And these are the numbers of them— That is, of the soldiers, as well as of those who were employed in the king's works, in the several cities, &c. which he built. See 2 Chronicles 17:19.
REFLECTIONS.—1st, Jehoshaphat no sooner comes to the throne, than we see the dawnings of a glorious reign.
1. He strengthened his kingdom, by placing strong garrisons in the cities of Judah, and those which his father had recovered from Israel; and prepared against that danger which Ahab's growing power seemed to threaten.
2. Religion was his great concern. He copied after the best of his predecessors in their best days; such as were the first of David, before the matter of Uriah, and the numbering of the people, had blotted his fair copy. Faithful to the worship of God, he abhorred all idols: the law of God was his rule of duty, and Israel's apostacy rendered his fidelity more singular and exemplary. Inspired with holy zeal, his heart with delight and sincerity was engaged for God; and no difficulties deterred him from the path of duty. The idols and groves, which in the declining days of Asa might have been set up again, he utterly destroyed, with all the high places where they still offered sacrifices to these abominations. Note; (1.) In the fairest human pattern there will be found imperfections; but there is a Son of David, more than man, who has set us a spotless example, that we should follow his steps. (2.) Fidelity in God's service is the stability of a nation. (3.) A lively soul on wings of faith and love mounts up to God, rises superior to every difficulty, and looks down upon every thing, besides his favour, as altogether vanity.
3. He not only removed the temptations to sin, but took care to instruct the people in the path of duty. Ignorance of God's law had greatly prevailed; and to oblige them merely to conform to his reformation, without grounding them on the true foundation of God's word, promised little stability. The Levites and priests, therefore, are sent in progress through the cities of Judah, with the book of the law, to explain and enforce the commandments of God; and several princes accompanied them, in order to engage the people to hear them, and give countenance to these preachers by their weight and influence. Note; (1.) It is a blessed thing, when princes countenance faithful ministers. Though they cannot make men true converts, their example and authority will induce them to attend. (2.) They who are sent to teach, must see that they take the pure word of God along with them. A true preacher wishes for nothing in his hand but his Bible. (3.) Religion is a reasonable service. Conviction alone, not compulsion, or education, can make a man a christian.
4. The blessing of God attended his labours. The Lord was with him; or, as the Targum generally expresses it, "the word of the Lord," the divine Logos, to whom all things are committed, strengthened him in his labours, and established his kingdom. The people, charmed with his government, liberally sent their presents to him; and, abounding in riches and honour, his heart, far from being intoxicated by prosperity, was lifted up in greater love and thankfulness to the gracious giver. Note; (1.) God often here rewards piety with prosperity. (2.) Worldly comforts are then truly blessings, when, as the steps of Jacob's ladder, they raise our hearts to heaven.
2nd, Like the light of the morning, which shineth more and more, so did Jehoshaphat's glory increase.
1. Feared by his enemies, as beloved by his subjects, the neighbouring princes did not offer to molest him, while those of Philistia and Arabia courted his favour, either by a voluntary present, or exact payment of the tribute which Asa had imposed on them, see 2 Chronicles 17:11. God had put an awe upon them of the majesty of his king in Zion. Note; God hath access to the spirits of men; and, by secret yet irresistible influence, can bow them to his sovereign will.
2. His military preparations greatly advanced. While he reformed the people, he fortified their ramparts, and built new castles and store-cities, strengthening them within and without against their enemies. Under five chief officers, an immense army was enlisted. Probably, all the able men in the country were enrolled, and regularly mustered, though not drawn out except in case of necessity: and this may easily account for the greatness of their number, if we consider also the long peace they had enjoyed, the accession of Israelites to them, and especially the blessing of Abraham, which, no doubt, was eminently fulfilled. Amasiah, one of the officers, is mentioned with an honourable mark of distinction, as a volunteer, who served for the glory of God, not for the sake of pay. Such patriots are scarce.