Jehoshaphat’s Reign: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Religious Revival and Steadfast Faith

Executive Summary

2 Chronicles 17 – Jehoshaphat’s Reign provides a potent example of godly leadership and its ripple effects. This chapter details Jehoshaphat’s wise reign, beginning with his fortification of Judah against Israel, demonstrating practical wisdom alongside spiritual fervor. His proactive removal of pagan altars and groves, coupled with his commitment to teaching the Law of the Lord, sparked a profound religious revival throughout the kingdom. This devotion garnered him God’s favor, manifesting in peace and prosperity. Jehoshaphat’s strategic alliances, though fraught with spiritual dangers (as we learn later in his life), further cemented his kingdom’s strength. The chapter underscores that a king’s righteousness profoundly influences the nation’s well-being and that steadfast faith in God is the ultimate source of security and blessing. Let’s explore how Jehoshaphat’s Reign illuminates a path for us in our own lives.

Jehoshaphat, son of Asa, ascended to the throne of Judah and walked in the ways of the Lord. This chapter details his early reign marked by establishing his kingdom, removing idols, and sending teachers throughout the land to instruct the people in the Law. Let us delve into the depths of 2 Chronicles 17, drawing wisdom and applying it to our modern lives.

Commentary on 2 Chronicles 17

2 Chronicles 17:1

“And Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead, and strengthened himself against Israel.” (KJV)

“Then Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his place, and strengthened himself against Israel.” (NKJV)

Jehoshaphat’s initial act of “strengthening himself against Israel” is multifaceted. Firstly, he tactically secured his borders, a pragmatic step for any ruler. However, it also reflects a spiritual discernment. The Northern Kingdom of Israel had long strayed from God, its idolatry a constant threat to Judah’s spiritual well-being. Jehoshaphat recognized the need for both physical and spiritual protection. We too must fortify ourselves against the allure of worldly temptations. As St. Athanasius said, “Ἡ γὰρ σάρξ φρονεῖ τὰ τῆς σαρκός, τὸ δὲ πνεῦμα τὰ τοῦ πνεύματος” (He gar sarx phronei ta tēs sarkos, to de pneuma ta tou pneumatos) – “For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh” (Athanasius, *Against the Heathen*, Book 3). Therefore, practice vigilance in all areas of your life to live in peace and security like accessing a secure virtual server.

2 Chronicles 17:2

“And he placed forces in all the fenced cities of Judah, and set garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim, which Asa his father had taken.” (KJV)

“He placed troops in all the fortified cities of Judah and set garrisons in the land of Judah and in the cities of Ephraim that Asa his father had captured.” (NKJV)

Here, Jehoshaphat exhibits strategic foresight. Not only did he secure Judah’s fortified cities, but he also garrisoned cities in Ephraim, previously taken by his father, Asa. This indicates a reclamation of territory and, perhaps, an attempt to influence the Northern Kingdom towards righteousness. This underscores a core principle: security is not passive; it requires proactive measures. We must actively “garrison” our hearts and minds with God’s Word to resist the enemy’s attacks. Think of the walls of Jerusalem, rebuilt after the exile, providing both physical and symbolic protection. Consider also the armor of God described by St. Paul (Ephesians 6:10-18), each piece representing a vital aspect of our spiritual defense. Let us be vigilant in strengthening our spiritual defenses.

2 Chronicles 17:3-4

“And the Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim; But sought to the Lord God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel.” (KJV)

“The Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he walked in the former ways of his father David; he did not seek the Baals, but sought the God of his father, and walked in His commandments, and not according to the acts of Israel.” (NKJV)

This is the crux of Jehoshaphat’s success. He followed “the first ways of his father David,” focusing on David’s early piety before his great sins. Crucially, he “sought not unto Baalim” – rejecting idolatry and false gods. Instead, he sought “the Lord God of his father” and obeyed His commandments. This devotion earned him God’s favor. “The Lord was with Jehoshaphat.” This echoes the promise in Deuteronomy 28:1-14: obedience brings blessings. We too are called to reject idols – not just literal statues but anything that takes God’s place in our hearts: wealth, power, fame, or even our own willfulness. St. Macarius the Great wrote, “Χρὴ οὖν ἡμᾶς φυλάσσειν ἑαυτοὺς, ἵνα μὴ ἀντὶ τοῦ Θεοῦ τῆς δόξης, δόξαν ἀνθρώπων ζητήσωμεν” (Chrē oun hēmas phylassein heautous, hina mē anti tou Theou tēs doxēs, doxan anthrōpōn zētēsōmen) – “Therefore, we must guard ourselves, lest instead of the God of glory, we seek the glory of men” (Macarius the Great, *Homily 11*). Seek God first, and all else will fall into place.

