Jehoshaphat's systematic teaching program using Levites and priests to instruct all Judah represents the Bible's most comprehensive educational reform, contrasting sharply with his later compromising alliances.
2 Chronicles 17
Jehoshaphat's Reign and Prosperity
1Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his place, and strengthened himself against Israel.
2He 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.
3The LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and didn’t seek the Baals,
4but sought the God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not in the ways of Israel.
5Therefore the LORD established the kingdom in his hand. All Judah brought tribute to Jehoshaphat, and he had riches and honor in abundance.
6His heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD. Furthermore, he took away the high places and the Asherah poles out of Judah.
7Also in the third year of his reign he sent his princes, even Ben Hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah;
8and with them Levites, even Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tobadonijah, the Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, the priests.
9They taught in Judah, having the book of the LORD’s law with them. They went about throughout all the cities of Judah and taught among the people.
10The fear of the LORD fell on all the kingdoms of the lands that were around Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat.
11Some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents and silver for tribute. The Arabians also brought him flocks: seven thousand seven hundred rams and seven thousand seven hundred male goats.
12Jehoshaphat grew great exceedingly; and he built fortresses and store cities in Judah.
13He had many works in the cities of Judah; and men of war, mighty men of valor, in Jerusalem.
14This was the numbering of them according to their fathers’ houses: From Judah, the captains of thousands: Adnah the captain, and with him three hundred thousand mighty men of valor;
15and next to him Jehohanan the captain, and with him two hundred eighty thousand;
16and next to him Amasiah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself to the LORD, and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of valor.
17From 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 one hundred eighty thousand ready and prepared for war.
19These were those who waited on the king, in addition to those whom the king put in the fortified cities throughout all Judah.
Font Size 17pt
Line Spacing
Theme
Jehoshaphat becomes king of Judah and distinguishes himself through faithful obedience to God, removing idolatrous worship sites and establishing a comprehensive teaching program throughout his kingdom. His devotion results in divine blessing manifested through military strength, economic prosperity, and peaceful relations with neighboring nations. The chapter emphasizes the connection between covenant faithfulness and national flourishing, as Jehoshaphat's commitment to God's law brings both internal stability and external respect.
Context
Following Asa's mixed legacy in chapter 16, Jehoshaphat's reign represents a return to the faithful kingship model, setting the stage for the challenges he will face in subsequent chapters.
Key Themes
Outline
- 1-2 Jehoshaphat's Accession and Military Preparations The new king strengthens his position by fortifying cities and establishing garrisons throughout Judah.
- 3-6 Religious Reforms and Divine Blessing Jehoshaphat's faithfulness to God, including removal of pagan worship sites, results in divine favor and abundant prosperity.
- 7-9 National Teaching Campaign The king sends princes, Levites, and priests throughout Judah to instruct the people in God's law.
- 10-12 International Peace and Tribute God's blessing extends to foreign relations as neighboring nations bring tribute rather than wage war.
- 13-19 Military Organization and Strength Detailed accounting of Jehoshaphat's military forces demonstrates the kingdom's impressive defensive capabilities.
Jehoshaphat's Reign and Prosperity
17:1–17:19 narrative narration triumphant
Jehoshaphat becomes king and prospers by following God's ways, removing idolatry, and establishing a teaching program throughout Judah. His faithfulness brings divine blessing, peace, and tribute from surrounding nations.
person_contrast
Jehoshaphat's systematic teaching program using Levites and priests to instruct all Judah represents the Bible's most comprehensive educational reform, contrasting sharply with his later compromising alliances.
Insights
Cross-References
Connected passages across Scripture
2 Chronicles 17:2 1 reference
2 Chronicles 17:4 1 reference
2 Chronicles 17:5 2 references
2 Chronicles 17:6 1 reference
2 Chronicles 17:7 2 references
Lexicals 2
2 Chronicles 17:8 1 reference
2 Chronicles 17:10 1 reference
2 Chronicles 17:13 2 references
Lexicals 2
2 Chronicles 17:14 4 references
Lexicals 4
2 Kings 24:14 Lexical
He carried away all Jerusalem, and all the princes, and all the mighty men of valor, even ten thousand captives, and all…
1 Chronicles 28:1 Lexical
David assembled all the princes of Israel, the princes of the tribes, the captains of the companies who served the king…
1 Chronicles 26:30 Lexical
Of the Hebronites, Hashabiah and his brothers, one thousand seven hundred men of valor, had the oversight of Israel beyo…
2 Chronicles 26:11 Lexical
Moreover Uzziah had an army of fighting men who went out to war by bands, according to the number of their reckoning mad…
2 Chronicles 17:17 5 references
Lexicals 5
1 Chronicles 5:18 Lexical
The sons of Reuben, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, of valiant men, men able to bear buckler and sword, abl…
1 Chronicles 8:40 Lexical
The sons of Ulam were mighty men of valor, archers, and had many sons, and grandsons, one hundred fifty. All these were…
1 Chronicles 12:2 Lexical
They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in slinging stones and in shooting arrows from…
Jeremiah 46:9 Lexical
Go up, you horses! Rage, you chariots! Let the mighty men go out: Cush and Put, who handle the shield; and the Ludim, wh…
1 Samuel 2:4 Lexical
“The bows of the mighty men are broken. Those who stumbled are armed with strength.
Interlinear
Word-by-word original language
v. 1
v. 2
v. 3
v. 4
v. 5
v. 6
v. 7
v. 8
v. 9
v. 10
v. 11
v. 12
v. 13
v. 14
v. 15
v. 16
v. 17
v. 18
v. 19
Lemma
Morphology
Semantic Range
Theological Significance
Translation Notes
Key Passages
Historical Context
Places and events in this chapter
Loading map...