1 Asa’s son Jehoshaphat succeeded him as king, and he consolidated his authority over Israel ISV — 2Chronicles 17:1
2 by placing troops in all of the fortified citadels through Judah and by establishing garrisons throughout the land of Judah and in the cities that his father Asa had captured. ISV — 2Chronicles 17:2
3 The LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the example set during his ancestor David’s preliminary years by not pursuing the Baals. a17:3 i.e. the supreme male divinity of the Philistines and Canaanites ISV — 2Chronicles 17:3
4 Instead, Jehoshaphat b17:4 Lit. he sought the God of his ancestors and obeyed his commands, unlike Israel. ISV — 2Chronicles 17:4
5 Therefore the LORD secured Jehoshaphat’s c17:5 Lit. his kingdom under his control, with all of Judah paying him tribute, and Jehoshaphat became very wealthy and greatly respected. ISV — 2Chronicles 17:5
6 He remained committed to following the LORD, and he removed the high places and Asherah poles from Judah. ISV — 2Chronicles 17:6
7 During the third year of his reign, Jehoshaphat sent his officials Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah to teach throughout the cities of Judah. ISV — 2Chronicles 17:7
8 They were accompanied by the descendants of Levi, including d17:8 The Heb. lacks including Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tobadonijah. These descendants of Levi were accompanied by the priests Elishama and Jehoram. ISV — 2Chronicles 17:8
9 They taught throughout Judah from a copy of the Book of the Law of the LORD that they took with them as they passed through all the cities of Judah, teaching among all the people. ISV — 2Chronicles 17:9
10 Because they were afraid of the LORD, none of the kingdoms of the lands that surrounded Judah dared go to war against Jehoshaphat. ISV — 2Chronicles 17:10
11 Some of the Philistines brought gifts and silver as tribute to Jehoshaphat, and Arabians brought him flocks of 7,700 rams and 7,700 male goats. ISV — 2Chronicles 17:11
12 As a result, Jehoshaphat grew more and more powerful, and built up fortresses and storage centers throughout Judah. ISV — 2Chronicles 17:12
13 He placed a large amount of supplies into storage throughout the cities of Judah and stationed soldiers—all of them valiant men—in Jerusalem. ISV — 2Chronicles 17:13
14 Here’s how they were mustered, listed according to their ancestral houses and listed by commanders of thousands: Adnah commanded 300,000 elite forces. ISV — 2Chronicles 17:14
15 Near him was Johanan, commander of 280,000 ISV — 2Chronicles 17:15
16 and next to him was Zichri’s son Amasiah, who had volunteered to serve the LORD. He commanded 200,000 elite forces. ISV — 2Chronicles 17:16
17 There was also Eliada from Benjamin, himself a valiant soldier. He was accompanied by 200,000 expert archers bearing shields. ISV — 2Chronicles 17:17
18 Near him was Jehozabad, who was accompanied by 180,000 soldiers equipped for warfare. ISV — 2Chronicles 17:18
19 These men served the king, and there were others whom the king garrisoned inside fortified cities throughout all of Judah. ISV — 2Chronicles 17:19