2 Chronicles 19-20

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

King Jehoshaphat's Reforms in Judah and a Military Victory

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. The godly believer listens to rebuke from the Lord.

  2. The godly believer looks for guidance from the Lord.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Learn to say, "No!"

QUESTIONS

  1. What terrible mistake did King Jehoshaphat make in 2 Chronicles 18? What was the result?

  2. How did King Jehoshaphat respond to the rebuke from the prophet Jehu?

  3. In 2 Chronicles 20, which nations came to attack the Kingdom of Judah? How did Jehoshaphat respond?

  4. What battle plan did the Lord give Jehoshaphat in verse 17?

  5. How did King Jehoshaphat repeat his mistake near the end of his life? What was the result?

ANSWERS

  1. Good King Jehoshaphat made a terrible mistake by making an alliance with wicked King Ahab to go to war together against the Syrians. God graciously protected Jehoshaphat and delivered him from the consequences of his foolish decision.

  2. King Jehoshaphat did not get angry or bitter about being rebuked. Instead he was motivated to actively follow the Lord and lead the nation of Judah in further reform.

  3. The Moabites, the Ammonites, and probably some of the Edomites- all from the east side of the Dead Sea came up against King Jehoshaphat and the Kingdom of Judah. Jehoshaphat was afraid, as we would be, but he did the right thing - he looked to the Lord.

  4. The people of Judah would not have to fight, but just stand still and see the salvation of the Lord! We don't know whether God used angels or other inhabitant of the land to ambush the enemy, but before it was all over, the coalition of enemy forces destroyed themselves.

  5. King Jehoshaphat made another wrong alliance- this time with Ahab's son, Ahaziah, who was also a wicked king like his father. God rescued Jehoshaphat from this commercial venture by having the ships break up.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Think back to a time when you've been rebuked for a foolish decision. What a humbling and unpleasant experience! But how did you respond to this rebuke - with anger and bitterness, or with a repentant heart?

  2. 2 Chronicles 20:5-12 records King Jehoshaphat's great prayer of faith in the face of enemy attack. Read through this prayer and observe the structure: -Promises -Power -Glory -Guidance

CHALLENGE

  1. Good King Jehoshaphat seemed to have trouble saying "No!" to bad alliances. He was easily manipulated by the kings of the north. What about you? Do you know when to say "No"?

KEY VERSES

  • "Thus you shall act in the fear of the LORD, faithfully and with a loyal heart." 2 Chronicles 19:9

  • "Nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You." 2 Chronicles 20:12

  • "Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's." 2 Chronicles 20:15

2 Chronicles, Old Testament, TalksRon Reid2 Chronicles 19-20