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2 Chronicles 17:3

2 Chronicles 17:3 in Multiple Translations

Now the LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David. He did not seek out the Baals,

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

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

And the Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he went in the early ways of his father, not turning to the Baals,

The Lord supported Jehoshaphat because he followed the ways of his father David. He did not believe in the Baals,

And the Lord was with Iehoshaphat, because he walked in the first wayes of his father Dauid, and sought not Baalim,

And Jehovah is with Jehoshaphat, for he hath walked in the first ways of David his father, and hath not sought to Baalim,

The LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and didn’t seek the Baals,

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

And the Lord was with Josaphat, because he walked in the first ways of David his father: and trusted not in Baalim,

Yahweh helped Jehoshaphat because when he started to rule Judah, he did the things that pleased Yahweh like his ancestor King David had done. He did not worship the idols of Baal.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 17:3

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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 17:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יְהִ֥י יְהוָ֖ה עִם יְהוֹשָׁפָ֑ט כִּ֣י הָלַ֗ךְ בְּ/דַרְכֵ֞י דָּוִ֤יד אָבִי/ו֙ הָ/רִ֣אשֹׁנִ֔ים וְ/לֹ֥א דָרַ֖שׁ לַ/בְּעָלִֽים
וַ/יְהִ֥י hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
עִם ʻim H5973 with Prep
יְהוֹשָׁפָ֑ט Yᵉhôwshâphâṭ H3092 Jehoshaphat N-proper
כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj
הָלַ֗ךְ hâlak H1980 to go V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בְּ/דַרְכֵ֞י derek H1870 way Prep | N-cp
דָּוִ֤יד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper
אָבִי/ו֙ ʼâb H1 father N-ms | Suff
הָ/רִ֣אשֹׁנִ֔ים riʼshôwn H7223 first Art | Adj
וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part
דָרַ֖שׁ dârash H1875 to seek V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לַ/בְּעָלִֽים Baʻal H1168 Baal Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Chronicles 17:3

וַ/יְהִ֥י hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
עִם ʻim H5973 "with" Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
יְהוֹשָׁפָ֑ט 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.
כִּ֣י kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
הָלַ֗ךְ hâlak H1980 "to go" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
בְּ/דַרְכֵ֞י derek H1870 "way" Prep | N-cp
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
דָּוִ֤יד Dâvid H1732 "David" N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
אָבִי/ו֙ ʼâb H1 "father" N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
הָ/רִ֣אשֹׁנִ֔ים riʼshôwn H7223 "first" Art | Adj
This word means 'first' or 'primary', referring to something that comes before others in time, place, or rank. It is used to describe the first or most important thing in a series or list.
Definition: : first adj 1) first, primary, former 1a) former (of time) 1a1) ancestors 1a2) former things 1b) foremost (of location) 1c) first (in time) 1d) first, chief (in degree) adv 2) first, before, formerly, at first
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ancestor, (that were) before(-time), beginning, eldest, first, fore(-father) (-most), former (thing), of old time, past. See also: Genesis 8:13; 1 Chronicles 27:3; Psalms 79:8.
וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
דָרַ֖שׁ dârash H1875 "to seek" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To seek or ask is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe seeking God or worshiping him. It can also mean to investigate or enquire about something.
Definition: 1) to resort to, seek, seek with care, enquire, require 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to resort to, frequent (a place), (tread a place) 1a2) to consult, enquire of, seek 1a2a) of God 1a2b) of heathen gods, necromancers 1a3) to seek deity in prayer and worship 1a3a) God 1a3b) heathen deities 1a4) to seek (with a demand), demand, require 1a5) to investigate, enquire 1a6) to ask for, require, demand 1a7) to practice, study, follow, seek with application 1a8) to seek with care, care for 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to allow oneself to be enquired of, consulted (only of God) 1b2) to be sought, be sought out 1b3) to be required (of blood)
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: ask, [idiom] at all, care for, [idiom] diligently, inquire, make inquisition, (necro-) mancer, question, require, search, seek (for, out), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 9:5; Ezra 10:16; Psalms 9:11.
לַ/בְּעָלִֽים Baʻal H1168 "Baal" Prep | N-proper
Refers to the Phoenician deity Baal, mentioned in the books of Numbers and Judges as a false god.
Definition: § Baal = "lord" esp. lord, specif. as divine name, Baal supreme male divinity of the Phoenicians or Canaanites
Usage: Occurs in 68 OT verses. KJV: Baal, (plural) Baalim. See also: Judges 2:11; 2 Kings 10:28; Jeremiah 2:8.

Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 17:3

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Kings 22:2 And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and walked in all the ways of his father David; he did not turn aside to the right or to the left.
2 Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness.
3 2 Timothy 4:22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all.
4 Genesis 39:2–3 And the LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the LORD was with him and made him prosper in all he did,
5 Genesis 39:21 the LORD was with him and extended kindness to him, granting him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.
6 Judges 6:12 And the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon and said, “The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor.”
7 Matthew 28:20 and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
8 Psalms 46:11 The LORD of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
9 Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
10 1 Chronicles 22:18 “Is not the LORD your God with you, and has He not granted you rest on every side? For He has given the inhabitants of the land into my hand, and the land has been subdued before the LORD and His people.

2 Chronicles 17:3 Summary

[This verse tells us that God was with Jehoshaphat because he was trying to live a good life and follow God's rules, just like his father David did. Jehoshaphat didn't worship false gods, which is important because God wants us to worship only Him, as it says in Exodus 20:3-5. By following God's commands and avoiding sin, we can experience God's presence and blessing in our lives, just like Jehoshaphat did. This is a great reminder that God is always with us when we try to live a life that pleases Him, as seen in Jeremiah 29:13 and Matthew 28:20.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that the LORD was with Jehoshaphat?

