Jehoshaphat did well to "strengthen himself against Israel." One that ought to be in the closest possible relationship to us but that is formally separated from us and that is likely to be jealous of our power is most to be feared by us. The avowed enemy is not so hostile as the envious rival, as the unfriendly "neighbour." And there was nothing of untrustfulness in this procedure of the king's. Had he gone to Syria as his father did (2 Chronicles 16:2) for help against Israel, he would have been open to just rebuke as Asa was; but in keeping his own fortresses in good sound condition, in seeing that they were well manned and fortified, he was simply acting with that practical sagacity which is not condemned but commended of God (Luke 16:9, 10). The words suggest to us some lessons concerning the wisdom of spiritual fortification.

I. THE SUPREME QUESTION. Are we in the enemy's country, in a strange land; or are we in our own true home? Are we in a state of spiritual bondage or dependence, or are we enjoying true spiritual liberty? Is God our only Sovereign, and are we rejoicing in his gracious, benignant sway?. Are our souls right with him, and, being right with him, are they free from the tyranny of all other lords? Is our spiritual estate one of honourable loyalty to God and of honourable freedom from all servitude and subjection?

II. THE NEXT VITAL CONSIDERATION. Are we taking wise measures to" strengthen ourselves" against our natural or probable enemies? It is most unwise to assume that, because it is well with us now, it must always be well with us. "Final perseverance" as a sacred obligation is an excellent doctrine, but not as a mere comforting assumption.

(1) The exhortations of the Divine Word (Romans 11:20; 1 Corinthians 9:27; 1 Corinthians 10:12; Revelation 3:2, 11);

(2) the numerous well-attested facts we have read and those we have witnessed;

(3) the weakness of which we are conscious; - all these considerations urge us to consider what we should do to "strengthen ourselves," what steps we should take that the neighbouring enemy may not encroach, that the estate which God has given us to guard may be held inviolate. Of what kind shall be our -

III. SPIRITUAL FORTIFICATION. HOW shall we "place forces in our fenced cities," and "set garrisons in the land"? We shall do this:

1. By forming wise habits of devotion.

(1) Of public and also (and more particularly) of private devotion;

(2) such habits as will encourage the greatest possible measure of spontaneous and spiritual communion;

(3) such habits as will secure the twofold communication - God speaking to us and our speaking to him.

2. By entering on a course of sacred usefulness. Nothing is so likely to keep the flame of piety alight on the altar of our hearts, to preserve our own moral and spiritual integrity, as doing, regularly and methodically, some real service to other souls.

3. Maintaining a right attitude of soul. The attitude of humility, and therefore of conscious dependence on God; the attitude of wariness and watchfulness against the first uprising of evil against us or within us; the attitude of thoughtfulness; the disposition to let our mind go toward those things which are highest and worthiest, toward the truth of God, toward the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. With such "fenced cities ' as these in the soul, we shall be strong against the enemy whom we have most to fear. - C.

This chapter shows —

I. THAT TRUE RELIGION IS THE BASIS OF THE STATE; and that wherever it prospers there the State prospers.

II. THAT IT IS THE WISDOM OF KINGS TO ENCOURAGE RELIGION with all their power and influence.

III. THAT A RELIGIOUS NATION IS EVER A GREAT NATION.

IV. THAT A RELIGIOUS NATION IS EVER A PEACEFUL AND UNITED NATION.

( A. Clarke, D. D..)