While Eliada of last verse was for Benjamin, Professor Dr. Murphy supposes that Jehozabad was for the annexed part of Ephraim. But no suppositions of this kind can avail to explain the numbers in the text, which is no doubt corrupt. read more
The reign of Jehoshaphat (17:1-20:37)Jehoshaphat carried on the reform that Asa began, by destroying all the Baal shrines that remained in Judah (17:1-6; cf. 15:17). Positively, he educated the people in the law of God by forming an official group of instructors whom he sent around Judah’s towns and villages. The group consisted of civil leaders, priests and Levites (7-9). He also fortified Judah’s defences and enlarged its army, so that neighbouring countries feared to attack it... read more
next to him = under his direction. Hebrew "at his hand" (1 Chronicles 25:2 ). read more
With bow and shield. Figure of speech Zeugma ( App-6 ), by which the second verb is omitted. If we supply the first, the second follows: "[armed] with bow and [using] shield". read more
D. Jehoshaphat chs. 17-20This account of Jehoshaphat’s rule reveals that God was then actively leading His people. These were the years of alliance with Israel, and Ahab was on the throne of the Northern Kingdom.The Chronicler deliberately presented Jehoshaphat’s record very similarly to the way he recounted Asa’s experiences. In chapters 17-20, as in 14-16, we have a series of contrasts that teach the same lessons. These lessons are the importance of depending on Yahweh and being loyal to Him... read more
2. The strength of Jehoshaphat’s kingdom 17:7-19This survey of the king’s administrative accomplishments is not in Kings. Jehoshaphat sent teachers of the Mosaic Law throughout Judah to enable the people to know God’s will (2 Chronicles 17:7-9). Thus he fortified his nation spiritually as well as physically. God blessed this effort to glorify Him by putting the fear of the Lord in Judah’s enemies (2 Chronicles 17:11). Again we see Gentiles bringing gifts to the Davidic king who walked in the... read more
Reign of JehoshaphatAn account of a mission of Levites to teach the Law, and of the king’s army.The particulars of Jehoshaphat’s reign here given are additional to those contained in 1 Kings 22:41-50.1. Strengthened himself against Israel] Jehoshaphat came to the throne in the fourth year of Ahab, and it is probable that some interval elapsed before he made peace with him, as recorded in 1 Kings 22:44.2. Which Asa.. taken] see 2 Chronicles 15:8, and note.3. His father David] LXX omits ’David,’... read more
(15) Next to him.—At his hand, i.e., beside him, and subordinate to him. (Comp. 1 Chronicles 25:2.) read more
(16) Amasiah.—Iah carrieth (Isaiah 40:11); different from Amaziah (Iah is strong).Who willingly offered himself unto the Lord.—(Judges 5:2; Judges 5:9.) An allusion to some noble act of self-devotion, which was doubtless more fully recorded in the source from which the chronicler has drawn this brief account. Such allusions, though no longer intelligible, are important as conducing to the proof of the historical value of the narratives in which they occur. LXX., ὁ προθυμούμενος τῷ κυρίῳ: Vulg.,... read more
Get Bible verse every day in your inbox
Read on Mobile
The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Chronicles 17:17
Of Benjamin … armed men with bow and shield (see 2 Chronicles 14:8 , and note thereunder). read more