Good king Asa began making religious reforms in the land, ridding Judah and Benjamin of the false idols and restoring the altars to the Living God. The nation gathered for a solemn assembly where they entered into a covenant to only follow God. His reforms included removing his own mother from a position of power due to her inclination to follow false idols. When the king of Israel attempted to attack Jerusalem, Asa formed a treaty with Syria for protection rather than rely on God as his deliverer. Because of this, Asa would face many wars for the rest of his reign. After his forty-one year reign, Asa died and was succeeded by his son, Jehoshaphat.
Jehoshaphat was a good king, following in the steps of his father and not pursuing the false gods of the surrounding nations. He sent teachers throughout his kingdom to teach the nation about God and His expectations. God caused the neighboring nations to not make war against Jehoshaphat - making him a very powerful king. Eventually, he was allied (by marriage) to Ahab, king of Israel. While at a royal summit meeting, a decision is needed concerning battle with the Syrians. Only one prophet, Micaiah, is bold enough to faithfully represent God's wishes and warns Ahab not to go into battle. Ahab refuses to listen and dies in the ensuing battle with the Syrians.
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