2 Chronicles 17:1
New International Version
Jehoshaphat his son succeeded him as king and strengthened himself against Israel.

New Living Translation
Then Jehoshaphat, Asa’s son, became the next king. He strengthened Judah to stand against any attack from Israel.

English Standard Version
Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his place and strengthened himself against Israel.

Berean Standard Bible
Asa’s son Jehoshaphat reigned in his place, and he strengthened himself against Israel.

King James Bible
And Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead, and strengthened himself against Israel.

New King James Version
Then Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his place, and strengthened himself against Israel.

New American Standard Bible
His son Jehoshaphat then became king in his place, and he proved himself strong over Israel.

NASB 1995
Jehoshaphat his son then became king in his place, and made his position over Israel firm.

NASB 1977
Jehoshaphat his son then became king in his place, and made his position over Israel firm.

Legacy Standard Bible
Jehoshaphat his son then became king in his place, and strengthened himself over Israel.

Amplified Bible
Jehoshaphat his son then became king [of Judah] in Asa’s place, and strengthened his position over Israel.

Christian Standard Bible
His son Jehoshaphat became king in his place and strengthened himself against Israel.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
His son Jehoshaphat became king in his place and strengthened himself against Israel.

American Standard Version
And Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead, and strengthened himself against Israel.

Contemporary English Version
Jehoshaphat son of Asa became king and strengthened his defenses against Israel.

English Revised Version
And Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead, and strengthened himself against Israel.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Asa's son Jehoshaphat succeeded him as king. Jehoshaphat strengthened himself [to wage war] against Israel.

Good News Translation
Jehoshaphat succeeded his father Asa as king and strengthened his position against Israel.

International Standard Version
Asa's son Jehoshaphat succeeded him as king, and he consolidated his authority over Israel

Majority Standard Bible
Asa?s son Jehoshaphat reigned in his place, and he strengthened himself against Israel.

NET Bible
His son Jehoshaphat replaced him as king and solidified his rule over Israel.

New Heart English Bible
Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his place, and strengthened himself against Israel.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead, and strengthened himself against Israel.

World English Bible
Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his place, and strengthened himself against Israel.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And his son Jehoshaphat reigns in his stead, and he strengthens himself against Israel,

Young's Literal Translation
And Jehoshaphat his son reigneth in his stead, and he strengtheneth himself against Israel,

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jehoshaphat his son will reign in his stead, and he will strengthen himself against Israel.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Josaphat his son reigned in his stead, and grew strong against Israel.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then Jehoshaphat, his son, reigned in his place. And he grew strong against Israel.

New American Bible
His son Jehoshaphat succeeded him as king and strengthened his position against Israel.

New Revised Standard Version
His son Jehoshaphat succeeded him, and strengthened himself against Israel.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
AND Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead, and strengthened himself against Israel.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Yehoshaphat his son arose in the Kingdom after him, and he was strengthened against Israel.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead, and strengthened himself against Israel.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Josaphat his son reigned in his stead, Josaphat strengthened himself against Israel.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jehoshaphat Reigns in Judah
1Asa’s son Jehoshaphat reigned in his place, and he strengthened himself against Israel. 2He stationed troops in every fortified city of Judah and put garrisons in the land of Judah and in the cities of Ephraim that his father Asa had captured.…

Cross References
1 Kings 15:24
And Asa rested with his fathers and was buried with them in the city of his father David, and his son Jehoshaphat reigned in his place.

1 Kings 22:41-43
In the fourth year of Ahab’s reign over Israel, Jehoshaphat son of Asa became king of Judah. / Jehoshaphat was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-five years. His mother’s name was Azubah daughter of Shilhi. / And Jehoshaphat walked in all the ways of his father Asa; he did not turn away from them, but did what was right in the eyes of the LORD. The high places, however, were not removed; the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places.

2 Chronicles 16:13-14
So in the forty-first year of his reign, Asa died and rested with his fathers. / And he was buried in the tomb that he had cut out for himself in the City of David. They laid him on a bier that was full of spices and various blended perfumes; then they made a great fire in his honor.

