Stand and see . . .

 

READ 2 Chronicles 17–20

Most explanations of the phrase “Jumping Jehoshaphat” say it is an expression of surprise and a pseudo-oath or way of blaspheming without actually doing it, like saying “Gosh darn” — however, this man was not known for jumping but rather for standing still . . .

Jehoshaphat was Asa’s son and king in Judah. He strengthened himself against Israel and in the cities his father captured. The Lord was with him because he walked in the ways of king David, not seeking idols as Israel did. His people brought tribute to him, so he was honored and rich. He had courage to obey God and removed the high places and idols out of Judah. He also sent officials throughout the land to instruct the people from the Book of the Law of the Lord. (2 Chronicles 17:1–9)

God put His fear of this king in others living around Judah. Even some Philistines brought Jehoshaphat tribute as did the Arabians. Jehoshaphat grew steadily greater, building fortresses and store cities with large supplies and a large army. He also went to Ahab in Samaria who killed an abundance of sheep and oxen for him. Ahab did this because his people were inducing him to fight Ramoth-gilead, a city in Israel’s territory that had been captured by an enemy, and he wanted Jehoshaphat’s help.

Jehoshaphat wanted to know God’s will about this so Ahab gathered several hundred prophets together. They told him to go for it, that God would give him the victory. Jehoshaphat was not convinced and asked for another prophet of the Lord. Ahab said there was one, but he always gave a report that didn’t look good for him. Eventually, this prophet was able to speak. He first told these kings, “I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd. And the Lord said, ‘These have no master; let each return to his home in peace.’ ” Then revealed that the Lord used the other prophets:

And the Lord said, ‘Who will entice Ahab the king of Israel, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead?’ And one said one thing, and another said another . . . . And he said, ‘I will go out, and will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.’ And he said, ‘You are to entice him, and you shall succeed; go out and do so.’ Now therefore behold, the Lord has put a lying spirit in the mouth of these your prophets. The Lord has declared disaster concerning you.” (18:18–22)

Ahab didn’t listen. He disguised himself, but told Jehoshaphat to dress normally. When they went to battle, the enemy thought Jehoshaphat was Ahab, but the Lord helped him and drew them away from him. Then a man shot an arrow at random and it “struck the king of Israel between the scale armor and the breastplate.” Ahab left the battle, stayed propped up watching it, then died at sunset. (18:23–34)

Despite this alliance, Jehoshaphat continued to seek the Lord and was just in his judgments. Later, a huge army came from three other countries to defeat him. He prayed:

O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” (20:12)

And God answered:

Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s . . . . You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.”  

Then Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell before the Lord, worshiping the Lord. And when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against these invaders. They were routed and even turned against one another to give Judah’s army the victory. It took Jehoshaphat and his people three days to take the spoil, and even then, they could carry no more as it was so much.

The fear of God came on all their neighboring countries and the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet as his God gave him rest. Yet the high places were not taken away and the people had not yet set their hearts upon the God of their fathers. Sadly, Jehoshaphat again joined with Israel’s king (now Ahaziah) who was wicked. They built ships together, but a prophet said to him, “Because you have joined with Ahaziah, the Lord will destroy what you have made.” And the ships were wrecked and were not able to sail. As with all the kings, Jehoshaphat died and was buried. His son Jehoram reigned in his place.

From this, my application is not to ‘jump’ when events threaten, but to do what Jehoshaphat did: bowing before the Lord, standing firm in trust, worship and songs of praise — then watch Him win the victory