2 Chronicles 17
Meaning of 2 Chronicles 17
2 Chronicles 17 is a passage from the Christian Bible’s Old Testament. Most specifically, this is a book in the section of the Bible known as historical books. This passage focuses on the reign of Jehoshaphat, who was king of Judah.
At the beginning of the chapter, Jehoshaphat, son of Asa, becomes king and strengthens Judah’s defences against Israel. Jehoshaphat is noted for his commitment to God, removing the idolatrous shrines and encouraging the people to seek the true God of their ancestors.
In verse 7, Jehoshaphat sends officials, Levites, and priests throughout his kingdoms to teach the people the Laws of God, thereby instituting religious reform in Judah. It’s especially notable because he not only wanted to obey God’s laws himself but wanted to ensure that his people also knew and understood these laws.
The result of Jehoshaphat’s commitment to God was that God established and strengthened his kingdom. He had great wealth and much honor, and he was respected and feared by surrounding nations, who brought him tribute. The chapter describes a well-organized, powerful, and godly administration.
In summary, 2 Chronicles 17 is an account of King Jehoshaphat’s reign, highlighting his devotion to God, his efforts to guide his people towards religious observance, and the peace and prosperity he achieved as a result.
2 Chronicles 17 kjv
2 Chronicles 17 is a chapter in the Bible, specifically in the Old Testament, which forms part of the history of the Jewish people as recorded by the chronicler. This chapter primarily focuses on the reign of Jehoshaphat, who was the king of Judah. Here is the explanation of key points covered in the chapter:
1. Jehoshaphat’s Reign (17:1–2): Jehoshaphat, the son of Asa, became the king of Judah and strengthened himself against Israel. 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.
2. Jehoshaphat’s Faithfulness (17:3–6): Jehoshaphat followed the ways of his father, David. He did not indulge in the worship of Baals but sought the God of his father, following His commands rather than the practices of Israel. His heart was courageous in the ways of the Lord.
3. Jehoshaphat’s Reforms (17:7–9): In the third year of his reign, Jehoshaphat sent his officials, along with Levites and priests, to teach in the cities of Judah. They taught the Book of the Law of the Lord throughout Judah.
4. Effects of Jehoshaphat’s Reforms (17:10–11): The fear of the Lord fell on all the kingdoms of the lands surrounding Judah, and they did not make war with Jehoshaphat. Some Philistines and Arabs brought him tribute as a sign of submission.
5. Jehoshaphat’s Power and Wealth (17:12–19): Jehoshaphat became increasingly powerful and built fortresses and store cities in Judah. He had many supplies in the towns of Judah and had soldiers, valiant men, in Jerusalem.
This chapter emphasizes Jehoshaphat’s commitment to God and his efforts to instill religious obedience among his people, which brought him peace and prosperity during his reign.
2 Chronicles 17 nkjv
2 Chronicles Chapter 17 in the New King James Version (NKJV) describes the reign of Jehoshaphat, who ruled Judah. He was the son of Asa and Azubah and proved to be a faithful and righteous king.
Jehoshaphat strengthened his kingdom against the nation of Israel. He stationed troops in all strategically important cities in Judah, and garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the towns Ephraim that his father Asa had captured. Jehoshaphat sought God and observed His commandments, unlike the Kingdom of Israel.
The Lord established Jehoshaphat’s kingdom in his control; all Judah brought him tributes, and he had a great wealth and honour. His heart took delights in the ways of the LORD, he even removed the high places and asherah poles from Judah.
In the third year of his reign he sent his officials to teach in the cities of Judah, they taught the Book of the Law of the LORD throughout Judah. The kingdom lived in peace, because God had given him rest on every side.
So Jehoshaphat’s kingdom was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side. His rule spread far and wide, and he was not at war with any other rulers. Also, there were no more idolatrous shrines left in the land because Jehoshaphat had been steadfast in his dedication to God.
In the latter part of the chapter, Jehoshaphat’s might is described. He had a large army organized in a very military fashion. They were prepared to battle and serve the king, with their numbers reaching into the hundreds of thousands.
This chapter, therefore, recognizes Jehoshaphat’s devotion to God, the efforts he made to teach his people about God, the peace and prosperity during his reign, and his military might. It emphasizes the blessings one could receive from being faithful and obedient to God.
