2 Chronicles 17NASB
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2 Chronicles17

New American Standard

1His son Jehoshaphat then became king in his place, and he proved himself strong over Israel.

2He placed troops in all the fortified cities of Judah, and placed garrisons in the land of Judah and in the cities of Ephraim which his father Asa had captured.

3And the Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the example of his father David’s earlier days and did not seek the Baals,

4but sought the God of his father, followed His commandments, and did not act as Israel did.

5So the Lord established the kingdom in his control, and all Judah gave tribute to Jehoshaphat, and he had great riches and honor.

6He took great pride in the ways of the Lord, and again removed the high places and the Asherim from Judah.

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

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

9They taught in Judah, having the Book of the Law of the Lord with them; and they went throughout the cities of Judah and taught among the people.

10Now the dread of the Lord was on all the kingdoms of the lands which were around Judah, so that they did not make war against Jehoshaphat.

11Some of the Philistines brought gifts and silver as tribute to Jehoshaphat; the Arabians also brought him flocks, 7,700 rams and 7,700 male goats.

12So Jehoshaphat grew greater and greater, and he built fortresses and storage cities in Judah.

13He had large supplies in the cities of Judah, and warriors, valiant mighty men, in Jerusalem.

14This was their muster according to their fathers’ households: of Judah, commanders of thousands, Adnah was the commander, and with him three hundred thousand valiant warriors;

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

16and next to him Amasiah the son of Zichri, who volunteered for the Lord, and with him two hundred thousand valiant warriors;

17and of Benjamin, Eliada, a valiant warrior, and with him two hundred thousand armed with bow and shield;

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

19These are the ones who served the king, apart from those whom the king put in the fortified cities throughout 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