“Now the Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked
in the former ways of his father David; he did not seek
the Baals, but sought the God of his father,
and walked in His commandments.” 2 Chronicles 17:3-4
“And Jehoshaphat . . . set himself to seek the Lord and
proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.” 2 Chronicles 20:3-4
Insight
The 2 Chronicles record of King Jehoshaphat makes it
clear that he had a knowledge of the God of Israel. He had a
relationship with God before the battle began.
He was a king noted for seeking the Lord. Seeking God’s
face means desiring to know His character and wanting Him—
His presence—more than any other thing He can give us. It
requires intimacy to look intently into someone’s face. This
intentional seeking of the Lord develops into the fear of the
Lord. When we get to know God’s character, we will have a
reverential awe of God.
So when the enemies came against Judah from every side,
King Jehoshaphat understood God’s character and sovereignty. I imagine that he recalled the psalms of David that recounted the mighty deeds and victories of God for His people.
King Jehoshaphat remembered the promise of blessings and
vindication to those who seek the face of the Lord (Psalm
24:5-6). Psalm 9 recounts King David’s words, “those who
know Your name will put their trust in You; for You, Lord, have
not forsaken those who seek You.” Confident trust filled the
king who believed the Lord who says, “Because he loves me,
I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges My
name” (Psalm 91:14).
Knowing the character of God encourages the heart of
a leader to fear the Lord, seeking Him for direction in each
leadership decision and leading others to do the same
Prayer
Everlasting Father, we ask that you would raise up governing officials who will
seek the face of the Lord and place their trust in You. We pray
that no fear of man will be a snare to them and that they will
accomplish their God-given purpose. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
