2 Chronicles 17:10-19 And the fear of the LORD fell on all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat… I. JEHOSHAPHAT'S NEIGHBOURS. 1. Afraid of his greatness. As on the cities round Jacob and his sons when they fled from Shecham (Genesis 35:5), the terror of Jehovah was on Jehoshaphat's neighbours. Regarding Jehoshaphat as under the protection of Heaven, they hesitated to try conclusions with him on the field of war. 2. Solicitous of his favor. This some sought by means of gifts. The Philistines brought presents and silver of tribute, or "silver a burden," i.e. a great quantity (Bertheau, Keil); the Arabians offered flocks - 7700 he-goats, and 7700 rams. II. JEHOSHAPHAT'S BUILDINGS. 1. Castles, or palaces. Oriental kings commonly attested their magnificence by temple and palace building; e.g. Solomon (2 Chronicles 8:1, etc.). 2. Store-cities. Arsenals or magazines for supplying the garrisons. In them Jehoshaphat had much property (Keil). III. JEHOSHAPHAT'S WARRIORS. 1. Those who served in Jerusalem. (1) Their battalions, five - three belonging to Judah, two to Benjamin. (2) Their captains. Of Judah's divisions, Adnah the chief, Jehohanan, and Amasiah the son of Zichri, "who had willingly given or offered himself to the Lord," perhaps in the performance of some mighty deed. Of Benjamin, "Eliada a mighty man of valour," and Jehozabad. (3) Their numbers. Of Judah, under Adnah, 300,000; under Jehohanan, 280,000; under Amasiah, 200,000; in all, 780,000 men. Of Benjamin, 200,000 with Eliada, and 180,000 with Jehozahad; in all, 380,000. For the kingdom 1,160,000, upwards of one million and a half of able-bodied soldiers - a huge incubus for so small a kingdom. (4) Their duties. They waited on the king, i.e. were disposable forces at his command, ready to take the field when he should give the word. 2. Those who served in Judah. The officers and companies distributed throughout the different garrisons in the land. Learn: 1. The influence of true religion even on the wicked. 2. The superior glory of good character, as compared with great condition. 3. The dignity implied in being a soldier of Jesus Christ. - W. Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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