3 And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. * i 4 And Judah gathered themselves together, to ask help of the LORD: even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD. 5 And Jehoshaphat stood in the congregation of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD, before the new court, 6 And said, m O LORD God of our fathers, art not thou "God in heaven? and rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and Pin thine hand is there not power and might, so that 9 none is able to withstand thee? 7 Art not thou our God, who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham "thy friend for ever? g Gen. 32:7-11,24-28. Ps. 56: | 3,4. Is. 37:3-6. Jon. 1:16. Matt. 6:9. o 1 Chr. 29:11,12. Ps. 47:2,8. Jer. 27:5-8. Dan. 4:17,25,32 eyes are upon thee. -35. their intentions. This would prevent his mustering all his forces. 13 And all Judah stood before the of others would be revived, and rendered more fixed and lively; and in every way it would tend to the honor of God, and the good of his people. V. 5. New court.] It is not known what is here meant by the new court: but, probably, Jehoshaphat had rebuilt some of the courts, or had added one to them. V. 6-9. After the example of Solomon, Jehoshaphat himself offered the public prayer for this large congregation, in words which proceeded from the abundance of his heart: a careful examination of the marginal references will be found the best comment on them. (Notes, 1 Kings 8:33--43. 1 Chr. 29:10—19.)--Abraham thy friend. (7): a lover of thee. (Marg. Ref.-Notes, John 15:12-16. Jam. 2:22-29.) V. 3, 4. Probably, this invasion took place not long after Jehoshaphat's return from Ramothgilead; and he was afraid, that God was about to chastise his sin by permitting the devastation of his kingdom. To avert this calamity, "he set himself to seek the LORD." It may be supposed, that he made the best military arrangement of which the exigency would admit: but his chief preparation consisted in proclaiming a fast, and gathering his people together to ask help of the Lord. We have in the preceding books of scripture, read of private fasting with prayer; of "afflicting the soul" at the day of atonement; of the people's fasting at the instance of Samuel the prophet; and of their fasting by common consent: (Notes, Lev. 16:29-31. Deut. 9:18,25. Judg. 20: 26-28. 1 Sam. 7:5,6. 2 Sam. 12:16.) but the fast here mentioned was observed at the proclamation of the chief magistrate, who acted by the authority of his station, and not by the Spirit of prophecy: and the event of this measure, both warrants civil governors in times of distress to act in this manner, and encourages them to expect the most important benefits from it. Every one was called on to humble himself before God for his own sins, and the sins of the public, as the aggregate of the whole. Thus they united in expressing their sorrow and self-displacency for their sins; and they publicly honored God as the righteous Author of their calamity, and as their only Hope and Refuge in distress. All other cares being laid aside, they were at leisure to unite in uninterrupted and fervent prayers for help and forgiveness. Doubtless serious impressions would be made on many, who V. 12. The language of this verse is pecubefore had been inattentive; the pious affections ||liarly expressive of humble, genuine faith. The V. 10, 11. The mention of mount Seir, the country of Edom, shews what is meant in the first verse by "other beside the Ammonites."The Moabites, Ammonites, and Edomites, had been expressly named as nations whom Israel must not invade: and the divine admonition had been exactly attended to. (Deut. 2:4-7,9, 19. Note, Num. 20:14--21.) Other wars indeed had brought some of them under the dominion of Judah and Israel: but it seems the superiority had been used with gentleness, and no reason had been given for this violent assault; in which, it is probable, the confederates meant to destroy the kingdom of Judah, and he house of David; as well as to expel the people of God, from that land which was "his possession:" so that the war was indeed waged against the LORD himself (Notes, Judg. 11:12-27.) [499 16 To-morrow go ye down against them: behold, they come up by the cliff of Ziz; and ye shall find them at the end of the t brook, before the wilderness of Jeruel. 17 Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not,|| nor be dismayed; to-morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with 18 And Jehoshaphat P bowed his head with his face to the ground: and all Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, fell before the LORD, worshipping the LORD. 19 And the Levites of the children of the Kohathites, and of the children o. the Korhites, stood up to praise the LORD God of Israel, with a loud voice on high. 20 And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and, as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, "Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper. a 21 And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever. 22 And when they began to sing P 73. Gen. 24:26. Ex. 4:31. с 5:46,47. 