2 Chronicles 17 7

2 Chronicles 17:7 kjv

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.

2 Chronicles 17:7 nkjv

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.

2 Chronicles 17:7 niv

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.

2 Chronicles 17:7 esv

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;

2 Chronicles 17:7 nlt

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.

2 Chronicles 17 verses

2 Chronicles 17 7 Meaning

2 Chronicles 17:7 describes King Jehoshaphat's proactive measure in the third year of his reign to disseminate the instruction of the Law of the Lord throughout the cities of Judah. He dispatched a delegation of high-ranking officials, referred to as princes, with a mandate to teach the divine precepts. This initiative underscored his commitment to God's ways and sought to re-establish spiritual foundations within his kingdom.

2 Chronicles 17 7 Context

This verse appears in the narrative of King Jehoshaphat's reign in Judah. Having fortified his kingdom militarily (vv. 1-2), Jehoshaphat prioritizes spiritual strength. Verse 3 notes that "the LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David," indicating a genuine turning away from the idolatry that characterized many other kings. His first significant action in the third year of his reign, detailed here, is to establish widespread instruction in God's Law. This precedes and underpins the later military might and successes, suggesting that a right relationship with God and obedience to His commandments were fundamental to his concept of a strong and prosperous kingdom. The passage sets the stage for a period of remarkable peace and divine favor under Jehoshaphat due to his devotion and efforts to reform the people.

2 Chronicles 17 7 Word analysis

• And: Connects this significant action to Jehoshaphat's initial establishment of military strength mentioned earlier in the chapter. It implies this spiritual initiative is part of his overall strategy for governing.
• in the third year: Denotes the swiftness and urgency of Jehoshaphat's reform. This was not a belated action but a foundational one undertaken early in his rule, demonstrating the high priority he placed on the Law.
• of his reign: Refers to King Jehoshaphat, emphasizing that this initiative was a royal decree, backed by the highest authority in the land.
• he sent: Implies active, intentional, and authoritative delegation. The king himself initiated and commissioned this mission, showcasing strong leadership and personal commitment.
• his princes: Hebrew: śarim (שָׂרִים), meaning high officials, chiefs, or commanders. Their role in this spiritual mission is noteworthy as they were primarily civil or military leaders, not typically religious instructors. Their involvement indicates the comprehensive, kingdom-wide nature of the reform, showcasing that God's Law was considered integral to national governance and well-being, not just religious piety. It signifies royal endorsement and civil backing for the spiritual instruction. The specific mention of their names—Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethaneel, and Micaiah—adds historical authenticity and specificity to the account, highlighting that these were real individuals on an important royal assignment.
• even Ben-hail, and Obadiah, and Zechariah, and Nethaneel, and Micaiah: These specific names underline the meticulous detail of the Chronicler and the historical reliability of the event. While their personal histories beyond this mention are not given, their being named points to their importance in this royal decree and their high standing as "princes."
• to teach: Hebrew: lelammed (לְלַמֵּד), from the root LMD, meaning to instruct, educate, or cause to learn. The object of this teaching, while not explicitly stated here, is understood from verse 9 ("the book of the law of the LORD") and the broader biblical context to be the divine statutes and commandments. This was not merely informing but actively imparting understanding and adherence to God's ways.
• in the cities of Judah: Signifies the wide geographical scope of this initiative. Jehoshaphat desired the instruction of the Law to reach all levels of society and every corner of his kingdom, demonstrating a thorough and systematic approach to national spiritual revival. It contrasts with reforms that might only affect Jerusalem or central leadership.

Words-group analysis:

• "he sent his princes... to teach": This phrase highlights Jehoshaphat's unique approach to national reform. By dispatching high-ranking secular officials for a spiritual task, he merged civil and religious authority to ensure the widespread understanding and adherence to the Law, demonstrating his conviction that godly principles were essential for effective governance and societal order.
• "in the third year of his reign... in the cities of Judah": This combination underscores the urgency, foresight, and comprehensiveness of Jehoshaphat's program. It was a foundational act, implemented promptly and designed to impact the entire nation, emphasizing the strategic importance he placed on the widespread dissemination of God's Word.

2 Chronicles 17 7 Bonus section

The explicit naming of five princes in this verse, coupled with the Levites and priests mentioned in subsequent verses (v. 8), shows a highly organized and multi-tiered effort. The Chronicler emphasizes that this was not merely a priestly endeavor but a government-sanctioned and executed policy. This underscores Jehoshaphat's personal dedication to seeing the nation restored to God's favor by ensuring that spiritual education was not a niche activity but a kingdom-wide priority. This structured approach contributed significantly to the spiritual and social stability Judah experienced under his reign.

2 Chronicles 17 7 Commentary

2 Chronicles 17:7 presents Jehoshaphat's strategic leadership, intertwining national security with spiritual renewal. His act of sending high-ranking princes, initially associated with civil and military functions, to teach the Law of the Lord throughout Judah demonstrates an profound understanding that the strength of a nation ultimately rests on its obedience to God's precepts. This was not merely a ceremonial gesture but a deliberate, early reign initiative to embed divine principles within the populace, laying the groundwork for a period of peace and prosperity. The verse highlights Jehoshaphat's vision for a theocratic kingdom, where the divine law permeated public life, emphasizing that true well-being stems from collective adherence to God's instruction, making the word of God central to the national life.