2 Chronicles 17:5-6

“Therefore the Lord stablished the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honour in abundance. And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the Lord: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah.” (KJV)

“Therefore the Lord established the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought tribute to Jehoshaphat, and he had abundant riches and honor. His heart was courageous in the ways of the Lord; moreover, he removed the high places and wooden images from Judah.” (NKJV)

God rewarded Jehoshaphat’s obedience with stability, wealth, and honor. The tribute from Judah reflects the people’s respect and loyalty. Crucially, Jehoshaphat’s “heart was lifted up in the ways of the Lord.” His prosperity didn’t lead to arrogance but to greater devotion. Moreover, he continued to remove “high places and groves,” pagan worship sites. This shows that spiritual reformation is an ongoing process, requiring constant vigilance. How often do we see success breed complacency? Jehoshaphat teaches us that prosperity should deepen our reliance on God, not diminish it. We must actively tear down the “high places” within our own hearts – any lingering attachments to sin or worldly desires. This requires prayer, fasting, and diligent self-examination, seeking God’s guidance at every turn.

2 Chronicles 17:7-9

“Also in the third year of his reign he sent to his princes, even to Ben-hail, and to Obadiah, and to Zechariah, and to Nethaneel, and to Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah. And with them he sent Levites, even Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and Zebadiah, and Asahel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehonathan, and Adonijah, and Tobijah, and Tob-adonijah, Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, priests. And they taught in Judah, and had the book of the law of the Lord with them, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people.” (KJV)

“Also in the third year of his reign he sent his leaders, Ben-Hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah. And with them he sent Levites—Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, and Tobijah—and with them Elishama and Jehoram, priests. So they taught in Judah, and had the Book of the Law of the Lord with them; and they went throughout all the cities of Judah and taught the people.” (NKJV)

Jehoshaphat understood that religious reform required education. He dispatched princes, Levites, and priests to teach the Law of the Lord throughout Judah. This was not a superficial decree; it was a deliberate, organized effort to instill God’s Word in the hearts of the people. The phrase “had the book of the law of the Lord with them” highlights the importance of Scripture as the foundation for teaching. In our modern context, this underscores the vital role of catechesis, Sunday school, Bible studies, and Orthodox Christian education. We are all called to be teachers in some capacity, sharing our faith with others through word and deed. St. Cyril of Jerusalem emphasized the importance of knowing Scripture: “Πάντα τὰ ὑπὸ τοῦ Κυρίου πραχθέντα, καὶ ὑπὸ τῶν προφητῶν προλεχθέντα, διδασκαλία ἐστὶν ἡμῖν” (Panta ta hypo tou Kyriou prachthenta, kai hypo tōn prophētōn prolechthenta, didaskalia estin hēmin) – “All things done by the Lord, and foretold by the prophets, are a lesson to us” (Cyril of Jerusalem, *Catechetical Lectures*, Lecture 4). Make use of available modern resources like courses from dohast.us to enhance your teaching skills.

2 Chronicles 17:10-11

“And the fear of the Lord fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat. Also some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents, and tribute silver; and the Arabians brought him flocks, seven thousand and seven hundred rams, and seven thousand and seven hundred he goats.” (KJV)

“And the fear of the Lord fell on all the kingdoms of the lands surrounding Judah, so that they did not make war against Jehoshaphat. Also some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents and silver as tribute; and the Arabians brought him flocks, seven thousand seven hundred rams and seven thousand seven hundred male goats.” (NKJV)

The direct result of Jehoshaphat’s faithfulness and the subsequent spiritual revival was peace and prosperity. “The fear of the Lord fell upon all the kingdoms…that were round about Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat.” This is a powerful testament to the protective power of God when His people are obedient. Even former enemies, the Philistines and Arabians, brought tribute. This demonstrates that righteousness not only pleases God but also influences the world around us. We are called to be “salt and light” (Matthew 5:13-16), impacting society through our faith and good works. When we live according to God’s will, we become a beacon of hope and a force for peace in a world often marred by conflict. This echoes Psalm 34:14: “Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”

2 Chronicles 17:12-19

“And Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly; and he built in Judah castles and cities of store. And he had much business in the cities of Judah: and the men of war, mighty men of valour, were in Jerusalem. And these are the numbers of them according to the house of their fathers: Of Judah, the captains of thousands; Adnah the chief, and with him mighty men of valour three hundred thousand. And next to him was Jehohanan the captain, and with him two hundred and fourscore thousand. And next him was Amasiah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself unto the Lord; and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of valour. And of Benjamin; Eliada a mighty man of valour, and with him two hundred thousand armed with bow and shield. And next him was Jehozabad, and with him an hundred and fourscore thousand ready prepared for the war. These waited on the king, beside those whom the king put in the fenced cities throughout all Judah.” (KJV)

“So Jehoshaphat became increasingly prominent; and he built fortresses and storage cities in Judah. He had much equipment in the cities of Judah; and the men of war, mighty men of valor, were in Jerusalem. These are their numbers, according to their fathers’ houses: Of Judah, the captains of thousands: Adnah the captain, and with him three hundred thousand mighty men of valor; and next to him Jehohanan the captain, and with him two hundred eighty thousand; and next to him Amasiah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself to the Lord, and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of valor. Of Benjamin: Eliada a mighty man of valor, and with him two hundred thousand armed with bow and shield; and next to him Jehozabad, and with him one hundred eighty thousand equipped for war. These served the king, besides those whom the king put in the fortified cities throughout all Judah.” (NKJV)

