2 Chronicles 17 summary meaning ai explained commentary

2 Chronicles 17 meaning explained in AI Summary

This chapter details the reign of Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, focusing on his efforts to strengthen Judah both militarily and spiritually.

Key Points:

Jehoshaphat's Reign Begins (v. 1-6): Jehoshaphat ascends the throne after his father Asa's death. He strengthens his position by fortifying cities and establishing military outposts. He enjoys great wealth and honor, reflecting God's blessing on his reign.
Religious Reforms (v. 7-9): Jehoshaphat prioritizes spiritual growth in Judah. He sends officials and Levites throughout the land to teach the people about God's Law. This signifies his commitment to reviving true worship and educating the people about their faith.
Military Strength (v. 10-19): The fear of the Lord falls upon surrounding nations, preventing them from attacking Judah. Jehoshaphat further strengthens his military with a large and well-equipped army, demonstrating his proactive approach to national security.
A Time of Peace and Prosperity (v. 10-19): Due to Jehoshaphat's leadership, both in military and spiritual matters, Judah experiences a period of peace and prosperity. This highlights the positive impact of a God-fearing king.

Overall Message:

2 Chronicles 17 presents Jehoshaphat as a model king who prioritizes both the physical and spiritual well-being of his nation. His reign demonstrates that seeking God's guidance and adhering to His Law leads to blessings, peace, and prosperity. The chapter emphasizes the importance of religious education and strong leadership in building a strong and righteous nation.

2 Chronicles 17 bible study ai commentary

Jehoshaphat’s reign models the Chronicler’s central theme: a leader's wholehearted seeking of God and His Law results in divine establishment, national security, prosperity, and peace. By prioritizing spiritual reform, particularly the unprecedented nationwide teaching of the Torah, Jehoshaphat secures for Judah God's blessing and a God-given fear upon surrounding nations, which pacifies them without a single battle. His reign serves as an ideal for the post-exilic community, demonstrating that faithfulness to the covenant, not political alliances, is the true source of strength.

2 Chronicles 17 Context

The book of Chronicles was written after the Babylonian exile. The author, known as the Chronicler, reinterprets Israel's history for a community trying to rebuild their identity and nation around the new temple in Jerusalem, but without a king. The Chronicler highlights kings like Jehoshaphat to provide a model for leadership and to encourage the people: faithfulness to the Torah and proper Temple worship will result in God’s protection and blessing, even when surrounded by powerful enemies. This chapter is a direct theological contrast to the story of the Northern Kingdom of Israel under the wicked King Ahab and Jezebel, whose story unfolds concurrently in the book of Kings.

2 Chronicles 17:1-2

Then his son Jehoshaphat reigned in his place and strengthened himself against Israel. He placed forces in all the fortified cities of Judah and set garrisons in the land of Judah and in the cities of Ephraim that his father Asa had captured.

In-depth-analysis

Strengthened himself against Israel: This is not just a military action but a spiritual one. The Northern Kingdom of Israel was the primary source of syncretism and Baal worship, making it a spiritual threat to Judah. Jehoshaphat's first act is to secure the nation's borders and identity against this corrupting influence.
Garrisons in... Ephraim: He maintains control over the territory his father Asa had conquered (2 Chr 15:8). This solidifies Judah’s position and creates a buffer zone, showing continuity and stability from the start of his reign.

Bible references

2 Chr 15:8-9: '...Asa...took courage and put away the detestable idols...he gathered all Judah and Benjamin, and those from Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon who were residing with them.' (Jehoshaphat builds on Asa's military and spiritual legacy).
1 Kgs 15:17-22: '...Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah and built Ramah...' (Highlights the ongoing political and military tension between Judah and Israel).

Cross references

Eph 6:10 (Strengthened in the Lord); 2 Chr 11:5-12 (Rehoboam fortifying Judah).

2 Chronicles 17:3-4

The Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David. He did not seek the Baals, but sought the God of his father and walked in his commandments, and not according to the practices of Israel.

