What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 17:10? And the dread of the LORD “Dread” here is God-given awe that immobilizes opposition. Scripture presents it as something the Lord Himself releases: • Exodus 23:27—“I will send My terror before you and throw into confusion every nation you encounter.” • Deuteronomy 2:25; Joshua 2:9-11—news of God’s acts melts enemy courage even before Israel arrives. Jehoshaphat had just strengthened himself in the LORD (2 Chron 17:3-6). God responds by projecting holy fear outward, reminding surrounding peoples that they are contending with Him, not merely Judah. fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that surrounded Judah The phrase underscores how far-reaching God’s protection is: every bordering realm comes under His restraining hand. • 2 Chron 14:13-14—under Asa, fleeing foes are struck by “the dread of the LORD.” • 2 Chron 20:29—after Jehoshaphat’s later victory, “the dread of God came upon all the kingdoms of the lands when they heard that the LORD had fought.” • Psalm 34:7—“The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them.” God’s sovereignty extends beyond Judah’s borders; He controls international attitudes as readily as individual hearts. so that they did not make war against Jehoshaphat The practical result is peace. Jehoshaphat’s internal reforms (vv.7-9) now bear fruit externally: no hostile campaigns drain resources or distract from spiritual renewal. • Proverbs 16:7—“When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies live at peace with him.” • Job 5:23-24 speaks of covenantal safety, and 2 Chron 20:30 records a similar season of “rest on every side.” By walking in obedience, the king experiences a literal fulfillment of covenant promises of protection (Leviticus 26:6). summary 2 Chronicles 17:10 shows the Lord personally surrounding an obedient Judah with a mantle of holy fear that disarms every neighboring kingdom. God’s active intervention produces regional peace, proving that when His people honor Him, He can move hearts and histories to secure their welfare. |
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