2 Chronicles 17 18

2 Chronicles 17:18 kjv

And next him was Jehozabad, and with him an hundred and fourscore thousand ready prepared for the war.

2 Chronicles 17:18 nkjv

and next to him was Jehozabad, and with him one hundred and eighty thousand prepared for war.

2 Chronicles 17:18 niv

next, Jehozabad, with 180,000 men armed for battle.

2 Chronicles 17:18 esv

and next to him Jehozabad with 180,000 armed for war.

2 Chronicles 17:18 nlt

Next in command was Jehozabad, who commanded 180,000 armed men.

2 Chronicles 17 verses

2 Chronicles 17 18 Meaning

2 Chronicles 17:18 details the hierarchical structure and numerical strength of King Jehoshaphat's army in Judah. It specifies that Jehozabad, a key military commander, had a significant contingent of one hundred and eighty thousand soldiers under his command, all of whom were fully equipped and ready for warfare. This verse contributes to the Chronicler's portrayal of Jehoshaphat's kingdom as blessed by God, leading to immense power and security.

2 Chronicles 17 18 Context

2 Chronicles Chapter 17 opens by describing King Jehoshaphat's reign as a period of profound devotion to the LORD. He "walked in the former ways of David his father" (v. 3), meaning he followed God's commandments, removed the high places and Asherim, and sent his officials and Levites to teach the Law throughout Judah (vv. 6-9). Because of this obedience and reliance on God, the LORD "established the kingdom in his hand" (v. 5) and fear of the LORD fell upon surrounding nations, preventing war against Judah. As a direct result of God's blessing, Jehoshaphat "waxed great exceedingly" (v. 12) in wealth, fortresses, and most notably, in military might. Verses 14-18 systematically list the commanders and the vast numbers of their forces organized under Jehoshaphat. Verse 18, detailing Jehozabad's command, is part of this enumeration, emphasizing the impressive scale and preparedness of Judah's army, which served as both a testament to divine favor and a deterrent to enemies. This immense strength underscores the prosperity God grants to those who seek Him diligently.

2 Chronicles 17 18 Word analysis

• "and next to him": This phrase translates the Hebrew "וְעַל־יָד֖וֹ" (wə·ʿal-yā·ḏōw), literally "and upon his hand" or "and beside him." It implies a hierarchical arrangement, indicating that Jehozabad was either immediately subordinate to the previous commander listed (Amasiah) or was positioned directly under the king in the military hierarchy. It denotes order and structured command within Jehoshaphat's well-organized army.
• "Jehozabad": יְהוֹזָבָד (Yəhōwzāḇāḏ). This Hebrew name means "The LORD has bestowed" or "The LORD has given." The very name of the commander points to the source of his strength and the kingdom's might: divine favor. It implicitly aligns the commander's identity and service with God's action. This specific Jehozabad is one of the "mighty men of valor" mentioned in Jehoshaphat's army, distinct from others sharing the same name in the Bible (e.g., in 2 Kgs 12:21, 2 Chr 21:18).
• "and with him were": Again, the Hebrew is similar: "וְעִמּוֹ֙" (wə·ʿimmōw), "and with him" or "and under him." This clarifies that the vast number of troops specified next were under Jehozabad's direct command and responsibility. It further illustrates the delegation of authority within Jehoshaphat's large military force.
• "one hundred and eighty thousand": מֵאָה וּשְׁמוֹנִים אֶלֶף (mēʾāh ū·šmō·nîm ’e·lep̄). This is a literal count: one hundred and eighty units of a thousand. In the Bible, especially in Chronicles, large numbers often signify extraordinary blessing, prosperity, and power given by God to a faithful king. The scale of this individual contingent is immense, testifying to the overall might of Jehoshaphat's entire army. It underscores God's generous provision and the peace that came from the fear of the LORD resting on surrounding nations (2 Chr 17:10).
• "equipped for war": חֲלוּצֵי צָבָא (ḥălûṣê ṣāḇāʾ).
  • חֲלוּצֵי (ḥălûṣê): from the root ḥālaṣ, meaning "to draw out," "to equip," "to make ready." This indicates that these soldiers were not merely numerous, but also armed, trained, and prepared for battle. They were a ready and formidable force.
  • צָבָא (ṣāḇāʾ): means "host," "army," "warfare," or "military service." This term specifically defines the purpose of these troops as those actively engaged in military functions, implying their discipline and strategic importance.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "and next to him was Jehozabad, and with him were": This phrase highlights the organized command structure of Jehoshaphat's army. It portrays a military establishment that was not just large, but also meticulously arranged with clear lines of authority, reflecting effective governance under God's blessing.
• "one hundred and eighty thousand equipped for war": This entire phrase powerfully conveys the overwhelming scale and formidable readiness of Jehozabad's specific contingent within Jehoshaphat's overall military. It emphasizes both quantitative might (the sheer number) and qualitative readiness (their being "equipped for war"), indicating a well-resourced and prepared fighting force. This readiness, achieved through God's blessing on Jehoshaphat's faithfulness, signifies the stability and security of the kingdom of Judah.

