2 Chronicles 17:10 - Meaning and Application

We have here a further account of Jehoshaphat’s great prosperity and the flourishing state of his kingdom.

He had good standing with the nearby princes and nations. He may not have been such a great soldier as David, which might have made him feared, or such a great scholar as Solomon, which might have made him admired. Yet the fear of the Lord came on them, meaning God so moved and ruled their spirits, that they showed him respect (2 Chronicles 17:10). None of them made war against him. God’s providence ordered it so that, while the princes and priests were teaching and reforming the land, none of his neighbors disturbed him or pulled him away from that good work. In the same way, when Jacob and his sons went to worship at Bethel, the terror of God came on the nearby cities, so they did not pursue them (Genesis 35:5; see also Exodus 34:24).

Many of them also brought gifts to him (2 Chronicles 17:11), likely to secure his friendship. These may have been a tribute first imposed by Asa, who had made himself master of the cities of the Philistines and the tents of the Arabians (2 Chronicles 14:14-15). With the 7,700 rams and the same number of male goats that the Arabians brought, there was likely a matching number of ewes and lambs, female goats and kids.

He also had large supplies stored in the cities of Judah. He tore down his barns and built larger ones, along with fortresses and store cities for weapons and food (2 Chronicles 17:12). He was a man of action who aimed at the public good in all he did, whether to keep peace or prepare for war.

He also had the militia in good order, and it had not been better since David organized it. Five chief commanders, if we may call them that, are named here, along with the number of men under each one, the able-bodied men fit for war in their districts, three in Judah and two in Benjamin. About one of these commanders, Amasiah, it is said that he willingly offered himself to the Lord (2 Chronicles 17:16). That means he was not only willing to serve the king in this office, but also eager to honor God through it. He was the most notable among them for true religion. He accepted the post not for honor, power, or profit, but from a sense of duty to God, so that he might serve his country well.

It was common for great generals in that time to offer spoils to the Lord (1 Chronicles 26:26). But this good man first offered himself to the Lord, and then gave his dedicated things. The soldiers under these five commanders numbered 1,160,000 men, which was a vast force for such a small region as Judah and Benjamin to supply and support. Abijah could bring only 400,000 into the field (2 Chronicles 13:3), and Asa not more than 600,000 (2 Chronicles 14:8), yet Jehoshaphat had almost 1,200,000 at his command. Still, several things must be remembered. God had promised to make Abraham’s family as numerous as the sand of the sea. There had also been a long time of peace. Jerusalem was likely much larger by now. Many had come over from the kingdom of Israel (2 Chronicles 15:9). And Jehoshaphat enjoyed a special blessing from God, which made his affairs prosper greatly.

We may suppose the armies were spread throughout the land, with each man living mostly on his own property. Still, they met often for review and training, and they were ready whenever they were needed. The commanders also waited on the king (2 Chronicles 17:19), serving as officers of his court, trusted advisers, and ministers of state.

But notice this: it was not this large and impressive army that made the neighboring nations afraid, kept them from attacking Israel, or forced them to pay tribute. It was the fear of God that came on them when Jehoshaphat reformed the land and set up a preaching ministry in it (2 Chronicles 17:10). God’s ordinances are a kingdom’s truest strength and safety, more than its military power, and God’s servants are more important than its soldiers.