2 Chronicles 17: 1 – 19
Beware of those who come bearing gifts
17 Then Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his place and strengthened himself against Israel. 2 And he placed troops in all the fortified cities of Judah and set garrisons in the land of Judah and in the cities of Ephraim which Asa his father had taken. 3 Now the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the former 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 acts of Israel. 5 Therefore the LORD established the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah gave presents to Jehoshaphat, and he had riches and honor in abundance. 6 And his heart took delight in the ways of the LORD; moreover he removed the high places and wooden images from Judah. 7 Also in the third year of his reign he sent his leaders, Ben-Hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah. 8 And with them he sent Levites: Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tobadonijah—the Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, the priests. 9 So they taught in Judah and had the Book of the Law of the LORD with them; they went throughout all the cities of Judah and taught the people.10 And the fear of the LORD fell on all the kingdoms of the lands that were around Judah, so that they did not make war against Jehoshaphat. 11 Also some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents and silver as tribute; and the Arabians brought him flocks, seven thousand seven hundred rams and seven thousand seven hundred male goats. 12 So Jehoshaphat became increasingly powerful, and he built fortresses and storage cities in Judah. 13 He had much property in the cities of Judah; and the men of war, mighty men of valor, were in Jerusalem. 14 These are their numbers, according to their fathers’ houses. Of Judah, the captains of thousands: Adnah the captain, and with him three hundred thousand mighty men of valor; 15 and next to him was Jehohanan the captain, and with him two hundred and eighty thousand; 16 and next to him was Amasiah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself to the LORD, and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of valor. 17 Of Benjamin: Eliada a mighty man of valor, and with him two hundred thousand men armed with bow and shield; 18 and next to him was Jehozabad, and with him one hundred and eighty thousand prepared for war. 19 These served the king, besides those the king put in the fortified cities throughout all Judah.
Today we are going to look at the son of Asa who now becomes king. Asa was a good king who sadly failed in his later years in his faith and trust in The God of Israel, Yahweh. I
want to start off with a few verses from Proverbs 29 which I believe you will notice a lot of similarities in the life of Jehoshaphat.
“He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. 2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. 3 Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice, but a companion of harlots wastes his wealth. 4 The king establishes the land by justice, but he who receives bribes overthrows it. 5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet. 6 By transgression an evil man is snared, but the righteous sings and rejoices.”
As we go through this chapter of the book of 2 Chronicles you will note how the relationship of Proverbs 29 is related in their subject matter as they express truths that equip us to be discerning and sensible in a world that has abandon good sense.
King Asa was a good king for a while, but he let his position of king and all his success go to his head. We read in our last study this in chapter 16, “16 In the thirty-sixth year of the reign of Asa, Baasha king of Israel came up against Judah and built Ramah, that he might let none go out or come in to Asa king of Judah. 2 Then Asa brought silver and gold from the treasuries of the house of the LORD and of the king’s house, and sent to Ben-Hadad king of Syria, who dwelt in Damascus, saying, 3 “Let there be a treaty between you and me, as there was between my father and your father. See, I have sent you silver and gold; come, break your treaty with Baasha king of Israel, so that he will withdraw from me.” 4 So Ben-Hadad heeded King Asa, and sent the captains of his armies against the cities of Israel. They attacked Ijon, Dan, Abel Maim, and all the storage cities of Naphtali. 5 Now it happened, when Baasha heard it, that he stopped building Ramah and ceased his work. 6 Then King Asa took all Judah, and they carried away the stones and timber of Ramah, which Baasha had used for building; and with them he built Geba and Mizpah. 7 And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah and said to him: “Because you have relied on the king of Syria, and have not relied on the LORD your God, therefore the army of the king of Syria has escaped from your hand. 8 Were the Ethiopians and the Lubim not a huge army with very many chariots and horsemen? Yet, because you relied on the LORD, He delivered them into your hand. 9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. In this you have done foolishly; therefore from now on you shall have wars.” 10 Then Asa was angry with the seer, and put him in prison, for he was enraged at him because of this. And Asa oppressed some of the people at that time.”
Can you please note the match of verse 2 in Proverbs 29 which says, “2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.” For a while in his rulership as Asa called upon our Holy God Yahweh he and his kingdom were delivered from enemy invasion and our Gracious God poured out His blessings on this obedient king. Later in his life instead of going to our Great Deliverer he made a deal with a pagan king against his distant relatives in the North. Our Holy and Loving God was not happy with the scheme he came up with, so the discipline issued by our Holy God Yahweh caused Asa and the people to later groan at the outcome on making such a deal with unbelievers.
