2 Chronicles 17ASV
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2 Chronicles17

American Standard Version · Public Domain

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

2And 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.

3And Jehovah was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto the Baalim,

4but sought to the God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel.

5Therefore Jehovah established the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat tribute; and he had riches and honor in abundance.

6And his heart was lifted up in the ways of Jehovah: and furthermore he took away the high places and the Asherim out of Judah.

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

8and with them the Levites, even Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and Zebadiah, and Asahel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehonathan, and Adonijah, and Tobijah, and Tob-adonijah, the Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, the priests.

9And they taught in Judah, having the book of the law of Jehovah with them; and they went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught among the people.

10And the fear of Jehovah fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat.

11And 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 he-goats.

12And Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly; and he built in Judah castles and cities of store.

13And he had many works in the cities of Judah; and men of war, mighty men of valor, in Jerusalem.

14And this was the numbering of them according to their fathers’ houses: Of Judah, the captains of thousands: Adnah the captain, and with him mighty men of valor three hundred thousand;

15and next to him Jehohanan the captain, and with him two hundred and fourscore thousand;

16and next to him Amasiah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself unto Jehovah; and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of valor.

17And of Benjamin: Eliada a mighty man of valor, and with him two hundred thousand armed with bow and shield;

18and next to him Jehozabad, and with him a hundred and fourscore thousand ready prepared for war.

19These were they that waited on the king, besides those whom the king put in the fortified cities throughout all Judah.

Study Guide

Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for 2 Chronicles 17.

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Chapter Summary

In this chapter: Jehoshaphat promotes religion in Judah, His prosperity. (1-17).

vv1-17

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

2 Chronicles 17
v51 Samuel 10:27thematic

Bringing presents (minchah) as a token of respect and allegiance at the beginning of a reign.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

Clarifies that while Jehoshaphat removed idol high places, local worship high places remained among the people.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

Identifies the cities of Ephraim taken by Asa, now fortified and garrisoned by Jehoshaphat.

Supported by JFB

v51 Kings 10:25thematic

The custom of bringing annual voluntary presents and tribute to established, wealthy kings.

Supported by Matthew Poole

Parallel pattern where obedience leads to neighboring nations bringing presents and magnifying the king.

Supported by Matthew Poole

The foundational Levitical commission to teach God's judgments and law to Israel.

Supported by Matthew Poole

Subsequent kings similarly destroying high places and groves to purify the land of idolatry.

Supported by Matthew Poole

Contrast with Azariah's warning that Israel had long been without a teaching priest.

Supported by Matthew Poole

v8Malachi 2:7thematic

The priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth.

Supported by Matthew Poole

Repeats the theme of the fear of God falling on foreign kingdoms when Judah is secure.

Supported by JFB