2 Chronicles 17 – King Jehoshaphat’s Spiritual Revival & Military Strength

2 Chronicles 17 – A King Who Sought God First

Jehoshaphat, Asa’s son, breaks the cycle of his father’s late-life failures by:
✔ Destroying idol worship
✔ Sending teachers of God’s Law nationwide
✔ Fortifying Judah’s defenses
✔ Receiving God’s protection from enemies

This chapter reveals the direct link between spiritual revival and national security.

I. Jehoshaphat’s Devotion to God (v.1-6)

1. A Strong Start (v.1-3)

• Strengthened Judah against Israel’s influence

• “Walked in the ways of David” (v.3)—not Asa’s later compromise

2. Radical Obedience (v.4-6)

• Removed Baal worship (v.4)

• Sought the God of his fathers (v.4)

• Result: “The LORD established the kingdom under his control” (v.5)

💡 Contrast: Unlike Asa (2 Chr 16:12), Jehoshaphat “did not consult the Baals” (v.3).

II. National Bible Teaching Campaign (v.7-9)

1. The Reformation Strategy (v.7-8)

• Sent officials + Levites + priests to:

  • Teach “the Book of the Law” (v.9)

  • Travel to “all the cities of Judah”

2. The Impact (v.10-11)

• Fear of God fell on neighboring kingdoms

• Philistines/Arabs paid tribute (v.11)

📖 Historical Parallel: Like Josiah’s later revival (2 Chr 34), teaching Scripture brought transformation.

III. Military Preparedness (v.12-19)

1. Fortified Cities + Storehouses (v.12-13)

• Massive building projects

• “Large supplies” for sustainability

2. Army Deployment (v.14-19)

• 1,160,000 troops stationed strategically

• Breakdown:

  • Judah: 780,000 (v.14-16)

  • Benjamin: 380,000 (v.17-18)

⚔️ Key Detail: Unlike Asa’s hired Syrians (2 Chr 16:2), Jehoshaphat relied on God-trained troops.

5 Timeless Leadership Principles

1️⃣ Reformation Begins With God’s Word – National teaching preceded blessing
2️⃣ Righteous Leadership Deters Enemies – Philistines submitted without war
3️⃣ True Security Combines Faith + Preparation – Jehoshaphat fortified while trusting God
4️⃣ Breaking Generational Curses Is Possible – He rejected Asa’s late-life errors
5️⃣ Obedience Brings Favor – “The LORD was with Jehoshaphat” (v.3)

Archaeological Evidence

✔ Jehoshaphat’s Storage Cities – Identified at sites like Beth Zur
✔ Military Outposts – Found in the Negev region
✔ Contemporary Records – Arab tribes mentioned in Assyrian texts

Reflection Questions

1. What areas of your life need “Scripture-based reformation”?

2. How can churches better emulate Jehoshaphat’s teaching model?

3. Why does obedience to God disarm external threats?

4. What generational patterns have you broken by faith?