Later we see the 1st verse of Proverbs come to fact as Asa did not like being rebuked by a messenger from our Great Father God Yahweh. “He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.”
Asa was quite insulted at our Holy God for calling him out on his sin. So, what does he do? He throws our Holy Master’s Ambassador into prison. Ultimately things for Asa keep going downhill as our Omniscient Holy Ruler tries to get him to repent and come back to Him. It didn’t work as Asa passes off the scene and his son take over the kingship.
An advantage that Jehoshaphat had was that he grew up and witnessed the blessings that result in being wholly obedient to our Great God. So, having that good way engrained into his life he started off his kingship with good qualities.
We can see how verses 3 through 5 of Proverbs 29 come into play as the new king matches what is said here, “3 Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice, but a companion of harlots wastes his wealth. 4 The king establishes the land by justice, but he who receives bribes overthrows it. 5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet. 6 By transgression an evil man is snared, but the righteous sings and rejoices.”
We will see for a while Jehoshaphat follows fully the instructions of the only real and living God YHWH. We will then see how other nations take note when our God blesses us. So, they connive to reap the same benefits without believing in and trusting in our Holy Master by sending representative bearing gifts to be the kings’ friends.
A good ruler, by executing fair and equitable judgment, strengthens the confidence of the people and invokes their trust. However, a leader given to bribes (gifts), coercion and excessive taxation destroys the nation.
Hunters in ancient times would entrap a bird of prey or a beast with a net spread out on the ground, masked from view and seeded with bait that would tempt the prey to ignore its instinct of fear and caution. In that same manner, a wicked man entraps another with flattering words meant to induce desire and throw caution to the wind.
Be careful when one is given to excessive flattery…they may inflame your ego, but in the end ensnare your soul. As it is accurately said, ‘don’t fall for it.’
Significantly Jehoshaphat’s reign begins with the implied threat of an Israel seen as threatening Judah’s borders once again to such an extent that Jehoshaphat builds up his strength in readiness. Under Omri, and now under Ahab, Israel had become strong again. Indeed, the Moabite Stone tells us that Omri became strong enough to bring Moab into subjection, a situation initially continued by his son. He presumably left Judah alone because under Asa it was too strong for him.
Details of Jehoshaphat’s preparation are now given in the following verses. And it was this implied threat by Israel which may explain why later, when the opportunity offered, he sought to enter into a treaty relationship with Ahab like his dad did with the pagan king of Syria, failing to recognize that such a treaty relationship with an idolatrous king of Israel went totally contrary to his determination to take God’s Instruction (Torah, Law) to his people.
In doing so he was as guilty as Asa his father was when he entered a treaty relationship with Aram (Syria), something for which Asa was strongly rebuked. The implication is that what Jehoshaphat should have done was trust YHWH to enable him to defend his borders. That was why YHWH had made him strong.
17 Then Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his place and strengthened himself against Israel.
When Jehoshaphat began his sole reign in around 873 BC his first act was to build up Judah’s defenses against Israel. He clearly saw Israel as a potential threat. He thus set about strengthening his defense’s. He had good cause to do so. Judah were in possession of certain Ephraimite cities which Israel no doubt considered to be its own. Furthermore, the book of Kings tells us that at that time Israel had become strong enough under the rule of Omri to bring Moab into subjection, a strength increased even more by Ahab who in 853 BC was able to field the largest chariot force in the coalition formed with Aramean and other states to drive back Assyrian advances under Shalmaneser III. The assumption must be that it was only the threat of Aram (Syria) on its northern borders, and later in Transjordan, and the strength of Judah itself, that prevented an attempt to take back the cities of Ephraim, which would perhaps have had wider repercussions for Judah.
2 And he placed troops in all the fortified cities of Judah and set garrisons in the land of Judah and in the cities of Ephraim which Asa his father had taken.
Jehoshaphat placed large military units (‘forces’) in the fortified cities, and smaller military units (‘garrison’) throughout the land, including in the cities of Ephraim taken by his father Asa from Israel. He set the whole land in readiness for a possible invasion by Israel.
3 Now the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the former 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 acts of Israel.
Please note the words, ‘YHWH was with Jehoshaphat.’ AThis statement is a way of saying that his success was due to YHWH acting with him and on His behalf. His success and his prosperity largely arose because of his faithfulness to The Great and Wonderful God of Israel, YHWH.
