Bible Commentaries
2 Chronicles 17

Verse 1

And. This chapter is supplementary to 1 Kings 22:41-43 .

strengthened himself. Without this we could not understand his subsequent alliances with the worst of Israel's kings ( 2Ch 18:1 , 2 Chronicles 18:2 ; 2 Chronicles 20:35 , 2 Chronicles 20:36 ).

Verse 2

fenced = fortified.

Asa . . . had taken (2 Chronicles 15:8 ).

Verse 3

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4 .

was with. Thus approving his strengthening himself against idolaters and idolatry.

the first ways: i.e. David's earlier ways were of faith.

Verse 4

God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4 .

Israel. The worship of the calves, and Baal.

Verse 5

brought . . . presents. In token of subjection and loyalty at beginning of reign (1 Samuel 10:27 . 1 Kings 10:25 ).

Verse 6

lifted up = encouraged.

he took away. But "the people" failed in their part (2 Chronicles 20:33 ; 1 Kings 22:43 ). Jehoshaphat did his by commanding that they should be taken away; not, of course, doing this with his own hands. Compare 2 Chronicles 19:3 .

groves. Hebrew the 'Asherim . See notes on Exodus 34:13 , and App-42 .

Verse 7

princes. These organized the Levites and priests (2 Chronicles 17:8 ) into a teaching mission. The first so recorded.

to teach. This was the special function of the priests. See notes on Deuteronomy 17:9-12 ; Deuteronomy 33:10 .

Verse 9

the book of the law. See note on Exodus 17:14 , and App-47 .

went about (2 Kings 23:2 .Nehemiah 8:3-18; Nehemiah 8:3-18 ).

Verse 10

fear = dread.

fell = came, or was.

Verse 13

had much business = was busily engaged.

and the men of. Hebrew, plural 'enosh. App-14 .

mighty men. Hebrew. gibbor.

Verse 14

three hundred thousand. So far from these numbers being exaggerated, they are a token of Jehovah's prospering grace. Jehoshaphat could muster 1,600,000; David, 1,300, 000.

Verse 15

next to him = under his direction. Hebrew "at his hand" (1 Chronicles 25:2 ).

Verse 17

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".

Verse 19

throughout all Judah. Compare 2 Chronicles 17:2 .