2 Chroniques - Caput 17

2 Chroniques 17.1 regnavit autem Iosaphat filius eius pro eo et invaluit contra Israhel 2 Chroniques 17.2 constituitque militum numeros in cunctis urbibus Iudae quae erant vallatae muris praesidiaque disposuit in terra Iuda et in civitatibus Ephraim quas ceperat Asa pater eius 2 Chroniques 17.3 et fuit Dominus cum Iosaphat quia ambulavit in viis David patris sui primis et non speravit in Baalim 2 Chroniques 17.4 sed in Deo patris sui et perrexit in praeceptis illius et non iuxta peccata Israhel 2 Chroniques 17.5 confirmavitque Dominus regnum in manu eius et dedit omnis Iuda munera Iosaphat factaeque sunt ei infinitae divitiae et multa gloria 2 Chroniques 17.6 cumque sumpsisset cor eius audaciam propter vias Domini etiam excelsa et lucos de Iuda abstulit 2 Chroniques 17.7 tertio autem anno regni sui misit de principibus suis Benail et Obdiam et Zacchariam et Nathanahel et Micheam ut docerent in civitatibus Iuda 2 Chroniques 17.8 et cum eis Levitas Semeiam et Nathaniam et Zabadiam Asahel quoque et Semiramoth et Ionathan Adoniam et Tobiam et Tobadoniam Levitas et cum eis Elisama et Ioram sacerdotes 2 Chroniques 17.9 docebantque in Iuda habentes librum legis Domini et circuibant cunctas urbes Iuda atque erudiebant populum 2 Chroniques 17.10 itaque factus est pavor Domini super omnia regna terrarum quae erant per gyrum Iuda nec audebant bellare contra Iosaphat 2 Chroniques 17.11 sed et Philisthei Iosaphat munera deferebant et vectigal argenti Arabes quoque adducebant pecora arietum septem milia septingentos et hircos totidem 2 Chroniques 17.12 crevit ergo Iosaphat et magnificatus est usque in sublime atque aedificavit in Iuda domos ad instar turrium urbesque muratas 2 Chroniques 17.13 et multa opera patravit in urbibus Iuda viri quoque bellatores et robusti erant in Hierusalem 2 Chroniques 17.14 quorum iste numerus per domos atque familias singulorum in Iuda principes exercitus Ednas dux et cum eo robustissimorum trecenta milia 2 Chroniques 17.15 post hunc Iohanan princeps et cum eo ducenta octoginta milia 2 Chroniques 17.16 post istum quoque Amasias filius Zechri consecratus Domino et cum eo ducenta milia virorum fortium 2 Chroniques 17.17 hunc sequebatur robustus ad proelia Heliada et cum eo tenentium arcum et clypeum ducenta milia 2 Chroniques 17.18 post istum etiam Iozabath et cum eo centum octoginta milia expeditorum militum 2 Chroniques 17.19 hii omnes erant ad manum regis exceptis aliis quos posuerat in urbibus muratis et in universo Iuda

2 Chroniques : Caput 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.