Jehoshaphat walked in ‘the first ways’ of the house of David. He did not seek to the Baalim (a plural term, either as a plural of majesty or as a reference to the numbers of Baals found around Judah). Rather he sought to the God of his father (in context David, although it could indicate Asa), and walked in God’s commandments and not after the doings of Israel who had rejected God’s commandments. He had remained fully true to YHWH. And because of this faithfulness to our Holy Father Yahweh, our All Powerful and Gracious God was with him’. As Azariah had said to Asa, ‘YHWH is with you while you are with Him’. Because Jehoshaphat had remained true to YHWH, Yahweh was with him. This indicated that while he truly sought Yahweh, YHWH would continually act on his behalf, especially in defense of the realm.
5 Therefore the LORD established the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah gave presents to Jehoshaphat, and he had riches and honor in abundance.
And it was because YHWH was ‘with him’ that He established the kingdom under his hand. The whole of the kingdom was solidly with him. There was little dissension. And what was more, the people gladly paid their taxes, always the sign of a contented people. As a consequence he enjoyed both riches and honor. For a description of some of the tribute paid by all Israel to Solomon see 1 Kings 4.17-19, but all kings would have expected similar material support, even though they had royal lands on which they could draw. That he had ‘riches and honor in abundance’ was a sign that God was with him. ‘Riches and honor’ were regularly seen as the lot of those who wholly trust YHWH.
6 And his heart took delight in the ways of the LORD; moreover, he removed the high places and wooden images from Judah.
The heart can be lifted up in two ways, either in following the ways of YHWH or in pride and rebellion against YHWH. We must each decide what we set our hearts on. It is a contrast of attitudes. Jehoshaphat chose to set his heart on following YHWH’s ways, on doing His will and pleasing Him, and as we shall discover that had a consequence for his people as well, for he also sought to turn their hearts into the way of YHWH.
One of the results of this was that ‘he took away the high places and the Asherim out of Judah’. The high places were artificially lifted places in cities and towns, and sanctuaries in the mountains which could be found everywhere scattered around Judah introduced by Solomon. These were set apart for the worship of Baal and his consort Asherah. They encouraged idolatrous worship and the accompanying gross sexual malpractice. The Asherim were either wooden poles or wooden images which represented Asherah. The task of taking these high places away was a huge one. It was not so difficult in cities and towns where they could be easily identified, but without local help, which would often not be forthcoming, it was almost impossible to discover all the mountain sanctuaries. And even when they were discovered the stone pillars and wooden images could be removed, but the actual sanctuary, while it could be defiled, could not be removed. It was part of the landscape and remained in the local memory. Thus, the rooting out of such sanctuaries could not prevent them being established again once the destroyers had departed. Asa had spent his best efforts on the task. Jehoshaphat did the same. But in both cases, they necessarily failed to accomplish what they sought to do. Thus, it could be said of their reigns, ‘however the high places were not taken away’, not because they did not make the attempt, but because without the will of the whole people it was an impossible task.
7 Also in the third year of his reign he sent his leaders, Ben-Hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah.
Determining that he would ensure that his people truly followed YHWH, Jehoshaphat chose out five ‘princes’, tribal and clan leaders, to be personally involved in the implementation of the task of teaching in the cities of Judah. Their presence and authority would ensure that the people took notice of such a powerful influence. The intention was that all should see that the deputation had the government’s backing. The names of these princes were Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah. But while some of these names will be familiar to us, the persons behind the names are not. They are otherwise unknown to us. They would, however, have been familiar to the people in Jehoshaphat’s day. He was wisely leaving nothing to chance.
And as we shall see, along with them Jehoshaphat sent Levites and priests, who would be seen by true worshipers of Yahweh as the valid source from which to receive teaching concerning the Law of Moses. How far the princes themselves ‘taught’ is hard to be certain. Their presence would, however, give an added authority to the teaching. And as that teaching would no doubt incorporate within it government policy it is very probable that they involved themselves, at least to some extent, with the teaching.
This importance of the teaching of our Holy God’s Word is equally one of the most important concerns of my life. For all of you I want to encourage you to follow in what our Holy God has shown us. Please incorporate these same desires of mine;
1. To point out the importance of how great God’s Word is. It is truly alive and can change us fallen human beings to turn around our lives and follow God’s ways.
2. To point out the Greatness of our Holy Lord, Savior, Master and King Jesus Christ Is.
3. To encourage those who are seeking God that they gain all that they need to gain wisdom, knowledge, and understanding is by praying and seeking Him through His word.
4. To go share this Good News with others.
8 And with them he sent Levites: Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tobadonijah—the Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, the priests.
Along with the princes were sent eight Levites and two priests. They would be the Biblical authorities, and their names are given in detail. We know elsewhere in the scripture that priests and Levites were seen as having the responsibility for teaching the Law.
9 So they taught in Judah and had the Book of the Law of the LORD with them; they went throughout all the cities of Judah and taught the people.
