1.
And Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned to his house in peace to Jerusalem.
2.
And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the LORD.
BE YE SEPARATE!
‘And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer … said to king Jeboshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the Lord?’
2 Chronicles 19:2
I. The friendship of wicked men is one of the most dangerous social temptations to which Christians are subjected.
II. Of this trial of Christian principle, it should be further said that the Christian religion requires no narrow or ascetic seclusion from the world.
III. The irreligious friendships of religious men violate the ruling spirit of the Scriptures.
IV. Entangling alliances with the world often involve an immense sacrifice of Christian usefulness.
V. Christian alliances with the wicked do not command the respect of the very men for whose favour they are formed.
VI. Loving those that hate God inflicts a wound of great severity on the feelings of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Illustrations
(1) ‘Jehoshaphat is distinguished by two measures for his people’s good: one, his sending out travelling preachers through the land; another, his provision of local judges and a central court in Jerusalem. The former was begun as early as the third year of his reign, but was probably interrupted, like other good things, by his ill-omened alliance with Ahab. The prophet Jehu’s plain speaking seems to have brought the king back to his better self, and its fruit was his going “among the people,” from south to north, as a missionary, “to bring them back to Jehovah.” ’
(2) ‘Happy are the fathers whose sons take up their work! God cannot allow His children to turn to the right or left without remonstrance and chastisement. He is so strict with us, because He loves us so. We cannot join in sinful and worldly alliances without incurring wrath. Let us cleanse ourselves, then, from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit. It may be the decisive act of a moment, but it will lead us into the blessed enjoyment of almost infinite promises.’
3.
Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast taken away the groves out of the land, and hast prepared thine heart to seek God.
4.
And Jehoshaphat dwelt at Jerusalem: and he went out again through the people from Beer-sheba to mount Ephraim, and brought them back unto the LORD God of their fathers.
5.
And he set judges in the land throughout all the fenced cities of Judah, city by city,
6.
And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the LORD, who is with you in the judgment.
7.
Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.
8.
Moreover in Jerusalem did Jehoshaphat set of the Levites, and of the priests, and of the chief of the fathers of Israel, for the judgment of the LORD, and for controversies, when they returned to Jerusalem.
9.
And he charged them, saying, Thus shall ye do in the fear of the LORD, faithfully, and with a perfect heart.
10.
And what cause soever shall come to you of your brethren that dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and judgments, ye shall even warn them that they trespass not against the LORD, and so wrath come upon you, and upon your brethren: this do, and ye shall not trespass.
11.
And, behold, Amariah the chief priest is over you in all matters of the LORD; and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, for all the king's matters: also the Levites shall be officers before you. Deal courageously, and the LORD shall be with the good.