2 Chronicles Chapter 17
1 Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his place, and strengthened himself against Israel.
2 He placed forces in all the fortified cities of Judah, and set garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim, which Asa his father had taken.
3 The LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and didn't seek the Baals,
4 but sought to the God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not in the ways of Israel.
5 Therefore the LORD established the kingdom in his hand. All Judah brought tribute to Jehoshaphat, and he had riches and honour in abundance.
6 His heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD. Furthermore, he took away the high places and the Asherah poles out of Judah.
7 Also in the third year of his reign he sent his princes, even Ben Hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah;
8 and with them the Levites, even Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tobadonijah, the Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, the priests.
9 They taught in Judah, having the book of the LORD's law with them. They went about throughout all the cities of Judah and taught amongst the people.
10 The fear of the LORD fell on all the kingdoms of the lands that were around Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat.
11 Some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents and silver for tribute. The Arabians also brought him flocks, seven thousand and seven hundred rams, and seven thousand and seven hundred male goats.
12 Jehoshaphat grew great exceedingly; and he built fortresses and store cities in Judah.
13 He had many works in the cities of Judah; and men of war, mighty men of valour, in Jerusalem.
14 This was the numbering of them according to their fathers' houses: From Judah, the captains of thousands: Adnah the captain, and with him three hundred thousand mighty men of valour;
15 and next to him Jehohanan the captain, and with him two hundred and eighty thousand;
16 and next to him Amasiah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself to the LORD, and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of valour.
17 From Benjamin: Eliada, a mighty man of valour, and with him two hundred thousand armed with bow and shield;
18 and next to him Jehozabad, and with him one hundred and eighty thousand ready and prepared for war.
19 These were those who waited on the king, in addition to those whom the king put in the fortified cities throughout all Judah.
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2 Chronicles Chapter 17 Guide
With the accession of Jehoshaphat a period of definite reformation for Judah commenced. In this chapter we have, first, the account of his own relationship to God, and the resulting blessing that came to him. Then follows an interesting account of what in these latter times would be called special missions, arranged by the king, and conducted through the cities of Judah by representatives of the princes, the Levites, and the priests.
Jehoshaphat put into practice himself, and by these special methods provoked his people to put into practice, the principle which Azariah had declared to his father. Coincident with this activity within, a remarkable fear of the Lord fell on the people without, so that they ceased to make war on Jehoshaphat. Thus God was with the man who was with Him, and the result was opportunity to strengthen the kingdom within by building castles and cities, by commerce, and by carrying out many works.
From "An Exposition of the Whole Bible" by G. Campbell Morgan.
2 Chronicles Chapter 17 Commentary
Chapter Outline
- Jehoshaphat promotes religion in Judah, His prosperity.
Verses 1-19
Jehoshaphat found his people generally very ignorant, and therefore endeavoured to have them well taught. The public teaching of the word of God forms, in all ages, the great method of promoting the power of godliness. Thereby the understanding is informed, the conscience is awakened and directed. We have a particular account of Jehoshaphat's prosperity. But it was not his formidable army that restrained the neighbouring nations from attempting any thing against Israel, but the fear of God which fell upon them, when Jehoshaphat reformed his country, and set up a preaching ministry in it. The ordinances of God are more the strength and safety of a kingdom, than soldiers and weapons of war. The Bible requires use to notice the hand of God in every event, yet this is little regarded. But let all employ the talents they have: be faithful, even in that which is little. Set up the worship of God in your houses. The charge of a family is important. Why should you not instruct them as Jehoshaphat did his subjects, in the book of the law of the Lord. But be consistent. Do not recommend one thing, and practise another. Begin with yourselves. Seek to the Lord God of Israel, then call upon children and servants to follow your example.
From the "Concise Commentary on the Bible" by Matthew Henry.