The chosen men went out throughout all the cities of Judah teaching the people from the Book of the Law of YHWH.
It is noteworthy that they took ‘the book of the Law of YHWH’ with them, rather than teaching from memory. This would be taken from the Temple. It was clearly intended to underline the fact that what was being taught was ‘the word of YHWH’. It presented something physical and sacred to counteract the physical symbols of Baal and Asherah.
10 And the fear of the LORD fell on all the kingdoms of the lands that were around Judah, so that they did not make war against Jehoshaphat.
Because of Jehoshaphat’s godly activities YHWH was with him to such an extent that He made ‘the fear of YHWH’ fall on all the nations roundabout with the result that they made no war against Jehoshaphat and Judah. This description is regularly used to depict times when YHWH was positively acting on behalf of His people in order either to give victory or keep the peace.
So, in the same way as YHWH gave rest to Judah in the first few years of Asa’s reign (14.1, 5, 6), He did the same for Jehoshaphat.
11 Also some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents and silver as tribute; and the Arabians brought him flocks, seven thousand seven hundred rams and seven thousand seven hundred male goats.
So impressive was Jehoshaphat’s power and might, and so effective was ‘the fear of YHWH, that nations round about actually sought to ensure his friendship by voluntarily bringing him tribute. Thus, the Philistines on his western border brought him numerous gifts as well as silver, while the Arabians on his southern and south-western border brought him large flocks and herds of male sheep and goats, valuable for reproduction. (Israel were now strong and on his northern border, but were impressed enough to leave him in peace, while Moab to the east was in subjection to Israel).
12 So Jehoshaphat became increasingly powerful, and he built fortresses and storage cities in Judah.
As with previous kings Jehoshaphat’s growing strength is depicted in terms massive building projects. These were, of course, essential for warding off the danger of invasion, and for containing the growing wealth of the nation. The fortresses he built were for defense. The store cities housed the abundance of provisions required by the king in order, among other things, to feed himself, his court, his local representatives and his standing army.
13 He had much property in the cities of Judah; and the men of war, mighty men of valor, were in Jerusalem.
Along with his workers in the cities of Judah were his valiant men of war in Jerusalem, which were additional to his men of war scattered throughout the land.
14 These are their numbers, according to their fathers’ houses. Of Judah, the captains of thousands: Adnah the captain, and with him three hundred thousand mighty men of valor; 15 and next to him was Jehohanan the captain, and with him two hundred and eighty thousand; 16 and next to him was Amasiah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself to the LORD, and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of valor. 17 Of Benjamin: Eliada a mighty man of valor, and with him two hundred thousand men armed with bow and shield; 18 and next to him was Jehozabad, and with him one hundred and eighty thousand prepared for war. 19 These served the king, besides those the king put in the fortified cities throughout all Judah.
‘This was the numbering of soldiers ready for battle.’ Either the numbering of all Jehoshaphat’s armed forces in both the cities and garrisons of Judah and in Jerusalem, or of the numbers at Jerusalem itself. The numbers are divided between men of Judah and men of Benjamin (i.e. according to their fathers’ houses), who together made up wider Judah.
The names of the commanders of the military units of Judah are now given along with an enumeration of the units which they commanded. Between them they commanded seven hundred and eighty thousand soldiers.
The first Judean commander was Adnah who commanded the largest fighting force. He had 300 hundred thousand men ready for battle under his control. All were powerful warriors.
The second Judean commander was Jehohanan. He commanded 280 thousand. The implication is that they too were ‘might men of valor’.
The third Judean commander was Amasiah, the son of Zichri. This latter description suggests that he was from an important family. He commanded 200 thousand. It is expressly stated of him that he willingly offered himself to YHWH, but the description is probably intended to apply to all the commanders. All had committed themselves to the service of YHWH. This was what made them invincible. Happy indeed is the one who can be described as having ‘willingly offered himself to YHWH’. He can be sure that he will gain the victory. They put their hope and trust in our Holy God Yahweh.
We are now given information concerning the Benjamite contingent. This was divided into two sections, one section under Eliada which consisted of bowmen, and the other under Jehozabad which consisted of armed warriors. Being ‘prepared for war’ indicates being well armed.
The first was under Eliada, a powerful warrior. He commanded 200 large military units consisting of bowmen. The men of Benjamin were famed for their use of the sling and the bow (1 Chronicles 12.2). They would require their shields for protection against missiles directed at them.
The second Benjamite section was under Jehozabad. He was in command of the more general Benjamite warriors armed for war.
‘These’ probably refers to the commanders whose names are given. They would form part of the king’s military council, being superior to the commanders scattered throughout Judah.
