2 Chronicles 17

2 Chronicles 17:1-6

1. Summary of Jehoshaphat’s reign 17:1-6 Jehoshaphat did right because he followed David’s example (2 Chronicles 17:3). He remained faithful to Yahweh by obeying His Law rather than worshipping Baal (2 Chronicles 17:3-4). Consequently God blessed his reign by giving him riches and honor (2 Chronicles 17:5). The king took pride in obeying God, and he weeded out the high places that kept sprouting up around Judah (2 Chronicles 17:6).

The Baals (2 Chronicles 17:3) “. . . were almost numberless, each individual field being treated as if it had its own guiding ba’al (‘master, owner’) i.e., fertility spirit.” [Note: Payne, p. 496.

2 Chronicles 17:7-19

2. The strength of Jehoshaphat’s kingdom 17:7-19 This survey of the king’s administrative accomplishments is not in Kings. Jehoshaphat sent teachers of the Mosaic Law throughout Judah to enable the people to know God’s will (2 Chronicles 17:7-9). Thus he fortified his nation spiritually as well as physically. God blessed this effort to glorify Him by putting the fear of the Lord in Judah’s enemies (2 Chronicles 17:11). Again we see Gentiles bringing gifts to the Davidic king who walked in the ways of the Lord, as in Solomon’s day (cf. 2 Chronicles 9:14; 2 Chronicles 26:8).