Chapter 17 And Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead, and strengthened himself
against Israel.
And he placed forces in all the fenced cities of Judah, and set garrisons in the
land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim, which Asa his father had taken.
And the Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his
father David, and sought not unto Baalim, but sought to the Lord God of his father,
and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel.
Therefore the Lord established the kingdom in his hand, and all Judah brought to
Jehoshaphat's presence.
And he had riches and honour in abundance, and his heart was lifted up in the ways of
the Lord.
Moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah.
Also in the third year of his reign he sent to his princes, even to Ben-Hel,
and to Obadiah, and to Zechariah, and to Nathanael, and to Micaiah,
to teach in the cities of Judah.
And with them he sent Levites, even Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and
Zebediah, and Azahel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehonathan, and Adonijah, and Tobijah,
and Tobadonijah, Levites, and with them Elishma, and Jehoram, priests.
And they taught in Judah, and had the book of the law of the Lord with them,
and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people.
And the fear of the Lord fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round
about Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat.
Also some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents and tribute silver.
And the Arabians brought him flocks, 7,700 rams, and 7,700 he-goats.
And Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly.
And he built in Judah castles and cities of store.
And he had much business in the cities of Judah.
And the men of war, mighty men of valor, were in Jerusalem.
And these are the numbers of them according to the house of their fathers.
Of Judah the captains of thousands, Adna the chief, and with him mighty men of
valor 300,000.
And next to him was Jehohanan the captain, and with him 204,000.
And next to him was Amasiah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself unto
the Lord, and with him 200,000 mighty men of valor.
And of Benjamin, Eliadah, a mighty man of valor, and with him armed men with bow and
shield 200,000.
And next to him was Jehoshaphat, and with him 104,000 ready prepared for
the war.
These waited on the king beside those whom the king put in the fenced cities
throughout all Judah.