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"When Jehoshaphat king of Judah returned safely to his palace in Jerusalem, Jehu the seer, the son of Hanani, went out to meet him and said to the king, '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 Chronicles 19:1-3
King Jehoshaphat - oh, yeah, Jeho has phat in his name - is a really good guy. He makes sure the judges and priest judge the people fairly, show impartiality and honor God. He relies on the Lord when attacked and has the people come as one before the temple to look to God. He appoints men to sing praises to God when his armies go in to battle and, after the battle, Jehosaphat has men go to the temple with harps and lutes and trumpets. He's so good hearted that the Lord gives him "rest on every side."
So why is it that King Jehoshaphat makes the exact same mistake twice? He joins up with the King of Israel - first Ahab and then Ahab's son Ahaziah - to do something - fight a battle and then, later, to build ships. Why turn to other kings rather than the one true Lord for help? It can't be that he's worried the Lord can't or won't help him. God has seen him through a battle where he was outnumbered. Is it pride and ambition? Does he feel good about himself when the King of Israel pays him the time of day? None of it makes sense or seems like a reasonable reason for him to rely on another king rather than God. But then, does our sin ever make sense? In a moment of weakness even the strongest among us will or sometimes do something we know is wrong. Sometimes we do the same thing over and over in spite of our relationship with the Lord. For all his good, why this lack of confidence that manifests itself in his relying on the Enemy of God?
Lord only knows.
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