Albert Barnes Commentary 2 Chronicles 17
Albert Barnes Commentary
2 Chronicles 17
Albert Barnes Commentary
2 Chronicles 17
"And Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead, and strengthened himself against Israel." — 2 Chronicles 17:1 (ASV)
Jehoshaphat ascended the throne in the fourth year of Ahab (1 Kings 22:41), probably after that monarch had contracted his alliance with the royal family of Sidon and before he was engaged in war with Syria. It was thus not unnatural that Jehoshaphat should begin his reign by strengthening himself against a possible attack from his northern neighbor.
"And Jehovah was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto the Baalim," — 2 Chronicles 17:3 (ASV)
The first ways of his father David - The Septuagint and several Hebrew manuscripts omit “David,” which has probably crept in from the margin, for David’s “first ways” are nowhere else contrasted with his later ways. The real meaning of the writer is that Jehoshaphat followed the example set by his father Asa in his earlier years (2 Chronicles 14:1–15; 2 Chronicles 15).
Baalim - On the plural form, see the note on 1 Kings 18:18.
"but sought to the God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel." — 2 Chronicles 17:4 (ASV)
The doings of Israel—that is, the especially idolatrous practices of the time: the introduction and establishment of the worship of Baal and the sacred groves.
"Therefore Jehovah established the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat tribute; and he had riches and honor in abundance." — 2 Chronicles 17:5 (ASV)
Presents - that is, “free-will offerings,” in addition to the regular taxes. See 1 Samuel 10:27.
"And his heart was lifted up in the ways of Jehovah: and furthermore he took away the high places and the Asherim out of Judah." — 2 Chronicles 17:6 (ASV)
His heart was lifted up - This expression generally occurs in a negative sense (Deuteronomy 8:14; 2 Chronicles 26:16; Psalms 131:1; Proverbs 18:12), but here it must be understood differently. The marginal note, “was encouraged,” accurately expresses the true meaning. He first set an example of faithfulness to Yahweh. He then proceeded to use his best endeavors to extirpate idolatry.
He took away the high places - Compare this with 2 Chronicles 20:33 and the note on 2 Chronicles 15:17.
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