Chapter 19

Then Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, returned safely to his house in Jerusalem. (2 Chronicles 19:1)

This was God's goodness and mercy toward Jehoshaphat. Jehoshaphat, dressed in the clothes of the king, was marked for death by the army of Syria, and he ought to have been put to death in the course of the battle. In spite of this, he cried out to the LORD and, as a result, was spared and was able to make it back to his home in Jerusalem safely.

Should you help the ungodly and love those who hate the Lord? Because of this, wrath has gone out against you from the Lord. (2 Chronicles 19:2)

The error of Jehoshaphat's excessive love for Ahab was brought to light by Jehu. He claimed to have a love for God, yet his actions showed that he also loved those who despised the LORD. It was a terrible decision on his part to form both personal and military alliances with Ahab and the kingdom of Israel.

It would have been wise for Jehoshaphat to read and reflect on Psalm 97:10, which states, "You who love the LORD, hate evil!"

So Jehoshaphat dwelt at Jerusalem; and he went out again among the people from Beersheba to the mountains of Ephraim, and brought them back to the Lord God of their fathers. (2 Chronicles 19:4)

This indicates that Jehoshaphat limited the excursions he had outside of the country. He refrained from travelling to the northern kingdom of Israel and was satisfied to remain in his appointed residence instead.