Jehoshaphat King of Judah^(A)

⁴¹ Jehoshaphat son of Asa became king of Judah in the fourth year of Ahab king of Israel. ⁴² Jehoshaphat was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-five years. His mother’s name was Azubah daughter of Shilhi. ⁴³ In everything he followed the ways of his father Asa^(B) and did not stray from them; he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. The high places,^(C) however, were not removed, and the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense there.^[a]

⁶ He built up the fortified cities of Judah, since the land was at peace. No one was at war with him during those years, for the Lord gave him rest.^(A)

⁷ “Let us build up these towns,” he said to Judah, “and put walls around them, with towers, gates and bars. The land is still ours, because we have sought the Lord our God; we sought him and he has given us rest^(A) on every side.” So they built and prospered.

¹⁵ All Judah rejoiced about the oath because they had sworn it wholeheartedly. They sought God^(A) eagerly, and he was found by them. So the Lord gave them rest^(B) on every side.