2 Chronicles 17 4

2 Chronicles 17:4 kjv

But sought to the Lord God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel.

2 Chronicles 17:4 nkjv

but sought the God of his father, and walked in His commandments and not according to the acts of Israel.

2 Chronicles 17:4 niv

but sought the God of his father and followed his commands rather than the practices of Israel.

2 Chronicles 17:4 esv

but sought the God of his father and walked in his commandments, and not according to the practices of Israel.

2 Chronicles 17:4 nlt

He sought his father's God and obeyed his commands instead of following the evil practices of the kingdom of Israel.

2 Chronicles 17 verses

2 Chronicles 17 4 Meaning

King Jehoshaphat diligently sought the Lord, the God worshipped by his esteemed ancestors, particularly David. His reign was characterized by strict adherence to God's divine commands and a distinct rejection of the idolatrous and disobedient practices prevalent in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. This verse highlights the foundation of his successful and blessed reign: faithful devotion to the one true God and unwavering obedience to His word.

2 Chronicles 17 4 Context

2 Chronicles chapter 17 introduces Jehoshaphat's reign as king of Judah. This verse, 2 Chronicles 17:4, marks a pivotal moment, distinguishing him from his more inconsistent father, Asa, and from the continually backsliding Northern Kingdom of Israel. Jehoshaphat deliberately chose a path of faithful obedience and genuine seeking of God, in direct contrast to the idolatrous and corrupt practices common in Israel under kings like Jeroboam and the recently established Baal worship under Ahab. The Chronicler emphasizes that this early spiritual dedication of Jehoshaphat was the bedrock of his later success, military strength, and prosperity. The narrative focuses on Judah's unique role as the inheritor of the Davidic covenant and the custodian of true worship centered in Jerusalem, constantly highlighting the kings' obedience or disobedience to God as the direct cause of blessing or judgment.

2 Chronicles 17 4 Word analysis

• But sought (וַיִּדְרֹשׁ - vayyidrosh): The Hebrew verb darash (דָּרַשׁ) implies a diligent, earnest, and persistent seeking or inquiry. It suggests more than a casual glance; it indicates an active pursuit, a fervent desire to know and follow. This "seeking" can involve consulting God's law, inquiring of prophets, or earnestly praying. Its significance here highlights Jehoshaphat's personal initiative and deep commitment.
• to the God of his father (לֵאֱלֹהֵי אָבִיו - lelohei aviv): This phrase connects Jehoshaphat to the spiritual heritage of Judah, tracing back to King David. While his immediate father Asa had wavered at times, this phrase primarily links Jehoshaphat's faith to the foundational covenant God of David, affirming adherence to the orthodox worship established through Moses and David. It also serves as a point of continuity and legitimacy for his spiritual direction.
• and walked (וַיֵּלֵךְ - vayyelekh): The verb halakh (הָלַךְ), literally "to go" or "to walk," is frequently used metaphorically in the Bible to describe one's conduct, manner of life, or spiritual path. Thus, "walked in His commandments" means to live in accordance with, or to habitually practice, God's commands. It signifies practical obedience and alignment of lifestyle with divine precepts.
• in his commandments (בְּמִצְוֹתָיו - b’mitzvotav): Mitzvah (מִצְוָה) refers to a divine command, law, or ordinance. This indicates that Jehoshaphat adhered specifically to the Mosaic Law and the statutes given by God, distinguishing his rule from those who followed their own ways or foreign religious practices.
• and not after the doings (וְלֹא כְּמַעֲשֵׂה - velo khema'aseh): The phrase ma'aseh (מַעֲשֵׂה) signifies "deeds," "practices," or "works." The negation "not after" indicates a deliberate separation and a refusal to emulate or conform. This is a polemic against the behaviors described next.
• of Israel (יִשְׂרָאֵל - Yisra'el): Here, "Israel" refers specifically to the Northern Kingdom, which had largely forsaken true worship since the schism. Its "doings" were characterized by idol worship (calf worship initiated by Jeroboam I), rejection of Jerusalem's temple, pursuit of foreign deities (Baal under Ahab), and general moral decline. This explicit contrast underscores Judah's distinct call to fidelity and Jehoshaphat's specific righteous choice to not participate in their apostasy.

• "sought to the God of his father, and walked in his commandments": This grouping highlights Jehoshaphat's dual commitment: a heart posture of diligent seeking and an active lifestyle of practical obedience. True faith, in the biblical sense, involves both inner devotion and outward adherence to God's will. This synergy demonstrates the integrity of his devotion.
• "not after the doings of Israel": This phrase functions as a direct polemic, drawing a sharp moral and theological boundary. It establishes Jehoshaphat's commitment to true worship by contrasting it with the profound apostasy of the Northern Kingdom. It's not enough to simply follow God; one must actively reject opposing evil practices, especially those from kin who have strayed from the covenant.

2 Chronicles 17 4 Bonus section

• The Chronicler's primary concern in recording Judah's history is the faithfulness of its kings to the Davidic covenant and the Mosaic Law. Jehoshaphat's commitment in 2 Chr 17:4 serves as a prime example of a king who, from the outset, aligns himself with divine principles, demonstrating the Chronicler's theology that obedience leads to blessing and strength.
• This verse indirectly critiques not just Israel, but also potentially Asa's later compromise with the king of Aram (2 Chr 16:2-6). Jehoshaphat actively avoids the spiritual pitfalls of both his immediate predecessors (though Asa was largely righteous) and his northern counterparts.
• The verse subtly introduces the theme of spiritual reformation which Jehoshaphat would later champion (2 Chr 17:7-9). His personal dedication forms the basis for his efforts to bring the people back to the Law of the Lord.

2 Chronicles 17 4 Commentary

2 Chronicles 17:4 establishes the foundational piety of King Jehoshaphat, explaining the source of his subsequent blessings and accomplishments detailed in the chapter. His choice to "seek the God of his father" (a reference not so much to Asa's fluctuating reign, but to the righteous path of David, his spiritual forefather) signifies a deliberate return to, and commitment to, the covenantal relationship with the Lord. This was an active, internal devotion – a "seeking" that involved intellectual understanding, moral conviction, and spiritual longing. Complementing this internal seeking was his outward "walked in his commandments," which implies a life lived in practical obedience to God's laws, unlike many contemporary kings who either tolerated or promoted idolatry. The crucial contrasting element, "and not after the doings of Israel," underlines the significant theological divide. The Chronicler frequently contrasts Judah's kings with Israel's apostate monarchs. "Israel" here specifically refers to the Northern Kingdom, notorious for calf worship, ignoring the Jerusalem temple, and later adopting Baal worship. Jehoshaphat's abstinence from their syncretistic and idolatrous practices was a profound statement of allegiance to Yahweh, marking Judah's distinct role as the preserver of true worship. This verse teaches that genuine devotion combines an internal yearning for God with an external commitment to His revealed will, consciously rejecting all forms of idolatry and compromise. It sets the precedent that a king's spiritual alignment determines the nation's welfare.