2 Chronicles 18:1-11; 2 Chronicles 28-34
The story of Jehoshaphat continues. His associations caused this faithful man to fall. Worldly connections, friendly exchanges between people of the same social circle, have been a trap to many believers (1 Corinthians 15:33). Look at the consequences for Jehoshaphat!
(1) He was led to arrange a noble marriage for his son by getting for him, as his wife, a daughter of the royal house of Israel who was none other than Athaliah! No doubt a splendid marriage in the eyes of men! In reality, it was the start of the inevitable ruin of all his family.
(2) He falls down in his testimony by putting himself on the same level as the evil king of Israel: "I am as thou art . . ." (v. 3).
(3) Finally, fearing to displease his royal friend, he allows himself to get involved in the perilous recovery of Ramoth-gilead.
We really must meditate on and remember Galatians 1:10. The alliance which Jehoshaphat makes with Israel, against the Syrians, was no better than the one made by his father Asa with the Syrians, against Israel. It ends up placing the unfortunate king in a dramatic position, the same as that of Saul on Mount Gilboa. This is a situation from which God alone can miraculously save him in response to his cry! (see Psalms 120:1).