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2 Chronicles 17:1

2 Chronicles 17:1 in Multiple Translations

Asa’s son Jehoshaphat reigned in his place, and he strengthened himself against Israel.

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

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

And Jehoshaphat his son became king in his place, and made himself strong against Israel.

Asa's son Jehoshaphat took over as king. He strengthened his country's defenses against Israel.

And Iehosphat his sonne reigned in his steade, and preuailed against Israel.

And Jehoshaphat his son reigneth in his stead, and he strengtheneth himself against Israel,

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

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

And Josaphat his son reigned in his stead, and grew strong against Israel.

Asa’s son Jehoshaphat became the king of Judah, and he enabled his army to become very strong, with the result that they could resist attacks from the army of Israel.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 17:1

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

2 Chronicles 17:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יִּמְלֹ֛ךְ יְהוֹשָׁפָ֥ט בְּנ֖/וֹ תַּחְתָּ֑י/ו וַ/יִּתְחַזֵּ֖ק עַל יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
וַ/יִּמְלֹ֛ךְ mâlak H4427 to reign Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוֹשָׁפָ֥ט Yᵉhôwshâphâṭ H3092 Jehoshaphat N-proper
בְּנ֖/וֹ bên H1121 son N-ms | Suff
תַּחְתָּ֑י/ו tachath H8478 underneath Prep | Suff
וַ/יִּתְחַזֵּ֖ק châzaq H2388 to strengthen Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms
עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Chronicles 17:1

וַ/יִּמְלֹ֛ךְ mâlak H4427 "to reign" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To advise or counsel is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to reign or rule as a king. It is used in the Bible to describe the actions of leaders, like King Solomon, who sought wisdom to rule God's people. This word is found in the book of 1 Kings.
Definition: 1) to be or become king or queen, reign 1a) (Qal) to be or become king or queen, reign 1b) (Hiphil) to make one king or queen, cause to reign 1c) (Hophal) to be made king or queen
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: consult, [idiom] indeed, be (make, set a, set up) king, be (make) queen, (begin to, make to) reign(-ing), rule, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 36:31; 2 Kings 8:15; 2 Chronicles 10:17.
יְהוֹשָׁפָ֥ט Yᵉhôwshâphâṭ H3092 "Jehoshaphat" N-proper
Jehoshaphat was a king of Judah who ruled for 25 years and was known for his piety and prosperity. His name means Jehovah has judged, and he is mentioned in 2 Kings 9:2 as the son of King Asa. He was one of the best kings of Judah in the Bible.
Definition: A man of the Kingdom of Israel, living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.9.2; son of: Nimshi (H5250); father of: Jehu (H3058H) § Jehoshaphat = "Jehovah has judged" 1) son of king Asa and himself king of Judah for 25 years; one of the best, most pious, and prosperous kings of Judah 2) son of Nimshi and father of king Jehu of the northern kingdom of Israel 3) son of Ahilud and chronicler under David and Solomon 4) son of Paruah and one of the 12 commissary officers under Solomon 5) a priest and trumpeter in the time of David 6) symbolical name of a valley near Jerusalem which is the place of ultimate judgment; maybe the deep ravine which separates Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives through which the Kidron flowed
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: Jehoshaphat. Compare H3146 (יוֹשָׁפָט). See also: 2 Samuel 8:16; 2 Chronicles 17:5; Joel 4:12.
בְּנ֖/וֹ bên H1121 "son" N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
תַּחְתָּ֑י/ו tachath H8478 "underneath" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
וַ/יִּתְחַזֵּ֖ק châzaq H2388 "to strengthen" Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms
To strengthen means to be strong or courageous, and can also mean to seize or conquer, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : strengthen/support/encourage 1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, grow strong 1a1a) to prevail, prevail upon 1a1b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure 1a1c) to press, be urgent 1a1d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense) 1a1e) to be severe, be grievous 1a2) to strengthen 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make strong 1b2) to restore to strength, give strength 1b3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage 1b4) to make strong, make bold, encourage 1b5) to make firm 1b6) to make rigid, make hard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make strong, strengthen 1c2) to make firm 1c3) to display strength 1c4) to make severe 1c5) to support 1c6) to repair 1c7) to prevail, prevail upon 1c8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support 1c9) to hold, contain 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to strengthen oneself 1d2) to put forth strength, use one's strength 1d3) to withstand 1d4) to hold strongly with
Usage: Occurs in 266 OT verses. KJV: aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand. See also: Genesis 19:16; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 27:14.
עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 17:1

