Jehoshaphat’s Powerful Kingdom

II Chronicles 17:1–19
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Jehoshaphat followed the reign of his father, by removing heathen worship and sent out teachers all over Judah to instruct the people in the law.  He took pride, not in his riches and honor but in the ways of the Lord.  In effect, he sent out the first itinerant Bible teaching team to be sponsored by royalty.

As we review the reign of Jehoshaphat, we see he is remembered for at least three reasons.  First, his reliance upon God.  As a result, God blessed him and granted him victories.  Second, for the respect which he deserved and widely received. He was a good king who was vitally concerned with the welfare of his people, and he had peace and prosperity.  Then third, for the reformation he instituted which was God honoring and was based upon the Word of God.  

At the same time, he put together a great army of men.  One division in Judah had 300,000 men (v.14) another 240,000 (v. 15) and still another with 200,000 (v. 16). Within the tribe of Benjamin, he had another 380,000 men. The grand total was an enormous army of 1,160,000.

Application

Ask - How do you want to be remembered when you die?  Taking into consideration the way you are living and spending your time now and what your plans are for the future, how do you think you will measure up to the three things Jehoshaphat was remembered for?