REFLECTIONS. Wisdom is well bought, if it be not bought too dear. Jehoshaphat returned from the battle at Ramoth-gilead, beaten indeed by the Assyrians, but more so by the reproaches of his own mind. He reflected bitterly on himself for marrying his son with Athaliah, and for going to battle expressly against the word of the Lord by Micaiah. What a mercy that he returned with his life!
No sooner did he approach his capital than he was met by Jehu the prophet, who boldly demanded on the part of heaven, whether he had done right to help the wicked, and to love them that hate the Lord? Sinners may be assured that whenever God speaks, he will speak as their own conscience.
The reproof on the ear, was accompanied with grace on the heart. Jehoshaphat took the admonition well, and he availed himself of the prophet's advice, to perfect his repentance and repair his fault. He broke off all intimate connection with Ahab; for no man can with safety make covenants of a moral and family nature with those who are out of covenant with God. He visited Samaria no more; but devoted his life to cultivate the vineyard God had given him to keep.
His first object was to reform the courts of justice, for these, like the sword they bear, are apt with time to acquire rust. The royal interposition is now and then requisite to purify the civil courts; and the charge he delivered to the new judge is peculiarly fine, and calculated to inspire those who fill the bench with every sentiment of dignity and impartial justice. He tells them that the Judge of heaven and earth is present to revise every decision, and that with him there is no respect of persons, nor acceptance of gifts.
From the civil he proceeded to the ecclesiastical courts, which were managed by the priests and levites. Hence from Zebadiah minister of state, to the lowest officer of levites, he made arrangements for order and government: and it is incredible how much regulations contribute to the morals and happiness of a nation. But the order that Christ hath set in his church, both in heaven and earth, is most to be admired, and ever to be revered. Judgment and justice are the habitation of his throne.