2 Chronicles 17:1-19 - The Biblical Illustrator

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Bible Comments

And Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead.

The conditions of national prosperity

This chapter shows--

I. That true religion is the basis of the State; and that wherever it prospers there the State prospers.

II. That it is the wisdom of kings to encourage religion with all their power and influence.

III. That a religious nation is ever a great nation.

IV. That a religious nation is ever a peaceful and united nation. (A. Clarke, D. D.)

Jehoshaphat

I. His policy as a statesman.

1. It was protective (2 Chronicles 17:1-2).

2. It was wise.

3. It was eminently patriotic.

II. His character as a man.

1. He was distinguished for true piety.

(1) In his every-day life (2 Chronicles 17:3).

(2) In his private devotions (2 Chronicles 17:3-4).

(3) In his obedience to God (2 Chronicles 17:4).

2. The inspiration of his heart came from the consciousness of his obedience to God (2 Chronicles 17:6).

III. His wisdom as a ruler.

1. He removed temptation from his people (2 Chronicles 17:6).

2. He provided for his people the highest means of good (2 Chronicles 17:7-9). (Metropolitan Pulpit.)

Jehoshaphat’s prosperity

I. Its measure. Everything indicates that it was great and genuine. Not an element of true prosperity is wanting, whether we consider him individually or as identified with the realm. It involved--

1. The safety of the kingdom.

2. Wealth.

3. Honour from abroad.

4. The love and confidence of his own people.

II. Its origin. This was partly natural, partly supernatural.

1. Natural.

(1) The roots of his prosperity lay largely in himself. He was a man of correct instincts and good convictions. A man of worth and weight of character. By these he won the love and secured the co-operation of his people.

(2) He was wise in management.

2. Supernatural. “The Lord stablished the kingdom in his hand.” It was a reward of piety. He honoured God, and God honoured and exalted him. Lessons:

1. The union of prudence and piety. Each is helpful to the other; neither is sufficient without the other. Prudence gives tone and practicality to piety; piety gives sweetness and mellowness to prudence. Piety alone tends to feebleness and inefficiency; prudence alone inclines to coldness and covetousness. United they round out the character in beauty and strength.

2. Reform through religion and law. Jehoshaphat united the civil and religious power in securing national reform. How necessary is this union in the great struggle with intemperance and other moral defilements. (Monday Club Sermons.)

Related Commentaries of 2 Chronicles 17:1

2 Chronicles 17:1-19

1 And Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead, and strengthened himself against Israel.

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.

3 And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, 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.

5 Therefore the LORD stablished the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah broughta to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honour in abundance.

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.

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.

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, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people.

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.

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,b and cities of store.

13 And he had much business in the cities of Judah: and the men of war, mighty men of valour, 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 valour three hundred thousand.

15 And nextc to him 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 unto the LORD; and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of valour.

17 And of Benjamin; Eliada a mighty man of valour, and with him armed men with bow and 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.