2 Chronicles 17
BSB1 Asa’s son Jehoshaphat reigned in his place, and he strengthened himself against Israel. 2 He stationed troops in every fortified city of Judah and put garrisons in the land of Judah and in the cities of Ephraim that his father Asa had captured. 3 Now the LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David. He did not seek out the Baals, 4 but he sought the God of his father and walked by His commandments rather than the practices of Israel. 5 So the LORD established the kingdom in his hand, and all Judah brought him tribute, so that he had an abundance of riches and honor. 6 And his heart took delight in the ways of the LORD; furthermore, he removed the high places and Asherah poles from Judah. 7 In the third year of his reign, Jehoshaphat sent his officials Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah to teach in the cities of Judah, 8 accompanied by certain Levites—Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tob-adonijah—along with the priests Elishama and Jehoram. 9 They taught throughout Judah, taking with them the Book of the Law of the LORD. They went throughout the towns of Judah and taught the people. 10 And the dread of the LORD fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that surrounded Judah, so that they did not make war against Jehoshaphat. 11 Some Philistines also brought gifts and silver as tribute to Jehoshaphat, and the Arabs brought him 7,700 rams and 7,700 goats from their flocks. 12 Jehoshaphat grew stronger and stronger, and he built fortresses and store cities in Judah 13 and kept vast supplies in the cities of Judah. He also had warriors in Jerusalem who were mighty men of valor. 14 These are their numbers according to the houses of their fathers: From Judah, the commanders of thousands: Adnah the commander, and with him 300,000 mighty men of valor; 15 next to him, Jehohanan the commander, and with him 280,000; 16 and next to him, Amasiah son of Zichri, the volunteer for the LORD, and with him 200,000 mighty men of valor. 17 From Benjamin: Eliada, a mighty man of valor, and with him 200,000 armed with bows and shields; 18 and next to him, Jehozabad, and with him 180,000 armed for battle. 19 These were the men who served the king, besides those he stationed in the fortified cities throughout Judah.
Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 17
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 2 Chronicles 17
- Themes from 2 Chronicles 17
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 2 Chronicles 17
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins by describing Jehoshaphat's faithfulness to God and his efforts to eliminate idolatry in Judah. It then recounts how Jehoshaphat sent teachers to instruct the people in the Law of the Lord, resulting in a great revival and the fear of the Lord falling on surrounding nations. The chapter also describes how Jehoshaphat's faith was tested when he formed an alliance with the wicked king Ahab of Israel, but ultimately, God's judgment was pronounced against Ahab. Key verses include 2 Chronicles 17:3-4, which highlight Jehoshaphat's faithfulness, and 2 Chronicles 17:10, which describes the fear of the Lord that fell on surrounding nations.
Context for the Chapter
This chapter is part of the larger narrative of 1 and 2 Chronicles, which describes the history of the kings of Judah and Israel. The chapter is situated in the context of the divided kingdom, with Judah in the south and Israel in the north. The events of this chapter take place during the reign of Jehoshaphat, who ruled Judah from approximately 870 to 848 BC. The chapter is also connected to the broader biblical narrative, which emphasizes the importance of faithfulness, obedience, and the fear of the Lord.
Heart Application
As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God. We are encouraged to prioritize biblical instruction and to seek to please God in all that we do. We are also warned against the dangers of compromise and the importance of standing firm in our commitment to God, even in the face of challenges and uncertainties.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter tells the story of King Jehoshaphat, who loved and obeyed God. He taught the people about God's laws and got rid of the idols in the land. As a result, God blessed him and the surrounding nations were afraid of him. We can learn from Jehoshaphat's example by prioritizing our relationship with God and seeking to please Him in all that we do (2 Chronicles 17:4).
Voices from the Church
“Faithfulness is the hallmark of a true believer, and it is this quality that sets us apart from the world.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and it is this awe-inspiring respect for God that leads us to trust and obey Him.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to Jehoshaphat's Reign (17:1-2) — The chapter begins by introducing Jehoshaphat, who became king of Judah and walked in the ways of his father David.
- Jehoshaphat's Faithfulness and Obedience (17:3-6) — The chapter highlights Jehoshaphat's faithfulness and obedience to God, as seen in his efforts to eliminate idolatry and promote biblical instruction.
- The Sending of Teachers (17:7-9) — Jehoshaphat sent teachers to instruct the people in the Law of the Lord, resulting in a great revival and the fear of the Lord falling on surrounding nations.
- The Fear of the Lord (17:10) — The chapter describes the fear of the Lord that fell on surrounding nations, resulting from Jehoshaphat's faithfulness and obedience to God.
- Conclusion (17:11-19) — The chapter concludes by describing the wealth and honor that Jehoshaphat received, as well as the military victories that he achieved with God's help.
