II Chronicles 17 - Jehoshaphat King of Judah (NIV)

Summary:

Jehoshaphat King of Judah
Verses 1-19

The son of Asa became king and strengthened himself against Israel.  He stationed troops in and fortified the cities of Judah.  He placed garrisons (military posts) in Judah and in the towns of Ephraim that Asa had captured.  God was with Jehoshaphat because, in his early years, he walked in the ways of David.  He sought counsel with God, not Baal.  He followed God's commands and not the Israelite ways.  God established his kingdom, giving him wealth and honor, for his heart was devoted to the ways of the Lord.  He removed the high places and Asherah poles from Judah.

In the 3rd year of his reign, Jehoshaphat sent the following people to teach in the towns of Judah -
- Officials: Ben-Hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, & Micaiah
- Levites:  Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebediah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, & Tob-Adonijah
- Priests:  Elishama & Jehoram

They were sent to teach from the Book of the Law of the Lord.

The fear of God fell on all kingdoms surrounding Judah.  They kept the peace.  Some Philistines brought gifts and silver as tribute to Judah.  The Arabs brought them 7,700 rams and 7,700 goats.

Jehoshaphat grew in power.  He built forts and store cities.  Large supplies were kept in Judah.  He kept experienced fighting men in Jerusalem. 
These are the commanders of units of thousands:
- From Judah: Adnah with 300,000 fighting men
                       Jehohanan with 280,000
                       Amasiah son of Zicri, who volunteered to serve the Lord, with 200,000
- From Benjamin: Eliada, a valiant soldier, with 200,000 men with bows and shields
                             Jehozabad with 180,000 men armed for battle
- Others stationed in the fortified cities throughout Judah

Lori's Thoughts:

Although Asa became stubborn against God in his later years, he trained his son well in the ways of righteousness.  One of my most frequent prayers is that I will not lead anyone away from God.  Everyone should seek a personal relationship with Him, but not everyone knows this.  Those of us that do have a responsibility to represent God well by what they say, do, and believe.

It's sad that most of Israel fell from faith because of one man, Jeroboam son of Nebat.  However, a remnant remained in their faith to instruct future generations.  This is exactly what Jehoshaphat did by sending teachers to teach the people the Law of God.  They had no printing press, so copies of the Law were probably hard to come by.  Although they were just a portion of the Israelite tribe, they still had thousands of people.  So, traveling teachers certainly helped the individuals in their faith walk.

And God prospered them.  Even the Philistines feared and paid tribute to Israel!  The Philistines hate Israel.  Not only did their enemies revere them, Judah gained riches, flocks, and grew in strength. 

God is good.  He wants us to be strong and prosperous.  First, we must trust Him with everything.  Then, anything we receive is a gift from Him.