13:20. q 1 Chr. 15:16-22. 16:5,42. 23: z 1 Chr. 13:1,2. Prov. 11:14. 5. 25:1-7. r Ps. 44: 49: titles. ately concerned his honor, it would be decided by his power. "The war is not to you, but to God." (Note, 10,11.) Without any fear of the immense multitude of their invaders, they were ordered to march forth the next day, not to fight, but to witness the salvation of the Lord with them, and his answer to their fervent prayers. (Notes, Ex. 14:13,14. 1 Sam. 17:45—47.) appeal, as to the justice of the cause, is simply, occasion, by the high priest, but by an ordinary yet emphatically, made to God; and the inability Levite descended from Asaph, who, it is probaof Jehoshaphat, with the force which he had has-ble, was an eminently pious person. Whether he tily collected, or indeed with any forces apart had previously been known as a prophet, or not, from the powerful aid of God, to resist so vast an all present were satisfied that he spoke by the army; the perplexity to which he was reduced; Spirit of God. He assured them of the Lord's and his only refuge from despair, by firmly rely-especial interposition; for, as the battle immediing on the Almighty, and expecting help from him, as pleading his own cause in pleading theirs; are stated in the most natural and affecting manner. (Note, 14:9-15.)-'In this weak and de'clining condition, wherein the church now is, let us say daily with Jehoshaphat, "We know 'not what to do; but our eyes are unto thee." "Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glo"ry." Thou art our King and our Shepherd; we 'are thy people, and the sheep of thy pasture. "Thou only art powerful, we are infirm: but thy power will be perfected in our weakness. "Not 'unto us, O LORD, but to thy name give the glo'ry; for thy mercy and thy truth's sake." Do 'not remember our iniquities, but save us for thy 'mercy's sake; for we are brought very low.''Such addresses to God.. will illustrate this 'prayer of Jehoshaphat, better than the largest 'commentaries.' Victorinus Strigelius in Bp. Patrick. V. 18, 19. The king and his people, placing the most entire confidence in the divine promise, at once anticipated its fulfilment, and directly joined in an act of solemn adoration, and in songs of gratitude and praise for this yet unaccomplished deliverance. V. 20, 21. Jehoshaphat seems not greatly to have regarded the arrangement of his army; for he so firmly believed the words of the prophet, that he marched forth as to a triumph, and not to a battle. Accordingly he exhorted his troops to a firm faith in God, and an entire reliance on his V. 13. With their little ones.] Notes, Deut. power, faithfulness, and covenanted mercy to his 29:10-15. 31:10-13. Ezra 10:1. Neh. 8:1,2. people; and a confident expectation, that all his Joel 2:15-17.-Not only the women, and the words spoken to them by his prophets should be children who were grown up, attended on this accomplished: for thus, and thus only, could they occasion, but the infants also: for it is probable be established, and prosper. (Is. 7:9.) Having the people intended their presence, as a silent consulted with the chief persons of the people plea with the Lord to have mercy upon them, for that were with him, he also appointed singers to the sake of their helpless offspring. (Note, Jon. go before the army, "that should praise the beau4:9-11.) V. 14-17. The Lord did not speak, on thisitors, exactly as they used to do at his beautiful ty of holiness:" that is, according to some expos 500] and to praise, the LORD set ambush-in the " forefront of them, to go again to ments against the children of Ammon, Jerusalem with joy; for the LORD had Moab, and mount Seir, which were made them to rejoice over their enemies. come against Judah; and they were 28 And they came to Jerusalem m with psalteries, and harps, and trumpets, unto the house of the LORD. smitten. * 23 For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of *mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy them: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one helped t to destroy another. 24 And when Judah came toward the watch-tower in the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude, and, behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped. 29 And the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of those countries, when they had heard that the LORD fought against the enemies of Israel. 30 So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet: for P his God gave him rest round about. 