In-depth-analysis

The Lord was with...: This is the Chronicler's ultimate stamp of approval and the reason for Jehoshaphat's success. It is a direct result of his specific actions.
earlier ways of... David: The Chronicler selectively idealizes David, focusing on his early, wholehearted devotion and conveniently ignoring his later sins (like with Bathsheba and the census). He presents David as the ultimate standard of piety.
Sought (darash): A key theological term in Chronicles, meaning to diligently, actively, and purposefully seek or inquire of God. It is the opposite of apathy or turning to other sources for help.
not according to the practices of Israel: A direct polemic against the Northern Kingdom, which had institutionalized calf-worship (since Jeroboam I) and was now deeply influenced by the Baal worship promoted by Ahab and Jezebel.

Bible references

2 Chr 15:2: 'The Lord is with you while you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you...' (This is the theological principle from his father's time, which Jehoshaphat is now living out).
1 Kgs 18:18: '[Elijah replied]...you have forsaken the commandments of the Lord and you have followed the Baals.' (Describes the exact "practices of Israel" Jehoshaphat rejected).
Deut 4:29: 'But from there you will seek the Lord your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul.' (The Deuteronomic principle of seeking God).

Cross references

Acts 17:27 (God is not far); Jer 29:13 (Seek and find); Psa 119:2, 10 (Seeking with the whole heart); 2 Kgs 18:3-6 (Hezekiah also followed the Davidic ideal).

2 Chronicles 17:5-6

So the Lord established the kingdom in his hand. And all Judah brought tribute to Jehoshaphat, and he had great riches and honor. His heart took courage in the ways of the Lord, and what is more, he removed the high places and the Asherim from Judah.

In-depth-analysis

Lord established the kingdom: Divine stability is a direct consequence of the king's obedience, not his political cunning.
His heart took courage (literally "his heart was lifted up"): This phrase (gavah lev) can be negative (pride, as in 2 Chr 26:16 with Uzziah), but here it is positive. It signifies a holy confidence, zeal, and elevation of purpose in pursuing God’s ways, not his own.
removed the high places and the Asherim: He removed sites of pagan and syncretistic worship. "High places" (bamot) were hilltop shrines, and "Asherim" were cultic poles dedicated to the Canaanite goddess Asherah. This action was a tangible expression of his rejection of "the practices of Israel."

Polemics

Scholars note a tension with 1 Kings 22:43 which states, "the high places were not taken away." The Chronicler may be highlighting Jehoshaphat’s initial, zealous actions to make a theological point about his piety. Alternatively, he may have removed the explicitly pagan (Baal/Asherah) high places, while some Yahwistic high places (which were still technically illicit according to Deuteronomy 12) remained. The Chronicler’s focus is on the king's ideal intention and successful initial campaign against idolatry.

Bible references

2 Chr 14:2-5: 'And Asa did what was good and right... He took away the foreign altars and the high places...' (Jehoshaphat continues the reform his father began).
Deut 12:2-3: 'You shall surely destroy all the places where the nations... served their gods... You shall tear down their altars...' (The direct command from the Torah that Jehoshaphat obeys).
Prov 16:12: 'It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness.' (The wisdom principle at work).

Cross references

2 Chr 19:3 (praise for removing Asherim); 1 Kgs 3:3 (Solomon sacrificing at high places); 2 Kgs 23:8-9 (Josiah’s more thorough reform).

2 Chronicles 17:7-9

In the third year of his reign he sent his officials, Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Tobijah, and Tobadonijah, to teach in the cities of Judah, and with them the Levites, Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tobadonijah; and with them the priests, Elishama and Jehoram. And they taught in Judah, having the Book of the Law of the Lord with them. They went about through all the cities of Judah and taught among the people.

In-depth-analysis

Officials... Levites... Priests: This was a unique and highly organized state-sponsored national education program. It involved civil leaders ("officials"), religious teachers ("Levites"), and senior religious authorities ("priests"), showing the full weight of the kingdom was behind it.
to teach in the cities of Judah: This is a groundbreaking initiative in Israel’s history. It moved religious education beyond the Temple and into the everyday lives of the people across the entire nation.
having the Book of the Law of the Lord with them: The curriculum was not based on human wisdom or tradition, but on God's written word (likely the Pentateuch or a form of it). This underscores the authority of the text and makes knowledge of God accessible to everyone, not just the elite. This act is a practical application of the king's duty described in Deuteronomy.

