2 Chronicles 19:1-3·~1 min
Jehoshaphat Reproved by Jehu
Jehoshaphat arrives back in Jerusalem, where Jehu meets him with a sharp rebuke for aiding the wicked. Even so, the prophet acknowledges the king’s removal of Asherah poles and his settled desire to seek God.
W1hen Jehoshaphat king of Judah had returned safely to his home in Jerusalem, 2Jehu son of Hanani the seer went out to confront him and said to King Jehoshaphat, “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Because of this, the wrath of the LORD is upon you. 3However, some good is found in you, for you have removed the Asherah poles from the land and have set your heart on seeking God.”
Section summaryJehoshaphat returns home safely, but his safety does not shield him from rebuke. Jehu confronts him for helping those who oppose the LORD, yet he also names the real good still found in the king.
Role in the chapterThis opening section interprets the previous chapter’s alliance and sets the moral terms for what follows. It holds together judgment and mercy, clearing the way for Jehoshaphat’s reforms to be read as a response to correction.