2 Chronicles 17:4
2 Chronicles 17:4 in Multiple Translations
but he sought the God of his father and walked by His commandments rather than the practices of Israel.
But sought to the Lord God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel.
but sought to the God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel.
But turning to the God of his father and keeping his laws, and not doing as Israel did.
but worshiped the God of his father and obeyed his commandments, unlike what the kingdom of Israel was doing.
But sought the Lord God of his father, and walked in his commandements, and not after the trade of Israel.
for to the God of his father he hath sought, and in His commands he hath walked, and not according to the work of Israel.
but sought the God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not in the ways of Israel.
But sought to the LORD God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel.
But in the God of his father, and walk in his commandments, and not according to the sins of Israel.
Instead, he sought advice from the God whom his father had worshiped, and he obeyed God’s commands, and did not do the evil things that the kings of Israel continually did.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 17:4
BAB
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 17:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֠י
לֵֽ/אלֹהֵ֤י
אָבִי/ו֙
דָּרָ֔שׁ
וּ/בְ/מִצְוֺתָ֖י/ו
הָלָ֑ךְ
וְ/לֹ֖א
כְּ/מַעֲשֵׂ֥ה
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
כִּ֠י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לֵֽ/אלֹהֵ֤י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Prep | N-mp
אָבִי/ו֙
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
דָּרָ֔שׁ
dârash
H1875
to seek
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
וּ/בְ/מִצְוֺתָ֖י/ו
mitsvâh
H4687
commandment
Conj | Prep | N-fp | Suff
הָלָ֑ךְ
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
וְ/לֹ֖א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
כְּ/מַעֲשֵׂ֥ה
maʻăseh
H4639
deed
Prep | N-ms
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Chronicles 17:4
כִּ֠י
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.
לֵֽ/אלֹהֵ֤י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Prep | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
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.
דָּרָ֔שׁ
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.
וּ/בְ/מִצְוֺתָ֖י/ו
mitsvâh
H4687
"commandment"
Conj | Prep | N-fp | Suff
This Hebrew word means a command or law given by God or humans, as seen in the Bible's rules and guidelines. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy. The commandments guide people's actions.
Definition: 1) commandment 1a) commandment (of man) 1b) the commandment (of God) 1c) commandment (of code of wisdom)
Usage: Occurs in 177 OT verses. KJV: (which was) commanded(-ment), law, ordinance, precept. See also: Genesis 26:5; 1 Chronicles 28:8; Psalms 19:9.
הָלָ֑ךְ
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.
וְ/לֹ֖א
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.
כְּ/מַעֲשֵׂ֥ה
maʻăseh
H4639
"deed"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to an action or deed, which can be good or bad. It is used to describe various activities, such as work, business, or achievements. The KJV translates it as act, deed, or labor.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) deed, work 1a) deed, thing done, act 1b) work, labour 1c) business, pursuit 1d) undertaking, enterprise 1e) achievement 1f) deeds, works (of deliverance and judgment) 1g) work, thing made 1h) work (of God) 1i) product
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: act, art, [phrase] bakemeat, business, deed, do(-ing), labor, thing made, ware of making, occupation, thing offered, operation, possession, [idiom] well, (handy-, needle-, net-) work(ing, -manship), wrought. See also: Genesis 5:29; Job 1:10; Psalms 8:4.
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 17:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Chronicles 17:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 17:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 17:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 17:4
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 17:4
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 17:4
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 17:4
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 17:4
- Sermons on 2 Chronicles 17:4
Context — Jehoshaphat Reigns in Judah
2He 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.
3Now the LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David. He did not seek the Baals,
4but he sought the God of his father and walked by His commandments rather than the practices of Israel.
5So the LORD established the kingdom in his hand, and all Judah brought him tribute, so that he had an abundance of riches and honor. 6And his heart took delight in the ways of the LORD; furthermore, he removed the high places and Asherah poles from Judah.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 12:28 | After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves and said to the people, “Going up to Jerusalem is too much for you. Here, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” |
| 2 | Luke 1:6 | Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and decrees of the Lord. |
| 3 | 1 Thessalonians 2:12 | encouraging you, comforting you, and urging you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. |
| 4 | Hosea 4:15 | Though you prostitute yourself, O Israel, may Judah avoid such guilt! Do not journey to Gilgal, do not go up to Beth-aven, and do not swear on oath, ‘As surely as the LORD lives!’ |
| 5 | 2 Kings 17:19 | and even Judah did not keep the commandments of the LORD their God, but lived according to the customs Israel had introduced. |
| 6 | 2 Kings 8:18 | And Jehoram walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, just as the house of Ahab had done. For he married a daughter of Ahab and did evil in the sight of the LORD. |
| 7 | 1 Thessalonians 4:1 | Finally, brothers, we ask and encourage you in the Lord Jesus to live in a way that is pleasing to God, just as you have received from us. This is how you already live, so you should do so all the more. |
| 8 | 1 Kings 16:31–33 | And as if it were not enough for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, he even married Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and he then proceeded to serve and worship Baal. First, Ahab set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal that he had built in Samaria. Then he set up an Asherah pole. Thus Ahab did more to provoke the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel before him. |
| 9 | 1 Kings 12:33 | On the fifteenth day of the eighth month, a month of his own choosing, Jeroboam offered sacrifices on the altar he had set up in Bethel. So he ordained a feast for the Israelites, offered sacrifices on the altar, and burned incense. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 3:7–8 | I thought that after she had done all these things, she would return to Me. But she did not return, and her unfaithful sister Judah saw it. She saw that because faithless Israel had committed adultery, I gave her a certificate of divorce and sent her away. Yet that unfaithful sister Judah had no fear and prostituted herself as well. |
2 Chronicles 17:4 Summary
[This verse tells us that Jehoshaphat sought the God of his father and walked by His commandments, rather than following the practices of the people around him. This means that he was trying to live a life that pleased God, by following God's rules and principles, as seen in Psalm 1:1-3. He didn't want to get caught up in the sinful things that the people around him were doing, but instead wanted to live a life that honored God, as encouraged in Colossians 3:1-4. By doing this, Jehoshaphat was able to live a life that was pleasing to God and brought him joy and success.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to seek the God of his father?
