1And Jehoshaphat, his son, succeeded Asa, and strengthened his defenses against Israel. 2He stationed troops in all the fortified cities of Judah, and garrisons throughout the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim, that his father, Asa, had taken. 3And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he followed the example of his ancestor, David, in his earlier years (before his transgression regarding Uriah and Bathsheba), and did not worship false gods such as Baalim, 4But, instead, he sought the LORD God of Asa, unlike Israel, Jehoshaphat obeyed God’s commandments. 5Therefore, the LORD strengthened the reign of his kingdom; and all Judah brought tribute to Jehoshaphat, and he had riches and honor in abundance. 6His heart was deeply committed to the ways of the LORD; and he removed the high places and idols from Judah.

7Then, in the third year of his reign, Jehoshaphat sent the following leaders, Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah. 8And with them he sent these Levites: Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemi-ramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tob-adonijah; and two priests: Elishama and Jehoram. 9They took the book of the law of the LORD with them, and taught in Judah, going throughout all the cities of Judah, teaching the people.

10And the fear of the LORD fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that surrounded Judah, so that they did not make war against Jehoshaphat. 11Some of the Philistines also brought Jehoshaphat gifts, and silver as tribute; and the Arabians brought him flocks: seven thousand seven hundred rams, and seven thousand seven hundred he goats. 12And Jehoshaphat became more powerful; and he built fortresses, and storage cities in Judah. 13And he kept large supplies in the cities of Judah; and men of valor in Jerusalem. 14And these are the enrollment numbers by the clans: of Judah, , Adnah was their commander over three hundred thousand men of valor, in units of 1,000 under officers; 15And next came Jehohanan, with two hundred eighty thousand. 16And then came Amasiah, son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself unto the LORD, with two hundred thousand men of valor. 17And of Benjamin: Eliada, a mighty man of valor, with two hundred thousand men armed with bow and shield; 18And next to him was Jehozabad, with a hundred eighty thousand ready for war. 19These all attended King Jehoshaphat, beside those whom the king posted in the fortified cities throughout all Judah.