges: "Consider carefully what you do, because you are not judging for man but for the Lord, who is with you whenever you give a verdict. Let the fear of the Lord be upon you. Judge carefully, for with the Lord our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery."

I returned to Jerusalem and appointed some of the Levites, priests, and heads of Israelite families to be in charge of the laws of the Lord and to settle disputes. I instructed them, "You must serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the Lord. In every case that comes before you from your fellow countrymen who live in the cities, whether the issue is bloodshed or other concern, you are to warn them not to sin against the Lord. Otherwise His wrath will come on you and your brothers. Do this, and you will not sin."

I appointed Amariah as chief priest for matters concerning the Lord, Zebadiah as leader of the tribe of Judah for matters concerning the king, and the Levites as officials. "Gentlemen, act with courage,and may the Lord be with those who do well."

The order had been established. Judges appointed and I had clearly presented to the people the importance of worshiping the Lord, the God of their fathers.

A few days later, I saw all that had been arranged went well. About this time a messenger came to my chamber requesting to deliver urgent news.

"Yes. Come in."

He bowed. "Your majesty, a vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Sea. They are already in En Gedi."

War? Surely this is the Lord testing my faithfulness. There was only one solution. Inquire of the Lord and proclaim a fast in the kingdom while we prayed. 

Come back next time to see what happens.

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photo courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

1. King Jehosophat had been told by the prophet that he did wrong by helping wicked king Ahab. What did Jehosophat do after hearing the news?
2. King Jehosophat traveled to ____________ in the south and _______ in the north.
3. He encouraged the people to follow _______________
4. King Jehosophat appointed _____________ over the people.
5. After all was set up and the people of Judah once again worshiping the Lord, a messenger came and reported ______________