1. καὶ ἐβασίλευσεν Ιωσαφατ υἱὸς αὐτοῦ ἀντ’ αὐτοῦ καὶ κατίσχυσεν Ιωσαφατ ἐπὶ τὸν Ισραηλ
2. καὶ ἔδωκεν δύναμιν ἐν πάσαις ταῖς πόλεσιν Ιουδα ταῖς ὀχυραῖς καὶ κατέστησεν ἡγουμένους ἐν πάσαις ταῖς πόλεσιν Ιουδα καὶ ἐν πόλεσιν Εφραιμ ἃς προκατελάβετο Ασα ὁ πατὴρ αὐτοῦ
3. καὶ ἐγένετο κύριος μετὰ Ιωσαφατ ὅτι ἐπορεύθη ἐν ὁδοῖς τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτοῦ ταῖς πρώταις καὶ οὐκ ἐξεζήτησεν τὰ εἴδωλα
4. ἀλλὰ κύριον τὸν θεὸν τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτοῦ ἐξεζήτησεν καὶ ἐν ταῖς ἐντολαῖς τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτοῦ ἐπορεύθη καὶ οὐχ ὡς τοῦ Ισραηλ τὰ ἔργα
5. καὶ κατηύθυνεν κύριος τὴν βασιλείαν ἐν χειρὶ αὐτοῦ καὶ ἔδωκεν πᾶς Ιουδα δῶρα τῷ Ιωσαφατ καὶ ἐγένετο αὐτῷ πλοῦτος καὶ δόξα πολλή
6. καὶ ὑψώθη καρδία αὐτοῦ ἐν ὁδῷ κυρίου καὶ ἔτι ἐξῆρεν τὰ ὑψηλὰ καὶ τὰ ἄλση ἀπὸ τῆς γῆς Ιουδα
7. καὶ ἐν τῷ τρίτῳ ἔτει τῆς βασιλείας αὐτοῦ ἀπέστειλεν τοὺς ἡγουμένους αὐτοῦ καὶ τοὺς υἱοὺς τῶν δυνατῶν τὸν Αβδιαν καὶ Ζαχαριαν καὶ Ναθαναηλ καὶ Μιχαιαν διδάσκειν ἐν πόλεσιν Ιουδα
8. καὶ μετ’ αὐτῶν οἱ Λευῖται Σαμουιας καὶ Ναθανιας καὶ Ζαβδιας καὶ Ασιηλ καὶ Σεμιραμωθ καὶ Ιωναθαν καὶ Αδωνιας καὶ Τωβιας οἱ Λευῖται καὶ μετ’ αὐτῶν Ελισαμα καὶ Ιωραμ οἱ ἱερεῖς
9. καὶ ἐδίδασκον ἐν Ιουδα καὶ μετ’ αὐτῶν βύβλος νόμου κυρίου καὶ διῆλθον ἐν ταῖς πόλεσιν Ιουδα καὶ ἐδίδασκον τὸν λαόν
10. καὶ ἐγένετο ἔκστασις κυρίου ἐπὶ πάσαις ταῖς βασιλείαις τῆς γῆς ταῖς κύκλῳ Ιουδα καὶ οὐκ ἐπολέμουν πρὸς Ιωσαφατ
11. καὶ ἀπὸ τῶν ἀλλοφύλων ἔφερον τῷ Ιωσαφατ δῶρα καὶ ἀργύριον καὶ δόματα καὶ οἱ Ἄραβες ἔφερον αὐτῷ κριοὺς προβάτων ἑπτακισχιλίους ἑπτακοσίους
12. καὶ ἦν Ιωσαφατ πορευόμενος μείζων ἕως εἰς ὕψος καὶ ᾠκοδόμησεν οἰκήσεις ἐν τῇ Ιουδαίᾳ καὶ πόλεις ὀχυράς
13. καὶ ἔργα πολλὰ ἐγένετο αὐτῷ ἐν τῇ Ιουδαίᾳ καὶ ἄνδρες πολεμισταὶ δυνατοὶ ἰσχύοντες ἐν Ιερουσαλημ
14. καὶ οὗτος ἀριθμὸς αὐτῶν κατ’ οἴκους πατριῶν αὐτῶν τῷ Ιουδα χιλίαρχοι Εδνας ὁ ἄρχων καὶ μετ’ αὐτοῦ υἱοὶ δυνατοὶ δυνάμεως τριακόσιαι χιλιάδες
15. καὶ μετ’ αὐτὸν Ιωαναν ὁ ἡγούμενος καὶ μετ’ αὐτοῦ διακόσιαι ὀγδοήκοντα χιλιάδες
16. καὶ μετ’ αὐτὸν Αμασιας ὁ τοῦ Ζαχρι ὁ προθυμούμενος τῷ κυρίῳ καὶ μετ’ αὐτοῦ διακόσιαι χιλιάδες δυνατοὶ δυνάμεως
17. καὶ ἐκ τοῦ Βενιαμιν δυνατὸς δυνάμεως Ελιαδα καὶ μετ’ αὐτοῦ τοξόται καὶ πελτασταὶ διακόσιαι χιλιάδες
18. καὶ μετ’ αὐτὸν Ιωζαβαδ καὶ μετ’ αὐτοῦ ἑκατὸν ὀγδοήκοντα χιλιάδες δυνατοὶ πολέμου
19. οὗτοι οἱ λειτουργοῦντες τῷ βασιλεῖ ἐκτὸς ὧν ἔδωκεν ὁ βασιλεὺς ἐν ταῖς πόλεσιν ταῖς ὀχυραῖς ἐν πάσῃ τῇ Ιουδαίᾳ
Footnotes:
17:1-6 - Jehoshaphat, son of Asa, becomes king and seeks the Lord, turning away from idols. His pursuit of God and the practice of righteousness are fundamental to the strengthening of the kingdom, highlighting the importance of God-fearing leadership (see also Psalm 1:1-3 and Proverbs 21:1).
