CHAPTER 17 Oct. 22 
Jehoshaphat Strengthens Judah Spiritually
Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his place, and strengthened himself against Israel. 2He placed forces in all the fortified cities of Judah, and set garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim which Asa his father had taken. 3Yahweh was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and didn’t seek the Baals, 4but sought to the God of his father, and walked in His commandments and not after the doings of Israel. 5Therefore Yahweh established the kingdom in his hand. All Judah brought to Jehoshaphat tribute; and he had riches and honour in abundance. 6His heart was lifted up in the ways of Yahweh. Furthermore, he removed the high places and the Asherim out of Judah. 7Also in the third year of his reign he sent his princes, even Ben Hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel and Micaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah; 8and with them the Levites, even Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah and Tobadonijah the Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, the priests. 9They taught in Judah, having the book of the law of Yahweh with them. They went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught among the people. 10The fear of Yahweh fell on all the kingdoms of the lands that were around Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat. 11Some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents, and silver for tribute. The Arabians also brought him flocks, seven thousand seven hundred rams, and seven thousand seven hundred male goats. 12Jehoshaphat grew great exceedingly; and he built in Judah fortified and store cities. 13He had many works in the cities of Judah; and men of war, mighty men of valour, in Jerusalem. 14This was the numbering of them according to their fathers’ houses. Of Judah, the captains of thousands: Adnah the captain, and with him mighty men of valour three hundred thousand; 15and next to him Jehohanan the captain, and with him two hundred and eighty thousand; 16and next to him Amasiah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself to Yahweh; and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of valour. 17Of Benjamin: Eliada a mighty man of valour, and with him two hundred thousand armed with bow and shield; 18and next to him Jehozabad; and with him one hundred and eighty thousand prepared for war. 19These were those who waited on the king, besides those whom the king put in the fortified cities throughout all Judah.

Commentary

17:3 In the first ways of his father David- Does this imply that David became less spiritually committed as he got older?