2 Chronicles 17 18 Bonus section

The Chronicler frequently uses impressive numbers to emphasize the magnitude of divine blessing, a pattern seen throughout the book in contexts of kings who diligently sought the LORD (e.g., Asa's army in 2 Chr 14, Uzziah's in 2 Chr 26). This serves to reinforce the theological conviction that obedience to God leads to prosperity, security, and prominence. The consistent focus on large, well-organized forces demonstrates not just quantitative strength but also the administrative and strategic capabilities granted by divine wisdom. In Jehoshaphat's case, while these massive numbers are recorded, the later narrative in 2 Chronicles 20 demonstrates that even with such an army, Jehoshaphat’s ultimate trust and source of victory was the LORD Himself, who granted him victory over overwhelming odds without a sword being drawn by his army. This further refines the Chronicler's message: numbers and preparedness are gifts from God, but they are never to be trusted over God Himself.

2 Chronicles 17 18 Commentary

2 Chronicles 17:18 is part of the Chronicler's detailed account of King Jehoshaphat's divinely blessed reign, specifically his immense military strength. The verse highlights Jehozabad as one of Jehoshaphat's mighty commanders, responsible for an astonishingly large contingent of 180,000 "equipped" soldiers. This detail serves several purposes for the Chronicler. First, it powerfully illustrates God's faithfulness in rewarding a king who diligently sought Him. Jehoshaphat's commitment to walking in the LORD's ways, removing idolatry, and promoting the teaching of the Law resulted not only in peace with neighboring nations but also in unprecedented internal prosperity and defensive strength. Second, the meticulous enumeration of commanders and their troops underscores the scale of God's blessing, portraying Judah as a powerful and secure kingdom under divine favor. The emphasis on "equipped for war" is significant; it indicates these were not just conscripts, but trained and ready warriors, reflecting both Jehoshaphat's capable administration and God's abundant provision that enabled such readiness. While such large numbers could sometimes tempt kings to trust in human might (as some kings later did), for Jehoshaphat, as shown in 2 Chronicles 20, his trust remained firmly in God, even with a massive army at his disposal. His military power was therefore a consequence of his godliness, not a substitute for it.

Examples:

• Trust leading to strength: A church or individual who diligently seeks God and follows His commands often experiences an inexplicable flourishing and strength in resources, community, or influence, which stems from divine blessing.
• Preparedness from provision: Just as God equipped Jehoshaphat with vast numbers, believers are encouraged to "put on the full armor of God" (Eph 6:11), using the spiritual provisions God has granted to be "equipped for war" against spiritual adversaries.
• Evidence of God's blessing: Visible signs of success or abundant resources can be interpreted as indicators of God's favor and blessing upon an endeavor, similar to Jehoshaphat's overflowing army.