Seeking the God of his father means that Jehoshaphat was looking to follow the same God that his father and ancestors worshipped, as seen in the example of Abraham in Genesis 12:7-9 and the instruction to love and obey God in Deuteronomy 6:5.
Why did Jehoshaphat walk by God's commandments instead of the practices of Israel?
Jehoshaphat chose to follow God's commandments because he knew that they were the right way to live, as stated inPsalm 119:105, and he wanted to be obedient to God rather than following the sinful practices of the people around him, as warned against in Romans 12:2.
How can we apply this verse to our own lives?
We can apply this verse by seeking to follow God's commandments and principles, as found in the Bible, and being careful not to get caught up in the sinful practices of the world around us, as cautioned in 1 John 2:15-17 and Ephesians 5:1-14.
What is the significance of Jehoshaphat not seeking out the Baals?
Not seeking out the Baals indicates that Jehoshaphat was rejecting the idolatrous practices of the surrounding nations and choosing to worship the one true God, as commanded in Exodus 20:3-5 and Deuteronomy 13:6-10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can seek the God of my father, just like Jehoshaphat did?
- How can I discern between God's commandments and the practices of the world around me?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be following the practices of the world instead of God's commandments?
- What would it look like for me to walk by God's commandments in my daily life, and what steps can I take to make that a reality?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 17:4
But sought to the Lord God of his fathers,.... Prayed to him, worshipped and served him: and walked in his commandments; observed and kept them, moral, ceremonial, and judicial: and not after the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 17:4
But sought to the (LORD) God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel. And not after the doings of Israel.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 17:4
i.e. Their worship of the calves, or other idols.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 17:4
2 Chronicles 17:4 But sought to the [LORD] God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel.Ver. 4. And not after the doings of Israel.] Who in his days did evil as they could, under that nonsuch, Ahab. But Jehoshaphat was not corrupted with their ill neighbourhood.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 17:4
4. to the Lord God of his father] R.V. to the God of his father. The Chronicler frequently avoids introducing the name Jehovah (rendered Lord in A.V.) in places where it might be expected; cp. 2 Chronicles 20:12; 2 Chronicles 30. For another and different instance of reverent suppression of the divine name see 2 Chronicles 28:9 (note). after the doings of Israel] Cp. 2 Chronicles 13:8-9.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 17:4
The doings of Israel - i. e. the especially idolatrous doings of the time - the introduction and establishment of the worship of Baal and the groves.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 17:4
4. Not after the doings of Israel — Such as the worship of the golden calves, and more particularly the Baal and Asherah worship, which was at that time gaining strength in the northern kingdom.
Sermons on 2 Chronicles 17:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(1 Kings) a Great Victory, and the Aftermath of It by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal. He highlights the passion and commitment of the prophets of Baal, but emphasizes that their de |
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Elijah’s Dramatic Appearance by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink discusses the dramatic appearance of Elijah during a dark period in Israel's history, marked by rampant idolatry and wicked kings. He highlights the spiritual decline ini |
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Lessons for the Tempted by John A. Broadus | The preacher delves into the meaning of 'qualified' in the Bible, emphasizing that believers are made fit and sufficient through the completed act of Jesus' crucifixion, allowing t |
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One Sin Never Goes Alone by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes that small sins often lead to greater sins, illustrating this with biblical examples such as Cain, Ahab, Jeroboam, and Judas. He warns that yielding to min |
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Jeroboam's Idolatry by C.I. Scofield | C.I. Scofield delves into the story of Jeroboam in 1 Kings 12:25-33, highlighting the dangers of substituting true religion with false religion and the consequences of apostasy. Je |
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(Luke) 02 - Zacharias by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of David and Goliath and how David was able to defeat Goliath because of his impaired peripheral vision. The speaker then compares t |
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Abraham, My Friend: 06 Your Prayer Is Heard by Ron Bailey | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of laying hold of God in prayer, being honest and expressing our true feelings to Him. He encourages listeners to trust God wi |