2 Chronicles 17 niv
Second Chronicles 17 from the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible outlines the reign of Jehoshaphat, the son of Asa, as king of Judah.
In the beginning of the chapter, Jehoshaphat starts to reign over Judah, reinforcing his kingdom against Israel by building fortresses and storing supplies in various cities. He promotes worship of the Lord, commands his officials to teach the laws of God in all the towns of Judah, and prevents any pagan religions to spread.
The chapter indicates that the Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the ways of his father David before him and did not consult Baal gods. He sought God’s advice, followed His commandments, and not according to the practices of Israel.
His commitment to the LORD God of Israel led to him becoming a powerful king, which even made surrounding nations fear the kingdom of Judah. They did not wage war against Jehoshaphat and some even brought him supplies and gifts.
Jehoshaphat also organised a strong, well-disciplined army, which was prepared for battle and divided into multiple corps, each led by a commander. He also had much wealth and honor.
Therefore, 2 Chronicles 17 can be seen as a testament to the rewards of faithfulness to God and the establishment of a strong and just kingdom under God’s laws.
What is 2 Chronicles 17 all about?
2 Chronicles 17 is about the reign of King Jehoshaphat of Judah. The chapter records the actions taken by Jehoshaphat to establish his kingdom and to strengthen his position. Jehoshaphat begins his rein by taking steps to secure his kingdom against the kingdom of Israel. He placed troops in the fortified cities of Judah, appointed military commanders and took a great interest in strengthening his army.
Jehoshaphat also sought to promote the worship of God in his kingdom. He sent officials, along with Levites and priests, throughout the towns of Judah to teach the people the Law of the Lord. His heart was devoted to the ways of the Lord and moreover he removed the high places and the Asherah poles from Judah.
Because of this, Jehoshaphat was blessed by God. His kingdom was established and his power increased. The fear of the Lord fell on the surrounding kingdoms, so they did not make war against Jehoshaphat. Some of the Philistines even brought him gifts and silver as tribute, and the Arabs brought him flocks.
This chapter ends with a description of Jehoshaphat’s power and wealth, stating that he had much property in the cities of Judah and soldiers, mighty men of valor, in Jerusalem.
What does 2 Chronicles 17 teaches?
2 Chronicles 17 is a chapter in the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament. The central figure in this chapter is Jehoshaphat, who was the son of Asa and is the king of Judah. Here are a few key lessons that can be drawn from this chapter:
1. Trust and Obey God: Jehoshaphat fully trusted God, walked in His commandments and not in the practices of Israel. He obeyed the laws of God and led his people to do the same. This resulted in him receiving divine blessings and becoming powerful.
2. Be a Good Leader: Jehoshaphat is portrayed as a good and effective leader who did not just rule, but led by good example. He sent his princes, along with Levites and priests, throughout the kingdom to teach the Book of the Law to the people. This shows that a good leader should educate and lead their people in the right path.
3. Blessings Come from God: As Jehoshaphat sought God sincerely and walked in His ways, God established his kingdom and he was blessed with riches and fame. This teaches us that genuine prosperity and success come from God.
4. God Protects His Devoted People: God helped Jehoshaphat to have peace in his kingdom so that his enemies did not want to make war against him. This reinforces that God protects those who are truly devoted to Him.
5. Importance of Preparing for Battle: Even in times of peace, Jehoshaphat understood the importance of being prepared for any future battles. He equipped his army well. This can teach us the importance of always being prepared, even when things are going well.
Remember, the application of these lessons can vary depending on personal belief and religious interpretation. It’s always good to do a personal study or discuss with a religious leader for deeper understanding.
A Sermon on 2 Chronicles 17
2 Chronicles 17 is a chapter in the Old Testament of the Bible that recounts the reign of Jehoshaphat in the kingdom of Judah. This chapter can be interpreted and explained in many ways depending on one’s theological orientation, but here’s a general interpretation:
The sermon on 2 Chronicles 17 could be broken down into the following themes:
1. Becoming a Righteous Leader: In verses 1-6, Jehoshaphat, as the king of Judah, demonstrates his devotion to God by strengthening the military and spiritual defenses of the kingdom. He rejected the idolatrous practices of the nations around him and sought to follow the commandments of God. The trait of Jehoshaphat being a righteous leader can be discussed in a sermon to inspire individuals in leadership roles to lead with integrity and in accordance with God’s guidance.
