Jehoshaphat Is King of Judah
2 Chronicles 17, verse 1. Then Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his place and strengthened himself against Israel. 2 Chronicles 17, verse 2. He placed troops in all the fortified cities of Judah, and set captains in the land of Judah and in the cities of Ephraim which Asa his father had taken. 2 Chronicles 17, verse 3. Now the Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the former ways of his father David and did not seek idols, 2 Chronicles 17, verse 4. but sought the Lord God of his father and walked in His commandments, and not according to the deeds of Israel. 2 Chronicles 17, verse 5. Therefore the Lord guided the kingdom by his hand. And all Judah brought gifts to Jehoshaphat, and he had great wealth and honor. 2 Chronicles 17, verse 6. His heart took delight in the ways of the Lord. And moreover, he removed the high places and groves from the land of Judah. 2 Chronicles 17, verse 7. And in the third year of his reign, he sent his leaders and the sons of the mighty men, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah. 2 Chronicles 17, verse 8. And with them he sent Levites, Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah—the Levites. And with them were the priests Elishama and Jehoram. 2 Chronicles 17, verse 9. So they taught in Judah, and had the Book of the Law of the Lord with them. They went through the cities of Judah and taught the people.
Jehoshaphat's Strength
2 Chronicles 17, verse 10. And the fear of the Lord fell on all the kingdoms of the lands around Judah, so they did not make war against Jehoshaphat. 2 Chronicles 17, verse 11. And some of the foreigners brought Jehoshaphat presents and silver as tribute, and the Arabians brought him flocks—seven thousand seven hundred rams. 2 Chronicles 17, verse 12. So Jehoshaphat became increasingly powerful, and he built fortresses and fortified cities in Judah. 2 Chronicles 17, verse 13. He had great works in Judah, and in Jerusalem men of war, mighty men of valor. 2 Chronicles 17, verse 14. These are their numbers by their fathers’ houses: of Judah, the captains of thousands, Adnah the captain, and with him three hundred thousand mighty men of valor; 2 Chronicles 17, verse 15. and with him was Jehohanan the captain, and with him were two hundred eighty thousand; 2 Chronicles 17, verse 16. and with him was Amasiah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself to the Lord, and with him were two hundred thousand mighty men of valor. 2 Chronicles 17, verse 17. From Benjamin came Eliada, a mighty man of valor, and with him were two hundred thousand men armed with bow and shield. 2 Chronicles 17, verse 18. And with him was Jehozabad, who brought one hundred eighty thousand prepared for war. 2 Chronicles 17, verse 19. These served the king in addition to those the king put in the fortified cities throughout Judah.