17:7-9 - Jehoshaphat sends priests and Levites to teach the Law of the Lord in Judah. This commitment to spiritual education is vital to the growth of faith among the people, demonstrating that instruction in God's Word is essential (see also Deuteronomy 6:6-9 and Psalm 119:105).
17:10-13 - The fear of the Lord spreads throughout Judah, resulting in peace and security. Divine protection is a consequence of obedience and fear of God, illustrating how faithfulness to God brings blessings (see also Psalm 34:7 and Psalm 91:1-2).
17:14-19 - Jehoshaphat organizes his military forces and promotes effective administration. Preparation and strategy in government are essential to ensuring the prosperity and security of the people, demonstrating responsibility in leadership roles (see also Proverbs 21:31 and Luke 14:28-30).
17:19 - The disposition of the troops demonstrates the greatness and strength of the kingdom under Jehoshaphat's leadership. This military organization also reflects trust in God, who is the true source of security and protection (see also Psalm 20:7 and Psalm 144:1-2).
Verses related to II Crônicas, 17:
2 Chronicles chapter 17 presents the reign of Jehoshaphat. How does a godly leader influence his nation? This uplifting text describes Jehoshaphat's religious reforms, his system of teaching the law, and his military buildup. The chapter explores topics such as the importance of spiritual education, the benefits of obedience to God, and the balance between divine trust and human preparation. Consider with us five biblical passages that elucidate the fundamental principles of this inspiring chapter.
Proverbs 9:10: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." - It reflects the reign of Jehoshaphat described in 2 Chronicles 17, especially his commitment to teaching the Law of the Lord.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7: "And these words, which I command you today, will be in your heart; and you shall teach them to your children, and speak of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you get up." - It relates to Jehoshaphat's effort to teach the Law of God to the people, as described in 2 Chronicles 17:7-9.
Psalms 1:1-3: "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scorners. But he delights in the law of the Lord, and meditates on his law day and night. For he will be like a tree planted by rivers of water, which yields its fruit in its season; its leaves will not fall, and everything you do will prosper." - It echoes the theme of Jehoshaphat's prosperity due to his faithfulness to God, as seen in 2 Chronicles 17:3-5.
Joshua 1:8: "Let not the book of this law depart from your mouth; but meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to everything that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and you will be successful." - It reflects Jehoshaphat's emphasis on teaching the Law, as described in 2 Chronicles 17:7-9.
Matthew 6:33: "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." - It relates to Jehoshaphat's priority in seeking God and his consequent prosperity, as seen in 2 Chronicles 17:3-5.
FAQ:
What did Jehoshaphat do to strengthen the kingdom of Judah?
Jehoshaphat followed God’s ways, removing the high places and sending Levites to teach the Law. This resulted in prosperity and peace for Judah. (2 Chronicles 17:3-9)
How did God bless Jehoshaphat's reign?
God gave Jehoshaphat victory over his enemies, strengthened his kingdom, and brought him riches and honor. (2 Chronicles 17:10-19)
Why did Jehoshaphat make a covenant with Israel?
Jehoshaphat made an alliance with Ahab, king of Israel, seeking political stability, but this decision brought risks, because Ahab was wicked. (2 Chronicles 18:1-3)
How did Jehoshaphat respond when seeking God’s guidance in times of war?
In times of crisis, Jehoshaphat sought God’s guidance, calling for fasting and prayer, trusting in His direction. (2 Chronicles 20:3-12)
What role did the Levites and priests play in Jehoshaphat's reign?
The Levites and priests were sent by Jehoshaphat to teach God's Law throughout the cities of Judah, promoting obedience. (2 Chronicles 17:7-9)