2. Importance of Judicial Integrity: In verse 6, Jehoshaphat’s removal of the Asherah poles signifies removal of corruption and perversity suggesting the significance of justice and fair judgment in the society.
3. Teaching the Law of God: Verses 7-9 show Jehoshaphat sending princes, Levites, and priests to teach in the cities of Judah. They took the Book of the Law with them and educated the people. Lessons from this passage can be used to emphasize the importance of knowing God’s word and sharing that knowledge with others.
4. Blessings and Prosperity through Obedience: The remainder of the chapter (verses 10-19) outlines the blessings and prosperity that Jehoshaphat and the land of Judah experienced due to their obedience to God. Jehoshaphat prospers as his kingdom is at peace and he is able to build fortresses and store cities in Judah, representing the abundant blessings that God bestows upon those who diligently follow His commandments.
5. The power of Faith: Jehoshaphat’s faith in God brings him riches and respect. When you put your faith in God and walk in His ways, you receive blessings and protection that exceed any human expectation.
Therefore, a sermon based on these verses could emphasize the importance of doing what is righteous in the sight of God, spreading God’s word, seeking justice, and remaining obedient to God to receive blessings and prosperity.
Key people in 2 Chronicles 17
2 Chronicles 17 primarily introduces and focuses on one key person:
1. Jehoshaphat: Jehoshaphat was the son of King Asa of Judah. The beginning of 2 Chronicles 17 elaborates on Jehoshaphat’s reign, detailing how he strengthened Judah against Israel, placed forces and garrisons in all the fortified cities of Judah, and removed the high places and sacred poles from Judah. This chapter also elaborates on Jehoshaphat’s devotion to the Lord, demonstrating his commitment to encouraging the study and practice of the law throughout his kingdom. Jehoshaphat’s reign was considered prosperous and blessed due to his obedience and faith in God.
Even though they are not key figures, it’s worth mentioning that some people were listed as part of Jehoshaphat’s court or administration, including some officers, commanders, officials, and educators of the Law of the Lord. However, their specific individual actions are not detailed in 2 Chronicles 17.
Real world examples on 2 Chronicles 17
In 2 Chronicles 17 of the Bible, we see the reign of Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, which can be used to draw numerous examples or lessons relevant to our modern life. Here are two real-world examples:
1. Leadership: Jehoshaphat is described as a king who “sought the God of his father and followed his commands rather than the practices of Israel”. He focused on the truth and encouraged his people to follow God’s commands. In real-world terms, this could be an example for all kinds of leaders, like CEOs, managers or even parents, who should lead by creating a culture of integrity and ethical behavior. Just like Jehoshaphat, they can inspire and create a positive and ethical environment by setting good examples themselves.
2. Education: Jehoshaphat sent his officials, along with Levites and priests, to teach in the cities of Judah. They taught the people using the “Book of the Law of the Lord.” This could parallel the importance of education and spreading knowledge in our society. It’s a reminder that leaders (in whatever capacity: political, religious, educational) should prioritize educating others about laws, ethics, moral decisions, and principles, and that knowledge is meant to be shared and disseminated for the benefit of everyone.
Remember, while these interpretations provide a modern context, their exact application may vary depending on individual perspectives and belief systems.
Brief Explanation of 2 Chronicles 17
2 Chronicles 17 is part of the Old Testament, set in the time of the kings of Judah, and in this chapter, it focuses on the reign of Jehoshaphat.
When Jehoshaphat, son of Asa, becomes king of Judah, he strengthens his kingdom against Israel, placing troops and fortifications in Judah’s cities. Jehoshaphat is described as following the commandments of God, unlike the kings of Israel.
This chapter also highlights that Jehoshaphat created a program of religious education in the kingdom, sending his officials, priests, and Levites teaching in Judah and Jerusalem, with the Book of the Law. This helped the kingdom to prosper, and Jehoshaphat became more powerful and attained considerable wealth and earned respect among the surrounding nations, some of whom paid tribute to him.
Fear of God fell on the neighboring kingdoms so that they did not make war on Jehoshaphat, bringing peace and blessing to his reign. He further organized his kingdom by establishing courts and officers throughout the towns of Judah. In this chapter, Jehoshaphat is portrayed as a godly king committed to the laws of Moses and to maintaining peace and justice throughout his realm.
