Leadership has a trickle-down effect. Judah or Israel had not seen a king like Jehoshaphat since David. In fact, many scholars say that Jehoshaphat approached the wealth and status of King Solomon but had the reform of King David. The point being, others flourished in their walk.
Because he removed the idols from the land, the people were taught a consistent message from the Word. The King actually sent out the Levite priests to teach the people. This resulted in the entire nation being drawn toward God. Other kingdoms feared Judah.
“They took the book of the Law of the LORD and went through all the towns of Judah, teaching it to the people. 10 The LORD made all the surrounding kingdoms afraid to go to war against King Jehoshaphat.”
2 Chronicles 17:9-10 GNB
It’s interesting to consider…what would those “kingdoms” look like in our life? Obviously, if our government commissioned great pastors to go around America and preach God’s Word, we would see great reform. However, I’m thinking more personally. What would change in your extended family if you began to lead toward God? Who would change? How would your neighborhood look different if you served like Jesus? How would your workplace change if you made it a point to lead like Jehoshaphat did?