Polemics

This act is a direct counter to the pagan religions of the ancient Near East, which relied on esoteric knowledge, secret rituals, and oral traditions held by a select priest class. Jehoshaphat’s reform makes faith public, textual, and accessible, rooting Judah's identity firmly in the revealed Word of God.

Bible references

Neh 8:7-8: 'Also Jeshua...and the Levites, helped the people to understand the Law... They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the sense...' (A powerful echo of this event, as Ezra and the leaders teach the Law to the returned exiles).
Deut 17:18-19: '...he shall write for himself in a book a copy of this law... And it shall be with him, and he shall read in it all the days of his life...' (The command for the king, which Jehoshaphat expands to the entire nation).
Mal 2:7: 'For the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts.' (The prescribed role of the priests and Levites).

Cross references

Deut 6:6-9 (Command to teach children); 2 Tim 3:16-17 (Scripture for teaching); Deut 31:11-12 (Reading the law every seven years).

2 Chronicles 17:10-11

And the fear of the Lord fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were around Judah, and they made no war against Jehoshaphat. Some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents and silver for tribute, and the Arabs also brought him 7,700 rams and 7,700 goats.

In-depth-analysis

The fear of the Lord (pachad YHWH): This is not ordinary fear, but a divinely-induced awe or terror that paralyzes potential enemies. It is God’s direct intervention to protect His people, a supernatural shield that is the result of their obedience and spiritual renewal.
made no war: The nation’s security came from God’s action, not Jehoshaphat’s diplomacy or preemptive strikes. It is the fulfillment of covenantal promises of peace.
Philistines... Arabs... brought... tribute: Long-standing enemies now pacifically submit and enrich Judah. This demonstrates a reversal of fortunes and shows Jehoshaphat reaching a level of regional influence reminiscent of Solomon. The tribute is a sign of submission and recognition of Judah’s power.

Bible references

Gen 35:5: 'And as they journeyed, a terror from God was upon the cities that were around them, so that they did not pursue the sons of Jacob.' (An earlier instance of this divine protection).
Exod 23:27: 'I will send my terror before you and will throw into confusion all the people against whom you shall come...' (A specific covenant promise from the Torah).
2 Chr 20:29-30: 'And the fear of God came on all the kingdoms of the countries when they heard that the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel. So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet, for his God gave him rest all around.' (This same phenomenon occurs again after Jehoshaphat's great victory).

Cross references

Josh 2:9 (Rahab describes the fear); 1 Sam 11:7 (fear fell on Israel to obey); Isa 2:10-11 (eschatological fear of the Lord).

2 Chronicles 17:12-19

And Jehoshaphat grew steadily greater. He built in Judah fortresses and store cities... He had a great army in Jerusalem...Adnah the commander, with 300,000 mighty men of valor; and next to him was Jehohanan the commander, with 280,000; and next to him Amasiah...with 200,000 mighty men...From Benjamin, Eliada...with 200,000 armed with bow and shield; and next to him Jehozabad with 180,000 armed for war. These were in the service of the king, besides those whom the king had placed in the fortified cities throughout all Judah.

In-depth-analysis

Grew steadily greater: This summarizes the fruit of his obedience. God blesses him with wealth (store cities), security (fortresses), and immense power (a vast army).
Vast Army Numbers: The figures (totaling 1,160,000) are enormous for the region and time. While ancient Near Eastern texts often used hyperbole to express greatness, the Chronicler's theological point is primary: God's blessing on the obedient king was immeasurably vast. The list is structured and detailed to convey order, readiness, and overwhelming strength.
Mighty men of valor (gibborey chayil): A standard term for elite warriors, emphasizing the quality, not just the quantity, of the army.
Amasiah... who volunteered for the Lord: This single phrase (v. 16) is a key insight. It highlights that the army’s motivation was not just loyalty to the king, but willing devotion to God. This links the military might back to the spiritual revival.