2 Chronicles 21:1-3
And Jehoshaphat rested with his fathers and was buried with them in the City of David. And his son Jehoram reigned in his place. / Jehoram’s brothers, the sons of Jehoshaphat, were Azariah, Jehiel, Zechariah, Azariah, Michael, and Shephatiah; these were all sons of Jehoshaphat king of Israel. / Their father had given them many gifts of silver and gold and precious things, as well as the fortified cities in Judah; but he gave the kingdom to Jehoram because he was the firstborn.

1 Kings 22:50
And Jehoshaphat rested with his fathers and was buried with them in the city of his father David. And his son Jehoram reigned in his place.

2 Chronicles 20:31-32
So Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah. He was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-five years. His mother’s name was Azubah daughter of Shilhi. / And Jehoshaphat walked in the way of his father Asa and did not turn away from it; he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 14:1
Then Abijah rested with his fathers and was buried in the City of David. And his son Asa reigned in his place, and in his days the land was at peace for ten years.

2 Chronicles 15:17
The high places were not removed from Israel, but Asa’s heart was fully devoted all his days.

2 Chronicles 19:1-3
When Jehoshaphat king of Judah had returned safely to his home in Jerusalem, / Jehu son of Hanani the seer went out to confront him and said to King Jehoshaphat, “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Because of this, the wrath of the LORD is upon you. / However, some good is found in you, for you have removed the Asherah poles from the land and have set your heart on seeking God.”

2 Chronicles 20:34
As for the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, from beginning to end, they are indeed written in the Chronicles of Jehu son of Hanani, which are recorded in the Book of the Kings of Israel.

2 Chronicles 18:1
Now Jehoshaphat had an abundance of riches and honor, and he allied himself with Ahab by marriage.

2 Chronicles 22:9
Then Jehu looked for Ahaziah, and Jehu’s soldiers captured him while he was hiding in Samaria. So Ahaziah was brought to Jehu and put to death. They buried him, for they said, “He is the grandson of Jehoshaphat, who sought the LORD with all his heart.” So no one was left from the house of Ahaziah with the strength to rule the kingdom.

2 Chronicles 24:2
And Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest.

Matthew 1:8
Asa was the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah.

Matthew 1:9
Uzziah was the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah.


Treasury of Scripture

And Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead, and strengthened himself against Israel.

Jehoshaphat

1 Kings 15:24
And Asa slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father: and Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead.

1 Kings 22:41
And Jehoshaphat the son of Asa began to reign over Judah in the fourth year of Ahab king of Israel.

1 Chronicles 11:10
These also are the chief of the mighty men whom David had, who strengthened themselves with him in his kingdom, and with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel.

Josaphat

2 Chronicles 12:1
And it came to pass, when Rehoboam had established the kingdom, and had strengthened himself, he forsook the law of the LORD, and all Israel with him.

2 Chronicles 26:8
And the Ammonites gave gifts to Uzziah: and his name spread abroad even to the entering in of Egypt; for he strengthened himself exceedingly.

2 Chronicles 32:5
Also he strengthened himself, and built up all the wall that was broken, and raised it up to the towers, and another wall without, and repaired Millo in the city of David, and made darts and shields in abundance.

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Firm Israel Jehoshaphat Jehosh'aphat Position Reigned Reigneth Stead Strengthened Strengtheneth Strong Succeeded
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Firm Israel Jehoshaphat Jehosh'aphat Position Reigned Reigneth Stead Strengthened Strengtheneth Strong Succeeded
2 Chronicles 17
1. Jehoshaphat, succeeding Asa, reigns well, and prospers
7. He sends Levites with the princes to teach Judah
10. His enemies being terrified by God, some of them bring him presents and tribute
12. His greatness, captains, and armies














Asa’s son Jehoshaphat reigned in his place
Jehoshaphat was the son of Asa, who was a king of Judah known for his religious reforms and efforts to rid the land of idolatry. Jehoshaphat's reign marks a continuation of his father's policies, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a covenant relationship with God. The transition of power from Asa to Jehoshaphat signifies a period of stability and continuity in the southern kingdom of Judah. This phrase highlights the dynastic succession, which was crucial for maintaining the Davidic line, a key element in biblical prophecy concerning the Messiah (2 Samuel 7:12-16). Jehoshaphat's reign is noted for its emphasis on faithfulness to God, contrasting with the often idolatrous practices of the northern kingdom of Israel.

