2 Chronicles - Chapter 17

2 Chronicles 17.1 And Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead, and strengthened himself against Israel. 2 Chronicles 17.2 And he placed forces in all the fenced cities of Judah, and set garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim, which Asa his father had taken. 2 Chronicles 17.3 And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim; 2 Chronicles 17.4 But sought to the Lord God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel. 2 Chronicles 17.5 Therefore the LORD stablished the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honour in abundance. 2 Chronicles 17.6 And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah. 2 Chronicles 17.7 Also in the third year of his reign he sent to his princes, even to Benhail, and to Obadiah, and to Zechariah, and to Nethaneel, and to Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah. 2 Chronicles 17.8 And with them he sent Levites, even Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and Zebadiah, and Asahel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehonathan, and Adonijah, and Tobijah, and Tobadonijah, Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, priests. 2 Chronicles 17.9 And they taught in Judah, and had the book of the law of the LORD with them, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people. 2 Chronicles 17.10 And the fear of the LORD fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat. 2 Chronicles 17.11 Also some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents, and tribute silver; and the Arabians brought him flocks, seven thousand and seven hundred rams, and seven thousand and seven hundred he goats. 2 Chronicles 17.12 And Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly; and he built in Judah castles, and cities of store. 2 Chronicles 17.13 And he had much business in the cities of Judah: and the men of war, mighty men of valour, were in Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 17.14 And these are the numbers of them according to the house of their fathers: Of Judah, the captains of thousands; Adnah the chief, and with him mighty men of valour three hundred thousand. 2 Chronicles 17.15 And next to him was Jehohanan the captain, and with him two hundred and fourscore thousand. 2 Chronicles 17.16 And next him was Amasiah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself unto the LORD; and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of valour. 2 Chronicles 17.17 And of Benjamin; Eliada a mighty man of valour, and with him armed men with bow and shield two hundred thousand. 2 Chronicles 17.18 And next him was Jehozabad, and with him an hundred and fourscore thousand ready prepared for the war. 2 Chronicles 17.19 These waited on the king, beside those whom the king put in the fenced cities throughout all Judah.

2 Chronicles : Chapter 17

The Enlightened Reign of Jehoshaphat

Chapter 17 of the book of 2 Chronicles offers us an inspiring view of the reign of Jehoshaphat. This pious leader influenced his nation through profound religious reforms, a system of teaching the law, and a thoughtful military buildup. Throughout these verses, we discover the importance of spiritual education, the benefits of obedience to God, and the balance between divine trust and human preparation.

A Fundamental Spiritual Education

Jehoshaphat's efforts to teach his people God's law were central to his reign. Five biblical passages illustrate the fundamental principles of this inspiring chapter:

Proverbs 9:10

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." This verse highlights Jehoshaphat's commitment to teaching the Law of the Lord, a reflection of his wisdom and spiritual understanding.

Deuteronomy 6:6-7

"And these words, which I command you today, shall be in your hearts; and you shall teach them to your children and talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up." This passage highlights Jehoshaphat's efforts to instill God's Law in the people, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 17:7-9.

Psalms 1:1-3

"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and he meditates on his law day and night." This verse echoes Jehoshaphat's prosperity as a result of his faithfulness to God, as described 2 Chronicles 17:3-5.

Joshua 1:8

"Do not let the book of this law depart from your mouth, but meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it." This reflects Jehoshaphat's emphasis on teaching the Law, in harmony with 2 Chronicles 17:7-9.

Matthew 6:33

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." This verse illustrates Jehoshaphat's priority in seeking God and the prosperity that results from it, as demonstrated once again in 2 Chronicles 17:3-5.

Conclusion

Jehoshaphat's reign reminds us that spiritual education and obedience to God are fundamental pillars for any nation. Following his example, we are called to seek divine wisdom and pass on the knowledge of God's law to future generations, in order to build a faithful and prosperous people.