Core Doctrines
- The Importance of Biblical Instruction
- This chapter teaches the importance of biblical instruction in promoting spiritual growth and revival, as seen in Jehoshaphat's efforts to teach the people the Law of the Lord (2 Chronicles 17:7-9).
- The Dangers of Idolatry
- The chapter warns against the dangers of idolatry and the importance of eliminating it from our lives, as seen in Jehoshaphat's efforts to get rid of the high places and Asherim (2 Chronicles 17:6).
- The Fear of the Lord
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of the fear of the Lord, which is the awe-inspiring respect and reverence that we have for God, resulting from a deep understanding of His power and majesty (2 Chronicles 17:10).
- The Blessings of Faithfulness
- The chapter demonstrates the positive consequences of faithfulness and obedience to God, as seen in the blessings that Jehoshaphat received (2 Chronicles 17:5) and the fear of the Lord that fell on surrounding nations (2 Chronicles 17:10).
Lessons from 2 Chronicles 17
- The Importance of Faithfulness — This chapter teaches us the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God, as seen in Jehoshaphat's example.
- The Power of Biblical Instruction — The chapter demonstrates the power of biblical instruction in promoting spiritual growth and revival, as seen in Jehoshaphat's efforts to teach the people the Law of the Lord.
- The Dangers of Idolatry — The chapter warns against the dangers of idolatry and the importance of eliminating it from our lives, as seen in Jehoshaphat's efforts to get rid of the high places and Asherim.
- The Fear of the Lord — The chapter emphasizes the importance of the fear of the Lord, which is the awe-inspiring respect and reverence that we have for God, resulting from a deep understanding of His power and majesty.
- The Blessings of Faithfulness — The chapter demonstrates the positive consequences of faithfulness and obedience to God, as seen in the blessings that Jehoshaphat received and the fear of the Lord that fell on surrounding nations.
Themes from 2 Chronicles 17
- Faithfulness and Obedience — This chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God, as seen in Jehoshaphat's example.
- Biblical Instruction — The chapter highlights the importance of biblical instruction in promoting spiritual growth and revival, as seen in Jehoshaphat's efforts to teach the people the Law of the Lord.
- Idolatry and Its Dangers — The chapter warns against the dangers of idolatry and the importance of eliminating it from our lives, as seen in Jehoshaphat's efforts to get rid of the high places and Asherim.
- The Fear of the Lord — The chapter emphasizes the importance of the fear of the Lord, which is the awe-inspiring respect and reverence that we have for God, resulting from a deep understanding of His power and majesty.
- The Blessings of Faithfulness — The chapter demonstrates the positive consequences of faithfulness and obedience to God, as seen in the blessings that Jehoshaphat received and the fear of the Lord that fell on surrounding nations.
Questions for Meditation
- What can we learn from Jehoshaphat's example about the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God?
- How can we prioritize biblical instruction in our own lives, as seen in Jehoshaphat's efforts to teach the people the Law of the Lord?
- What are some ways that we can eliminate idolatry from our lives, as seen in Jehoshaphat's efforts to get rid of the high places and Asherim?
- How can we cultivate a deeper fear of the Lord in our own lives, as seen in the fear of the Lord that fell on surrounding nations?
- What are some ways that we can trust and obey God, even in the face of challenges and uncertainties, as seen in Jehoshaphat's example?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to Jehoshaphat's Reign (17:1-2)
| 17:1 | The chapter begins by introducing Jehoshaphat, who became king of Judah and walked in the ways of his father David. |
| 17:2 | Jehoshaphat placed military commanders in all the fortified cities of Judah and stationed troops in Judah and in the cities of Ephraim that his father Asa had captured. |
2. Jehoshaphat's Faithfulness and Obedience (17:3-6)
| 17:3 | The Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the ways of his father David and did not seek the Baals. |
| 17:4 | Instead, he sought the God of his father and walked in His commands, not according to the practices of Israel. |
| 17:5 | Therefore, the Lord established the kingdom under his control, and all Judah brought him tribute, and he had riches and honor in abundance. |
| 17:6 | His heart was courageous in the ways of the Lord; and furthermore, he removed the high places and the Asherim from Judah. |
3. The Sending of Teachers (17:7-9)
| 17:7 | In the third year of his reign, Jehoshaphat sent his officials to teach in the cities of Judah. |
| 17:8 | They were accompanied by the Levites, including Jehoram's son Jehoshaphat's son Jehoram, Azariah son of Oded, and the priests, including Zechariah and Nethanel. |
| 17:9 | They taught the people throughout Judah, having with them the Book of the Law of the Lord; they went throughout the towns of Judah and taught the people. |
4. The Fear of the Lord (17:10)
| 17:10 | The fear of the Lord fell on all the kingdoms of the lands surrounding Judah, so that they did not make war with Jehoshaphat. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What can we learn from Jehoshaphat's example about the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God?
