Question 1

What does it mean that Jehoshaphat walked in the first ways of his father David?

Accepted Answer

When it says Jehoshaphat walked in the first ways of his father David, it points to the early part of David’s life, when David followed God closely and did not turn aside into the sins that came later. Jehoshaphat chose the good example, not the failures. He rejected the worship of Baalim, sought the Lord, and kept God’s commands. This shows that a person can learn from someone’s best examples without copying their worst ones, and that God pays attention when leaders choose to walk in faithful ways.

Question 2

Why did the Lord establish Jehoshaphat’s kingdom and give him riches and honour?

Accepted Answer

The passage links God’s blessing directly to Jehoshaphat’s faithfulness. He sought the Lord, refused to follow the idolatry of Israel, and walked in God’s commandments. Because of this, God made his rule firm, moved the people of Judah to bring him gifts, and allowed his wealth and honor to grow. This does not mean God always gives riches when someone obeys, but here it shows that God can support and strengthen a leader who cares about true worship and right living, and can incline people’s hearts toward that leader.

Question 3

What were the high places and groves that Jehoshaphat removed from Judah?

Accepted Answer

The high places and groves were locations used for worship, often tied to idols and false gods. Even when people sometimes claimed to worship the true God there, these spots easily pulled the nation into wrong worship. Jehoshaphat’s heart was set on God’s ways, so he acted boldly and removed these places from Judah. This was part of his reform, showing that real obedience to God is not just private belief but also clearing away practices and habits that pull people back into sin or mix God’s worship with other gods.

Question 4

Why did Jehoshaphat send princes, Levites, and priests to teach in the cities of Judah?

Accepted Answer

Jehoshaphat understood that the people needed to know God’s law if they were going to live faithfully. So in the third year of his reign he sent leading men, Levites, and priests through all the cities of Judah with the book of the law of the Lord. Their job was to teach the people what God had said. This shows that he wanted true change, not just outward reforms. He used both authority and sound teaching to build up the nation. It also shows that God’s word, not just a king’s ideas, was meant to guide daily life.

Question 5

What does it mean that the fear of the Lord fell on the kingdoms around Judah?

Accepted Answer

When the fear of the Lord fell on the kingdoms around Judah, it means neighboring peoples became deeply aware of God’s power at work with Jehoshaphat and his nation. They were afraid to attack and chose not to make war against him. God used this fear to give Judah peace. This allowed Jehoshaphat to focus on strengthening the land, teaching God’s law, and building up cities and defenses. It shows that God can protect his people not only by winning battles, but also by keeping battles from starting at all.

Question 6

Why did Philistines and Arabians bring presents, silver, and flocks to Jehoshaphat?

Accepted Answer

Some Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents and silver, and Arabians brought large flocks of rams and he-goats. This likely flowed from the fear and respect they had for Judah during his reign. They may have wanted peace, remembering how God had helped Judah in earlier days. These gifts became part of Jehoshaphat’s growing riches and honor. The passage shows that when God is with a leader, even former enemies or distant neighbors may seek peace and submit instead of fight, and that prosperity can come in unexpected ways when God is defending a nation.

Question 7

Why does this passage list the numbers of Jehoshaphat’s army from Judah and Benjamin?

Accepted Answer

The detailed numbers show how strong and organized Jehoshaphat’s forces were. From Judah and Benjamin together there were over a million men, led by named commanders, called mighty men of valour. One of them, Amasiah, is singled out as someone who willingly offered himself to the Lord, showing that some officers saw their service as devotion to God, not just to the king. These men did not all stand before the king at once, but were available in turn and supported by soldiers in fortified cities. The list underlines how God’s blessing included both spiritual renewal and real military strength.

Question 8

Who is Amasiah who willingly offered himself to the Lord, and why is that detail included?

Accepted Answer

Amasiah, the son of Zichri, is named among the commanders from Judah, with two hundred thousand mighty men of valour under him. The text says he “willingly offered himself unto the Lord.” This suggests he did not serve only out of duty or for reward, but gave himself freely to God’s service in battle and leadership. That short note highlights the kind of heart God values in leaders, even in military roles. In a list mainly about numbers and ranks, Amasiah is remembered for his willing heart, showing that God notices not just what we do, but why we do it.

Question 9

What does this passage teach about godly leadership and national life?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows a pattern: Jehoshaphat seeks God, removes what leads to false worship, and brings God’s word to the people. In response, God gives stability, favor with the people, peace from enemies, and the resources and strength to defend the land. Godly leadership here means personal faith, clear action against sin, and making sure people are taught God’s ways. The result touches every part of national life: worship, education, safety, and daily work in the cities. It encourages readers to value leaders who fear God and to see how obedience can bless many others.

2 Chronicles 17:3

And the Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim;

Jehoshaphat Reigns in Judah

His Good Reign

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2 Chronicles 17:3

And the Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim;

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Jehoshaphat Reigns in Judah

His Good Reign

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