It is not difficult to conclude that Jehoshaphat had a soft spot for God. Before the battle at Ramoth Gilead, he recommended to Ahab to ask for the mind of the Lord. At the first instance, 400 prophets were brought who urged Ahab to go ahead with his war plan. Jehoshaphat was not satisfied with their prediction, as a result Michaiah was summoned. The same disposition is what we find in our text. Jehoram and his coalition army were hit with a water crisis. Jehoshaphat suggested that they seek out a prophet of the Lord.
“Interestingly, knowing the will of God from the start may prevent some crisis from developing.”
Notwithstanding Jehoshaphat’s inclination for the will of the Lord, he cuts a picture of a man who loved doing the right thing at the wrong time. The two cases we cited illustrate this point. He had committed to battle before seeking to know the will of God. Here, too, he committed to Jehoram and set out on the campaign before seeking the mind of the Lord. We should not leave seeking the will of the Lord to crisis moments. The will of God must be sought ever before we take the first step in any direction. Interestingly, knowing the will of God from the start may prevent some crisis from developing.