2 Chronicles 17

1 regnavit autem Iosaphat filius eius pro eo et invaluit contra Israhel

2 constituitque militum numeros in cunctis urbibus Iudae quae erant vallatae muris praesidiaque disposuit in terra Iuda et in civitatibus Ephraim quas ceperat Asa pater eius

3 et fuit Dominus cum Iosaphat quia ambulavit in viis David patris sui primis et non speravit in Baalim

4 sed in Deo patris sui et perrexit in praeceptis illius et non iuxta peccata Israhel

5 confirmavitque Dominus regnum in manu eius et dedit omnis Iuda munera Iosaphat factaeque sunt ei infinitae divitiae et multa gloria

6 cumque sumpsisset cor eius audaciam propter vias Domini etiam excelsa et lucos de Iuda abstulit

7 tertio autem anno regni sui misit de principibus suis Benail et Obdiam et Zacchariam et Nathanahel et Micheam ut docerent in civitatibus Iuda

8 et cum eis Levitas Semeiam et Nathaniam et Zabadiam Asahel quoque et Semiramoth et Ionathan Adoniam et Tobiam et Tobadoniam Levitas et cum eis Elisama et Ioram sacerdotes

9 docebantque in Iuda habentes librum legis Domini et circuibant cunctas urbes Iuda atque erudiebant populum

10 itaque factus est pavor Domini super omnia regna terrarum quae erant per gyrum Iuda nec audebant bellare contra Iosaphat

11 sed et Philisthei Iosaphat munera deferebant et vectigal argenti Arabes quoque adducebant pecora arietum septem milia septingentos et hircos totidem

12 crevit ergo Iosaphat et magnificatus est usque in sublime atque aedificavit in Iuda domos ad instar turrium urbesque muratas

13 et multa opera patravit in urbibus Iuda viri quoque bellatores et robusti erant in Hierusalem

14 quorum iste numerus per domos atque familias singulorum in Iuda principes exercitus Ednas dux et cum eo robustissimorum trecenta milia

15 post hunc Iohanan princeps et cum eo ducenta octoginta milia

16 post istum quoque Amasias filius Zechri consecratus Domino et cum eo ducenta milia virorum fortium

17 hunc sequebatur robustus ad proelia Heliada et cum eo tenentium arcum et clypeum ducenta milia

18 post istum etiam Iozabath et cum eo centum octoginta milia expeditorum militum

19 hii omnes erant ad manum regis exceptis aliis quos posuerat in urbibus muratis et in universo Iuda

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.

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.