In current days... it simply means... Holy Smoke!

It's a Mormon Cricket

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 wen out to confront the apposing army Jehoshaphat appoint 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 there 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 though out the neighboring countries and the fear of GOD came upon those kingdoms giving Judah peace and rest at every boarder.

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.

Jehosaphat was a wealthy king of Jerusalem. One day an army came from Koopastan to steal Jehosaphat's princess and his mountain of gold coins. Jehosaphat challenged the most feared fighter in the Koopastanian army to one-on-one combat. Right before battle, Jehosaphat ate powerful mushrooms from his kingdom. Legend has it that during the confrontation, Jeosaphat doubled in size and leaped onto the warrior, crushing him flat. Recent scientific studies show that the Basidocarpus todensae mushroom of the desert has certain chemotactic properties that increase hematocrit levels in the myofibrils of muscles, verifying the possible "doubling in size".

The people of Jerusalem created epic songs about "Jumping Jehosaphat". Don MaClean's ballad "American Pie" is a modern take on these traditional mandolin pieces. The saying quickly grew in popularity with the advent of the printing press and the translation of the bible, and the influx of Christianity throughout the world.

Jumping Jehoshaphat

Jehosaphat was a wealthy king of Jerusalem. One day an army from the east march on Jerusalem to take his gold. Jehosaphat told the people not to worry that the battle would be his and Judas's on the following day. The people let out a joyous cry "Great Jumping Jehosaphat" . I am not sure exactly the meaning of the saying other than total joy at not having to go to war!!!

The old expression was "Jumping Jehosephat." Just a polite expression of surprise. LIke "Holy crap!" might be today.

Historically: Jehosaphat was a wealthy king of Jerusalem. One day an army from the east march on Jerusalem to take his gold. Jehosaphat told the people not to worry that the battle would be his and Judas's on the following day. The people let out a joyous cry "Great Jumping Jehosaphat." That's the "story" anyhow. I wasn't there. :)