2 Chronicles 17

Jehoshaphat Reigns in Judah

1 Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his place and strengthened himself against Israel.

2 He placed forces in all the ¹fortified cities of Judah and set garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim ²that Asa his father had captured.

3 The LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David. He did not seek the Baals,

4 but sought the God of his father and walked in his commandments, ³and not according to the practices of Israel.

5 Therefore the LORD established the kingdom in his hand. And all Judah ⁴brought tribute to Jehoshaphat, ⁵and he had great riches and honor.

6 His heart was courageous in the ways of the LORD. And furthermore, ⁶he took the high places and the Asherim out of Judah.

7 In the third year of his reign he sent his officials, Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah, ⁷to teach in the cities of Judah;

8 ⁸and with them the Levites, Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tobadonijah; and with these Levites, the priests Elishama and Jehoram.

9 And ⁹they taught in Judah, having the Book of the Law of the LORD with them. They went about through all the cities of Judah and taught among the people.

10 ¹⁰And the fear of the LORD fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were around Judah, and they made no war against Jehoshaphat.

11 Some of the Philistines ¹¹brought Jehoshaphat presents and silver for tribute, and the Arabians also brought him 7,700 rams and 7,700 goats.

12 And Jehoshaphat grew steadily greater. He built in Judah fortresses and store cities,

13 and he had large supplies in the cities of Judah. He had soldiers, mighty men of valor, in Jerusalem.

14 This was the muster of them by fathers' houses: Of Judah, the commanders of thousands: Adnah the commander, with 300,000 mighty men of valor;

15 and next to him Jehohanan the commander, with 280,000;

16 and next to him Amasiah the son of Zichri, ¹²a volunteer for the service of the LORD, with 200,000 mighty men of valor.

17 Of Benjamin: Eliada, a mighty man of valor, with 200,000 men ¹³armed with bow and shield;

18 and next to him Jehozabad with 180,000 armed for war.

19 These were in the service of the king, besides ¹⁴those whom the king had placed in the fortified cities throughout all Judah.

2 Chronicles 17 Commentary

Chapter 17

Jehoshaphat promotes religion in Judah, His prosperity.

- 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.

Cross References

• 1. See 2 Chronicles 11:5
• 2. 2 Chronicles 15:8
• 3. [1 Kings 12:28]
• 4. [2 Chronicles 32:23]
• 5. 2 Chronicles 18:1
• 6. [2 Chronicles 15:17; 2 Chronicles 20:33; 1 Kings 22:43]
• 7. See 2 Chronicles 35:3
• 8. 2 Chronicles 19:8
• 9. [See ver. 7 above]
• 10. 2 Chronicles 14:14; 2 Chronicles 20:29
• 11. [2 Chronicles 26:8; 2 Samuel 8:2]
• 12. Judges 5:2, 9; Nehemiah 11:2
• 13. [1 Chronicles 12:2]
• 14. ver. 2

Chapter Summary

INTRODUCTION TO 2 CHRONICLES 17

This chapter relates the accession of Jehoshaphat to the throne, his settlement on it, his piety, and reformation in religion, 2Ch 17:1-6, his care to instruct the people in the law of God, 2Ch 17:7-9, the respect shown him by neighbouring nations, 2Ch 17:10,11, the fortified places of his kingdom, his numerous forces and mighty men at the head of them, 2Ch 17:12-19.