I am using the daily Bible reading schedule from “The Bible.net” for my daily Bible reading.

Today, I am reading and commenting on 2 Chronicles 19-22.

The beginning of today’s passage really gives us an insight into the downfall of many a man, or woman, of God.  Jehu the prophet condemned Jehoshaphat for his friendship and support of King Ahab.  Yet, Jehu also praised Jehoshaphat for his commitment to seeking God.  In the description of Jehoshaphat’s reign we can see how many otherwise good leaders sow the crop of disaster for the organization they lead while leading it to new heights.  Jehoshaphat went out among the people over whom he ruled so that he understood their needs and desires.  He instructed the judges he appointed to judge so as to please God, not people.  When faced with armies attacking in overwhelming numbers, he turned to God.  He led the people to have faith in God and not fear those coming to destroy them.  As a result of their faith in God, the army of Judah was unified and confident.  Their enemies on the other hand fell to division and bickering.  If we follow this example and unify in pursuit of God’s will, we will succeed.  But, if we instead selfishly pursue our own interests we will fail.

There is another lesson to be learned here as well.  Because of Jehoshaphat’s alliance with King Ahab, his heir, Jehoram, killed all of his brothers, Jehoshaphat’s other sons.  Then, after the death of Jehoram and his son, Jehoram’s widow, Athaliah, attempted to kill all of the rest of Jehoshaphat’s male descendants.  It was only through the actions of Jehoram’s granddaughter (who was possibly Athaliah’s daughter) that Joash was saved.  It seems likely, considering the history of Ahab’s family, that it was Athaliah who convinced Jehoram to kill his brothers.