31 ¶ And Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah: he was thirty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned 25 And when Jehoshaphat and his twenty and five years in Jerusalem. people came to take away the spoil of And his mother's name was Azubah, the them, they found among them in abun-daughter of Shilhi. h t dance both riches with the dead bodies, 32 And he walked in the way of 26 And on the fourth day they assembled themselves in the valley of Berachah; for there they blessed the LORD: therefore the name of the same place was called, The valley of Berachah, * unto this day. 27 Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, and Jehoshaphat d Judg. 7:22. 1 Sam. 14:16,20. Heb. there was not an escap- g Ex. 12:35,36. 1 Sam. 30:19, 33 Howbeit," the high places were not taken away: for as yet the people had not prepared their hearts unto the God of their fathers. 34 Now y the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, first and last, behold, they are written in the " book of Jehu the son of Hanani, who ** is mentioned in the book of the kings of Israel. Heb. head. 2 Sam. 6:14,15. Mic. 2:13. Heb. 6:20. 20. 2 Kings 7:9-16. Ps. 68:11 Sam. 2:1. h Ex. 3:22. Num. 31:51. Judg. í Ex. 15:1-19. 2 Sam. 22:1. Luke j Gen. 28:19. 32:30. Ex. 17:15. 20:5. 30:1. Is. 35:10. 51:11. m 2 Sam. 6:5. 1 Chr. 13:8. 23: o Ex. 15:14-16. Josh. 2:9-11. p 14:6,7. 15:15, Josh. 23:1. 2 7. John 14:27. s See on 14:2-5,11-13. 1 Kings 15:11. t 16:7-12. Ps. 18:21. 36:3. u See on 14:3. 17:6. x See on 12:14. 19:3.-30:19. Deut. 29:4. 1 Sam. 7:3. y See on 12:15. 13:22. 16:11. z 19:2. 1 Kings 16:1,7. slaughter was universal, and the spoil immense; so that this invasion served exceedingly to enrich Jehoshaphat and his kingdom. (Notes, 32:27-29. Rom. 8:35–39.) sanctuary. But perhaps the expression rather V. 26-28. "Berachah" signifies Blessing. Hav previously sought deliverance, by fasting and prayer, and received the assurance of it with grateful joy, Jehoshaphat and his army returned immediate and most fervent thanks and praise to the Lord, who had in so wonderful a manner perV. 22-25. Some commentators, both ancient formed his promise. They did not return every and modern, think that angels were employed 'man to his own home; ... but first went back to on this occasion, who came on the invaders by Jerusalem to bless him' (the Lord) again for surprise, as from an ambushment, and slew some hearing their prayers, and making good his promof them: and that the survivors supposed them- 'ises.' Bp. Patrick. The whole forms a most reselves assaulted by their confederates; and so re-markable and instructive history: and no undertaliated, till they fell into utter confusion, and en-taking, recorded in Scripture, was entered on, tirely destroyed one another.-But perhaps the conducted, and concluded, in a more unexceptionLord only left the several nations to a natural dis- able manner. trust and jealousy of each other: and thus some of V. 29, 30. When the surrounding nations perthem formed ambushments against the rest, which ceived how wonderfully the Lord had destroyed terminated in their mutual destruction. Or per- this powerful armament, they dared not to attack haps the ambushments placed against the Jews, Jehoshaphat any more; and thus God gave him fell by mistake on their own allies. This, how-rest round about, which continued during the reever, fulfilled the purpose of God, as effectually as if he had placed the ambushments, or they had acted in obedience to his commandment. The mainder of his reign. (Note, 17:10.) V. 31-34. (Notes, 17:3. 2 Sam. 22:21-28. 1 Kings 22:41-46.) The minds of the people were not suitably prepared for the regular and cordial worship of God at Jerusalem: so that Jehoshaphat either did not dare to attempt, or was not able to effect, an entire and abiding suppression of all those high places, where God was irregularly worshipped. (Marg. Ref. u, x. Notes, 17:6. 19: 2-4.) V. 35-37. Jehoshaphat's affinity with Ahab's family drew him in to join in this traffic with wicked Ahaziah, for which he was rebuked and chastened; and afterwards he refused to join with him. Ahaziah died within less than two years after Ahab, and Jehoshaphat survived him for a considerable time. (Notes, 1 Kings 22:48,49. 2 Kings 1:1-17. 8:16,17.) V. 1-13. has subsided, and he is grown slothful in the concerns of his soul. We must, therefore, first approach the holy majesty of our God, with humiliation for our sin, justifying him in all we suffer or fear, and confiding only in his mercy for acceptance, and in his power for protection. And in all ages of the church, fasting has been deemed an expedient attendant upon such exercises, on particular occasions, personal and public; being expressive of a mind abstracted from earthly things; conscious of having forfeited every enjoyment by sin; and attentive only to obtain the great objects which the soul is then pursuing.