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 ).
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 .
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.
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 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 .