Jehoshaphat failed adherence to the warning of God through the prophet Micaiah. So he went to battle against Aram with the wicked Ahab at his side. In fact when they went into battle they were both wearing their kingly robes. However, sly and wicked Ahab decided to disguise himself, and insisted that Jehoshaphat wear his robes.
Aram was out for the blood of the king of Israel, and I surmise that Ahab was somewhat aware of this; thus the disguise. Aram had given his men orders not to to fight with anyone big or small but the king of Israel. In the battlefield they saw Jehoshaphat in his kingly robes and assumed he was Ahab.
When they approached him, Jehoshaphat cried out, and God saved him by drawing the soldiers away from him. During the all day battle someone randomly drew an arrow and hit Ahab between the breastplate and the scale armor and he was wounded. He told his chariot driver to wheel him out of the fighting due to being wounded. So he propped himself up in his chariot facing the Arameans until evening. And, at sunset he died.
When Jehoshaphat safely returned to Jerusalem he was admonished by Hanani, the seer: “Why should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord? Because of what you have done, the Lord is very angry with you. Even so there is some good in you, for you have removed the Asherah poles throughout the land and you have committed yourself to seeking God.”
This tells me that God loved Jehoshaphat. He may have been angry with him for his failure to listen but he still loved him. He saved him in battle. As soon as Jehoshaphat cried out, God was there.
If God did this for Jehoshaphat, why would he not do it for you and I? Think about it, how many times has God saved us from tragedy, accidents, calamity? How many times? Sadly, in many of these times, we really didn’t see it as God intervening in our behalf. But, he does because he loves us so!
And, you know what? We don’t deserve it. The Psalmist wrote, “Lord, if you kept a record of our sins, who, Lord, could ever survive? But you offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear you.” God gives his forgiveness; when we repent and seek him for it. This scripture in its simple message demonstrates the depth of God’s love for us.
The Psalmist continues, “I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his Word.”
And, I must do the same. I’m thankful he doesn’t track all of our sins. We wouldn’t stand a chance!
ritasalomon 