2 Chronicles 17:1-19
Q.1. Who was Jehoshaphat’s hero? How did he influence the direction of his rule? What strategy did Jehoshaphat employ to implement change? – (2 Chr.17:1-9)
To have the right heroes is essential. Jehoshaphat’s hero was not his father, but King David – 3 The Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the example of his (fore)father David’s earlier days and did not seek the Baals, 4 but sought the God of his father, followed His commandments, and did not act as Israel did. 5 So the Lord established the kingdom in his control … (2 Chr.17:3-5). As were many of the earlier kings, Jehoshaphat was an excellent manager and delegator. As well, he added a crucial element to his rule, by sending qualified officials to teach in the cities of Judah – They taught in Judah, having the book of the law of the Lord with them; and they went throughout all the cities of Judah and taught among the people (2 Chr.17:9).
Q.2. What impact did Jehoshaphat’s godly rule have on the surrounding nations? How did God encourage the king? – (2Chr.17:10-19)
There is no doubt that Jehoshaphat’s focus on God gave great confidence to the people. God added His protection, so – the dread of the Lord was on all the kingdoms of the lands which were around Judah, so that they did not make war against Jehoshaphat (2 Chr.17:10). Even the Philistines brought tribute to the king. He became greater and greater (2 Chr.17:11-12). All was going well.