He was devoted to following the God of his fathers and strived to point the kingdom of Judah toward faithfulness.
In 1 Kings 22:42 we learn that “Jehoshaphat was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned twenty-five years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi” (v.42). This verse introduces us to Jehoshaphat, who ascended the throne of the southern kingdom of Judah at the age of thirty-five. By describing his age and familial heritage, the passage reminds readers of the continuity of Israel’s monarchy and identifies the king’s maternal line. Jehoshaphat’s mother, Azubah, is noted here to further establish the royal lineage. In ancient biblical writings, such details carried great importance, ensuring that the king’s authority and covenant identity were clearly established.
The verse also focuses on Jehoshaphat’s reign of twenty-five years in Jerusalem. Geographically, Jerusalem sits in the southern highlands of the central region of the land of Israel, renowned for its strategic location, natural fortifications, and spiritual significance as the city where the temple was built. At this point in biblical history, Jerusalem was the political and religious center of the kingdom of Judah. Reigning for a quarter-century would have allowed Jehoshaphat to institute reforms, strengthen alliances, and nurture the worship of the LORD, ensuring the ongoing devotion of God’s chosen people (2 Chronicles 17:3).
Jehoshaphat ruled approximately from 873 BC to about 848 BC. He was the son of Asa (1 Kings 15:24) and an ancestor of Jesus, evidenced by the mention of his name in the genealogy of the Messiah (Matthew 1:8). His story underscores how God sustained Judah’s lineage leading ultimately to Christ. Echoing themes of covenant faithfulness, Jehoshaphat’s example illustrates the blessings that flow from trusting God and the impact of spiritual leadership on a nation’s destiny.
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1 Kings 22:42 meaning
In 1 Kings 22:42 we learn that “Jehoshaphat was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned twenty-five years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi” (v.42). This verse introduces us to Jehoshaphat, who ascended the throne of the southern kingdom of Judah at the age of thirty-five. By describing his age and familial heritage, the passage reminds readers of the continuity of Israel’s monarchy and identifies the king’s maternal line. Jehoshaphat’s mother, Azubah, is noted here to further establish the royal lineage. In ancient biblical writings, such details carried great importance, ensuring that the king’s authority and covenant identity were clearly established.
The verse also focuses on Jehoshaphat’s reign of twenty-five years in Jerusalem. Geographically, Jerusalem sits in the southern highlands of the central region of the land of Israel, renowned for its strategic location, natural fortifications, and spiritual significance as the city where the temple was built. At this point in biblical history, Jerusalem was the political and religious center of the kingdom of Judah. Reigning for a quarter-century would have allowed Jehoshaphat to institute reforms, strengthen alliances, and nurture the worship of the LORD, ensuring the ongoing devotion of God’s chosen people (2 Chronicles 17:3).
Jehoshaphat ruled approximately from 873 BC to about 848 BC. He was the son of Asa (1 Kings 15:24) and an ancestor of Jesus, evidenced by the mention of his name in the genealogy of the Messiah (Matthew 1:8). His story underscores how God sustained Judah’s lineage leading ultimately to Christ. Echoing themes of covenant faithfulness, Jehoshaphat’s example illustrates the blessings that flow from trusting God and the impact of spiritual leadership on a nation’s destiny.