171 Jehoshaphat his son then became king in his place , and made his position over Israel firm . 2 He placed troops 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 captured . 3 The Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the example of his father David's earlier days and did not seek the Baals , 4 but sought the God of his father , followed His commandments , and did not act as Israel did . 5 So the Lord established the kingdom in his control , and all Judah brought tribute to Jehoshaphat , and he had great riches and honor . 6 He took great pride e in the ways of the Lord and again removed the high places and the Asherim from Judah . 7 Then 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 ; 8 and with them the Levites , Shemaiah , Nethaniah , Zebadiah , Asahel , Shemiramoth , Jehonathan , Adonijah , Tobijah and Tobadonijah , the Levites ; and with them Elishama and Jehoram , the priests . 9 They taught in Judah , having the book of the law of the Lord with them; and they went throughout all the cities of Judah and taught among the people .
10 Now the dread of the Lord was on all the kingdoms of the lands which were around Judah , so that they did not make war against Jehoshaphat . 11 Some of the Philistines brought gifts and silver as tribute to Jehoshaphat ; the Arabians also brought him flocks , 7,700 e e e rams and 7,700 e e e male goats . 12 So Jehoshaphat grew greater and greater , and he built fortresses and store cities in Judah . 13 He had large supplies in the cities of Judah , and warriors , valiant e men , in Jerusalem . 14 This was their muster according to their fathers' households : of Judah , commanders of thousands , Adnah was the commander , and with him 300,000 e e valiant warriors ; 15 and next e to him was Johanan the commander , and with him 280,000 e e ; 16 and next e to him Amasiah the son of Zichri , who volunteered for the Lord , and with him 200,000 e valiant warriors ; 17 and of Benjamin , Eliada a valiant warrior , and with him 200,000 e armed with bow and shield ; 18 and next e to him Jehozabad , and with him 180,000 e e equipped for war . 19 These are they who served the king , apart from those whom the king put in the fortified cities through all Judah .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 17:1-20
Chapter Contents
Jehoshaphat promotes religion in Judah, His prosperity.
Jehoshaphat found his people generally very ignorant, and therefore endeavoured to have them well taught. The public teaching of the word of God forms, in all ages, the great method of promoting the power of godliness. Thereby the understanding is informed, the conscience is awakened and directed. We have a particular account of Jehoshaphat's prosperity. But it was not his formidable army that restrained the neighbouring nations from attempting any thing against Israel, but the fear of God which fell upon them, when Jehoshaphat reformed his country, and set up a preaching ministry in it. The ordinances of God are more the strength and safety of a kingdom, than soldiers and weapons of war. The Bible requires use to notice the hand of God in every event, yet this is little regarded. But let all employ the talents they have: be faithful, even in that which is little. Set up the worship of God in your houses. The charge of a family is important. Why should you not instruct them as Jehoshaphat did his subjects, in the book of the law of the Lord. But be consistent. Do not recommend one thing, and practise another. Begin with yourselves. Seek to the Lord God of Israel, then call upon children and servants to follow your example.