Chapter 17
Themes, discussion questions, Christ connections, and denomination lenses.
Just read this chapter →Scripture
KJV1And 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.
“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.”
Overview
Jehoshaphat succeeds Asa and walks in the ways of David, seeking God and removing idolatrous high places. He sends officials, Levites, and priests throughout Judah to teach the Book of the Law to the people. God establishes his kingdom, and surrounding nations bring tribute. Jehoshaphat's military strength grows as the fear of the LORD falls on all kingdoms around Judah.
Key Themes
Teaching the Word of God
Jehoshaphat's sending of teachers throughout Judah represents one of the first organized programs of religious education, showing that knowledge of God's word is essential for national renewal.
The Fear of the Lord as Protection
Surrounding nations bring gifts not because of Judah's military but because the LORD's fear falls upon them — obedience to God provides protection beyond what armies can.
Seeking God Early
Jehoshaphat seeks God from the beginning of his reign, establishing a pattern of faithfulness that prevents the late-life decline of his father Asa.
Study Questions
What is the significance of Jehoshaphat sending teachers of the law throughout Judah?
How does the fear of the LORD falling on surrounding nations (v. 10) differ from military intimidation?
What does Jehoshaphat's early seeking of God teach about the foundation of good leadership?
How does the teaching mission relate to the covenant renewal in the previous generation?
What principles from Jehoshaphat's educational reform apply to the church today?
Connection to Christ
Jehoshaphat's program of sending teachers throughout the land with the Book of the Law foreshadows the Great Commission, where Christ sends His disciples into all the world with the gospel. As God's word brought blessing and protection to Judah, so the gospel of Christ transforms communities and nations. Jehoshaphat's kingdom strengthened by teaching God's word pictures Christ's kingdom, which grows as His word is proclaimed.
Personal Reflection
Take time to journal or meditate on what God is teaching you through 2 Chronicles 17. How can these truths transform your thinking and actions today?