2 Chronicles 17:1-19 (October 4, 2025)

Jehoshaphat Reigns in Judah

17:1 Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his place and strengthened himself against Israel. 2 He placed forces in all the fortified cities of Judah and set garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim that Asa his father had captured. 3 The Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David. He did not seek the Baals, 4 but sought the God of his father and walked in his commandments, and not according to the practices of Israel. 5 Therefore the Lord established the kingdom in his hand. And all Judah brought tribute to Jehoshaphat, and he had great riches and honor. 6 His heart was courageous in the ways of the Lord. And furthermore, he took the high places and the Asherim out of Judah.

7 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; and with these Levites, the priests Elishama and Jehoram. 9 And they taught in Judah, having the Book of the Law of the Lord with them. They went about through all the cities of Judah and taught among the people.

10 And the fear of the Lord fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were around Judah, and they made no war against Jehoshaphat. 11 Some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents and silver for tribute, and the Arabians also brought him 7,700 rams and 7,700 goats. 12 And Jehoshaphat grew steadily greater. He built in Judah fortresses and store cities, 13 and he had large supplies in the cities of Judah. He had soldiers, mighty men of valor, in Jerusalem. 14 This was the muster of them by fathers' houses: Of Judah, the commanders of thousands: Adnah the commander, with 300,000 mighty men of valor; 15 and next to him Jehohanan the commander, with 280,000; 16 and next to him Amasiah the son of Zichri, a volunteer for the service of the Lord, with 200,000 mighty men of valor. 17 Of Benjamin: Eliada, a mighty man of valor, with 200,000 men armed with bow and shield; 18 and next to him Jehozabad with 180,000 armed for war. 19 These were in the service of the king, besides those whom the king had placed in the fortified cities throughout all Judah.

Obedience and Blessings

Summary

Jehoshaphat, Asa’s son, became king after Asa’s death and strengthened Judah against Israel:

The Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the ways of David and did not seek the Baals (17:3–4). His heart was courageous in the ways of the Lord, and he removed the high places and Asherim from Judah (17:6).

In the third year of his reign, Jehoshaphat sent officials, Levites, and priests throughout Judah to teach the Book of the Law of the Lord (17:7–9). As a result, the fear of the Lord fell on the surrounding kingdoms, and they did not make war against Judah (17:10). Even Philistines and Arabians brought tribute, showing God’s blessing on Jehoshaphat’s reign (17:11).

Jehoshaphat grew steadily greater, building fortresses and store cities in Judah, and organizing a large, well-equipped army—over one million men in total (17:12–19).

Who is God?

God is the covenant Lord who establishes His people when they walk in His ways. He is not indifferent to idolatry. The Chronicler highlights Jehoshaphat’s courage in removing the Asherim—wooden symbols of fertility worship linked to the goddess Asherah, often placed beside altars of Baal (Deut. 16:21). God delights in such obedience, for He will not share His glory with idols.

At the same time, God blesses His people when they honor His Word. By sending Levites and priests to teach the Law, Jehoshaphat placed God’s Word at the center of national life. The result was peace, stability, and even respect from surrounding nations. God alone gives true security, not human power.

What is our guilt?

We are guilty of tolerating our own “Asherah poles.” Though we may not bow before wooden idols, we often set up cultural idols of wealth, pleasure, influence, or personal freedom. Like ancient Judah, we can be tempted to accommodate what God forbids because confronting it feels too costly.

We are also guilty of neglecting God’s Word. Jehoshaphat ensured that all of Judah was taught the Law, but how often do we neglect Scripture in our churches, families, or personal lives? We want peace and blessing, but often without the obedience of seeking God’s Word or removing idols.

How does grace shine?

Grace shines in Christ, the greater King. Jehoshaphat tore down wooden idols; Christ bore the curse on the wooden cross, triumphing over sin and idolatry once for all. He is the living Word who teaches us and sends us His Spirit so that we may walk in obedience.

Where Jehoshaphat brought temporary peace, Christ gives eternal peace with God. Where Judah was blessed because of one faithful king, we are blessed in Christ, the perfectly obedient King whose reign never ends.

Prayer

O Lord, you are the God who establishes your people and blesses those who walk in your ways. We confess that we often trust in numbers, strategies, or idols rather than your Word and Spirit. Forgive us for our complacency and unbelief.

Thank you for Jesus Christ, the true King, who rules with wisdom, teaches us your truth, and secures our peace by His cross. Teach us to walk courageously in your ways, to love your Word, and to trust your strength above all.

In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.