Meaning of the Name Jehoshaphat

Jehoshaphat comes from the Hebrew form Yehoshafat. It is usually explained as "Yahweh has judged" or "Yahweh has rendered judgment," with the shafat root being clear. There is broad agreement on this etymology.

Origin

The name Jehoshaphat is of Hebrew origin.

Who is Jehoshaphat in the Bible?

Jehoshaphat was king of Judah and the son of Asa. He stands out for religious renewal efforts, the teaching mission of Levites, and his turning to God in time of war. His story begins in the closing part of 1 Kings and expands especially in 2 Chronicles 17-20.

The story of Jehoshaphat in the Bible

Jehoshaphat was the son of King Asa of Judah and succeeded him on the throne. According to 1 Kings 22:41 he became king during the reign of Ahab of Israel and ruled twenty-five years in Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 17:3 says that God was with him because he sought the God of his fathers rather than the Baals. Jehoshaphat did more than oppose idolatry: he sent officials and Levites to teach the Law in the towns of Judah and appointed judges to strengthen justice in the land. His close ties with the northern kingdom, however, drew criticism, and his going to war alongside Ahab was challenged by prophetic voices. The most striking scene of his reign came when the armies of Moab and Ammon marched on Judah: instead of drawing up battle plans, Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast, prayed with his people, and placed singers in front of the army, and the enemy destroyed itself. As 2 Chronicles 20:30 puts it, his kingdom was then at peace, for God gave him rest on every side.

Is Jehoshaphat mentioned in the Quran?

The name Jehoshaphat does not appear in the Quran; in the Old Testament, in 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles, he is the king of Judah remembered for his prayer and his commitment to justice.

Verses where Jehoshaphat appears

Related names