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19501
* Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahab.
- This history we read in #1Ki 22|. Abundant riches and honour
give large opportunities of doing good, but they are attended
with many snares and temptations. Men do not know much of the
artifices of Satan and the deceitfulness of their own hearts,
when they covet riches with the idea of being able to do good
with them. What can hurt those whom God will protect? What can
shelter those whom God will destroy? Jehoshaphat is safe in his
robes, Ahab killed in his armour; for the race is not to the
swift, nor the battle to the strong. We should be cautious of
entangling ourselves in the worldly undertakings of evil men;
and still more we should avoid engaging in their sinful
projects. But, when they call upon him, God can and will bring
his faithful people out of the difficulties and dangers into
which they have sinfully run themselves. He has all hearts in
his hand, so that he easily rescues them. Blessed is the man
that putteth his trust in the Lord.
19535
* Jehoshaphat visits his kingdom.
- Whenever we return in peace to our houses, we ought to
acknowledge God's providence in preserving our going out and
coming in. And if we have been kept through more than common
dangers, we are, in a special manner, bound to be thankful.
Distinguishing mercies lay us under strong obligations. The
prophet tells Jehoshaphat he had done very ill in joining Ahab.
He took the reproof well. See the effect the reproof had upon
him. He strictly searched his own kingdom. By what the prophet
said, Jehoshaphat perceived that his former attempts for
reformation were well-pleasing to God; therefore he did what was
then left undone. It is good when commendations quicken us to
our duty. There are diversities of gifts and operations, but all
from the same Spirit, and for the public good; and as every one
has received the gift, so let him minister the same. Blessed be
God for magistrates and ministers, scribes and statesmen, men of
books, and men of business. Observe the charge the king gave.
They must do all in the fear of the Lord, with a perfect,
upright heart. And they must make it their constant care to
prevent sin, as an offence to God, and what would bring wrath on
the people.
19546
* The danger and distress of Judah. (1-13) Jahaziel's prophecy
of victory. (14-19) The thanksgiving of Judah. (20-30)
Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahaziah. (31-37)
#1-13 In all dangers, public or personal, our first business
should be to seek help from God. Hence the advantage of days for
national fasting and prayer. From the first to the last of our
seeking the Lord, we must approach him with humiliation for our
sins, trusting only in his mercy and power. Jehoshaphat
acknowledges the sovereign dominion of the Divine Providence.
Lord, exert it on our behalf. Whom should we seek to, whom
should we trust to for relief, but the God we have chosen and
served. Those that use what they have for God, may comfortably
hope he will secure it to them. Every true believer is a son of
Abraham, a friend of God; with such the everlasting covenant is
established, to such every promise belongs. We are assured of
God's love, by his dwelling in human nature in the person of the
Saviour. Jehoshaphat mentions the temple, as a token of God's
favourable presence. He pleads the injustice of his enemies. We
may well appeal to God against those that render us evil for
good. Though he had a great army, he said, We have no might
without thee; we rely upon thee.