Just when I thought I had a handle on things, I go and make a mistake on my Alphabe-Thursday post like some Jughead or jackass. Dont’ laugh at me, ‘k? This is no joking matter my reputation is in jeopardy. I know what you’re thinking, what planet did I fall off of this morning? If Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus, but not today – this gal is from Jupiter!
Did this goof up jinx me?
Like so many times before, I grow a bit jittery as I sat in front of my computer screen in my jammies thinking to myself, “What am I going to do? What am I going to do?” When just like that…snap Jumping Jehoshaphat pops in my brain! My bacon (no pun intended) is saved!
My mood became jovial, as I decide to give this j-spired phrase a jab.
Did you know, the phrase Jumping Jehoshaphat is first recorded from Mayne Reid’s Headless Horseman of 1866, but is probably older. You don’t hear this little expression of astonishment much today. Chances are you’ll more likely to hear Great Scot in its place unless you’re someone like me who randomly pulls outdated phrases out of the air.
From my days spent in Sunday School, I knew Jehoshaphat was a King from Old Testament times, but I had forgotten the story until today when I found this brief explanation, which I enjoyed reading…
In 2 Chronicles 20 there is a story about a great army, made up of the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites, which came against Jehoshaphat king of Judah and his people. Jehoshaphat was so overpowered by the information that he stood up and made a plea to GOD asking for HIS direction of on the circumstance. In verse 14 the Spirit of the Lord came down upon Jahaziel son of Zechariah and stood in the assembly.
Verse 15-18 NIV is as follows.
He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but GOD’S. Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.’ ” Jehoshaphat bowed with his face to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the LORD.
The next day when the people went out to confront the opposing army Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and praise GOD for the splendor of His holiness. These men traveled before the army, saying: “Give thanks to the LORD for His love endures forever.” While the people were singing GOD set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. GOD had turned those three armies against one another and had them destroy each other before Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah ever got to their location. When Jehoshaphat and his people saw what the LORD had done they traveled back to Jerusalem went to the temple and worshiped the LORD. The news of what had happened spread throughout the neighboring countries and the fear of GOD came upon those kingdoms giving Judah peace and rest at every border.
I say all that to say this: Jumping Jehoshaphat is a phrase that was used to remind people that when startling, unexpected, or troubling news come to you, you will remember to “jump” into GOD’S arms and allow HIM to take care of your problem. Just like Jehoshaphat the king of Judah did when there was such a vast army there looked to be no way of escape. Jehoshaphat and his people called on the LORD and HE took care of the problem in a way that no man could have. So remember when something comes your way that makes you shout “Jumping Jehoshaphat” GOD can be the answer to your problem. So remember when something comes your way that makes you shout “Jumping Jehoshaphat” GOD can be the answer to your problem.
King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah and Jerusalem more than likely would have jumped for joy as they watched the miracles of the Lord before their eyes. Personally speaking, I know I would have jumped with exceedingly great joy. I can imagine they kept saying King Jehoshaphat over and over and over. Other than God, King Jehoshaphat was the man of the hour. Who knows maybe the people of that time used Jumping Jehoshaphat as a way of remembering the day the Lord defeated their enemy by showing respect to their mortal King because of his faithful in serving God.
I guess you sit as judge and jury, Miss Jenny and fellow classmates. Do you feel jipped? It’s your call! If you’re happy with my j-spired post, then jot me a little note and I’ll do a little jig. For more blog homework on the letter ‘J’, link-up with the others in Miss Jenny’s classroom.
Have a joy filled day!