Bible references

2 Chr 14:8: 'And Asa had an army of 300,000 from Judah... and 280,000 from Benjamin...' (Jehoshaphat's army surpasses that of his father's successful early reign).
1 Chr 12:1-40: (Lists the mighty warriors who willingly came to support David, drawing a parallel between David's and Jehoshaphat's loyal and powerful supporters).
2 Sam 24:1-9: (David's census, taken out of pride, resulted in God's judgment. Here, Jehoshaphat's army is presented as a sign of God's blessing, not the king's hubris).

Cross references

2 Chr 11:1 (Initial army size); 2 Chr 26:11-15 (Uzziah’s large, well-equipped army).

2 Chronicles chapter 17 analysis

The Seek-Obey-Prosper Model: This chapter is the Chronicler's prime exhibit of his theological formula. Jehoshaphat seeks God (v. 4), obeys the Law (vv. 6, 9), and as a result, God establishes and blesses him with honor, riches, and peace (vv. 5, 10-12).
Theology of Security: True national security comes from divine intervention ("the fear of the Lord"), which is a direct result of spiritual integrity. This stands in stark contrast to the standard political practice of forming alliances with powerful, ungodly nations—a path Jehoshaphat’s father Asa took in his later years and one Jehoshaphat himself will disastrously take in the next chapter.
Blueprint for the Post-Exilic Community: The story served as a powerful encouragement for the returned exiles. It taught them that even as a small, vulnerable community, wholehearted devotion to the Torah and the Temple could provide supernatural protection and prosperity. The national teaching program of vv. 7-9 provides a direct model for the work of Ezra and Nehemiah.
Juxtaposition with Ahab: While this chapter shows Judah thriving under a godly king, the book of 1 Kings portrays the contemporary Northern Kingdom of Israel under Ahab descending into state-sponsored Baal worship and moral decay. The contrast is stark and intentional.

2 Chronicles 17 summary

Jehoshaphat succeeds his father Asa and begins his reign by fortifying Judah against Israel. He wholeheartedly seeks God, following the ideal of David and rejecting the Baal worship of the Northern Kingdom. In an unprecedented move, he organizes a nationwide teaching mission with officials, Levites, and priests carrying the Book of the Law to every city. As a direct result, a God-given fear falls on the surrounding nations, who make peace and bring tribute. God establishes his kingdom, making him immensely wealthy, honorable, and militarily powerful.

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2 Chronicles chapter 17 kjv

¹ And Jehoshaphat his son reigned 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 Asa his father had taken.
³ And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim;
⁴ But sought to the Lord God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel.
⁵ Therefore the LORD stablished the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honor in abundance.
⁶ And his heart was lifted 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 Benhail, and to Obadiah, and to Zechariah, and to Nethaneel, and to Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah.
⁸ And with them he sent Levites, even Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and Zebadiah, and Asahel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehonathan, and Adonijah, and Tobijah, and Tobadonijah, Levites; and with them Elishama 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.
¹⁰ 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 goats.
¹² And Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly; and he built in Judah castles, and cities of store.
¹³ And he had much business in the cities of Judah: and the men of war, mighty men of valor, were in Jerusalem.
¹⁴ And these are the numbers of them according to the house of their fathers: Of Judah, the captains of thousands; Adnah the chief, and with him mighty men of valor three hundred thousand.
¹⁵ And next to him was Jehohanan the captain, and with him two hundred and fourscore thousand.
¹⁶ And next him was Amasiah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself unto the LORD; and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of valor.
¹⁷ And of Benjamin; Eliada a mighty man of valor, and with him armed men with bow and shield two hundred thousand.
¹⁸ And next him was Jehozabad, and with him an hundred and fourscore thousand ready prepared for the war.
¹⁹ These waited on the king, beside those whom the king put in the fenced cities throughout all Judah.

