When Asa died, his son Jehoshaphat succeeded him and he was as godly a king as his father, although he had a near mishap when he made an alliance with the Ahab, wicked king of Israel. As a result, Jehu the seer rebuked him. "Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Because of this, the wrath of the LORD is upon you. There is, however, some good in you, for you have rid the land of the Asherah poles and have set your heart on seeking God." - 2 Chron. 19-1-3 NIV
There was good in Jehoshaphat. He appointed judges and exhorted them to "Consider carefully what you do, because you are not judging for man but for the LORD, who is with you whenever you give a verdict. Now let the fear of the LORD be upon you. Judge carefully, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery." - 2 Chron. 19:6-7 NIV
And when the vast armies of Moab and Ammon prepared to go against Judah, Jehoshaphat stood in front of the entire assembly of Judah and called on the Lord God. "O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." - 2 Chron. 20:12 NIV
This prompted the spirit of the Lord to come on one of the Levites and he told Jehoshaphat: This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's....You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.' " - 2 Chron. 20:15-17 NIV
So early in the morning they went out to fight. Not just the army, but with men appointed by Jehoshaphat singing praise to the Lord, praising him for the splendor of his holiness and saying 'Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.' Not only were they victorious, Judah did not have to raise a hand in battle. Their enemies destroyed themselves and all Judah had to do was collect the spoils. And the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side. - 2 Chron. 20:30
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