Frequently asked questions for 2 Chronicles 17
As an AI, I’ll provide a general overview of some common themes and potential questions about 2 Chronicles 17. However, I don’t have information about specific questions that are frequently asked about this chapter. Here are some questions that come up in relation to various themes in 2 Chronicles 17:
1. Who is Jehoshaphat?
Jehoshaphat is the king of Judah, the southern kingdom of the divided Israel after Solomon’s reign. He is considered one of the good kings who sought God and walked in His commandments.
2. What were the reforms that King Jehoshaphat implemented during his reign?
The Bible mentioned that Jehoshaphat took great pride in aligning his ways with God’s by removing the high places and Asherah poles from Judah. He also sent officials, Levites, and priests throughout Judah to teach the Book of the Law to the people.
3. What is the importance of the Book of Law in 2 Chronicles 17?
The Book of Law refers to the Torah, the primary sacred text in Judaism. Jehoshaphat’s decision to teach the Book of Law to the people of Judah signifies his intention to guide his kingdom according to God’s teachings.
4. Why did Jehoshaphat establish a military force?
Jehoshaphat recognized the potential threats from surrounding nations. The establishment of a trained, well-equipped military was to prepare for any potential attacks.
5. What can we learn from Jehoshaphat’s rule?
Jehoshaphat’s rule is presented as an exemplar, highlighting that success and God’s favor were linked to faithfulness and obedience to God. It reflects an important biblical theme: the connection between blessings and adherence to God’s commandments.
Remember that biblical interpretation often requires consideration of the text within its larger context. It may also be influenced by one’s individual faith tradition and theological beliefs.
Possible References for 2 Chronicles 17
The book of 2 Chronicles, located in the Old Testament of the Bible, outlines the rule of Solomon and the line of kings that followed him in the kingdom of Judah. 2 Chronicles 17, specifically, revolves around the reign of King Jehoshaphat.
Here are potential references from 2 Chronicles 17:
1. 2 Chronicles 17:1-2: This introduces us to King Jehoshaphat of Judah who strengthened himself against Israel.
2. 2 Chronicles 17:3-6: It talks about Jehoshaphat’s loyalty and faithfulness to God, showing how he chose to follow the teachings of God rather than practice the wickedness seen in kings before him. It’s also mentioned that the Lord established the kingdom in his control because of his obedience.
3. 2 Chronicles 17:7-9: The king ensured that everyone in his Kingdom knew and obeyed God’s laws. He sent officials, Levites, and priests throughout the cities of Judah to teach the people God’s laws.
4. 2 Chronicles 17:10-11: Given the respect Jehoshaphat had for God’s laws and his act of sharing these laws with the people, neighboring nations and even the Philistines brought him gifts and tribute.
5. 2 Chronicles 17:12-19: These verses highlight how Jehoshaphat’s obedience to God made him powerful. He fortified the cities of Judah and established a strong military.
This chapter, in essence, grapples with themes of obedience and faithfulness to God, leadership, education of the divine law, and the resulting prosperity and strength that come as blessings from God. Different references or allusions to this chapter in sermons, studies, or other biblical texts might use it to discuss these themes.
Conclusion on 2 Chronicles 17
2 Chronicles 17 is a part of the Old Testament of the Bible, focusing on the reign of Jehoshaphat, King of Judah. The conclusion of this chapter highlights the prosperity, strength, and religious dedication of Jehoshaphat’s rule over Judah.
The chapter ends with the description of Jehoshaphat’s military might, noting his large army, fortified cities, and stored provisions. Moreover, it praises his religious faith and dedication to the Lord. Jehoshaphat is depicted as a godly king who seeks to root out idolatry from his kingdom and encourages his people to seek and follow the Lord God of their ancestors. He sends officials, Levites, and priests throughout Judah to teach the people God’s commands.
Finally, the text notes how the fear of the Lord fell on surrounding kingdoms, so they did not wage war against Jehoshaphat. Some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat gifts and silver as a tribute and the Arabs brought him flocks.
In conclusion, 2 Chronicles 17 showcases the strength, prosperity, and religious fervor during King Jehoshaphat’s rule, emphasizing his success in solidifying both physical defenses and spiritual commitment among the people. It also hints at the significant respect and fear he commanded among the neighboring kingdoms. Thus, Jehoshaphat’s reign is portrayed as a time of relative peace, strength, and piety.