1. regnavit autem Josaphat filius ejus pro eo et invaluit contra Israël
2. constituitque militum numeros in cunctis urbibus Judæ quæ erant vallatæ muris præsidiaque disposuit in terra Juda et in civitatibus Ephraim quas ceperat Asa pater ejus
3. et fuit Dominus cum Josaphat quia ambulavit in viis David patris sui primis et non speravit in Baalim
4. sed in Deo patris sui et perrexit in præceptis illius et non juxta peccata Israël
5. confirmavitque Dominus regnum in manu ejus et dedit omnis Juda munera Josaphat factæque sunt ei infinitæ divitiæ et multa gloria
6. cumque sumpsisset cor ejus audaciam propter vias Domini etiam excelsa et lucos de Juda abstulit
7. tertio autem anno regni sui misit de principibus suis Benail et Obdiam et Zacchariam et Nathanaël et Micheam ut docerent in civitatibus Juda
8. et cum eis Levitas Semejam et Nathaniam et Zabadiam Asaël quoque et Semiramoth et Jonathan Adoniam et Tobiam et Tobadoniam Levitas et cum eis Elisama et Joram sacerdotes
9. docebantque in Juda habentes librum legis Domini et circuibant cunctas urbes Juda atque erudiebant populum
10. itaque factus est pavor Domini super omnia regna terrarum quæ erant per gyrum Juda nec audebant bellare contra Josaphat
11. sed et Philisthei Josaphat munera deferebant et vectigal argenti Arabes quoque adducebant pecora arietum septem milia septingentos et hircos totidem
12. crevit ergo Josaphat et magnificatus est usque in sublime atque ædificavit in Juda domos ad instar turrium urbesque muratas
13. et multa opera patravit in urbibus Juda viri quoque bellatores et robusti erant in Hierusalem
14. quorum iste numerus per domos atque familias singulorum in Juda principes exercitus Ednas dux et cum eo robustissimorum trecenta milia
15. post hunc Johanan princeps et cum eo ducenta octoginta milia
16. post istum quoque Amasias filius Zechri consecratus Domino et cum eo ducenta milia virorum fortium
17. hunc sequebatur robustus ad prœlia Heliada et cum eo tenentium arcum et clypeum ducenta milia
18. post istum etiam Jozabath et cum eo centum octoginta milia expeditorum militum
19. hii omnes erant ad manum regis exceptis aliis quos posuerat in urbibus muratis et in universo Juda
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 Liber II Paralipomenon, 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)
