G6 N Q 17:1,2. Introduction. Accession.
R S 17:3-9. Personal. Reformation.
T 17:10-19. The kingdom. Established.
O U 18:1-34. Alliance with Abab.
V 19:1-3. Remonstrance. Jehu.
P 19:4. Jerusalem. Dwelling.
N R S 19:5-11. Personal. Reformation.
T 20:1-20. The kingdom. Invaded.
Q 20:31-34. Conclusion. Reign.
O U 20:35,36. Alliance with Ahaziah.
V 20:27. Remonstrance. Eliezer.
P 21:1-. Jerusalem. Death.
2 Chronicles 17)
1 And Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead, and strengthened himself against Israel. (Without this we could not understand his subsequent alliances with the worst of Israel's kings [18:1,2; 20:36,36)
2 And he placed forces in all the fortified cities of Judah, and set garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim, which Asa his father had taken. (15:8)
S o 3-5-. Divine presence.
p -5. Presents from Judah.
q 6-9. Goodness.
T o 10. Divine protection.
p 11. Presents from Philistines.
q 12-19. Greatness.
3 And the Lord was with Jehoshaphat, (thus approving the strengthening himself against idolaters and idolatry) because he walked in the first ways of his father David, (i.e. David's earlier ways were of faith) and sought not unto Baalim;
4 But sought to the Lord God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel. (The worship of calves, and Baal)
5 Therefore the Lord established the kingdom in his hand;
and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; (in token of subjugation and loyalty at beginning of reign. 1 Sam. 10:27. 1 Kings 10:25) and he had riches and honor in abundance.
6 And his heart was encouraged in the ways of the Lord: moreover he took away (But "the people" failed in their part [20:33. 1 Kings 22:43]. Jehoshaphat did his by commanding that they should be taken away; not, of course, doing this with his own hands. Cp. 19:3) the high places and groves out of Judah. (Heb. 'Asherīm. See Ex. 34:13)
7 Also in the third year of his reign he sent to his princes, (these organized the Levites and priests [v.8] into a teaching mission. The 1st so recorded) even to Benhail, and to Obadiah, and to Zechariah, and to Nethaneel, and to Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah. (This was the special function of the priests. See Deut. 17:9-12; 33:10)
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.
9 And they taught in Judah, and had the book of the law of the Lord with them, (see Ex. 17:14) and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people. (2 Kings 23:2. Neh. 8:3-18)
10 And the dread of the Lord came upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat.
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.
12 And Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly; and he built in Judah castles, and cities of store.
13 And he was busily engaged in the cities of Judah: and the men of war, mighty men of valor, were in Jerusalem.
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 valor three hundred thousand. (So far from these numbers exaggerated, they were a token of Yehovah's prospering grace. Jehoshaphat could muster 1,600,000; David 1,300,000)
15 And under his direction (1 Chon. 25:2) was Jehohanan the captain, and with him two hundred and fourscore thousand.
16 And next him was Amasiah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself to the Lord; and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of valor.
17 And of Benjamin; Eliada a mighty man of valor, and with him armed men armed with bow and using shield two hundred thousand.
18 And next him was Jehozabad, and with him an hundred and fourscore thousand ready prepared for the war.
19 These waited on the king, beside those whom the king put in the fenced cities throughout all Judah. (Cp. v.2)