These verses detail Jehoshaphat’s growing power and military strength. He built fortresses and storage cities, indicating economic prosperity and strategic planning. The sheer number of soldiers demonstrates the strength of his kingdom. Notice the mention of Amasiah “who willingly offered himself unto the Lord.” This highlights the importance of dedication and commitment in service to God and the kingdom. Jehoshaphat’s leadership was not just about power; it was about organizing and utilizing the resources God had given him for the good of his people. This is a reminder that leadership requires both spiritual discernment and practical competence. We must use our talents and resources wisely, dedicating them to God’s service and the benefit of others. As St. Basil the Great taught, “Τὰ γὰρ χαρίσματα τοῦ Θεοῦ, οὐκ εἰς ἰδίαν ἡδονὴν δεδόσθαι ἡμῖν, ἀλλ’ εἰς τὴν τῶν ἀναξίων σωτηρίαν” (Ta gar charismata tou Theou, ouk eis idian hēdonēn dedosthai hēmin, all’ eis tēn tōn anaxiōn sōtērian) – “For the gifts of God are not given to us for our own pleasure, but for the salvation of the unworthy” (Basil the Great, *Homily 6 on the Gospel of Luke*). Use your gifts for the glory of God!

Reflections on Jehoshaphat’s Reign 💡

Jehoshaphat’s reign offers several key reflections for contemporary Christians:

• Prioritize Spiritual Growth: Jehoshaphat’s success stemmed from his unwavering devotion to God. We must prioritize prayer, Scripture reading, and participation in the sacraments.
• Embrace Education: Jehoshaphat sent teachers throughout Judah. We must actively learn and grow in our faith, seeking to understand God’s Word and apply it to our lives.
• Seek to Remove Idols: Remove the “high places” in your heart. Identify and eliminate anything that hinders your relationship with God.
• Lead by Example: Jehoshaphat’s righteousness influenced his entire kingdom. We must strive to be examples of Christ-like living in our families, communities, and workplaces.
• Be Proactive: Fortify yourself against spiritual attacks. Like Jehoshaphat who built defenses for his kingdom, develop spiritual disciplines and habits to guard your heart and mind.
• Seek God in Prosperity: Success should deepen our reliance on God, not diminish it. Stay grounded in humility and gratitude.

FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about Jehoshaphat’s reign:

• Q: Why was it important for Jehoshaphat to strengthen himself against Israel?

  A: The Northern Kingdom of Israel had fallen into idolatry and apostasy, posing a constant threat to Judah’s spiritual integrity. Strengthening himself against Israel was a measure of protecting his kingdom against false worship and moral decay.

• Q: What does it mean to remove the “high places” and “groves”?

  A: These were sites of pagan worship. Removing them symbolized a commitment to pure worship of the one true God, free from syncretism and idolatry. In our context, removing “high places” means eliminating anything that distracts or hinders our relationship with God.

• Q: How can we apply Jehoshaphat’s example of sending teachers to our modern lives?

  A: We can support and participate in Orthodox Christian education programs, share our faith with others through word and deed, and be willing to learn and grow in our understanding of Scripture and Church teachings. Moreover, support platforms like dohast.us that offer opportunities for theological education and reflection.

• Q: What does it mean for the “fear of the Lord” to fall upon surrounding kingdoms?

  A: It means that God’s power and favor were so evident in Judah that other nations were deterred from attacking. It is a manifestation of God’s protection over those who are faithful to Him.

Conclusion

Jehoshaphat’s Reign stands as a beacon of godly leadership and its transformative impact. His unwavering commitment to God, coupled with his proactive efforts to remove idolatry and educate his people in the Law, sparked a profound spiritual revival. This revival not only pleased God but also brought peace, prosperity, and security to Judah. While later in life Jehoshaphat made alliances that were not pleasing to God, his initial reign offers valuable lessons for us today. We are called to prioritize spiritual growth, reject idols, lead by example, and use our gifts for the glory of God. Let us emulate Jehoshaphat’s initial dedication, striving to create a world where God’s love and righteousness reign supreme. Like Jehoshaphat, let us fortify ourselves against the forces of darkness and actively pursue a life pleasing to God, seeking His wisdom and guidance in all that we do. In doing so, we can experience the blessings and protection that come from living in accordance with His will.

Tags

Jehoshaphat, 2 Chronicles, Coptic Orthodox, Religious Revival, Old Testament, Bible Commentary, Spiritual Growth, Leadership, Faith, Obedience

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Explore 2 Chronicles 17: Jehoshaphat’s Reign through a Coptic Orthodox lens. Discover key insights on religious revival, leadership, and the blessings of obedience.