who leave the upright paths to walk on the dark ways,

He followed in the footsteps of the kings of Israel; he also made images of the Baals.

If only my people would obey me! If only Israel would keep my commands!

Let them sing about the Lord’s deeds, for the Lord’s splendor is magnificent.

He was committed to following the Lord; he even removed the high places and Asherah poles from Judah.

He followed in the footsteps of Ahab’s dynasty, for his mother gave him evil advice.

He did what the Lord approved and followed in his ancestor David’s footsteps; he did not deviate to the right or the left.

If you follow my instructions by obeying my rules and regulations, just as your father David did, then I will grant you long life.”

The Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he followed in his ancestor David’s footsteps at the beginning of his reign. He did not seek the Baals,

I am taking the kingdom from him because they have abandoned me and worshiped the Sidonian goddess Astarte, the Moabite god Chemosh, and the Ammonite god Milcom. They have not followed my instructions by doing what I approve and obeying my rules and regulations, like Solomon’s father David did.

Jehoram received this letter from Elijah the prophet: “This is what the Lord God of your ancestor David says: ‘You have not followed in the footsteps of your father Jehoshaphat and of King Asa of Judah,

Rejoice, young man, while you are young, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Follow the impulses of your heart and the desires of your eyes, but know that God will judge your motives and actions.

“The Lord who rules over all says, ‘If you live and work according to my requirements, you will be able to preside over my temple and attend to my courtyards, and I will allow you to come and go among these others who are standing by you.

You must obey all I command you to do, follow my instructions, do what I approve, and keep my rules and commandments, like my servant David did. Then I will be with you and establish for you a lasting dynasty, as I did for David; I will give you Israel.