-All believers are sons of Abraham and "friends of God:" with such persons the everlasting covenant is established, and to them every promise belongs. (Notes, Gen. 12:1-3. John 15:12—16. Rom. 5:1,2.) Even in those distresses, which are intended for the correction of their sins, when they cry unto the Lord, he will hear and help them. Their enemies are his enemies; and when they are rewarded with evil for good, he will appear for them and plead their cause. When they are the most indisposed to avenge themselves, and least able to ward off injuries, their dependence on God will become more unreserved, and their prayers more fervent: and he will no more forsake those, who "know not what to do," but look up to him alone for help; than a fond mother will desert her helpless infant, that clings to her bosom, and knows and seeks no other refuge. Indeed, this is the very frame of mind, to which he designs to form his people.The covenant is made with believers "for the good of their children after them;" and they should bring them, and the rest of their families, as soon as possible, to the ordinances of God, that they may be trained up in his house, and become truly a part of his family. V. 14-37. PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. Uninterrupted peace must not be expected in this world, even when we are most devotedly serving God. The enemies of true religion are the more exasperated by our zeal to promote it; our own miscarriages require rebukes; trials are needful to repress pride; and difficulties form the proper exercise and discovery of our faith, love, patience, and hope in God. Thus his honor, the edification of others, the good of our own souls, and our situation in the midst of ungodly men, all require that "in the world we should have tribulation."-In calamities or dangers, public or personal, our first business should be to seek help from the Lord. When two or three agree in doing this, that concurrence adds energy to their supplications: how much more then, when multitudes with one accord pour out their fervent supplications for the same common blessing! Hence the advantage of days appointed for national fasting and prayer. Such seasons remind the remnant of believers to unite in the same requests, as with one heart and one voice: and even the cries of The Lord will surely speak peace to those, who unconverted men for outward mercies form an seek him in a due manner: and when his word honorable acknowledgment of God, and of man's banishes our fears and calms our spirits, our prayentire dependence on him; and frequently receive ers are answered in good measure, even previousa gracious answer. It is therefore commendable ly to those providential deliverances, of which we in Christian princes to call their people to these have received a blessed pledge.-If our sins be solemn services; and it is indeed a most important || pardoned, “God is for us;" and "if he be for us, part of their duty and true wisdom: but it can who can be against us?" We need not be dismayscarcely be supposed that the mere appointmented at the number and power of our enemies, or on is sufficient; unless their own example proves that account of our own weakness: "the battle is the they are in earnest in the sacred service, let who LORD's," and the victory is sure. We have only will be formal. It is also the duty of every indi- to observe his word of command, whether he call vidual, according to his station in the community, us to labor, to wrestle, and strive; or whether it to concur in such pious measures, and to stir up become our part to "stand still, and to see the himself and those around him, to engage cordially salvation of the LORD." When vigorous faith rein them, that good impressions may be made, fixed,ceives the promises, their accomplishment is anor revived in the minds of men in every place.-ticipated with humble gratitude. The Christian What then shall we think of those, who call them-soldier may sing his songs of triumph, when marchselves Christians and patriots; yet not only neg-ing to the field, or conflicting in his spiritual batlect, but ridicule or revile, this scriptural method of seeking help in danger, from our almighty Friend, after an example so honored by God himself? or of those, who give occasion to such reproach and contempt, by their absurd and manifest hypocrisy in these observances?-The fear of wrath, when united with a hope of mercy, excites sinners to seek the Lord in good earnest; and is often useful to quicken the believer, when his love tles, being assured that he shall be "made more than conqueror, through the Savior who hath loved him:" and thus, the joy and praise of the church militant may emulate and anticipate that of the church triumphant.-But alas! our faith is apt to waver, and then our joys decline: believers need frequent exhortations to persevering faith and hope in God; and it becomes the strong in this manner to animate the weak.