It is said of Jehoshaphat that he walked in the ways of his father David. But which of Jehoshaphat’s deeds were...
It is said of Jehoshaphat that he walked in the ways of his father David. But which of Jehoshaphat’s deeds were done along those ways? Was it only the strengthening of the state and the army, about which David cared so much? Jehoshaphat certainly labored greatly in this area to continue the work of his illustrious ancestor. But such concerns are the natural duty of every ruler. What Jehoshaphat commanded beyond the usual royal orders is more important than the state’s outward achievements: he took care that his subjects should be taught the law. The very listing of the names of the princes, priests, and Levites who were to travel through Judah reading the words of the law to the people emphasizes the importance of this command.
There is a well-known legal principle according to which ignorance of the law does not excuse responsibility for breaking it. Unfortunately, those who follow this principle are not always interested in whether the person who broke the law had an opportunity to learn about it. But King Jehoshaphat does not want to deprive people of that opportunity and therefore takes care to educate the people. For responsibility for ignorance may fall not on the one who does not know, but on the one who could have conveyed the necessary information to people and failed to do so.
17 Jehoshaphat is established in his kingdom, 2 Пар 17:1-3.
His piety, 2 Пар 17:4-6.
He sends Levites to teach Judah, 2 Пар 17:7-9.
His influence over his neighbours, 2 Пар 17:10-11.
His greatness, captains and armies, 2 Пар 17:12-19.
17:3 Sought not, etc - It is true, he recovered from that fall. "Yet perhaps, says Mr. Henry, he never, while he lived, fullyretrieved the spiritual strength he lost by it."
17:5 Brought presents - As subjects in those times used to do to their kings, as a token of their respect and subjection to them.
17:6 Lifted up - Above all discouragements, and fears. He was valiant and resolute for God and his ways. Groves - Those wherein idols were worshipped, and though Asa had done this before, yet either he did not do it thoroughly; or the Jews (who were many of them mad upon their idols) had secretly made new ones, in the latter part of his reign, when he grew more infirm in body, and more remiss in God's cause.
17:7 To teach - To inform the people of their duty, and of the king's pleasure, as judges teach or instruct the people in the laws of the land, when they deliver their charges upon the bench; so did these princes in the king's name admonish and require the people to observe and obey the laws of God, which were the municipal laws of that land: the particular explication and enforcement whereof, they left to the Levites and priests here following, who were sent for this end, and accordingly taught the people, ver. 2 Пар 17:9.
17:9 And they taught, etc - And these itinerant judges and itinerant preachers together, Mr. Henry observes were instrumental to diffuse a blessed light throughout the cities of Judah.
17:10 Fear fell - Justly concluding from his singular piety that God would eminently appear for him, for even the Heathens could not but observe, that the kings of Judah were either prosperous or unhappy, according as they served God or forsook him.
17:13 Business - To repair and fortify them, and furnish them with provisions: and to purge out all their relicks of idolatry and injustice.
17:19 Waited - These above - mentioned were the trained bands or auxiliaries: whose chief officers waited on the king to receive his commands, and to raise, and bring in all, or part of their forces, to the service of the king as need required. A vast number for so small a compass of ground, to furnish out and maintain. But we may consider, that God had promised to make the seed of Abraham like the sand of the sea for number; that there had now been a long peace; that many were come to them from the kingdom of Israel and that Jehoshaphat was under a special blessing of God. They were doubtless dispersed all the country over, every one residing on his own land: only they were ready at call, whenever there was occasion.