2 Chronicles chapter 17 nkjv

¹ Then Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his place, and strengthened himself against Israel.
² And he placed troops in all the fortified cities of Judah, and set garrisons in the land of Judah and in the cities of Ephraim which Asa his father had taken.
³ Now the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the former ways of his father David; he did not seek the Baals,
⁴ but sought the God of his father, and walked in His commandments and not according to the acts of Israel.
⁵ Therefore the LORD established the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah gave presents to Jehoshaphat, and he had riches and honor in abundance.
⁶ And his heart took delight in the ways of the LORD; moreover he removed the high places and wooden images from Judah.
⁷ Also in the third year of his reign he sent his leaders, Ben-Hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah.
⁸ And with them he sent Levites: Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tobadonijah?the Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, the priests.
⁹ So they taught in Judah, and had the Book of the Law of the LORD with them; they went throughout all the cities of Judah and taught the people.
¹⁰ And the fear of the LORD fell on all the kingdoms of the lands that were around Judah, so that they did not make war against Jehoshaphat.
¹¹ Also some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents and silver as tribute; and the Arabians brought him flocks, seven thousand seven hundred rams and seven thousand seven hundred male goats.
¹² So Jehoshaphat became increasingly powerful, and he built fortresses and storage cities in Judah.
¹³ He had much property in the cities of Judah; and the men of war, mighty men of valor, were in Jerusalem.
¹⁴ These are their numbers, according to their fathers' houses. Of Judah, the captains of thousands: Adnah the captain, and with him three hundred thousand mighty men of valor;
¹⁵ and next to him was Jehohanan the captain, and with him two hundred and eighty thousand;
¹⁶ and next to him was Amasiah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself to the LORD, and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of valor.
¹⁷ Of Benjamin: Eliada a mighty man of valor, and with him two hundred thousand men armed with bow and shield;
¹⁸ and next to him was Jehozabad, and with him one hundred and eighty thousand prepared for war.
¹⁹ These served the king, besides those the king put in the fortified cities throughout all Judah.

2 Chronicles chapter 17 niv

¹ Jehoshaphat his son succeeded him as king and strengthened himself against Israel.
² He stationed troops in all the fortified cities of Judah and put garrisons in Judah and in the towns of Ephraim that his father Asa had captured.
³ The LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the ways of his father David before him. He did not consult the Baals
⁴ but sought the God of his father and followed his commands rather than the practices of Israel.
⁵ The LORD established the kingdom under his control; and all Judah brought gifts to Jehoshaphat, so that he had great wealth and honor.
⁶ His heart was devoted to the ways of the LORD; furthermore, he removed the high places and the Asherah poles from Judah.
⁷ In the third year of his reign he sent his officials Ben-Hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel and Micaiah to teach in the towns of Judah.
⁸ With them were certain Levites?Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah and Tob-Adonijah?and the priests Elishama and Jehoram.
⁹ They taught throughout Judah, taking with them the Book of the Law of the LORD; they went around to all the towns of Judah and taught the people.
¹⁰ The fear of the LORD fell on all the kingdoms of the lands surrounding Judah, so that they did not go to war against Jehoshaphat.
¹¹ Some Philistines brought Jehoshaphat gifts and silver as tribute, and the Arabs brought him flocks: seven thousand seven hundred rams and seven thousand seven hundred goats.
¹² Jehoshaphat became more and more powerful; he built forts and store cities in Judah
¹³ and had large supplies in the towns of Judah. He also kept experienced fighting men in Jerusalem.
¹⁴ Their enrollment by families was as follows: From Judah, commanders of units of 1,000: Adnah the commander, with 300,000 fighting men;
¹⁵ next, Jehohanan the commander, with 280,000;
¹⁶ next, Amasiah son of Zikri, who volunteered himself for the service of the LORD, with 200,000.
¹⁷ From Benjamin: Eliada, a valiant soldier, with 200,000 men armed with bows and shields;
¹⁸ next, Jehozabad, with 180,000 men armed for battle.
¹⁹ These were the men who served the king, besides those he stationed in the fortified cities throughout Judah.

