2 Chronicles 17 3

2 Chronicles 17:3 kjv

And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim;

2 Chronicles 17:3 nkjv

Now the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the former ways of his father David; he did not seek the Baals,

2 Chronicles 17:3 niv

The LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the ways of his father David before him. He did not consult the Baals

2 Chronicles 17:3 esv

The LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David. He did not seek the Baals,

2 Chronicles 17:3 nlt

The LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the example of his father's early years and did not worship the images of Baal.

2 Chronicles 17 verses

2 Chronicles 17 3 Meaning

The verse states that the Divine presence and favor were upon King Jehoshaphat. This blessing was directly attributed to his commitment to follow the righteous conduct and principles established by his ancestor, King David, particularly those demonstrating integrity and faithfulness in worship. Crucially, his obedience also involved a decisive rejection of the widespread idolatrous practices associated with the Canaanite Baals. His actions fostered a relationship where God's active presence ensured his well-being and success.

2 Chronicles 17 3 Context

This verse initiates the account of King Jehoshaphat's reign in Judah. Historically, he reigned during the divided monarchy, immediately after his father King Asa, who had a largely righteous reign but with some failures, particularly regarding complete removal of high places and seeking God's help in old age. Jehoshaphat’s adherence to the “earlier ways of David” distinguishes him not only from lesser kings but even from some aspects of his immediate predecessors, establishing David, the foundational king of Judah, as the gold standard of spiritual and moral conduct. The mention of “not seeking the Baals” highlights the perennial temptation of idolatry from the surrounding Canaanite and Phoenician cultures, particularly Baal worship which was prevalent and seductive, threatening the purity of Yahweh worship in Israel and Judah.

2 Chronicles 17 3 Word analysis

• The Lord: (יְהוָה, Yahweh). This is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His personal, active presence and relationship with His people. The use of Yahweh underscores the truth that it is the one true God of Israel who is intimately involved and provides favor.
• was with: (הָיָה עִם, hayah im). Signifies divine presence, favor, and assistance. When God is "with" someone, it implies success, protection, and empowerment, making their endeavors prosper. It is a sign of approval and blessing, contrasting sharply with those from whom God withdraws His presence due to disobedience.
• Jehoshaphat: (יְהוֹשָׁפָט, Yehoshaphat). "Yahweh has judged" or "Yahweh is judge." His name itself carries a theological statement about God's sovereignty, fitting for a king who prioritizes the Lord.
• because: (כִּי, ki). This causal conjunction directly links Jehoshaphat’s actions to the Lord’s favor. It highlights a clear principle: righteous conduct leads to divine blessing and presence.
• he walked: (הָלַךְ, halak). A frequent biblical idiom for one's way of life, conduct, or general manner of living. It encompasses actions, decisions, and overall moral and spiritual direction.
• in the earlier ways: (בְּדַרְכֵי הָרִאשׁוֹנִים, b'darkei ha-rishonim). "Ways" (דרכים, derakhim) refers to paths or courses of action. "Earlier" (ראשונים, rishonim) suggests the period of David's foundational, unwavering devotion to Yahweh, distinguishing it from any personal failures David may have had later (e.g., Bathsheba, the census), and also implying a contrast to later kings who had strayed. It sets David's initial, exemplary walk with God as the benchmark.
• of his father David: (דָּוִיד אָבִיו, David aviv). David is presented here not as Jehoshaphat's literal father (that was Asa), but as his spiritual and kingly ancestor, the model king according to God's heart. This validates Jehoshaphat’s adherence to the Davidic covenant and principles of righteous kingship.
• and did not seek: (וְלֹא דָּרַשׁ, v’lo darash). "Did not inquire of," "did not consult," or "did not pursue." This emphasizes an active choice to turn away from and avoid idolatry, not merely a passive absence of engagement. It implies a conscious and resolute rejection.
• the Baals: (הַבְּעָלִים, ha-Ba'alim). The plural form of Baal, meaning "lord" or "master," referring to the various local manifestations of the chief Canaanite fertility god. Baal worship involved polytheism, sacred prostitution, and sometimes child sacrifice, standing in direct opposition to Yahweh worship. It represents the primary religious corruption Jehoshaphat resisted.

• "The Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked...": This phrase establishes a direct cause-and-effect relationship between the king's piety and divine blessing. It exemplifies the Old Testament principle of conditional covenant blessings: obedience leads to favor, disobedience to disfavor.
• "walked in the earlier ways of his father David": This highlights Jehoshaphat’s commitment to an exemplary standard of kingship. It sets David's original spiritual zeal and adherence to the Mosaic Law as the ideal, a stark contrast to many contemporary kings in both Judah and Israel. It suggests Jehoshaphat embodied David’s integrity and faith rather than just inheriting his throne.
• "and did not seek the Baals": This active negation is crucial. It defines Jehoshaphat's righteousness not just by what he did positively (following David) but also by what he actively avoided. The worship of Baals was rampant, seducing even some Israelite kings. Jehoshaphat’s resolute abstention marked him as wholly devoted to Yahweh alone, establishing a clear polemic against the pervasive idolatry of the time.

2 Chronicles 17 3 Bonus section

The mention of "earlier ways of David" is a specific commendation, implying a period of David’s life free from major, documented moral failures. While David was a man after God's own heart, his life included serious transgressions (Bathsheba, Uriah). The Chronicler emphasizes Jehoshaphat's commitment to David's foundational piety and initial devotion, highlighting a pursuit of integrity and true worship, serving as a critique of kings who merely bore David's name without replicating his fidelity. This distinction underscores Jehoshaphat's purity of intent in upholding the covenant with Yahweh. His reforms, described later in the chapter, including the sending of levites and officials to teach the Law, further illustrate his commitment to restoring Davidic standards of pure worship and obedience to the Law, directly stemming from his initial choice to reject Baal worship.

2 Chronicles 17 3 Commentary

2 Chronicles 17:3 presents the foundational reason for Jehoshaphat's blessed and successful reign: the divine favor stemmed directly from his faithful obedience. He distinguished himself by emulating the best aspects of King David's rule—his sincere devotion to Yahweh and adherence to God's laws, before any of David's own personal failings. More than simply doing good, Jehoshaphat actively refrained from the dominant, insidious idolatry of the Canaanite Baals. This conscious choice demonstrated unreserved loyalty to the God of Israel, earning Him God’s active presence, protection, and prosperity for his kingdom. It underscores a fundamental biblical truth: God's presence and blessing are contingent on seeking Him and rejecting all that opposes His sovereignty.

Examples of practical application:

• Emulate faithful examples: Believers are called to imitate the faith of righteous ancestors or mentors (Heb 13:7).
• Active rejection of sin: True godliness involves not just doing good, but actively turning away from and rejecting that which is contrary to God’s will (2 Tim 2:19, Jas 4:7).
• Cause and effect: Our obedience is directly linked to God's presence and favor in our lives (John 14:21, 1 John 3:22).