Subscribe
Share
Share
Embed
Take a breath, find your place, and read deeply. Discover the joy of reading God’s word with the Immerse New Living Translation (NLT) Bible.
This daily Bible podcast will take you through the Bible in a year following the Immerse Bible Reading Experience. So grab your family and small group and go through the Bible in a year together with Immerse. Each of the 6 volumes is available online or at your favorite Christian bookstore.
Emily: Welcome To Immerse: The
Daily Bible Reading Experience.
Day 300 and 42.
Then Jaha Shaphat, Issa's
son became the next king.
He strengthened Judah to stand
against any attack from Israel.
He stationed troops in all the
fortified towns of Judah, and he
assigned additional garrisons to the
land of Judah and to the towns of
Raam that his father Asa had captured.
The Lord was with Jeha Shaphat
because he followed the example of
his father's early years and did
not worship the images of Baal.
He sought his father's God and obeyed
his commands instead of following the
evil practices of the kingdom of Israel.
So the Lord established jehoshaphat's
control over the kingdom of Judah.
All the people of Judah brought
gifts to Jehoshaphat, so he became
very wealthy and highly esteemed.
He was deeply committed
to the ways of the Lord.
He removed the pagan shrines
and as Shira poles from Judah.
In the third year of his reign,
Jehoshaphat sent his officials to
teach in all the towns of Judah.
These officials included Ben Hale,
Obadiah, Zechariah, Neel, and Makaya.
He sent levies along with them, including
Shama, Naiah, Zeba, hel Shaira, Johanan
Aja, and Tab Aja.
He also sent out the
priests Elma and Jehoram.
They took copies of the book of the law of
the Lord and traveled around through all
the towns of Judah teaching the people.
Then the fear of the Lord fell over all
the surrounding kingdoms so that none of
them wanted to declare war on Jehoshaphat.
Some of the Philistines brought
him gifts and silver as tribute.
And the Arabs brought 7,700
rams and 7,700 male goats.
Soja has Shaphat became more and
more powerful and built fortresses
and storage cities throughout Judah.
He stored numerous supplies in
Judah's towns and stationed an army
of seasoned troops at Jerusalem.
His army was enrolled
according to ancestral clans.
From Judah, there were 300,000
troops organized in units of
1000 under the command of Adina.
Next in command was Hannan,
who commanded 280,000 troops.
Next was Amiah son of Zaria,
who volunteered for the Lord's
service with 200,000 troops
under his command from Benjamin.
There were 200,000 troops
equipped with bows and shields.
They were under the command
of Ilda a veteran soldier.
Next in command was Jehosaphat
who commanded 180,000 armed men.
These were the troops stationed
in Jerusalem to serve the king.
Besides those Jehoshaphat stationed
in the fortified towns throughout
Judah, Jehoshaphat enjoyed great
riches and high esteem, and he made
an alliance with Ahab of Israel by
having his son, Mary Ahab's daughter.
A few years later, he went to Samaria
to visit Ahab, who prepared a great
banquet for him and his officials.
They butchered great numbers of sheep,
goats, and cattle for the feast.
Then Ahab enticed Jeha Shaphat
to join forces with him to
recover Ray Moth Gilead.
Will you go with me to Ray Gilead.
King Ahab of Israel asked
King Jehoshaphat of Judah.
PHA replied, why?
Of course.
You and I are as one, and
my troops are your troops.
We will certainly join you in
battle then Jha Shaphat added.
But first let's find
out what the Lord says.
So the King of Israel summoned the
prophets, 400 of them, and asked
them, should we go to war against Ray
Moth, Gilead, or should I hold back?
They all replied, yes, go right ahead.
God will give the king victory.
PHA asked, is there not
also a prophet of the Lord?
Here, we should ask him the same question.
The King of Israel replied to Jehoshaphat.
There is one more man who could consult
the Lord for us, but I hate him.
He never prophesies
anything but trouble for me.
His name is McKay, son of mla.
PHA replied, that's not
the way a King should talk.
Let's hear what he has to say.
So the King of Israel called one of
his officials and said, quick bring
McKay's son of mla, king Ahab of Israel.
And King Jehoshaphat of Judah
dressed in their royal robes were
sitting on thrones at the threshing
floor near the gate of Sam Samaria.
All of Ahab's prophets were
prophesying there in front of them.
One of them, Zaya, son of Ana, made
some iron horns and proclaimed.
This is what the Lord says with these
horns, you will gore the Ians to death.
All the other prophets agreed
yes, they said, go up to ramus,
Gilead and be victorious.
For the Lord will give the king victory.
Meanwhile, the messenger who went to get
McKay said to him, look, all the prophets
are promising victory for the king.
Be sure that you agree with
them and promise success.
But Mica replied, as surely as the Lord
lives, I will say only what my God says.
When Mica arrived before the
King, Ahab asked him, Mica,
should we go to war against Ramm,
Gilead, or should I hold back?
