2 Chronicles 17
2 Chronicles 17 is part of “Judah's Kings: Rehoboam to Ahaz” (10–28) in the outline of 2 Chronicles.
2 Chronicles 17 summary
Here begin the life and reign of Jehoshaphat, who was one of the first three among the royal worthies, one of the best that ever swayed the sceptre of Judah since David's head was laid. He was the good son of a good father, so that, as this time, grace ran in the blood, even in the blood-royal. Happy the son that had such a father, to lay a good foundation in him and for him. Happy the father that had such a son, to build so wall upon the foundation he had laid!
Read the full introduction
Here begin the life and reign of Jehoshaphat, who was one of the first three among the royal worthies, one of the best that ever swayed the sceptre of Judah since David's head was laid. He was the good son of a good father, so that, as this time, grace ran in the blood, even in the blood-royal. Happy the son that had such a father, to lay a good foundation in him and for him. Happy the father that had such a son, to build so wall upon the foundation he had laid! Happy the kingdom that was blessed with two such kings, two such reigns, together! In this chapter we have, I. His accession to and establishment in the throne (Ch2 17:1, Ch2 17:2, Ch2 17:5). II. His persona piety (Ch2 17:3, Ch2 17:4, Ch2 17:6). III. The course he took to promote religion in his kingdom (Ch2 17:7-9). IV. The mighty sway he bore among the neighbours (Ch2 17:10, Ch2 17:11). V. The great strength of his kingdom, both in garrisons and standing forces (Ch2 17:12-19). Thus was his prosperity the reward of his piety and his piety the brightest grace and ornament of his prosperity.
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
2 Chronicles 17 (ASV)
American Standard Version (public domain)
Jehoshaphat's Greatness
1And Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead, and strengthened himself against Israel. 2And he placed forces in all the fortified cities of Judah, and set garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim, which Asa his father had taken. 3And Jehovah was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto the Baalim, 4but sought to the God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel. 5Therefore Jehovah established the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat tribute; and he had riches and honor in abundance. 6And his heart was lifted up in the ways of Jehovah: and furthermore he took away the high places and the Asherim out of Judah.
Teaching the Law Throughout Judah
7Also in the third year of his reign he sent his princes, even Ben-hail, and Obadiah, and Zechariah, and Nethanel, and Micaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah; 8and with them the Levites, even Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and Zebadiah, and Asahel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehonathan, and Adonijah, and Tobijah, and Tob-adonijah, the Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, the priests. 9And they taught in Judah, having the book of the law of Jehovah with them; and they went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught among the people. 10And the fear of Jehovah fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat. 11And some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents, and silver for tribute; the Arabians also 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 many works in the cities of Judah; and men of war, mighty men of valor, in Jerusalem. 14And this was the numbering of them according to their fathers’ houses: Of Judah, the captains of thousands: Adnah the captain, and with him mighty men of valor three hundred thousand; 15and next to him Jehohanan the captain, and with him two hundred and fourscore thousand; 16and next to him Amasiah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself unto Jehovah; and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of valor. 17And of Benjamin: Eliada a mighty man of valor, and with him two hundred thousand armed with bow and shield; 18and next to him Jehozabad, and with him a hundred and fourscore thousand ready prepared for war. 19These were they that waited on the king, besides those whom the king put in the fortified cities throughout all Judah.