Divided Kingdom in Chronicles: Ahaziah and Jehoshaphat's Reign
Explore the reign of Ahaziah in Israel and Jehoshaphat in Judah as the divided kingdom faces challenges and rebukes. Witness the intertwining stories of these kings in a time of political and religious turmoil.
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The Divided Kingdom (Part 1) Till There Was No Remedy (2 Chronicles 36:16)
17 Periods of Bible History 17 Periods of Bible History United kingdom Divided kingdom Judah alone Captivity Return from captivity Years of silence Life of Christ Early church Letters to Christians Before the flood Flood Scattering of the people Patriarchs Exodus Wandering in wilderness Invasion & conquest Judges
Kings of Judah and Israel Judah Rehoboam 17 yrs; evil Abijam 3 yrs; evil Asa 41 yrs; good Jehoshaphat 25 yrs; good Israel (all evil) Jeroboam - 22 yrs Nadab - 2 yrs Baasha - 24 yrs Elah - 2 yrs Zimri - 1 week Omri - 12 yrs Ahab - 22 yrs Ahaziah - 2 yrs
Divided Kingdom: Lesson 10 Divided Kingdom: Lesson 10 Ahaziah Becomes King in Israel Jehu Rebukes Jehoshaphat Judah s Victory over a Coalition of Nations 1 Kings 22:41 2 Kings 1:1 2 Chronicles 19:1 20:37
Ahaziah Becomes King In Israel (1 Kings 22:51-53) He began to reign in Jehoshaphat s 17th year Looking at both Ahab s and Jehoshaphat s reigns, the math indicates Ahaziah began ruling about 1 years before Ahab s death. He and Ahab were thus co-regents (not uncommon for kingdoms in that time period, Waldron, pg. 37). Ahaziah only ruled for 2 years Whether he ruled these 2 years by himself, or these 2 years include the co-regency with Ahab is hard to determine. He continued the wicked trend of the Northern kings. He was like all his predecessors and continued in the sins of Jeroboam. He was like his father Ahab, continuing to serve the Baals.
Jehu Rebukes Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 19:1-11) Jehoshaphat returns from his joint venture with Ahab (the battle with Ben-hadad at Ramoth-gilead). Jehu the prophet meets him with a message from God (19:2-3). This prophet had spoken against Baasha, and his father Hanani had rebuked Jehoshaphat s father Asa (cf. 1 Kings 16:1-4 , 2 Chron 16:7-10). Jehu condemns Jehoshaphat s alliance with Israel. Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Therefore the wrath of the LORDis upon you. Yet, Jehoshaphat still had some good in him. He had already removed the Asheroth from the land. He had previously set his own heart to seek God.
Jehu Rebukes Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 19:1-11) Jehoshaphat continues his reforms in Judah (19:4-11). He goes out among his people, from Beersheba to Ephraim, bringing them back to God. He appoints judges to render fair judgments in all disputes. He reminds them they were judging for God, not for man. God takes no pleasure in unrighteous decisions. All decisions were to be given in the fear of the Lord He involved the Levites and priests (those who knew the Law) in resolving conflicts. Behave courageously, and the LORD will be with the good.
Judahs Victory Over A Coalition (2 Chronicles 20:1-34) It appears that Moab rebelled against Israel after Ahab s death (2 Kings 1:1). Moab aligned with the Ammonites and Mt. Seir (Edomites) to war against Jehoshaphat (20:1, 10). Jehoshaphat is told of the great multitude amassed at En Gedi coming against him (20:2). In his fear, Jehoshaphat gathers Judah together that they might seek help from the Lord (20:3-4). He turned his attention to the Lord. He proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.
Judahs Victory Over A Coalition (2 Chronicles 20:1-34) Jehoshaphat leads his nation in prayer (20:5-12). Recognizes God as the only God, unequal in power. Credits God for driving out the inhabitants of Canaan when Abraham s descendants inherited the land. Here God s people built Him a sanctuary so that they might appeal to Him when they faced distresses. Now, they face opposition from old enemies God had previously commanded Israel could not invade or displace (cf. Deuteronomy 2:4-19). These same nations now planned to reward Israel s kindness with invasion and conquest. Judah was powerless (though its army numbered 1,160,000, cf. 2 Chronicles 17:14-19). O our God we do not know what to do. But our eyes are on Thee (20:12, ESV).
Judahs Victory Over A Coalition (2 Chronicles 20:1-34) God answers Jehoshaphat s prayer (20:13-19). Spoken through Jahaziel (a Levite). Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's. They were instructed to confront the multitude, but not fight against them. Station yourselves; stand and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf (cp. Exodus 14:13). Jehoshaphat and all Judah bowed down to worship the Lord. The Levites stood up and praised God with a very loud voice.
Judahs Victory Over A Coalition (2 Chronicles 20:1-34) Results of the Battle (20:20-25) The people of Judah go out and station themselves as God had instructed. Jehoshaphat reminds them to put their trust in the Lord and His prophets. Instead of fighting, they sing praises and worship. While they worship, God routs the enemy coalition; they destroy one another. When Judah finally arrives at the scene of the battlefield, all they see is corpses everywhere; no one had escaped. There was so much spoil it took Judah 3 days to collect it; it was more than they could carry.
Judahs Victory Over A Coalition (2 Chronicles 20:1-34) The triumphant return to Jerusalem (20:26-30). They bless the Lord in the Valley of Beracah. There was much joy on their return trip; the Lord had made them to rejoice over their enemies. They proceeded to the Lord s house with musical instruments. The dread of God was on all the kingdoms of the lands when they heard that God had fought against the enemies of His people. The kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace; God had given him rest. A final description of Jehoshaphat s godly reign and faithfulness as king of Judah (20:31-34).
Jehoshaphats Alliance with Israel (2 Chronicles 20:35-37; 1 Kings 22:48-49) As he had previously done with Ahab, Jehoshaphat enters into another agreement with Ahab s son Ahaziah. This was apparently an economic pact, using ships for commerce. God viewed Jehoshaphat s actions as wicked (2 Chron 20:35b). God sent the prophet Eliezer to rebuke Jehoshaphat for this joint venture; God destroys the work of this treaty (2 Chron. 20:37). After God thwarted the attempt, apparently Ahaziah contacted Jehoshaphat to try again, but Jehoshaphat refused (1 Kings 22:48-49).
Lesson for Today God does not approve of His people partnering with those who hate Him. The issue is FELLOWSHIP, i.e. partnership, association, joint participation, or communion. The Scripture is plain about the dangers of God s people aligning themselves with those who do not share a love for the Lord and respect for His word (1 Corinthians 15:33; 2 Cor. 6:14-17; Eph. 5:11). Trusting the Lord in prayer and praise assures us of ultimate victory, no matter the size of the foe, the height of the obstacle, or the depth of the problem.