Mica replied sarcastically.
Yes.
Go up and be victorious for
you'll have victory over them.
But the king replied sharply,
how many times must I demand
that you speak only the truth to
me when you speak for the Lord?
Then McKay told him in a vision, I saw
all Israel scattered on the mountains
like sheep without a shepherd, and the
Lord said their master has been killed.
Send them home in peace.
Didn't I tell you, the King of
Israel exclaimed to Jehoshaphat.
He never prophesies
anything but trouble for me.
Then McKay continued.
Listen to what the Lord says.
I saw the Lord sitting on his throne
with all the armies of heaven around
him, on his right and on his left,
and the Lord said, who can entice
King Ahab of Israel to go into battle
against Ramh Gilead so he can be killed?
There were many suggestions,
and finally a spirit approached
the Lord and said, I can do it.
How will you do this?
The Lord asked and the spirit
replied, I will go out and inspire
all of Ahab's prophets to speak lies
you will succeed, said the Lord.
Go ahead and do it.
So you see, the Lord has put a lying
spirit in the mouths of your prophets.
For the Lord has pronounced your doom.
Then Zedekiah son of Ana, walked up
to McKay and slapped him across the
face since When did the spirit of
the Lord leave me to speak to you?
He demanded and McKay replied, you
will find out soon enough when you are
trying to hide in some secret room.
Arrest him.
The King of Israel ordered.
Take him back to Amon, the governor
of the city, and to my son Joash.
Give them this order from the king.
Put this man in prison and feed him
nothing but bread and water until
I return safely from the battle.
But McKay replied, if you return
safely, it will mean that the
Lord has not spoken through me.
Then he added to those standing
around everyone, mark my words.
So King Ahab of Israel and
King Jehoshaphat of Judah led
their armies against Ramh.
Gilead, the King of Israel, said
to Jehoshaphat, as we go into
battle, I will disguise myself
so no one will recognize me.
But you were your royal robes.
So the King of Israel disguised
himself and they went into battle.
Meanwhile, the king of Aram had issued
these orders to his chariot commanders.
Attack.
Only the King of Israel don't
bother with anyone else.
So when the Raan chariot commanders
saw Jehoshaphat in his royal
robes, they went after him.
There is the King of Israel.
They shouted, but Jehoshaphat
called out and the Lord saved him.
God helped him by turning
the attackers away from him.
As soon as the chariot commanders
realized he was not the king of
Israel, they stopped chasing him.
An Aian soldier, however, randomly
shot an arrow at the Israelite troops
and hit the King of Israel between
the joints of his armor, turned
the horses and get me out of here.
Ahab groaned to the driver of the chariot.
I'm badly wounded.
The battle raged all that day and the
King of Israel propped himself up in
his chariot, facing the Ians in the
evening, just as the sun was setting.
He died when King Jeha Shaphat of
Judah arrived safely home in Jerusalem.
Ge Hu son of Hena, NAI the
seer, went out to meet him.
Why should you help the wicked
and love those who hate the Lord?
He asked the king 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 as poles
throughout the land and you have
committed yourself to seeking God.
Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem, but
he went out among the people traveling
from Biers, Shiba to the hill country of
Raam, encouraging the people to return
to the Lord the God of their ancestors.
He appointed judges throughout the
nation in all the fortified towns,
and he said to them, always think
carefully before pronouncing judgment.
Remember that you do not judge to
please people, but to please the Lord.
He will be with you when
you render the verdict.
In each case, fear the Lord and
judge with integrity for the Lord.
Our God does not tolerate perverted
justice, partiality, or the taking
of bribes in Jerusalem To s Shaphat
appointed some of the Levites and priests
and clan leaders in Israel to serve as
judges for cases involving the Lord's
regulations and for civil disputes.
These were his instructions to them.
You must always act in the fear
of the Lord with faithfulness
and an undivided heart.
Whenever a case comes to you from fellow
citizens in an outlying town, whether
a murder case or some other violation
of God's laws, commands decrease or
regulations, you must warn them not
to sin against the Lord so that he
will not be angry with you and them
do this and you will not be guilty.
Amiah, the high priest will have
final say in all cases involving
the Lord Zebediah son of Ishma.
A leader from the tribe of Judah will
have final say in all civil cases.
The levies will assist you in
making sure that justice is served.
Take courage as you fulfill your
duties, and may the Lord be with
those who do what is right After this.
The armies of the Moabites
Ammonites and some of the mites
declared war on Jehoshaphat.
Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat,
A vast army from Edam is marching
against you from Beyond the Dead Sea.
They are already at Haze Tamar.
This was another name for en gdi.
Jehoshaphat was terrified by this
news and begged the Lord for guidance.
He also ordered everyone
in Judah to begin fasting.
So people from all the towns of Judah
came to Jerusalem to seek the Lord's help.
