2 Chronicles Chapter 17 — The Reign of Jehoshaphat
King Jehoshaphat succeeds his father Asa, strengthens Judah's defenses, and sends teachers throughout the land to instruct the people in the law of God.
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Notable Verses
2 Chronicles 17:3-4
“The LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and didn’t seek the Baals, but sought the God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not in the ways of Israel.”
This verse establishes the spiritual foundation and the reason for the success of Jehoshaphat’s reign.
2 Chronicles 17:9
“They 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.”
It highlights the king's innovative and proactive approach to national education through religious instruction.
Chapter Summary
2 Chronicles 17 describes the early reign of King Jehoshaphat of Judah. He begins by fortifying the cities of Judah and placing garrisons in captured territories. The text emphasizes that the Lord was with him because he followed the example of David and rejected the worship of Baal. Jehoshaphat takes significant steps to remove high places and Asherah poles from the land. In a unique move, he commissions a group of princes, Levites, and priests to travel throughout all the cities of Judah to teach the people from the book of the law. This commitment to spiritual and civil instruction leads to great stability. As a result, the surrounding nations fear Judah and bring tribute, including silver and livestock from the Philistines and Arabians. Jehoshaphat becomes exceedingly powerful, building fortresses and maintaining a massive, well-organized army led by mighty men of valor. The chapter concludes with a detailed census of his military forces stationed in Jerusalem and throughout the fortified cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jehoshaphat was the son of Asa and the king of Judah who focused on spiritual reform and national defense. He is noted for his devotion to God's commandments and for removing idol worship from the kingdom.
He sent a delegation of princes, Levites, and priests to every city in Judah. They carried the book of the law of the Lord and taught its contents directly to the citizens to ensure the nation understood God's requirements.
The text states that the fear of the Lord fell upon the surrounding kingdoms, preventing them from making war. Instead of conflict, groups like the Philistines and Arabians brought Jehoshaphat tribute in the form of silver and livestock.
Study Note
The systematic teaching of the Law by itinerant Levites in this chapter is one of the earliest recorded examples of a nationwide religious education program in the history of the Southern Kingdom.
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