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Kings 15:24 And Asa rested with his fathers and was buried with them in the city of his father David, and his son Jehoshaphat reigned in his place.
2 Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.
3 Matthew 1:8 Asa was the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah.
4 2 Chronicles 32:5 Then Hezekiah worked resolutely to rebuild all the broken sections of the wall and to raise up towers on it. He also built an outer wall and reinforced the supporting terraces of the City of David, and he produced an abundance of weapons and shields.
5 2 Chronicles 26:8 The Ammonites brought tribute to Uzziah, and his fame spread as far as the border of Egypt, for he had become exceedingly powerful.
6 Ezekiel 7:27 The king will mourn, the prince will be clothed with despair, and the hands of the people of the land will tremble. I will deal with them according to their conduct, and I will judge them by their own standards. Then they will know that I am the LORD.’”
7 1 Samuel 23:16 And Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and strengthened his hand in God,
8 1 Kings 22:41 In the fourth year of Ahab’s reign over Israel, Jehoshaphat son of Asa became king of Judah.
9 2 Chronicles 12:1 After Rehoboam had established his sovereignty and royal power, he and all Israel with him forsook the Law of the LORD.
10 1 Chronicles 11:10 Now these were the chiefs of David’s mighty men, who, together with all Israel, bolstered and strengthened his kingdom, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel.

2 Chronicles 17:1 Summary

This verse tells us that Jehoshaphat, the new king of Judah, took steps to secure his kingdom by strengthening his military presence. He did this to protect his people from potential threats, especially from the neighboring kingdom of Israel, as seen in 1 Kings 12:1-33. This shows that Jehoshaphat was a proactive leader who took initiative to care for his people, similar to King David's example in 1 Chronicles 11:1-9. As we reflect on this verse, we can learn the importance of being prepared and trusting in God, as encouraged in Psalms 121:1-8 and Proverbs 3:5-6.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Jehoshaphat strengthen himself against Israel?

Jehoshaphat strengthened himself against Israel because of the historical tensions and conflicts between the kingdoms of Judah and Israel, as seen in 1 Kings 12:1-33 and 1 Kings 14:21-31. This was a strategic move to secure his kingdom's borders and protect his people.

What does it mean to 'strengthen himself' in this context?

To strengthen himself means that Jehoshaphat took deliberate actions to fortify his kingdom, including stationing troops in strategic locations, as mentioned in 2 Chronicles 17:2. This was a demonstration of his leadership and commitment to protecting his people, similar to King David's actions in 1 Chronicles 11:1-9.

How does this verse relate to the rest of Jehoshaphat's story?

This verse sets the stage for Jehoshaphat's reign, highlighting his initial actions as king and his focus on securing his kingdom. As the chapter progresses, we see that Jehoshaphat's commitment to following God, as mentioned in 2 Chronicles 17:3, becomes a defining characteristic of his leadership, similar to King David's heart for God in 1 Samuel 13:14.

What can we learn from Jehoshaphat's example in this verse?

We can learn the importance of being proactive and prepared, just like Jehoshaphat, as seen in Proverbs 24:3-4 and 1 Timothy 4:7-8. By taking deliberate actions to strengthen ourselves spiritually, we can better navigate life's challenges and trust in God's sovereignty, as encouraged in Psalms 121:1-8.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I need to 'strengthen myself' spiritually, and how can I take proactive steps to do so, as encouraged in Ephesians 6:10-18?
  2. How can I balance being prepared for challenges with trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in Psalms 37:3-7 and Proverbs 3:5-6?
  3. What are some potential consequences of not being prepared or strengthened, as seen in the example of the foolish builder in Luke 6:46-49?
  4. In what ways can I apply the principle of being 'strong in the Lord' to my daily life, as encouraged in 2 Timothy 2:1-4 and 1 Corinthians 16:13-14?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 17:1

And Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead,.... In the stead of Asa his father: and strengthened himself against Israel; the ten tribes, by fortifying his cities, building castles, raising and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 17:1

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

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 17:1

2 CHAPTER 17 Jehoshaphat is made king; reigneth well and prospereth, . He sendeth Levites with the princes to teach Judah, . He is feared by the nations round about, who bring him presents and tribute; his greatness, captains and armies, . Against the king and people of Israel, who had molested the kingdom of Judah with wars all the days of Asa, after that sin of his mentioned , &c.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 17:1

2 Chronicles 17:1 And Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead, and strengthened himself against Israel.Ver. 1. And Jehoshaphat his son reigned.] See 1 Kings 15:24. And strengthened himself against Israel.] Or, Upon Israel; i.e., upon that part of it which was subject to him.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 17:1

(1) And Jehoshaphat . . . in. his stead.—The last words of 1 Kings 15:24. The name means Iah judgeth.And strengthened himself against Israel.—As described in 2 Chronicles 17:2. Israel is here the northern kingdom. These defensive measures were taken in the early part of the reign, and before Jehoshaphat connected himself by marriage with the northern dynasty (2 Chronicles 18:1).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 17:1

CHAPTER XVII Jehoshaphat succeeds his father Asa, and reigns piously, and is particularly blessed, 14. He establishes an itinerant ministry, for the instruction of the people, through all the cities of Judah, which produces the most beneficial effects, 7-10. The Philistines and Arabians bring him gifts, 11. His greatness, 12, 13. The commanders of his troops, 14-19. NOTES ON CHAP. XVII Verse 1. Jehoshaphat - and strengthened himself against Israel] The kingdoms of Israel and Judah were rivals from the beginning; sometimes one, sometimes the other, prevailed. Asa and Baasha were nearly matched; but, after Baasha's death, Israel was greatly weakened by civil contentions, and Jehoshaphat got the ascendancy. See 1Kg 16:16-23.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 17:1

Ch. 2 Chronicles 17:1-6 (cp. 1 Kings 22:41-43). The Character of Jehoshaphat’s Reign 1. strengthened himself against Israel] Render, strengthened himself in (over) Israel; cp. 2 Chronicles 1:1; 2 Chronicles 12:13. Israel] See note on 2 Chronicles 11:3.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 17:1

Jehoshaphat ascended the throne in the fourth year of Ahab 1 Kings 22:41, probably after that monarch had contracted his alliance with the royal family of Sidon, and before he was engaged in war with Syria.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 17:1

1. Strengthened himself against Israel — Asa had shown a fear of Israel, and rather than venture war had hired the help of Ben-hadad, (2 Chronicles 16:1-3;) but his son Jehoshaphat prepared at the

Sermons on 2 Chronicles 17:1

SermonDescription
Timothy Williams Jehoshaphat's Revival by Timothy Williams In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a heart that is open to God's reproof. He uses the story of Jehoshaphat to illustrate how disobedience and indiffer
Keith Daniel A Warning to American Christianity by Keith Daniel In this sermon, the preacher passionately emphasizes the importance of preaching the truth of God's word. He condemns liberal theologians who shy away from preaching about hell and
Corrie Ten Boom Power Over Demons by Corrie Ten Boom In this sermon, the speaker discusses their experience of watching a movie about the United Nations and reflecting on the horrors of the world. They then share a childhood dream th
David Wilkerson A Target of Satan's Envy by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher begins by encouraging the congregation to seek strength and guidance from God in their spiritual battles. He acknowledges that despite hearing numerous
Keith Daniel A Warning to America by Keith Daniel This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God's intervention and righteousness in a land plagued by defilement and darkness. It highlights the power of prayer and the need f
Leonard Ravenhill The Whole Armour of God - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the necessity of putting on the whole armor of God to withstand the spiritual battles we face against unseen forces. He reflects on the current state o
Keith Daniel America's Only Hope by Keith Daniel This sermon emphasizes the power of prayer and the need for God's people to humble themselves, pray, confess sins, and turn from wicked ways to bring about revival. It shares power

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