2 Chronicles 17
Cambridge2 Chronicles 17:1
Ch. 2 Chronicles 17:1-6 (cp. 1 Kings 22:41-43). The Character of Jehoshaphat’s Reign
- 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.
2 Chronicles 17:2
- the cities of Ephraim] Cp. 2 Chronicles 15:8.
2 Chronicles 17:3
- 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.
2 Chronicles 17:4
- 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.
2 Chronicles 17:5
- bought … presents] Probably congratulatory gifts at his accession; cp. 1 Samuel 10:27. riches and honour] Cp. 2 Chronicles 18:1.
2 Chronicles 17:6
- moreover he took away] R.V. and furthermore he took away. In 2 Chronicles 20:33 = 1 Kings 22:43 it is said that the high places were not taken away. Cp. what is said of Asa (2 Chronicles 14:3 and 2 Chronicles 15:17 = 1 Kings 15:14). It seems that in both cases the Chronicler incorporates mutually contradictory traditions. If the removal took place, it must have met with only partial success. and groves] R.V. and the Asherim. See note on 2 Chronicles 14:3.
2 Chronicles 17:7
7–9 (no parallel in 1 Kin.). Jehoshaphat’s Provision for Teaching the Law 7. he sent to his princes … to teach] R.V. he sent his princes, even Ben-hail, and Obadiah, and Zechariah, and Nethanel, and Micaiah, to teach.
2 Chronicles 17:9
- and had the book] R.V. having the book. The Chronicler no doubt means by this the Pentateuch as we have it, but in the source from which he drew the account one of the earlier codes embedded in our present Pentateuch may have been meant. It is improbable that the five books of Moses existed in the time of Jehoshaphat in the form in which we now have them.
2 Chronicles 17:10
10–13 (no parallel in 1 Kin.). The Greatness of Jehoshaphat 10. the fear of the Lord] Cp. Genesis 35:5.
2 Chronicles 17:11
- tribute silver] R.V. silver for tribute. the Arabians] Cp. 2 Chronicles 21:16. flocks] Cp. 2 Kings 3:4.
2 Chronicles 17:12
- castles] Heb. bîrâniyyôth; cp. 2 Chronicles 27:4 (same word); and 2 Chronicles 26:10 (“towers”). Such small castles or towers lie scattered along the pilgrim-road from Damascus to Mecca at the present day to make the way safe. cities of store] Cp. 2 Chronicles 11:11-12.
2 Chronicles 17:13
- much business] R.V. many works.
2 Chronicles 17:14-19
14–19 (no parallel in 1 Kin.). The Number of Jehoshaphat’s Army The numbers here given, if they are to be literally understood, must be pronounced impossibly high, especially since they are represented as exclusive of the garrisons in Judah, and perhaps as representing the forces stationed in Jerusalem itself (2 Chronicles 17:13). Cp. note on 2 Chronicles 14:8.
2 Chronicles 17:15
- next to him] Lit. at his hand; the same phrase is used in Nehemiah 3:2; Nehemiah 3:4-5, etc. Jehohanan] Sometimes spelt Johanan.
2 Chronicles 17:16
- who willingly offered himself] Cp. Judges 5:9.
2 Chronicles 17:17
- armed men with bow and shield two hundred thousand] R.V. two hundred thousand armed with bow and shield (or “target”) i.e. light-armed troops; cp. note on 2 Chronicles 14:8.
2 Chronicles 17:18
- ready prepared for the war] R.V. ready prepared for war. The same phrase is translated armed for war in 1 Chronicles 12:24.
2 Chronicles 17:19
- These waited] R.V. These were they that waited. Cp. 1 Chronicles 27:1, that served the king (the same Heb. verb is used).