How does 2 Chronicles 17:3 connect with Psalm 119:1-3 about obedience? Text Focus “The LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David and did not seek the Baals.” “Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD! Blessed are those who keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart. They do no iniquity; they walk in His ways.” A Single Thread of Obedience • Both passages spotlight “walking” as a picture of daily, deliberate obedience. • Jehoshaphat “walked in the earlier ways of David,” echoing Psalm 119’s “walk in the law of the LORD.” • The negative and positive sides appear together: avoiding idols (2 Chron 17:3) and pursuing wholehearted devotion (Psalm 119:2). • Result: the LORD’s presence (“the LORD was with Jehoshaphat”) parallels the Psalm’s declared “blessed” condition. What Obedience Looks Like 1. Choosing a proven path – Jehoshaphat patterned his life after David’s godly years (cf. 1 Kings 3:14). – The Psalmist calls us to the timeless “law of the LORD,” not cultural trends. 2. Rejecting rivals to God – “Did not seek the Baals” (2 Chron 17:3). – Psalm 119:3 affirms “they do no iniquity,” turning from sin and idolatry (1 John 5:21). 3. Seeking God with the whole heart – Jehoshaphat’s reforms sprang from sincere devotion (2 Chron 17:6). – Psalm 119:2 stresses “seek Him with all their heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). Blessings Tied to Obedience • Divine presence and favor (2 Chron 17:3; John 14:23). • Inner happiness—“blessed” (Psalm 119:1-2). • Protection and victory (2 Chron 17:10; Deuteronomy 28:7). • Steady purity—“they do no iniquity” (Psalm 119:3; 1 Peter 1:15-16). Practical Takeaways for Today • Compare your walk to Scripture’s heroes whose faithfulness God endorsed. • Identify and reject modern “Baals”: anything demanding affection meant for God (Colossians 3:5). • Cultivate wholehearted pursuit—make time in the Word priority one (Joshua 1:8). • Expect God’s nearness and blessing, not as a formula, but as His gracious promise to obedient children (James 1:25). Connecting the Dots 2 Chronicles 17:3 and Psalm 119:1-3 present one seamless message: authentic obedience—turning from idols and turning toward God’s revealed will—draws His presence, protection, and blessing. The same path remains open to every believer today. |
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