Charles (Chuck) Kensinger

Jehoshaphat returns home safe to Judah in 2 Chronicles 19. He is trying to follow Yahweh but makes errors like joining in battle with Ahab. Judges were appointed to make decisions for the people. The chief priest is their boss.

Jehoshaphat has the Ammonites, Moabites, and some of the Meunits come after Judah in 2 Chronicles 20. The King prays that Jehovah will defeat the enemies. He admits his own weakness and the Lord’s power. God will fight for them when they go out to battle.

Singers and priests praise the Lord for the success He will give them. Yahweh follows through with what Jehoshaphat was promised. Does it ever make you wonder why anyone would not follow God? Even the surrounding nations are afraid of Jehovah.

Shortly before the King died, he formed an alliance for marine commerce with the new King of Israel, Ahaziah. Eliezer, the prophet, proclaimed the destruction of these ships. The prophecy was fulfilled.

Jehoram was the firstborn son of Jehoshaphat and became King of Judah in 2 Chronicles chapter 21. Even his six brothers are mentioned. Keep in mind he is ruling in Judah and he follows the Kings of Israel by having his brothers murdered. We could also blame it on his wife.

Under his father, other nations had been subdued. Edom and Libnah revolted and separated themselves from Judah. Elijah wrote a letter that accused the King of not following Jehovah, murdering his brothers, and leading the people to follow idols. He even predicted the fall of his kingdom and his death.

All of this came about, and he was not honored as other Judean Kings had been. He died and was buried in disgrace.

The story of Ahaziah being crowned King of Judah is repeated in 2 Chronicles 22. He was no better than his father. He only lived and ruled for one year or less. He was killed along with his officials and those of Joram, the King of Israel. As we read yesterday, Athaliah, his mother tries to take over the kingdom of Judah, but Joash is saved and becomes the monarch.

Jehoiada the priest begins preparation to crown Joash in 2 Chronicles 23. He proceeds around Judah to recruit the Levites to protect the young King. Athaliah had attempted to annihilate all the Davidic lines. Jehovah did not allow this to happen. She hides in the Temple and they remove her and execute her and all her followers. This priest begins the return of Yahweh worship.

©Copyright 2020 by Charles Kensinger