This means that God was pleased with Jehoshaphat and was guiding and protecting him, as seen in other instances like Genesis 21:22 and Exodus 33:15-16, where God's presence was a sign of His favor and blessing.

Why is it significant that Jehoshaphat walked in the earlier ways of his father David?

This is significant because David was a man after God's own heart, as stated in 1 Samuel 13:14, and by following his example, Jehoshaphat was demonstrating his commitment to following God's commands and living a life of obedience and faithfulness.

What were the Baals, and why did Jehoshaphat avoid them?

The Baals were false gods worshiped by the surrounding nations, and Jehoshaphat avoided them because he knew that worshiping them would be a form of idolatry, which is forbidden in the Bible, as seen in Exodus 20:3-5 and Deuteronomy 13:6-10.

How can we apply this verse to our own lives?

We can apply this verse by seeking to walk in obedience to God's commands, just like Jehoshaphat, and avoiding the idols and temptations of the world, as warned against in 1 John 5:21 and 1 Corinthians 10:14.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I can walk in the ways of God, just like Jehoshaphat, in my own life?
  2. How can I avoid seeking after the 'Baals' of my own time, such as materialism or worldly pleasures, and instead seek after God?
  3. What are some ways that I can demonstrate my commitment to following God's commands and living a life of obedience and faithfulness?
  4. How can I trust that God is with me, even when I face challenges and difficulties, just like Jehoshaphat did?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 17:3

And the Lord was with Jehoshaphat,.... Guiding and directing, prospering and succeeding him in all things; he had, no doubt, his gracious presence in spiritual things, as well as his powerful and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 17:3

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

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 17:3

In the first ways, which David walked in before he fell into those horrid sins of murder and adultery. Or, in the ways of David, and his father’ s first ways. For the beginning of Asa’ s reign was laudable, as we have seen, though he declined at last. For it seems more probable that this passage is a reflection upon Asa, whose last ways were much his worst, and of whose repentance we have no evidence, than upon David, who, though he fell dreadfully in the matter of Uriah, yet did manifestly repent of it, and return to his first and holy course of life, in which also he continued until death; having this character given him by the Holy Ghost after his death, that he did right in all things, saving that of Uriah, .

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 17:3

2 Chronicles 17:3 And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim;Ver. 3. Because he walked in the first ways of his father David.] Who during his trouble kept himself free from scandalous and reproachful practices, innocent from the great transgression. David rectior fuit in servitio quam in regno, saith Gregory.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 17:3

(3) He walked in the first ways.—The former or earlier ways of David, as contrasted with his later conduct—a tacit allusion to the adultery with Bathsheba and other sins of David committed in his later years (2 Samuel 11-24). A few MSS. and the LXX. omit David.And sought not unto Baalim.—And sought not the Baals (dârash lĕ ?, a late construction). The Baals were different local aspects of the sun-god. Here the term no doubt includes the illegal worship of Jehovah under the form of a bullock, as instituted by Jeroboam, and practised in the northern kingdom (“the doing of Israel” 2 Chronicles 17:4). Syriac, “and prayed not to images.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 17:3

Verse 3. The Lord was with Jehoshaphat] "The WORD of the Lord was Jehoshaphat's Helper." - Targum.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 17:3

3. in the first ways of his father David] Omit David (so LXX.), the person referred to being Asa (1 Kings 22:43). Asa’s first ways (ch. 14, 15) were good, his latter ways (ch. 16), according to the Chronicler, were evil. unto Baalim] R.V. unto the Baalim. Baal is not a proper name, but a title meaning “Lord,” which was generally given to false gods. Israel might not call Jehovah, “My Baal” (Baali), Hosea 2:16-17.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 17:3

The first ways of his father David - The Septuagint and several Hebrew manuscripts omit “David,” which has probably crept in from the margin, for David’s “first ways” are nowhere else contrasted with his later ways.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 17:3

3. The first ways of his father David — The first or earlier ways of David are contrasted with his later ways “in the matter of Uriah,” and his sin in numbering the people.

Sermons on 2 Chronicles 17:3

SermonDescription
John Bunyan Affliction With Patience by John Bunyan John Bunyan emphasizes that true strength and holiness in Christians often emerge during times of affliction, as seen in the lives of Noah, Lot, and David. He reflects on how adver
Bakht Singh Watch -2 by Bakht Singh Bakht Singh delivers a powerful sermon warning believers about the subtle temptations to compromise their moral integrity for earthly gain, using the examples of King Asa and King
Kathryn Kuhlman Gods Presence by Kathryn Kuhlman In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is interested in each individual as if they were the only person in the world. He uses the story of Elisha and his servant to illus
David Wilkerson (Belarus) God Has Risen to Defend His Name by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes God's promises of provision and protection for his people. He highlights that God has promised that his people will never have to beg for br
Warren Wiersbe Four Wonderful Discoveries by Warren Wiersbe In this sermon, the speaker discusses the providence of God and how He prepares and guides His people. He emphasizes that if God has led someone to a particular church or ministry,
Carter Conlon Don't Be Dismayed, God Will Not Fail You by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Joshua in the book of Joshua, chapter 8. The Lord speaks to Joshua and tells him not to fear or be discouraged, as He has given
David Wilkerson God Can Fix Anything by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of God to fix anything that has gone wrong in our lives. He starts by reminding the congregation that everyone needs something fix

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