The reference to Jehoshaphat's not removing the high places (v. 33) seems to contradict what the writer said in 17:6. Perhaps when the people rebuilt the high places that Jehoshaphat destroyed earlier in his reign he failed to tear them down again. In this the king fell short of the complete obedience required if God would establish his throne forever (1 Chron. 17:11-14). Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahaziah, king of Israel, was another instance in which he failed to trust and obey God as he should have (vv. 35-37).
". . . however much a person's life might be characterized by obedience to God, the possibility of lapse and compromise is forever present."51
"Jehoshaphat's weakness--and this the chronicler sets before us as a peril of pastoral leadership--was his inability to say no."52
"The weakness of Jehoshaphat, then, is a perilous thing. It is actually related to his excellence as a shepherd. He cares; if he is to be a good pastor, he cannot afford to be hard-hearted. His troubles begin when he is not sufficiently hard-hearted."53
Jehoshaphat was another of Judah's best kings who followed David's example. Nevertheless he was not the Son of David whom God would establish forever.54
