BOOK 14 OF 66 · HISTORY · KING JAMES BIBLE

2 Chronicles 17

2 Chronicles book home•Chapter 17 of 36•19 verses

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2 Chronicles 17 Overview

Jehoshaphat strengthens Judah against Israel, places forces in fortified cities, and is commended for walking in David’s earlier ways rather than seeking Baalim. In the third year he sends princes, Levites, and priests throughout Judah with the book of the law to teach the people. Fear of the LORD falls on surrounding kingdoms, tribute arrives, and Jehoshaphat builds fortresses and organizes a large military establishment.

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Before you read 2 Chronicles 17

Coming from

Chapter 16 ended Asa’s reign on a sobering note of self-reliance and resistance to correction.

In this chapter

Jehoshaphat begins strongly by seeking God, rejecting Baal worship, strengthening the kingdom, and making biblical instruction a national priority.

Leads into

Chapter 18 complicates this strong beginning when Jehoshaphat forms an alliance with Ahab and joins him in the disastrous campaign at Ramoth-gilead.

Key understandingExplore deeper

The teaching mission is a distinctive feature of Chronicles. Reform is not reduced to destroying idols; Judah’s leaders carry the book of the law through the cities so people can know what covenant faithfulness requires. The chapter’s military numbers are part of royal administration, not proof that spiritual health should be measured by institutional size.

Major truths in this chapterExplore deeper

Truth 1

Biblical reform includes positive instruction, not only removal of error.

Truth 2

Leaders, priests, and Levites share responsibility in teaching Judah God’s law.

Truth 3

Jehoshaphat’s early strength is connected with seeking God rather than Baal.

Truth 4

External security follows, but the next chapter will test the wisdom of his alliances.

Connections to the rest of ScriptureExplore deeper

Connection 1

Deuteronomy 6:6-9 emphasizes teaching God’s words diligently within Israel.

Connection 2

Malachi 2:7 later describes the priestly responsibility to preserve knowledge and teach the law.

Connection 3

Second Chronicles 19 will show Jehoshaphat extending reform into judicial administration after his alliance with Ahab.

What is clear, and where care is neededExplore deeper

Keep this clear 1

Do not turn Judah’s national law-teaching program into a blueprint for government-enforced Christianity today.

Keep this clear 2

Large armies and tribute are not automatic measures of spiritual approval.

Keep this clear 3

The chapter’s positive evaluation should not cause the reader to ignore Jehoshaphat’s coming compromises.

Read 2 Chronicles 17 watching for…

Jehoshaphat’s contrast with Baal-seeking rulers.

The traveling teaching mission.

Who carries the book of the law.

The effect on surrounding kingdoms.

The growth of fortifications and military organization.

Chapter outline3 sections

1-6Jehoshaphat seeks the LORD, removes high places, and is strengthened 7-9Teachers travel through Judah with the book of the law of the LORD 10-19Surrounding nations fear the LORD, and Jehoshaphat’s wealth and military strength increase

And Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead, and strengthened himself against Israel.

And 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.

And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim;

But sought to the LORD God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel.

Therefore the LORD stablished the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honour in abundance.

And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah.

Also 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.

And 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.

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.

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.

Also 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.

And Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly; and he built in Judah castles, and cities of store.

And he had much business in the cities of Judah: and the men of war, mighty men of valour, were in Jerusalem.

And 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.

And next to him was Jehohanan the captain, and with him two hundred and fourscore thousand.

And 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.

And of Benjamin; Eliada a mighty man of valour, and with him armed men with bow and shield two hundred thousand.

And next him was Jehozabad, and with him an hundred and fourscore thousand ready prepared for the war.

These waited on the king, beside those whom the king put in the fenced cities throughout all Judah.

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2 Chronicles 17:5

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