2 Chronicles

2 Chronicles 17: The LORD is with Jehoshaphat

Begin in prayer

Before we open 2 Chronicles 17, let us pray. Ask God to show us the king whom He was with and the law that was taught, and to lead us to Jesus, of whom the Scriptures speak.

How I love your law! It is my meditation all day.

Psalm 119:97

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word. Thank You that Your law was taught in Judah, and show us Jesus, of whom the Scriptures speak. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

Jehoshaphat becomes king after Asa, and he strengthens Judah with forces in the fortified cities. The LORD is with him, because he walks in the first ways of David and does not seek the Baals. He seeks the God of his father, and the LORD establishes the kingdom in his hand. Judah brings him tribute, and he takes away the high places and the Asherah poles. In his third year he sends princes, Levites and priests to teach in Judah, carrying the book of the law. The fear of the LORD falls on the kingdoms around, and they make no war on Jehoshaphat.

As you read 2 Chronicles 17, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

The LORD was with Jehoshaphat, who sought Him and sent teachers with the book of the law through Judah.

Jehoshaphat became king after Asa his father, and he strengthened Judah against Israel (verses 1 and 2). The text says the LORD was with him because he walked in David's first ways (verse 3). Instead of the Baals, he sought the God of his father and walked in His commandments (verse 4). So the LORD established the kingdom in his hand, and Judah brought him tribute (verse 5). In his third year he sent princes, Levites and priests to teach in the cities of Judah (verses 7 and 8). They carried the book of the LORD's law with them, and they taught the people in all the cities (verse 9). The high places and Asherah poles were taken away, and the LORD's law was taught in their place (verses 6 and 9). The fear of the LORD fell on the kingdoms around, so that they made no war on Jehoshaphat (verse 10). This shows that the LORD was with the king who sought Him, and that He teaches His people through His written word.

How does 2 Chronicles 17 show us that the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, who sought Him and sent teachers with the book of the law through Judah?

Jehoshaphat sought the God of his father.

The LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of David (verse 3). He did not seek the Baals, but sought the God of his father and walked in His commandments (verse 4). He did not walk in the ways of Israel (verse 4). Therefore the LORD established the kingdom in his hand (verse 5).

Teachers went through Judah with the book of the law.

In the third year of his reign Jehoshaphat sent princes to teach in the cities of Judah (verse 7). Levites and priests went with them (verse 8). They had the book of the LORD's law with them (verse 9). They went about through all the cities and taught among the people (verse 9).

The fear of the LORD fell on the nations around Judah.

The fear of the LORD fell on all the kingdoms around Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat (verse 10). Some Philistines brought him presents and silver, and the Arabians brought flocks (verse 11). Jehoshaphat grew great and built fortresses and store cities (verse 12). The chapter numbers his mighty men, among them Amasiah, who willingly offered himself to the LORD (verses 14 to 16).

Jesus opened the Scriptures and showed that they speak of Him.

After He rose, Jesus explained to His followers in all the Scriptures the things about Himself (Luke 24 verse 27). The book of the law that Judah's teachers carried is part of those Scriptures. Moses, the prophets and the psalms all speak of Jesus (Luke 24 verse 44).

Memorise

They taught in Judah, having the book of Yahweh’s law with them. They went about throughout all the cities of Judah and taught among the people.

2 Chronicles 17:9

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, when God's Word shows me my sin, do I run to Jesus?

The teachers went through Judah “having the book of Yahweh’s law with them.” Jesus explained to His followers in all the Scriptures the things about Himself (Luke 24 verse 27).

The law shows us our sin and our need, and no one has kept it as it should be kept. Jesus kept it perfectly. At the cross He suffered the penalty for His people who broke it, and His one sacrifice paid it once for all. Then He rose from the tomb alive.

So listen to Him. Turn from your sin and put your trust in Jesus. Everyone who trusts Him will be forgiven, and will learn to walk in His ways.

Parent's note

Tell your children that the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, who sought Him, and that all the Scriptures speak of Jesus. Parents, verses 14 to 18 list the army in numbers, so you may skip them for young children. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God that He gave His written word and teaches His people by it, and bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

How sweet are your promises to my taste, more than honey to my mouth!

Psalm 119:103

Father, thank You that Your word was taught in Judah and is open to us now. Thank You for Jesus, of whom the Scriptures speak, who died and rose. Please lead us to repent and trust Him. Amen.