2 Chronicles 17:13

and kept vast supplies in the cities of Judah. He also had warriors in Jerusalem who were mighty men of valor.

Study Bible

and kept vast supplies in the cities of Judah.
This phrase highlights the strategic and economic foresight of King Jehoshaphat. The cities of Judah were fortified and stocked with provisions, ensuring the kingdom's resilience against potential sieges or famines. This practice reflects the wisdom found in Proverbs 21:20, which speaks of storing up choice food and oil. Historically, the cities of Judah were central to the Southern Kingdom, and archaeological findings have uncovered storage facilities and granaries, supporting the biblical narrative of resource management. This preparation can be seen as a type of Christ, who provides spiritual sustenance and security for His people.

He also had warriors in Jerusalem
Jerusalem, the capital city, was not only the political and religious center but also a military stronghold. The presence of warriors in Jerusalem underscores the importance of protecting the heart of the nation. This mirrors the biblical theme of God as a fortress and protector, as seen in Psalm 46:1. The warriors in Jerusalem symbolize the spiritual warfare that believers are called to engage in, as described in Ephesians 6:10-18, where the armor of God is detailed.

who were mighty men of valor.
The term "mighty men of valor" refers to elite soldiers known for their bravery and skill in battle. This echoes the accounts of David's mighty men in 2 Samuel 23, who were renowned for their heroic deeds. These warriors serve as a type of Christ's followers, who are called to be courageous and steadfast in their faith. The phrase also connects to the broader biblical narrative of God empowering His people to overcome adversaries, as seen in the stories of Gideon (Judges 6-8) and Joshua (Joshua 1:9).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jehoshaphat
The king of Judah during this time, known for his faithfulness to God and efforts to strengthen the kingdom both spiritually and militarily.

2. Cities of Judah
The fortified cities within the kingdom of Judah where Jehoshaphat stored supplies, indicating strategic preparation and foresight.

3. Warriors, Mighty Men of Valor
The elite soldiers in Jerusalem, representing the strength and readiness of Jehoshaphat's military forces.

4. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, serving as the central hub for governance, worship, and military organization under Jehoshaphat's reign.

Teaching Points

Strategic Preparation
Jehoshaphat's actions remind us of the importance of being prepared both physically and spiritually. Just as he fortified cities and gathered supplies, we should prepare our hearts and minds for spiritual battles.

Trust in God's Provision
While Jehoshaphat had many supplies and a strong army, his ultimate trust was in God. We should remember that our resources and abilities are gifts from God, and we must rely on Him for true security.

Leadership and Stewardship
Jehoshaphat's leadership exemplifies wise stewardship of resources and people. As Christians, we are called to manage what God has entrusted to us with wisdom and integrity.

Community and Unity
The gathering of warriors in Jerusalem signifies the importance of community and unity in facing challenges. In our spiritual walk, we should seek fellowship and support from our faith community.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jehoshaphat's preparation of supplies and warriors reflect his faith and trust in God? How can we apply this principle in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our reliance on material resources does not overshadow our trust in God's provision?

3. How does the concept of spiritual readiness, as seen in Ephesians 6:10-18, relate to Jehoshaphat's military preparations?

4. What lessons can we learn from Jehoshaphat's leadership style that can be applied to our roles in our families, workplaces, and communities?

5. How can we foster a sense of unity and community within our church or faith group to better face spiritual challenges together?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Chronicles 17:5
This verse highlights how the LORD established Jehoshaphat's kingdom, providing him with wealth and honor, which connects to the abundance of supplies and military strength mentioned in 17:13.

1 Kings 15:23
This passage describes the acts of Asa, Jehoshaphat's father, who also fortified cities, showing a legacy of strategic defense in Judah.

Proverbs 21:31
This proverb speaks to the preparation of the horse for battle, but ultimate victory being from the LORD, paralleling Jehoshaphat's preparations and reliance on God.

Ephesians 6:10-18
The armor of God passage in the New Testament, which spiritually parallels the physical readiness of Jehoshaphat's warriors.