The Wisdom of Jehoshaphat

    By cexavi

    The Wisdom of Jehoshaphat cover image

    31 May, 2024

    a painting of a man sitting on a throne surrounded by other men in ancient clothing and a golden throne, samikshavad, a detailed painting, Bholekar Srihari, highly detailed digital painting

    King Abner, displeased by his court chief's conversion to Christianity, banished his friend to the desert, refusing to grant him the martyrdom he desired.

    a man and two children in fancy clothing in a palace setting with marble floors and gold columns and columns, samikshavad, a detailed matte painting, Altoon Sultan, promotional image

    The king's son, Jehoshaphat, was born amidst prophecies of serving a mightier being than his father and seeking something greater than wealth - the Christian God.

    a young boy in a crown and a crowd of people in a city square with a clock tower in the background, photorealism, a detailed matte painting, Altoon Sultan, promotional image

    Growing up in the palace, Jehoshaphat started questioning the meaning of life as he witnessed the suffering of his people.

    a painting of a group of people in a street with a man in a robe and a boy in a robe, figurative art, a detailed matte painting, Dirck de Bray, highly detailed digital painting

    Barlaam, a desert monk, disguised as a merchant, introduced Jehoshaphat to Christianity, guiding him towards the path of truth.

    a man in a red and gold outfit standing in a hall with a black and white checkered floor, samikshavad, a character portrait, Bholekar Srihari, promotional image

    Despite his growing faith, Jehoshaphat was reluctant to give up his luxurious lifestyle. Barlaam advised him to seek when ready to commit fully.

    two men in robes standing in a room with other men in costume around them and one man in a crown, unilalianism, a renaissance painting, Altoon Sultan, promotional image

    Upon Jehoshaphat's baptism, the King devised a plan to revert his son back to his faith using Nahor, a fake Barlaam, who ended up being converted by Jehoshaphat.

    a man and a woman in renaissance costumes standing in a hall of people in fancy clothing and regal regalia, qajar art, a renaissance painting, Altoon Sultan, promotional image

    Despite repeated attempts, Jehoshaphat remained steadfast in his faith, even resisting the seduction of a beautiful maiden.

    a man in a regal outfit standing in a room with chandeliers and a gold crown on his head, renaissance, a flemish Baroque, Altoon Sultan, regal

    Finally, King Abner, realizing the futility of his efforts, converted to Christianity himself, deeply moved by his son's unwavering faith.

    a painting of a young boy wearing a gold and red outfit and a golden crown on his head, standing in a crowded street, afrofuturism, an ultrafine detailed painting, Chris LaBrooy, magic the gathering artwork

    Jehoshaphat, known for his wisdom and virtues, led others towards Christianity, even building churches in the city.

    a painting of a young boy in a crown and a crowd of people in the background in a medieval setting, fantasy art, a detailed matte painting, Clint Cearley, highly detailed digital painting

    Jehoshaphat, however, was not content with his achievements and yearned for a life of penance and contemplation.

    a person walking across a desert with footprints in the sand and a sun setting in the background with clouds, art photography, egyptian art, Amir Zand, desert

    He finally left for the desert, renouncing the materialistic world to lead a life of penance.

    a man sitting on top of a sandy dune in the desert at sunset with a desert landscape in the background, art photography, a character portrait, Amir Zand, award - winning photography

    Jehoshaphat spent his remaining years in the desert, contemplating life and its divine truths until his final breath.