Exposition of 2 Chronicles 17:3-4
Second Chronicles 17:3-4 describes the early reign of King Jehoshaphat of Judah, highlighting his faithfulness to God in contrast to the practices of the northern kingdom of Israel. The passage states, "The Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David and did not seek the Baals. Instead, he sought the God of his father and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel" (2 Chronicles 17:3-4 ESV).
This passage is situated within the Chronicler's account of Judah's kings, often emphasizing their adherence to or deviation from the Mosaic covenant. Jehoshaphat's reign is generally presented positively, marked by religious reform and military strength [6]. The phrase "earlier ways of his father David" refers to David's devotion to the Lord before his moral failures, setting a high standard for Jehoshaphat's conduct [2]. This is further emphasized by the explicit rejection of Baal worship, a common temptation for Israelite kings [7].
The contrast with "the doings of Israel" is significant. The northern kingdom of Israel had a history of idolatry and disobedience, particularly after the division of the kingdom, with kings like Jeroboam establishing alternative worship sites and practices [8]. Jehoshaphat's commitment to "the God of his father" and "his commandments" underscores his loyalty to the covenant established with Abraham and Moses, which was central to the Chronicler's theological perspective [9].
The "Treasury of Scripture Knowledge" provides several cross-references that illuminate Jehoshaphat's reign. His military preparedness, including garrisons and store cities, is mentioned in 2 Chronicles 17:13, 17:17, and 17:18, connecting to earlier mentions of fortifications and military strength [1, 4, 5]. The divine presence with Jehoshaphat, as stated in verse 3, is a recurring theme in the biblical narrative, often linked to obedience and divine favor [3]. This divine control is also seen in other biblical contexts where God influences the actions of individuals and nations to fulfill His purposes [10].
Sources
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “1 Chronicles 7:11 cross-references: 2 Chronicles 17:13, 2 Chronicles 17:17, 2 Chronicles 17:18”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “2 Chronicles 27:6 cross-references: 2 Chronicles 17:3, 2 Chronicles 17:4, 2 Chronicles 19:3, 2 Chronicles 26:5”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “2 Samuel 7:4 cross-references: Numbers 12:6, 1 Chronicles 17:3, Amos 3:7”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “2 Chronicles 17:13 cross-references: 1 Chronicles 7:11, 1 Chronicles 27:25, 2 Chronicles 14:7, 2 Chronicles 26:10”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “2 Chronicles 17:17 cross-references: 2 Samuel 1:21, 1 Chronicles 7:11, 2 Chronicles 14:7, 2 Chronicles 14:8”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “2 Chronicles 17:10 cross-references: Genesis 35:5, Exodus 15:14, Exodus 34:24, Joshua 2:9, 2 Chronicles 14:13, 2 Chronicles 14:14, 2 Chronicles 16:9, Proverbs 16:7, Micah 7:17”
- II Chronicles “II Chronicles 17:4 (BBE) — But turning to the God of his father and keeping his laws, and not doing as Israel did.”
- 2 Chronicles “but sought to the God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel. -- 2 Chronicles 17:4”
- CCEL (Reformed (Old Princeton)) “Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 3, section 98: Index of Scripture References Genesis 1:5 2:3 2:3 2:3 2:23 2:24 2:24 4:19 8:10 8:12 9:6 12:3 14:22 15:1-21 17:7 17:12 21:23 22:2 24:1-67 24:3 26:31 27:4 27:12 27:34-38 29:18 29:27 29:28 30:1 34:12 47:31 49:2-4 49:10 49:17 Exodus 1:19 1:20 3:13 3:14 6:8 6:12 16:23 16:26 20:1-26 20:2 21:9 21:12 21:14 21:17 22:10 22:19 23:7 24:8 26:3 26:5 26:6 26:17 31:13 31:14 31:16 31:17 34:28 Leviticus 4:17 7:18 10:11 14:6 17:1-16 17:4 18:1-30 18:6 18:8 18:16 18:18 18:18 18:18 19:12 20:23 23:1-44 24:17 25:39-41 26:1 26:41 Numbers 5:19 6:3-5 19:11 19:11-13”
- Revelation (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Revelation 17:17: 17:17 John provides another reminder that God is in control; God puts a plan into the minds of the enemy that will fulfill the Lord’s divine purposes (e.g., Exod 7:3; 35:31-35; Ezra 7:27; Rom 9:18, 21).”