Analysis of 2 Chronicles Chapter 17
Second Chronicles Chapter 17 begins the narrative of Jehoshaphat’s reign as king of Judah. His leadership is marked by a commitment to religious reform and fortification against potential external threats. This chapter provides a comprehensive look into his policies, religious zeal, and military strategies.
1. Jehoshaphat’s Ascension and Strengthening of the Kingdom (Verses 1-2)
The chapter opens with Jehoshaphat, son of Asa, ascending to the throne after Asa’s death. One of his first major actions as king was to fortify his kingdom against Israel. This was a strategic move considering the historical animosity between Judah and Israel.
Verse 1: “And Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead, and strengthened himself against Israel.”
This verse highlights Jehoshaphat’s immediate goal—strengthening his kingdom against potential threats, particularly from Israel. The kingdom of Israel was not only larger but had also been under more pagan influences, posing both a political and spiritual threat to Judah.
Verse 2: “And he placed forces in all the fenced cities of Judah, and set garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim, which Asa his father had taken.”
Jehoshaphat fortified cities and bolstered defenses inherited from his father Asa, ensuring strategic military placements. Placing garrisons in the cities of Ephraim, also territories previously captured by Asa, underscores his intent to assert control and protect these conquests.
2. Religious Reforms and Devotion to God (Verses 3-6)
Verse 3: “And the Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim;”
The divine favor upon Jehoshaphat was evident because he followed the righteous path set by King David, steering clear of the pagan practices dedicated to Baalim. This allegiance to God distinguished his reign from many in Israel who had succumbed to idol worship.
Verse 4: “But sought to the Lord God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel.”
Jehoshaphat sought the Lord and adhered to His commandments, contrasting sharply with Israel’s prevalent idolatrous practices. This commitment to God’s ways demonstrates a conscious choice to lead by spiritual example.
Verse 5: “Therefore the Lord established the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honor in abundance.”
Jehoshaphat’s faithfulness led to divine blessing—his kingdom was stabilized and prosperous, receiving tributes from his subjects. His wealth and honor were not merely material but reflected the respect and loyalty of his people.
Verse 6: “And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the Lord: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah.”
His heart being “lifted up in the ways of the Lord” signifies his enthusiasm and dedication to faith-driven governance. His efforts to remove the high places and groves, often sites of idolatry, indicate his commitment to purging Judah of spiritual corruption.
3. The Education of the People (Verses 7-9)
Verse 7: “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.”
Jehoshaphat embarked on an educational campaign to ensure the populace was well-versed in God’s laws. His choice of sending princes and leaders underscores the importance he placed on this mission, leveraging respected figures to disseminate knowledge.
Verse 8: “And with them he sent Levites, even Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and Zebadiah, and Asahel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehonathan, and Adonijah, and Tobijah, and Tobadonijah, Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, priests.”
Including Levites and priests in this teaching mission reinforced the religious importance of the education. Levites and priests were custodians of the law and well-positioned to provide accurate and authoritative instruction.
Verse 9: “And they taught in Judah, and had the book of the law of the Lord with them, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people.”
Carrying the book of the law ensured that teaching was grounded in Scripture, thus preserving the sanctity and authenticity of religious education. This systematic and scripturally based outreach was crucial in fostering a unified spiritual community across Judah.
4. Jehoshaphat’s National and International Influence (Verses 10-11)
Verse 10: “And the fear of the Lord fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat.”
The “fear of the Lord” fell upon neighboring kingdoms, resulting in a period of peace. This can be seen as both a divine protection over Judah and a testament to Jehoshaphat’s powerful, God-fearing governance that commanded respect and deterred potential aggression.
Verse 11: “Also some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents, and tribute silver; and the Arabians brought him flocks, seven thousand and seven hundred rams, and seven thousand and seven hundred he goats.”
Receiving tributes from historically hostile neighbors like the Philistines and the Arabs further underscores Jehoshaphat’s successful diplomacy and the respect he commanded. These tributes also signify a recognition of his kingdom’s strength and prosperity.
5. Military Fortification and Organization (Verses 12-19)
Verse 12: “And Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly; and he built in Judah castles, and cities of store.”
Jehoshaphat’s greatness is reflected in his strategic infrastructural development. Building castles and store cities not only fortified Judah’s defenses but also supported logistics and resource management, critical for sustained military and economic strength.
Verse 13: “And he had much business in the cities of Judah: and the men of war, mighty men of valour, were in Jerusalem.”
His active engagement in city affairs underscores a hands-on approach to governance. Having valiant warriors stationed in Jerusalem ensured the capital’s security, further stabilizing the kingdom’s administration and defense.
Verse 14: “And these are the numbers of them according to the house of their fathers: Of Judah, the captains of thousands; Adnah the chief, and with him mighty men of valour three hundred thousand.”
The military census illustrates a well-organized and sizable army. Adnah, a chief military leader, commanded an impressive 300,000 warriors. This organized and recorded military structure indicates a methodical approach to maintaining national security.
Verse 15: “And next to him was Jehohanan the captain, and with him two hundred and fourscore thousand.”
Jehonanan’s command of 280,000 men highlights the kingdom’s extensive military resources and the distribution of leadership roles among able commanders.
Verse 16: “And next him was Amasiah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself unto the Lord; and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of valour.”
Amasiah’s voluntary commitment to the Lord and his command of 200,000 soldiers emphasizes the religious zeal within the military ranks, fostering a sense of divine mission among the warriors.
Verse 17: “And of Benjamin; Eliada a mighty man of valour, and with him armed men with bow and shield two hundred thousand.”
Including troops from Benjamin, under Eliada’s command, adds to the diversity and strength of Jehoshaphat’s forces. Bow and shield bearers also indicate a variety of combat capabilities within the army.
Verse 18: “And next him was Jehozabad, and with him an hundred and fourscore thousand ready prepared for the war.”
Jehozabad’s leadership over 180,000 war-ready men further demonstrates the strategic distribution of military forces, ensuring readiness and robust defense throughout Judah.
Verse 19: “These waited on the king, beside those whom the king put in the fenced cities throughout all Judah.”
This final verse underscores the dual structure of the military—some forces were stationed in key defensive positions in fortified cities, while others were directly at the king’s disposal. This strategic deployment ensured comprehensive security for the kingdom.
Conclusion
Jehoshaphat’s reign, as depicted in 2 Chronicles Chapter 17, is an exemplary model of faith-driven leadership. His efforts to strengthen Judah through military fortification, religious reform, and systematic education reveal a balanced approach to governance. By prioritizing faithfulness to God’s commandments and ensuring his subjects were educated in the law, Jehoshaphat laid a strong spiritual foundation. His strategic defense initiatives and the resulting international respect highlight his wisdom and ability to lead effectively amidst historical adversities. In sum, Jehoshaphat’s reign reaffirms the importance of righteous leadership and the benefits of aligning national policies with divine will.