Asa becomes king next. The text didn't say whether or not Abijah was a good or bad king. The text says Asa was a good king. He had lots of building projects. Then Ethiopia attacks with a million men. Asa and Judah cry out to God for help and they rout the Ethiopians. A prophet meets Abijah on his way home and has a good prophecy for him. Asa continues his reforms. There is peace in the land. Then the king of Israel attacks and Asa makes a treaty with the king of Aram. A prophet approaches Asa and asks why he didn't trust in The Lord the same way he did with the Ethiopians. Asa throws the prophet in prison. Asa then has a disease in his feet. He dies and Jehoshaphat becomes king.
The text says that Jehoshaphat is not only a good king but walks in David's ways.He is one of only three kings after Solomon of whom that is said. It is interesting that in spite of his faithfulness not only does Jehoshaphat enter into a treaty with Ahab but he allies himself with him through marriage. When he goes to battle with Ahab he does request a prophet of The Lord instead of the yes-men prophets of Baal that belong to Ahab. Ahab dies in the battle and Jehoshaphat escapes. Back home he is met by a prophet who rebukes him for his alliance with Ahab and Jehoshaphat responds well unlike his father Asa. In fact he sends out Levites to teach throughout the land. Even the Philistines send tribute to him because of the dread of The Lord that spread throughout the land through the teaching.
This chapter has one of Jesus' most memorable statements, "Do not let your hearts be troubled." I think he is preparing his disciples for his upcoming death. He wants them to know that in the midst of their sadness that what is about to happen to him is planned and will bring about great benefits. They know the Father because they know Jesus.
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