and he strengthened himself against Israel
This phrase indicates Jehoshaphat's strategic and military initiatives to fortify Judah against potential threats from the northern kingdom of Israel. The division between Israel and Judah followed the reign of Solomon, leading to two separate kingdoms often at odds with each other. Jehoshaphat's actions reflect a period of tension and conflict between the two kingdoms. His efforts to strengthen Judah included fortifying cities and building up the military, as detailed in the subsequent verses (2 Chronicles 17:2). This preparation was not only for defense but also to assert Judah's independence and stability. Theologically, this can be seen as an effort to protect the worship of Yahweh in Jerusalem, the spiritual center of Judah, from the influences of Israel's idolatry. Jehoshaphat's reign is characterized by a commitment to seeking God's guidance, as seen in his later reforms and alliances (2 Chronicles 19:4-11).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jehoshaphat
The son of Asa, Jehoshaphat became the king of Judah. He is noted for his religious reforms and efforts to bring the people back to the worship of Yahweh.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, consisting of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, over which Jehoshaphat reigned.

3. Israel
The northern kingdom, often in conflict with Judah during this period. Jehoshaphat's reign involved strategic military and political actions to protect Judah from Israel.

4. Asa
The father of Jehoshaphat and former king of Judah, known for his own religious reforms and efforts to rid Judah of idolatry.

5. Reign
The period during which Jehoshaphat ruled over Judah, marked by efforts to fortify the kingdom and promote religious fidelity.
Teaching Points
Leadership and Legacy
Jehoshaphat's reign reminds us of the importance of building on the spiritual foundations laid by those who came before us. We should strive to continue and expand upon the godly legacies of our predecessors.

Spiritual Fortification
Just as Jehoshaphat strengthened Judah against external threats, we are called to fortify our spiritual lives against the challenges and temptations of the world. This involves deepening our relationship with God and adhering to His commandments.

Unity and Division
The division between Israel and Judah serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of unity among God's people. We should seek reconciliation and peace within our communities and churches.

Faithful Reforms
Jehoshaphat's commitment to religious reforms highlights the need for continual renewal and reformation in our spiritual lives. We must be vigilant in removing idols and distractions that hinder our walk with God.(1) And Jehoshaphat . . . in. his stead.--The last words of 1Kings 15:24. The name means Iah judgeth.

And strengthened himself against Israel.--As described in 2Chronicles 17:2. Israel is here the northern kingdom. These defensive measures were taken in the early part of the reign, and before Jehoshaphat connected himself by marriage with the northern dynasty (2Chronicles 18:1).

Verse 1. - Jehoshaphat. In 2 Chronicles 20:31 and 1 Kings 22:41, 42 we are told that Jehoshaphat was now thirty-five years of age. He must, therefore, have been born when Asa was in the sixth year of his reign, and presumably not under sixteen years of age. His reign extended to twenty-five years, i.e. from B.C. 914 to B.C. 889. The name signifies "whom God judges," or "pleads for." Ahab is now in the fourth year of his reign, and the symptoms he manifests (1 Kings 16:30-33) are those that the rather urge Jehoshaphat to strengthen himself, i.e. strengthen the defences of his kingdom on the Israel side.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Asa's son
בְּנ֖וֹ (bə·nōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1121: A son

Jehoshaphat
יְהוֹשָׁפָ֥ט (yə·hō·wō·šā·p̄āṭ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3092: Jehoshaphat -- 'the LORD has judged', the name of a number of Israelites

became king
וַיִּמְלֹ֛ךְ (way·yim·lōḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4427: To reign, inceptively, to ascend the throne, to induct into royalty, to take counsel

in his place,
תַּחְתָּ֑יו (taḥ·tāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8478: The bottom, below, in lieu of

and he strengthened himself
וַיִּתְחַזֵּ֖ק (way·yiṯ·ḥaz·zêq)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2388: To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer

against
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

Israel.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc


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OT History: 2 Chronicles 17:1 Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his place (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)
2 Chronicles 16:14
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