Chronicles II 17

1 And Josaphat his son reigned in his stead, Josaphat strengthened himself against Israel.

2 And he put garrisons in all the strong cities of Juda, and appointed captains in all the cities of Juda, and in the cities of Ephraim, which Asa his father had taken.

3 And the Lord was with Josaphat, for he walked in the first ways of his father, and did not seek to idols;

4 but he sought to the Lord God of his father, and walked in the commandments of his father, and not according to the works of Israel.

5 And the Lord prospered the kingdom in his hand; and all Juda gave gifts to Josaphat; and he had great wealth and glory.

6 And his heart was exalted in the way of the Lord; and he removed the high places and the groves from the land of Juda.

7 And in the third year of his reign, he sent his chief men, and his mighty men, Abdias and Zacharias, and Nathanael, and Michaias, to teach in the cities of Juda.

8 And with them the Levites, Samaias, and Nathanias, and Zabdias, and Asiel, and Semiramoth, and Jonathan, and Adonias, and Tobias, and Tobadonias, Levites, and with them Elisama and Joram, the priests.

9 And they taught in Juda, and with them the book of the law of the Lord, and they passed through the cities of Juda, and taught the people.

10 And a terror of the Lord was upon all the kingdoms of the land round about Juda, and they made no war against Josaphat.

11 And of the Philistines brought to Josaphat gifts, and silver, and presents; and the Arabians brought him seven thousand seven hundred rams.

12 And Josaphat increased in greatness exceedingly, and built in Judea places of abode, and strong cities.

13 And he had many works in Judea: and the mighty men of war, of strength, in Jerusalem.

14 And this their number according to the houses of their fathers; even the captains of thousands in Juda , Ednas the chief, and with him mighty men of strength three hundred thousand.

15 And after him, Joanan the captain, and with him two hundred eighty thousand.

16 And after him Amasias the of Zari, who was zealous for the Lord; and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of strength.

17 And out of Benjamin a mighty man of strength, even Eliada, and with him two hundred thousand archers and targeteers.

18 And after him Jozabad, and with him a hundred and eighty thousand mighty men of war.

19 These were the king's servants besides those whom the king put in the strong cities in all Judea.

Chronicles II 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.