11 Chronicles Chapter 17

Jehoshaphat Reigns in Judah

2Chronicles 17:1 And Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead, and strengthened himself against Israel.
2 And he placed forces in all the fenced cities of Judah, and set garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim, which Asa his father had taken.

A reminder here that strengthening against Israel is about the war that is between the northern 10 tribes called Israel and the southern 2 tribes plus those that fled Israel when their kings started getting into idolatry. Actually the country of Judah was just as much the children of Israel as the nothern part. When a nation, country or city gets into evil, there are always a remnant that stays with God and honors His word. God always has a people.

We are reminded of that with the experience of Elijah a great prophet of God.

1Kings 19:14 And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.
1Kings 19:18 Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.

God always has a people among the crowds that do not depart from Him. Let us be those. Jesus said:

Matthew 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

That Straight gate is through the saving power of Jesus. The only path to God, our salvation and eternal life. Never follow the crowds.

2Chronicles 17:3 And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim;
4 But sought to the LORD God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel.

That is so refreshing to read about. He walked in God's commandments and not after the apostasy of the northern kingdom.

2Chronicles 17:5 Therefore the LORD stablished the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honour in abundance.
6 And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah.
7 Also in the third year of his reign he sent to his princes, even to Benhail, and to Obadiah, and to Zechariah, and to Nethaneel, and to Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah.
8 And with them he sent Levites, even Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and Zebadiah, and Asahel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehonathan, and Adonijah, and Tobijah, and Tobadonijah, Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, priests.
9 And they taught in Judah, and had the book of the law of the LORD with them, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people.

This is so important. We must teach God's word continually. I love praise and worship. I love the presence of God when we pray in the Holy Spirit and we should increase in this for sure but we must not neglect the verse by verse teaching of the word of God. We all need to know why we are worshipping the Lord. Even the children need to learn the word. As cute as Veggie Tales is, the word needs to be taught to the children. They may not understand it all at first but eventually they will. Teachers need to be led of the Holy Spirit when they teach; not just babysit. Above all that they need the teaching of God's word in the homes by their parents as much as possible. Women sometimes think they do not do enough for God but guiding the household and raising their children in the ways of God is their greatest ministry.

2Chronicles 17:10 And the fear of the LORD fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat.
11 Also some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents, and tribute silver; and the Arabians brought him flocks, seven thousand and seven hundred rams, and seven thousand and seven hundred he goats.
12 And Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly; and he built in Judah castles, and cities of store.

God causes even the enemies to be at peace when a country or nation serves the Lord. God honors and blesses those the keep His word.

2Chronicles 17:13 And he had much business in the cities of Judah: and the men of war, mighty men of valour, were in Jerusalem.
14 And these are the numbers of them according to the house of their fathers: Of Judah, the captains of thousands; Adnah the chief, and with him mighty men of valour three hundred thousand.
15 And next to him was Jehohanan the captain, and with him two hundred and fourscore thousand.
16 And next him was Amasiah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself unto the LORD; and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of valour.
17 And of Benjamin; Eliada a mighty man of valour, and with him armed men with bow and shield two hundred thousand.
18 And next him was Jehozabad, and with him an hundred and fourscore thousand ready prepared for the war.
19 These waited on the king, beside those whom the king put in the fenced cities throughout all Judah.

God prospered Jehoshaphat in all things. There was continual employment, things to do and everyone served the Lord. Even the armies were strong.

Psalm 33:11 The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.
12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.

11 Chronicles Chapter 18