Bible Commentaries

And. This chapter is supplementary to 1 Kings 22:41-43.

strengthened himself. Without this we could not understand his subsequent alliances with the worst of Israel's kings (2 Chronicles 18:1, 2 Chronicles 18:2; 2 Chronicles 20:35, 2 Chronicles 20:36).

fenced = fortified.

Asa . . . had taken (2 Chronicles 15:8).

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

was with. Thus approving his strengthening himself against idolaters and idolatry.

the first ways: i.e. David's earlier ways were of faith.

God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4.

Israel. The worship of the calves, and Baal.

brought . . . presents. In token of subjection and loyalty at beginning of reign (1 Samuel 10:27. 1 Kings 10:25).

lifted up = encouraged.

he took away. But "the people" failed in their part (2 Chronicles 20:33; 1 Kings 22:43). Jehoshaphat did his by commanding that they should be taken away; not, of course, doing this with his own hands. Compare 2 Chronicles 19:3.

groves. Hebrew the "Asherim. See notes on Exodus 34:13, and App-42.

princes. These organized the Levites and priests (2 Chronicles 17:8) into a teaching mission. The first so recorded.

to teach. This was the special function of the priests. See notes on Deuteronomy 17:9-12; Deuteronomy 33:10.

the book of the law. See note on Exodus 17:14, and App-47.

went about (2 Kings 23:2. Nehemiah 8:3-18).

fear = dread.

fell = came, or was.

had much business = was busily engaged.

and the men of. Hebrew, plural "enosh. App-14.

mighty men. Hebrew. gibbor.

three hundred thousand. So far from these numbers being exaggerated, they are a token of Jehovah's prospering grace. Jehoshaphat could muster 1,600,000; David, 1,300, 000.

next to him = under his direction. Hebrew "at his hand" (1 Chronicles 25:2).

With bow and shield. Figure of speech Zeugma (App-6), by which the second verb is omitted. If we supply the first, the second follows: "[armed] with bow and [using] shield".

throughout all Judah. Compare 2 Chronicles 17:2.