We can learn that faithfulness and obedience to God are essential for receiving God's blessings and avoiding His judgment, as seen in Jehoshaphat's example (2 Chronicles 17:3-6).
How can we prioritize biblical instruction in our own lives, as seen in Jehoshaphat's efforts to teach the people the Law of the Lord?
We can prioritize biblical instruction by regularly reading and studying the Bible, attending church, and seeking out opportunities for spiritual growth and development (2 Chronicles 17:7-9).
What are some ways that we can eliminate idolatry from our lives, as seen in Jehoshaphat's efforts to get rid of the high places and Asherim?
We can eliminate idolatry from our lives by identifying and removing anything that competes with God for our attention and affection, such as worldly desires or sinful habits (2 Chronicles 17:6).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 17:3 → Psalm 119:1-8 | This verse is connected to Psalm 119:1-8, which emphasizes the importance of following God's commands and living a life that is pleasing to Him. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 17:6 → Deuteronomy 12:2-3 | This verse is connected to Deuteronomy 12:2-3, which warns against the dangers of idolatry and the importance of eliminating it from our lives. |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 17:9 → Matthew 28:18-20 | This verse is connected to Matthew 28:18-20, which emphasizes the importance of teaching and making disciples of all nations. |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 17:10 → Psalm 34:7-14 | This verse is connected to Psalm 34:7-14, which describes the fear of the Lord and the blessings that come from trusting and obeying God. |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 17:3-4 → Romans 8:28-30 | This verse is connected to Romans 8:28-30, which emphasizes the importance of trusting and obeying God, even in the face of challenges and uncertainties. |
| 6 | 2 Chronicles 17:6 → 1 John 5:21 | This verse is connected to 1 John 5:21, which warns against the dangers of idolatry and the importance of keeping oneself from idols. |
| 7 | 2 Chronicles 17:9 → Ephesians 4:11-13 | This verse is connected to Ephesians 4:11-13, which emphasizes the importance of teaching and equipping the saints for ministry. |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 17:10 → Hebrews 12:28-29 | This verse is connected to Hebrews 12:28-29, which describes the fear of the Lord and the importance of worshiping God with reverence and awe. |
| 9 | 2 Chronicles 17:3-4 → James 1:22-25 | This verse is connected to James 1:22-25, which emphasizes the importance of being doers of the Word and not just hearers. |
| 10 | 2 Chronicles 17:6 → Revelation 2:4-5 | This verse is connected to Revelation 2:4-5, which warns against the dangers of idolatry and the importance of returning to one's first love for God. |
Sermons on 2 Chronicles 17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(1986 Prairie Series) 7 - Asa Hostile: Jehoshaphat Humbled by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jehoshaphat, a king who experienced both prosperity and downfall. Despite his initial success, Jehoshaphat was seduced by Satan |
|
(Pdf Book) Much Business by Bakht Singh | Bakht Singh emphasizes the story of King Jehoshaphat, who initially ruled with a fear of God and sought to teach His commandments to the people of Judah. However, as he became pros |
|
Unity by Roy Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher shares a sad incident that occurred during a prayer meeting in South Africa. Initially, the prayer meeting was powerful and effective, with people seek |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
His Heart Was Lifted Up in The by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of lifting our hearts to God, encouraging believers to rise above the burdens of daily life and seek the serene presence of the Father. He draw |
|
|
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 |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Chronicles 17
In this chapter, we see the blessed effects of Jehoshaphat's faithfulness and obedience to God. The Lord established the kingdom under his control, and all Judah brought him tribute. Jehoshaphat's heart was courageous in the ways of the Lord, and he removed the high places and the Asherim from Judah. The fear of the Lord fell on all the kingdoms of the lands surrounding Judah, so that they did not make war with Jehoshaphat. This chapter teaches us the importance of faithfulness, obedience, and the fear of the Lord, and demonstrates the positive consequences of trusting and obeying God, as seen in 2 Chronicles 17:3-10. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Teaching God's Word
The chapter highlights the importance of teaching God's Word to the people, as seen in Jehoshaphat's efforts to instruct the people in the Law of the Lord (2 Chronicles 17:7-9). This emphasis on biblical instruction is a key aspect of promoting spiritual growth and revival.
The Consequences of Faithfulness
The chapter demonstrates the positive consequences of faithfulness and obedience to God, as seen in the blessings that Jehoshaphat received (2 Chronicles 17:5) and the fear of the Lord that fell on surrounding nations (2 Chronicles 17:10).
The Dangers of Compromise
The chapter also warns against the dangers of compromise and forming alliances with those who do not share one's values, as seen in Jehoshaphat's ill-fated alliance with Ahab (2 Chronicles 18:1-3).