Jehoshaphat stood before the
community of Judah and Jerusalem
in front of the new courtyard.
At the temple of the Lord.
He prayed, oh Lord God of our ancestors.
You alone are the God who is in heaven.
You are ruler of all the
kingdoms of the earth.
You are powerful and mighty.
No one can stand against you.
Oh our God.
Did you not drive out those who lived in
this land when your people Israel arrived?
And did you not give this land forever to
the descendants of your friend Abraham?
Your people settled here and built
this temple to honor your name.
They said, whenever we are faced with any
calamity such as war, Plague or famine,
we can come to stand in your presence
before this temple where your name is
honored, we can cry out to you to save
us and you will hear us and rescue us.
And now see what the armies of am,
amen, Moab and Mount Seer are doing.
You would not let our ancestors invade
those nations when Israel left Egypt.
So they went around them
and did not destroy them.
Now see how they reward us for they
have come to throw us out of your land,
which you gave us as an inheritance.
Oh our God, won't you stop them?
We are powerless against this mighty
army that is about to attack us.
We do not know what to do, but
we are looking to you for help.
As all the men of Judah stood
before the Lord with their
little ones, wives and children.
The spirit of the Lord came upon
one of the men standing there.
His name was Je Haze, son of Zechariah.
Son of Bene son of Jao.
Son of Maiah, a Levite who
was a descendant of asap.
He said, listen, all you people of Judah
and Jerusalem, listen, king Jeha, shaphat.
This is what the Lord says.
Do not be afraid.
Don't be discouraged by this mighty army.
For the battle is not yours, but Gods
tomorrow, march out against them.
You will find them coming up through the
ascent of Zzz at the end of the valley
that opens into the wilderness of J,
but you will not even need to fight.
Take your positions then stand
still and watch the Lord's victory.
He is with you.
Oh, people of Judah and Jerusalem
do not be afraid or discouraged.
Go out against them tomorrow
for the Lord is with you.
Then King Jaha Shaphat bowed low
with his face to the ground, and all
the people of Judah and Jerusalem
did the same worshiping the Lord.
Then the Levites from the clans of Koha
and Cora stood to praise the Lord, the
God of Israel, with a very loud shout.
Early the next morning, the
army of Judah went out into the
wilderness of Takah on the way.
Jehoshaphat stopped and said, listen to
me, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem,
believe in the Lord your God, and you
will be able to stand firm, believe
in his prophets, and you will succeed.
After consulting the people, the
king appointed singers to walk ahead
of the army singing to the Lord and
praising him for his holy splendor.
This is what they sang.
Give thanks to the Lord his
faithful love and dears forever.
At the very moment they began
to sing and give praise.
The Lord caused the armies of am.
Amen, Moab and Mount Sr.
To start fighting among themselves.
The armies of Moab and Amin turned
against their allies from Mount
Sr and killed every one of them.
After they had destroyed the army of
Sr, they began attacking each other.
So when the army of Judah arrived at
the lookout point in the wilderness,
all they saw were dead bodies lying on
the ground as far as they could see.
Not a single one of the enemy had escaped.
King Jeha, Shaphat and his men
went out to gather the plunder.
They found vast amounts of equipment,
clothing, and other valuables
more than they could carry.
There was so much plunder that it took
them three days just to collect it all.
On the fourth day, they gathered
in the Valley of Blessing, which
got its name that day because the
people praised and thanked the Lord.
There it is.
Still called the Valley of Blessing today.
Then all the men returned to Jerusalem
with Jehoshaphat leading them
overjoyed that the Lord had given
them victory over their enemies.
They marched into Jerusalem to the music
of harps, liars, and trumpets, and they
proceeded to the temple of the Lord.
When all the surrounding kingdoms
heard that the Lord himself had
fought against the enemies of Israel,
the fear of God came over them.
So Jehoshaphat's Kingdom was at peace.
For his God had given
him rest on every side.
So Jaha Shaphat ruled
over the land of Judah.
He was 35 years old when he became King,
and he reigned in Jerusalem 25 years.
His mother was Azua, the
daughter of Shai Jaha.
Shaphat was a good king following
the ways of his father Asa.
He did what was pleasing
in the Lord's sight.
During his reign, however, he failed
to remove all the pagan shrines and the
people never fully committed themselves
to follow the God of their ancestors.
The rest of the events of Jehoshaphat's
reign from beginning to end are
recorded in the record of Jehu, son
of Hane nai, which is included in
the Book of the Kings of Israel.
Sometime later.
King Jehoshaphat of Judah made
an alliance with King Aah of
Israel who was very wicked.
Together, they built a fleet of
trading ships at the Port of Ian Giber.
Then Ella Zer, son of Do Deve Hu from
Maisha, prophesied against Jehoshaphat.
He said, because you have allied
yourself with King, aah, the
Lord will destroy your work.
So the ships met with disaster
and never put out to sea.