History · Chapter 17 of 36

2 Chronicles 17

Jehoshaphat succeeds Asa and strengthens Judah, walking in David's early ways and refusing the Baals. Because he seeks God, the LORD establishes his kingdom, granting riches and honor. In his third year he sends princes, Levites, and priests through the towns to teach the book of the law. The fear of the LORD falls on surrounding nations, tribute flows in, and his forces grow mighty.

What happens in 2 Chronicles 17

Jehoshaphat fortifies Judah against the northern kingdom, garrisoning cities and the towns of Ephraim his father had captured. God is with him because he follows the earlier faithfulness of David and seeks the LORD rather than the Baals worshiped in Israel. His kingdom is firmly established; all Judah brings gifts, and he enjoys great wealth and honor. Notably, in his third year he commissions officials, Levites, and priests to travel through the towns of Judah teaching from the book of the law of the LORD.

The surrounding kingdoms feel a dread of God and make no war on him; even Philistines and Arabians bring tribute of silver and flocks. Jehoshaphat grows steadily greater, building fortresses and store cities, and mustering a vast, organized army of valiant men under named commanders, both in Jerusalem and throughout the fortified cities.

2 Chronicles 17 in context

Chronicles portrays Jehoshaphat as one of Judah's finest kings, devoted to God and to the instruction of his people. This chapter opens his reign on a high note before later compromises with Israel's dynasty. Its distinctive feature is the traveling teaching mission, an unusual royal initiative to ground ordinary people in Scripture.

For post-exilic readers rebuilding around the law, a king who prioritized teaching offered a cherished model.

Main themes of 2 Chronicles 17

2 Chronicles 17 (KJV)

1And Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead, and strengthened himself against Israel. 2And 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. 3And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim; 4But sought to the Lord God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel. 5Therefore the LORD stablished the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honour in abundance. 6And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah. 7Also 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. 8And 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. 9And 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. 10And 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. 11Also 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. 12And Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly; and he built in Judah castles, and cities of store. 13And he had much business in the cities of Judah: and the men of war, mighty men of valour, were in Jerusalem. 14And 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. 15And next to him was Jehohanan the captain, and with him two hundred and fourscore thousand. 16And 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. 17And of Benjamin; Eliada a mighty man of valour, and with him armed men with bow and shield two hundred thousand. 18And next him was Jehozabad, and with him an hundred and fourscore thousand ready prepared for the war. 19These waited on the king, beside those whom the king put in the fenced cities throughout all Judah.

Verses to carry from 2 Chronicles 17

“And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim;”2 Chronicles 17:3

“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 17:9

“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 17:10

Reflection

Jehoshaphat could have secured Judah with walls alone, yet he sent teachers to fill his people with God's word. What are you building into the people around you? Consider whether your energy goes only to defenses and provisions, or also to helping others truly know God.

A prayer from 2 Chronicles 17