Bible Pathways - May 26, 2007
In Today's Scripture Reading:
Jehoshaphat allied himself with Ahab; 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 cult prostitutes (homosexuals), out of his country (I Kings 22:46; II Chronicles 17:3-9).
Jehoshaphat made a serious mistake when he associated with Ahab, the Baal-worshiping king of the northern kingdom. Their friendship led to the marriage of Jehoshaphat's son Jehoram to Ahab's daughter Athaliah (18:1; 21:1,6). Ahab then asked Jehoshaphat to join him in a battle with Syria to regain his border city of Ramoth-gilead (18:3). Godly Jehoshaphat also made a serious mistake when he accepted an invitation to a feast with Ahab and Jezebel.
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 (18:4,13,16). In disregard of the prophet's warning, Jehoshaphat joined Ahab and almost lost his life. When surrounded by Syrians, Jehoshaphat cried out, and the Lord helped him; and God moved them to depart from him (18:31). Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned to his house in peace to Jerusalem (19:1). God sent the prophet Jehu to rebuke him: Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate (despise) the Lord? therefore is wrath upon thee from . . . the Lord (19:2).
The marriage of Jehoshaphat's son Jehoram to the daughter of 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 (22:10-12).
All of our relationships should be guided by the Scriptures: Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? . . . Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord (II Corinthians 6:14,17). And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness (Ephesians 5:11).
Christ Portrayed:
By Micaiah, who told the truth even though it was unpopular with his listeners (II Chronicles 18:12-27). We are reminded of Christ when He spoke the unpopular truth to the Pharisees (Matthew 12:1-14). Jesus responded: Now ye seek to kill Me, a Man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God (John 8:40).
Word Studies:
18:1 joined affinity =b> allied himself by the marriage of his son to Ahab's daughter; 18:9 a void place =b> an open area; 18:15 adjure =b> put you under oath; 18:33 at a venture =b> randomly; harness =b> armor; 19:8 set =b> appoint; 20:17 set =b> position.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in memory of Henry Rogers Government Official: Rep. Janice Schakowsky (IL) Country: Sudan (28.9 million) at the eastern end of the Sahara Desert Major languages: Arabic and Nubian Limited religious freedom 70% Sunni Muslim; 19% Christian; 10% Traditional; 1% Other/None Prayer Suggestion: Ask to be guided by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16).
Optional Reading: I Corinthians 13
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 18:3
