2 Chronicles 17
This chapter describes the reign of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, who followed the ways of his father Asa but with greater devotion to God. His faithfulness led to prosperity, peace, and military strength for Judah. The chapter also highlights Jehoshaphat’s efforts to educate the people in God’s laws and the respect he commanded from surrounding nations.
2 Chronicles 17:1-5 (NKJV)
1 Then Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his place, and strengthened himself against Israel.
2 And he placed troops 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 Now the Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the former ways of his father David; he did not seek the Baals,
4 but sought the God of his father, and walked in His commandments and not according to the acts of Israel.
5 Therefore the Lord established the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah gave presents to Jehoshaphat, and he had riches and honor in abundance.
Jehoshaphat took deliberate steps to secure Judah from Israel, reflecting the tension between the two kingdoms. By fortifying cities and garrisoning troops, he ensured that Judah remained strong. His devotion to God, following the ways of David, set him apart from Israel, where Baal worship was prominent. Because of his faithfulness, God blessed him with stability, and the people honored him with gifts, increasing his wealth and prestige. His reign started on a solid foundation of trust in God and political foresight.
2 Chronicles 17:6 (NKJV)
6 And his heart took delight in the ways of the Lord; moreover, he removed the high places and wooden images from Judah.
Jehoshaphat's commitment to God was not only personal but also public. He actively sought to rid Judah of idolatry, removing the high places and wooden images used in pagan worship. His zeal for God was evident in his reforms, as he sought to lead the nation toward true worship. This act of purging idolatry reflected his deep love for the Lord and his determination to bring Judah back to its spiritual roots.
2 Chronicles 17:7-9 (NKJV)
7 Also in the third year of his reign he sent his leaders, Ben-Hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah.
8 And with them he sent Levites: Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tobadonijah—the Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, the priests.
9 So they taught in Judah, and had the Book of the Law of the Lord with them; they went throughout all the cities of Judah and taught the people.
Jehoshaphat’s efforts to reform Judah extended beyond military and religious matters; he also focused on educating the people in God’s law. He sent officials, Levites, and priests to teach the law in all the cities, ensuring that the people were spiritually equipped and knew God’s commandments. This initiative to educate the nation spiritually contributed to their loyalty to God and created a foundation of righteousness throughout the land.
2 Chronicles 17:10-11 (NKJV)
10 And the fear of the Lord fell on all the kingdoms of the lands that were around Judah, so that they did not make war against Jehoshaphat.
11 Also some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents and silver as tribute, and the Arabians brought him flocks, seven thousand seven hundred rams and seven thousand seven hundred male goats.
Jehoshaphat’s devotion to God not only brought peace to Judah but also gained respect from neighboring nations. The fear of the Lord was upon these nations, preventing them from attacking Judah. Instead of war, they brought tribute, acknowledging Jehoshaphat’s authority and the favor of God on his reign. This tribute, including gifts of silver and livestock, further increased Judah’s wealth and prosperity.
2 Chronicles 17:12-13 (NKJV)
12 So Jehoshaphat became increasingly powerful, and he built fortresses and storage cities in Judah.
13 He had much property in the cities of Judah; and the men of war, mighty men of valor, were in Jerusalem.
Jehoshaphat’s reign was marked by continuous growth in power and prosperity. His strategic building projects, including fortresses and storage cities, ensured that Judah remained well-defended and economically stable. The presence of mighty men of valor in Jerusalem demonstrated his commitment to maintaining a strong military, ensuring the kingdom’s security and readiness in times of conflict.
2 Chronicles 17:14-19 (NKJV)
14 These are their numbers, according to their fathers’ houses: of Judah, the captains of thousands: Adnah the captain, and with him three hundred thousand mighty men of valor;
15 and next to him was Jehohanan the captain, and with him two hundred and eighty thousand;
16 and next to him was Amasiah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself to the Lord, and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of valor.
17 Of Benjamin: Eliada a mighty man of valor, and with him two hundred thousand men armed with bow and shield;
18 and next to him was Jehozabad, and with him one hundred and eighty thousand prepared for war.
19 These served the king, besides those the king put in the fortified cities throughout all Judah.
Jehoshaphat's military strength was impressive, with hundreds of thousands of mighty men of valor under the command of various leaders. These men, from both Judah and Benjamin, were well-prepared for battle, ensuring that Judah remained protected. The detailed listing of these men and their captains emphasizes the significant military resources at Jehoshaphat’s disposal, demonstrating his wise leadership in both spiritual and practical matters. The army’s readiness, along with fortifications throughout Judah, ensured that the kingdom was secure from external threats.