“Jehoshaphat slept with his fathers and was buried with his fathers in the city of David, and Jehoram his son reigned in his place.” (2 Chronicles 21:1 ESV).
Jehoshaphat was a godly king who led Judah in faithfulness to the Lord. He sought God’s guidance, removed idols, and taught the people God’s law. Yet his reign ended with a compromise that would bear bitter fruit. In an effort to secure peace with the northern kingdom of Israel, Jehoshaphat made a political alliance with King Ahab by arranging a marriage between his son Jehoram and Ahab’s daughter, Athaliah. This seemingly wise move brought idolatry and spiritual corruption into Judah’s royal family. When Jehoshaphat died, his son Jehoram reigned in his place—but unlike his father, Jehoram walked in the ways of Ahab and did what was evil in the sight of the Lord (2 Chron. 21:6). The godly legacy of Jehoshaphat was undone in a single generation.
This verse offers a sobering reminder that godly homes do not automatically produce godly hearts. Each generation must choose whether to follow the Lord. That’s why we must not assume, but instead intentionally disciple our children with prayer, example, biblical truth, and loving correction. We must also examine our own decisions and alliances. Jehoshaphat’s one compromise, though politically strategic, opened the door to devastating spiritual consequences for his son and the nation. What one generation tolerates, the next may embrace. As parents, pastors, and believers, let us walk carefully before the Lord, knowing that our choices can shape the faith and future of those who follow us. May we leave a legacy not of compromise, but of wholehearted devotion to Christ.
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for the examples of faith in Your Word, and for the warnings they offer. Help us to walk wisely and guard our hearts from compromise. Strengthen us to disciple the next generation with truth, love, and courage. Let the faith we live out today take deep root in those who come after us. In Jesus’ name, amen.