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2 Chronicles 17

World English Bible

WEB

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. 3Yahweh 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 Yahweh 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 Yahweh. 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 Yahweh’s law with them. They went about throughout all the cities of Judah and taught among the people. 10The fear of Yahweh 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 Yahweh, 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.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

2 Chronicles Chapter 17 presents the reign of King Jehoshaphat of Judah, who is noted for his commitment to following the ways of the Lord. The chapter begins by highlighting Jehoshaphat's ascension to the throne after his father, Asa, and his efforts to strengthen the kingdom. He removes the high places and Asherah poles, which were symbols of idolatry, demonstrating his desire to lead the people back to true worship of #Yahweh. This act of reform is crucial as it sets the tone for his reign, emphasizing the importance of fidelity to God in the life of the nation. Jehoshaphat's actions reflect a deep understanding of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, as he seeks to align the kingdom with divine principles.

The chapter continues to describe how Jehoshaphat sends officials and Levites throughout Judah to teach the people the Book of the Law of the Lord. This initiative not only reinforces the importance of God’s Word but also fosters a culture of obedience and reverence among the people. As a result of his reforms and commitment to God, Jehoshaphat experiences peace and prosperity, and the fear of the Lord falls upon the surrounding kingdoms, preventing them from waging war against Judah. This divine favor illustrates the blessings that come from a leader who prioritizes God’s will and the spiritual well-being of his people. Jehoshaphat’s reign serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of godly leadership and the blessings that follow when a nation turns its heart toward God. #Jehoshaphat #Judah #Reform

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Referenced by

  1. 2 Chronicles 19:4v92 Chronicles 19:4 describes Jehoshaphat's efforts to bring the people back to the Lord, similar to his earlier initiative in 2 Chronicles 17:9 where he sent officials to teach the Book of the Law.
  2. 2 Chronicles 21:16v102 Chronicles 21:16 describes the Lord stirring up the Philistines and Arabians against Jehoram, contrasting with 2 Chronicles 17:10 where Jehoshaphat, Jehoram's father, had peace with surrounding nations due to his faithfulness.

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