Bible Commentaries
2 Chronicles 17

Verses 1-19

With the accession of Jehoshaphat a period of definite reformation for Judah commenced. In this chapter we have, first, the account of his own relationship to God, and the resulting blessing that came to him. Then follows an interesting account of what in these latter times would be called special missions, arranged by the king, and conducted through the cities of Judah by representatives of the princes, the Levites, and the priests.

Jehoshaphat put into practice himself, and by these special methods provoked his people to put into practice, the principle which Azariah had declared to his father. Coincident with this activity within, a remarkable fear of the Lord fell on the people without, so that they ceased to make war on Jehoshaphat. Thus God was with the man who was with Him, and the result was opportunity to strengthen the kingdom within by building castles and cities, by commerce, and by carrying out many works.