Bible Pathways 05/26/2003

May 26

Read II Chronicles 18 -- 20

In Today's Reading:

Jehoshaphat allied himself with Ahab; defeat of Jehoshaphat; death of Ahab; Jehoshaphat's national reformation; death of Jehoshaphat

Jehoshaphat was one of the most godly kings in the history of Judah. He appointed Levites throughout the country to read and instruct people in the Law of God. He forced the Baal and Ashtoreth cult followers, as well as the male prostitutes (homosexuals), out of his country.

However, Jehoshaphat made a serious mistake when he associated with Ahab, the idol-worshiping king of the northern kingdom. Their friendship led to the marriage of Jehoshaphat's son Jehoram to Ahab's daughter Athaliah. Ahab then asked Jehoshaphat to join him in a battle with Syria to regain his border city of Ramoth-gilead. Can you imagine godly Jehoshaphat feasting with Ahab and Jezebel, his Baal-worshiping wife, in Ahab's palace?

Following Jehoshaphat's request for a Word from God, a fearless prophet named Micaiah boldly foretold that Ahab would not return alive from that war. Ahab was killed on the first day of battle. In disregard of the prophet's warning, Jehoshaphat had joined Ahab and almost lost his life. When Jehoshaphat realized that he was surrounded by the Syrian army, he cried out in prayer to the Lord and he was miraculously delivered. When Jehoshaphat king of Judah returned to his home in Jerusalem, the prophet Jehu rebuked him because he had helped Ahab the wicked king even after the prophet had foretold his defeat and death.

The marriage of Jehoshaphat's son Jehoram to the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel opened the door to Baal worship in Judah and the massacre of all of Jehoshaphat's sons and grandsons, except for one-year-old Jehoash (Joash) who was hidden by the high priest Jehoiada.

No Christian man or woman should have a close relationship with an unsaved person since it violates our relationship with God. In doing this, we become an enemy of God, regardless of how "good" the unsaved person may seem or how "sure" we are that further involvement will not occur.

Devotional commentary also refers to: James 4:4.

Christ Portrayed:

By Micaiah, who told the truth even though it was unpopular and he was imprisoned (see II Chronicles 18:12-27). We are reminded of Christ when He spoke the unpopular truth to the Pharisees who had Him crucified (see Matt. 12:1-14).

Word Studies:

18:1 joined affinity = allied himself by the marriage of his son to Ahab's daughter; 18:9 a void place = an open area; 18:15 adjure = put you under oath; 18:33 at a venture = randomly; harness = armor; 19:8 set = appoint; 20:17 set = position.

Prayer Needs:

Geronimo Disla and the Bible Pathway Radio Broadcasts on KRIO-AM, Edinburg TX · Government Officials: Gov. Paul Patton (KY) and Rep. Janice Schakowsky (IL) · Country: Costa Rica (4 million) in Central America · Major languages: Spanish and English · Religious freedom is increasing · 90% Roman Catholic; 6% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Pray that God will move His people to give faithfully to His work (see Malachi 3:8-10).

Optional Reading: I Corinthians 13

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 119:9,11