2 Chronicles 17 1

2 Chronicles 17:1 kjv

And Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead, and strengthened himself against Israel.

2 Chronicles 17:1 nkjv

Then Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his place, and strengthened himself against Israel.

2 Chronicles 17:1 niv

Jehoshaphat his son succeeded him as king and strengthened himself against Israel.

2 Chronicles 17:1 esv

Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his place and strengthened himself against Israel.

2 Chronicles 17:1 nlt

Then Jehoshaphat, Asa's son, became the next king. He strengthened Judah to stand against any attack from Israel.

2 Chronicles 17 verses

2 Chronicles 17 1 Meaning

This verse states the immediate succession of Jehoshaphat to the throne of Judah following the death of his father, Asa. It highlights Jehoshaphat's initial act as king: he fortified and secured his kingdom, specifically positioning himself strategically and militarily against the northern kingdom of Israel. This action indicated a proactive approach to national defense and stability from the outset of his reign.

2 Chronicles 17 1 Context

This verse serves as the immediate follow-up to the reign and death of King Asa (2 Chronicles 16), Jehoshaphat's father. Asa's reign began with strong commitment to Yahweh but ended with a decline in his faith, particularly noted in his reliance on a foreign king against Israel and his unrepentant illness. Jehoshaphat's ascension therefore marks a new chapter, promising a more consistently righteous reign. Historically, the two kingdoms, Judah in the south and Israel in the north, had been rivals since the split following Solomon's reign, with frequent conflicts. This political tension sets the stage for Jehoshaphat's immediate concern: the security of Judah against its northern neighbor. The Book of Chronicles consistently emphasizes the direct link between a king's faithfulness to God and the nation's prosperity and security, a theme prominent in Jehoshaphat's subsequent reign.

2 Chronicles 17 1 Word analysis

• And (וַיִּמְלֹךְ - va·yim·lok): The "And" connects Jehoshaphat's ascension directly to Asa's death, emphasizing immediate succession. In Hebrew, it's part of the verb "reigned," employing a vav consecutive, which denotes a sequence of events, underscoring continuity and inevitability.
• Jehoshaphat (יְהוֹשָׁפָט - Yeho·sha·fat): A significant name meaning "Yahweh has judged" or "Yahweh is judge." This name subtly foreshadows his later reign, which is characterized by his commitment to God's law, leading to legal and religious reforms (e.g., establishing judges and teaching the law).
• his son: This highlights the legitimate, dynastic succession within the Davidic line in Judah, reinforcing the covenant with David (2 Sam 7). It also establishes Jehoshaphat's right to the throne, not through usurpation but through birthright.
• reigned (וַיִּמְלֹךְ - va·yim·lok): This verb signifies the assumption of full regal power and authority, denoting the formal start of his kingship.
• in his stead: Means "in his place" or "as his successor." It signifies a smooth, legitimate transfer of power from father to son, emphasizing continuity of the Davidic dynasty. It sets up the new reign, indicating a transition from Asa's closing actions to Jehoshaphat's distinct policies.
• and strengthened himself (וַיִּתְחַזֵּק - vay·yith·chaz·zeq): This verb is crucial. From the root חזק (chazaq), meaning "to be strong" or "to seize." The Hithpael stem here signifies "to show oneself strong," "to make oneself strong," "to strengthen oneself," or "to gather strength." It indicates a deliberate, strenuous, and personal effort.
  • Significance: It implies proactive action, a king not content to merely inherit power but actively working to secure his rule and nation. This strength is both military and administrative. Unlike Asa's later reliance on Syria (2 Chr 16), Jehoshaphat's initial act is an internal strengthening, possibly indicating reliance on Judah's own resources, presumably empowered by God (as seen later in 2 Chr 17). It subtly critiques passive leadership, emphasizing the necessity of a king's vigorous exertion.
  • Original Context/Literary Details: In the broader biblical narrative, strengthening oneself often precedes divine enablement or indicates a leader taking responsible action in accordance with God's will (e.g., Josh 1:6-9; Hag 2:4). It often has both physical and spiritual dimensions. Here, it is practical military preparation that serves to protect Judah, which in the Chronicler's theology often parallels spiritual uprightness leading to stability.
• against Israel: Refers to the Northern Kingdom of Israel, a consistent geopolitical adversary to Judah since the division of the kingdom. This phrase clarifies the purpose and direction of Jehoshaphat's strengthening efforts: to secure Judah's borders and deterrent its northern rival. It indicates continued tension between the two entities despite the later alliance mentioned in 1 Kings 22 and 2 Chronicles 18. This initial act highlights Jehoshaphat's prudent defense posture rather than an immediate offensive.

2 Chronicles 17 1 Bonus section

• The "strengthening himself" motif in Chronicles is often tied to kings who committed to God and saw His blessing (e.g., David, Solomon, Uzziah). This immediately places Jehoshaphat in that category of successful, God-fearing monarchs.
• While this verse indicates military and political strengthening, Jehoshaphat's later reign shows that this strengthening extended to judicial reforms, religious instruction throughout the land, and even diplomatic alliances, indicating a holistic approach to national well-being.
• The continued mention of "Israel" here reminds the reader that despite being a chosen people, the kingdom was internally divided and in conflict, setting the stage for future interactions between Judah and its estranged northern brethren.

2 Chronicles 17 1 Commentary

Following King Asa's complicated end, Jehoshaphat ascended the throne with immediate resolve. His opening action was not passive acceptance of power but a vigorous, personal effort to strengthen Judah against its northern neighbor, Israel. This "strengthening" encompassed military fortifications, resource management, and administrative solidity, all aimed at ensuring the kingdom's security and stability. It signals a shift toward proactive, righteous leadership, which the Chronicler will highlight throughout Jehoshaphat's reign. This immediate consolidation of power served as a foundation for his later reforms and campaigns, establishing him as a capable and divinely-guided king dedicated to his people's welfare. This resolute beginning contrasts sharply with periods of weakness or instability that might characterize the start of other reigns, setting a high bar for his subsequent actions as king.