2 Chronicles 17

2 Chronicles 17:1-9

In this chapter we have, 1. Jehoshaphat’s mission to the throne, vers. 1, 2, 5. 2. His personal joys, vers. 3, 4, 6. 3. His labour to promote religion in his kingdom, vers. 7-9. 4. The mighty fours he bore among his neighbours, vers. 10, 11. 5. The great strength of his kingdom, vers. 12-19.

AND Jehoshaphat his son resigned in his stead, and strengthened himself against Israel. 2. 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 Afa his father had taken. 3. And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and fought not unto Baalim; 4. But fought to the LORD God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel: 5. Therefore the LORD established the kingdom in his hand, and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents, and he had riches and honour in abundance. 6. And his heart was left up in the ways of the LORD: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah. 7. ¶ Also in the third year of his reign he sent to his princes, even to Ben-had, and to Obadiah, and to Zechariah, and to Nethaniel, and to Michalah, to teach in the cities of Judah. 8. And with them he sent Levites, even Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and Zechariah, and Asafah, and Shemaramoth, and Jehonathan, and Adonijah, and Tobijah, and Tobadonijah, Levites; and with them Elshama, and Jehoram, priests. 9. 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.

Jehoshaphat no sooner comes to the throne, than we see the clowning of a glorious reign.

1. He strengthened his kingdom, by placing strong garrisons in the cities of Judah, and these his father had recovered from Israel, and prepared against that danger which Asafah’s growing power seemed to threaten.

2. Religion was his great concern. He copied after the best of his predecessors in their best days, such as were the first of David, before the matter of Uriah, and the numbering the people, had blotted his fair copy. Faithful to the worship of God, he abhorred all idols: the law of God was his rule of duty, and Israel’s apostasy rendered his fidelity more singular and exemplary. Inspired with holy zeal, his heart with delight and sincerity was engaged for God; and no difficulties deterred him from

a. a. Kings sec. 41, 6c. b. c. The Lord is Judge. a. Chap. xv. b. Rom. xii. c. 1. d. Or, of his father and of David. a. a. Rom. xii. e. 1. d. Chap. i. e. 1. Mat. vi. f. 2. g. 1. a. anleged and announced Pl. xvi. 31. g. 1. a. Chap. xxx. 3. John Cloth 1776.

from the path of duty. The idols and groves, that in the declining days of Afa might have been set up again, he utterly destroyed, with all the high places, where they still offered sacrifices to these abominations. Note, (1.) In the fairest human pattern there will be found imperfections; but there is a Son of David, more than man, who hath set us a spoofish example, that we should follow his steps. (2.) Fidelity in God’s service is the liability of a nation. (3.) A lively foul on wings of faith and love mounts up to God, rises together to every difficulty, and looks down upon every thing, besides his favour, as altogether vanity.

3. He not only removed the temptations to sin, but took care to instruct the people in the path of duty. Ignorance of God’s law had greatly prevailed, and to oblige them merely to conform to his reformation, without grounding them on the true foundation of God’s word, promised little liability. The Levites and priests therefore are sent in progress through the cities of Judah, with the book of the law, to explain and in force the commandments of God; and several princes accompanied them, in order to engage the people to hear them, and give countenance to these preachers by their weight and influence. Note, (1.) It is a blessed thing, when princes countenance faithful ministers. Though they cannot make men true converts, their example and authority will induce them to attend. (2.) They who are sent to teach, must see they take the pure word of God along with them. A true preacher wishes for nothing in his hand but his bible. (3.) Religion is a reasonable service. Conviction, not compulsion, or education, can only make a man a Christian.

4. The blessing of God attended his labours. The Lord was with him; or, as the Targum generally expresses it, “the word of the Lord,” the divine Logos, to whom all things are committed, strengthened him in his labours, and established his kingdom. His people, charmed with his government, liberally sent their presents to him; and, abounding in riches and honour, his heart, far from being intoxicated by prosperity, was left up in greater love and thankfulness to the gracious giver. Note, (1.) Piety God often there rewards with prosperity. (2.) Worldly comforts are then truly blessing, when, as the steps of Jacob’s ladder, they raise our hearts to heaven.

5. ¶ 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. 11. 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-years. 12. ¶ And Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly; and he built in Judah, 4 cattles and cities of store. 13. And he had much business in the cities of Judah: and the men of war, mighty men of valour, were in Jerusalem. 14. And these are the numbers of them according to the house of their fathers: Of Judah, the captains of thousand; Adnah the chief, and with him mighty men of valour, three hundred thousand. 15. And I next to him was Jehoans the captain, and with him two hundred and fourfcore thousand. 16. And next him was Amafish the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself unto the LORD; and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of valour. 17. And of Benjamin; Eliada a mighty man of valour, and with him armed men, with bow and shield, two hundred thousand. 18. And next him was Jehozabad, and with him an hundred and fourfcore thousand, ready prepared for the war. 19. These waited on the king, besides: they whom the king put in the fenced cities, throughout all Judah.

2 Chronicles 17:10-19

Like the light of the morning, which shineth more and more, so did Jehoshaphat’s glory increase.

1. Feared by his enemies, as beloved by his subjects, the neighbouring princes offered not to molest him, whilst those of Philistia and Arabia courted his favour, either by a voluntary present, or exact payment of the tribute which Afa had impaled on them, See chap. xiv. 14. God had put an awe upon them of the majesty of his king in Zion. Note, God hath acceded to the spirits of men, and by secret, yet irresistible influence, can bow them to his sovereign will.

2. His military preparations greatly advanced. Whilst he reformed the people, he fortified their ramparts, and built new cattles and flues-cities, strengthening them within and without against their enemies. Under five chief officers an immense army was enlisted. Probably all the able men in the country were enrolled, and regularly mustered, though not drawn out, except in case of necessity: and this may easily account for the greatness of their number, if we enslave this long peace they had enjoyed, the accession of Israelites to them, and especially the blessing of Abraham, which no doubt was eminently fulfilled. Amafish, one of the officers, is mentioned with an

honourable mark of distinction, v. 16. a volunteer, that served for the glory of God, not for the sake of pay. Such persons are scarce.