2 Chronicles 17:5,6 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Therefore the Lord established the kingdom in his hand Those stand firm that have the presence of God with them. If the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, that will stablish the work of our hands, and establish us in our integrity. And all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents As subjects, in those times and places, used to do to their kings, in token of their respect and subjection to them. The more there is of true religion among a people, the more conscientious loyalty there will be. A governor, that answers the end of government, will be supported. And he had riches and honour in abundance The effect of the favour both of God and his people. It is undoubtedly true, though few will believe it, that religion and piety are the best friends to outward prosperity. And his heart was lift up in the ways of the Lord Riches and honour in abundance prove to many a clog and a hinderance in the ways of the Lord, an occasion of pride, security, and sensuality: but they had a quite contrary effect upon Jehoshaphat: his abundance was oil to the wheels of his obedience; and the more he had of the wealth of this world, the more cheerfully and resolutely he went on in the ways of the Lord. His heart also was lifted up above all discouragements, difficulties, and fears, by which men's hearts are wont to be cast down. He was valiant and resolute for God and his ways. He took away the high places and groves That is, those in which idols were worshipped; for those that were dedicated to the true God only were not taken away, chap. 2 Chronicles 20:33. And though Asa had done the same before, yet either he did not do it thoroughly, or the people, who were mad upon their idols, had secretly made new ones, in the latter part of his reign, when he grew more infirm in body, and more remiss in God's cause.