-As we cannot f 5 Jehoram was thirty and two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem. 6 And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, like as did the house of Ahab; for he had the daughter of Ahab evil in the eyes of the LORD. to wife: and he wrought that which was 7 Howbeit the LORD would not de stroy the house of David, because of the covenant that he had made with David, and as he promised to give a light to him and his sons for ever. * 8 In his days the Edomites revolt. ed from under the t dominion of Judah, and made themselves a king. 9 Then Jehoram went forth with his princes, and all his chariots with him: and he rose up by night, and smote the Edomites which compassed him in, and the captains of the chariots. 10 So the Edomites revolted from under the hand of Judah unto this day. f 2 Kings 8:16,17. h 18:1. 22:2. 2 Kings 8:18. Neh. e 17. 22:8,10. Gen. 4:8. Judg. 22:11. Is. 7:6,7. 9:5,56,57. 1 John 3:12. know the truth and promises of God, except by his prophets and apostles; how can we believe in him, unless we firmly credit their infallible testimony, as recorded in the sacred Scriptures? In proportion as we expect protection in this way from God, by obedient faith, we "shall be established," and prosper; and shall adore the beauty of the divine holiness, and the everlasting mercy of God in Christ Jesus, with thankful hearts: and the more generally and publicly this is done in any country, the greater stability and success will attend the affairs of the nation. When we thus arrange and conduct our affairs, our enemies I will fall before us; our trials will prove our gain; and our very sorrows will enrich our souls with more abundant rejoicing. The advantage will be all our own; but the whole glory will be ascribed to the Lord.-We should always render our tribute of praise and gratitude for mercies received, when our hearts are impressed with a lively sense of the loving-kindness of God: as thanksgivings, for public or private benefits, grow languid by delay. But alas! we find very few who are so prompt to return thanks for favors vouchsafed, as they were to cry for relief in the hour of distress. (Note and P. O. Luke 17:11-19.) Blessed be God, there are some honorable exceptions, whose example proves very useful.-Mercy thus sought and improved will be durable; and if God give us rest, none will dare to molest us.-But the best of men seldom shine so bright in prosperity, as in adversity: and even relapses into sin may be noticed in very valuable characters, which the Lord will mark with rebukes and chastenings. Many things must also remain imperfect in the church on earth; for there are many desirable regulations which the greatest reformers have not ventured to attempt, or have not been able to accomplish: and indeed, except men's "hearts are prepared to seek the LORD," magistrates and ministers can do nothing effectual. The zealous, however, will never labor in vain. Much good will k 2 Sam. 23:5. Ps. 89:28-34,39. Jer. 33:20-26. 12 Sam. 7:12-17. 1 Kings 11. 13,36. 2 Kings 8:19. Ps. 132: 17,18. Luke 1:69,79. * Heb. lamp, or, candle. m Gen. 27:40. 2 Kings 8:20-22. † Heb. hand. n 1 Kings 22:47. 2 Kings 3:9. be done, though not all which they desire. God will graciously accept their endeavors; and in heaven they will be associated with "the spirits of just men made perfect,” and made like them in holiness and felicity. NOTES. CHAP. XXI. V. 2. The second Azariah, in the original, is called Azariahu.-King of Israel.] Jehoshaphat is called here "the king of Israel," not "king of Judah;" as the whole nation sprang from Jacob, whom God surnamed Israel; and he reigned over a considerable part of it. (4. 28: 19.) V. 3. Perhaps Jehoram had acted the hypocrite during his father's life-time: but, even if he shewed his evil disposition, Jehoshaphat, having no command from God, did not think it proper to set him aside; otherwise his brethren were better than he, more wise and more righteous. (Note, 13.) The succession of so wicked a king as Jehoram, to pious Jehoshaphat, was a just judgment on the men of Judah for "not having prepared their hearts unto the God of their fathers," during the preceding reigns. (Note, 20:31-34, v. 33.) V. 4. On one pretence or another, Jehoram cruelly slew all his brethren, from a jealous ambition, lest they should supplant him in his authority; which was probably increased by their reputation and favor with the people; and the affluence and authority to which Jehoshaphat had raised them. (Note, Judg. 9:4-6.) He slew some of the princes also, who probably favored them. Some think these were the magistrates whom Jehoshaphat had appointed. (19:5-11.) This he did, lest they should revenge on hin the murder of his brethren. V. 5, 6. Notes, 18:1. 1 Kings 16:30-33. 2 Kings 8:16-18. V. 7. 2 Kings 8:19. Notes, 2 Sam. 7:12-16. 1 Kings 11:11-13,34-36, v. 36. Is. 9:6,7. Jer. 23:5,6. 33:14-26. Ez. 37:24,25. |