During the time that Jehoshaphat reigned the worship of Baal secured a strong hold upon the northern kingdom. He was a contemporary of Ahab and Jezebel, and lived during the time that Elijah raised his voice in loud protest against the terrible apostasy then sweeping the northern kingdom (see 1 Kings 16-22). Chronicles makes only one brief reference to this prophet (ch. 21:12-15). The Baalim were local aspects of the Canaanite male fertility god (see Vol. II, p. 40). So common had their worship become that Jehoshaphat is singled out for commendation in that he did not follow the regular practice of his age.
First ways.
The first ways of both David and Jehoshaphat were better than their latter years. Prior to his adultery with Bath-sheba and the murder of her husband (2 Sam. 11), David had lived a life that left an influence for good. Asa displayed a trust in God and a loyalty to principles of justice and right that was not evident in his later years (see ch. 16:2-10).
With Jehoshaphat.
The greatest satisfaction and joy that can come to the heart of man is to know that he has the presence of the Lord with him. Both material and spiritual blessings came to Jehoshaphat and the nation as a result of the Lord’s presence and blessing.