2 Chronicles chapter 17 esv

¹ Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his place and strengthened himself against Israel.
² He placed forces in all the fortified cities of Judah and set garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim that Asa his father had captured.
³ The LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David. He did not seek the Baals,
⁴ but sought the God of his father and walked in his commandments, and not according to the practices of Israel.
⁵ Therefore the LORD established the kingdom in his hand. And all Judah brought tribute to Jehoshaphat, and he had great riches and honor.
⁶ His heart was courageous in the ways of the LORD. And furthermore, he took the high places and the Asherim out of Judah.
⁷ In the third year of his reign he sent his officials, Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah;
⁸ and with them the Levites, Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tobadonijah; and with these Levites, the priests Elishama and Jehoram.
⁹ And they taught in Judah, having the Book of the Law of the LORD with them. They went about through all the cities of Judah and taught among the people.
¹⁰ And the fear of the LORD fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were around Judah, and they made no war against Jehoshaphat.
¹¹ Some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents and silver for tribute, and the Arabians also brought him 7,700 rams and 7,700 goats.
¹² And Jehoshaphat grew steadily greater. He built in Judah fortresses and store cities,
¹³ and he had large supplies in the cities of Judah. He had soldiers, mighty men of valor, in Jerusalem.
¹⁴ This was the muster of them by fathers' houses: Of Judah, the commanders of thousands: Adnah the commander, with 300,000 mighty men of valor;
¹⁵ and next to him Jehohanan the commander, with 280,000;
¹⁶ and next to him Amasiah the son of Zichri, a volunteer for the service of the LORD, with 200,000 mighty men of valor.
¹⁷ Of Benjamin: Eliada, a mighty man of valor, with 200,000 men armed with bow and shield;
¹⁸ and next to him Jehozabad with 180,000 armed for war.
¹⁹ These were in the service of the king, besides those whom the king had placed in the fortified cities throughout all Judah.

2 Chronicles chapter 17 nlt

¹ Then Jehoshaphat, Asa's son, became the next king. He strengthened Judah to stand against any attack from Israel.
² He stationed troops in all the fortified towns of Judah, and he assigned additional garrisons to the land of Judah and to the towns of Ephraim that his father, Asa, had captured.
³ The LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the example of his father's early years and did not worship the images of Baal.
⁴ He sought his father's God and obeyed his commands instead of following the evil practices of the kingdom of Israel.
⁵ So the LORD established Jehoshaphat's control over the kingdom of Judah. All the people of Judah brought gifts to Jehoshaphat, so he became very wealthy and highly esteemed.
⁶ He was deeply committed to the ways of the LORD. He removed the pagan shrines and Asherah poles from Judah.
⁷ In the third year of his reign Jehoshaphat sent his officials to teach in all the towns of Judah. These officials included Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah.
⁸ He sent Levites along with them, including Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tob-Adonijah. He also sent out the priests Elishama and Jehoram.
⁹ They took copies of the Book of the Law of the LORD and traveled around through all the towns of Judah, teaching the people.
¹⁰ Then the fear of the LORD fell over all the surrounding kingdoms so that none of them wanted to declare war on Jehoshaphat.
¹¹ Some of the Philistines brought him gifts and silver as tribute, and the Arabs brought 7,700 rams and 7,700 male goats.
¹² So Jehoshaphat became more and more powerful and built fortresses and storage cities throughout Judah.
¹³ He stored numerous supplies in Judah's towns and stationed an army of seasoned troops at Jerusalem.
¹⁴ His army was enrolled according to ancestral clans. From Judah there were 300,000 troops organized in units of 1,000, under the command of Adnah.
¹⁵ Next in command was Jehohanan, who commanded 280,000 troops.
¹⁶ Next was Amasiah son of Zicri, who volunteered for the LORD's service, with 200,000 troops under his command.
¹⁷ From Benjamin there were 200,000 troops equipped with bows and shields. They were under the command of Eliada, a veteran soldier.
¹⁸ Next in command was Jehozabad, who commanded 180,000 armed men.
¹⁹ These were the troops stationed in Jerusalem to serve the king, besides those Jehoshaphat stationed in the fortified towns throughout Judah.