This program of daily devotions is designed to take you through the Bible in three years. It is our desire to help you gain a better general understanding of God's Word.
Please understand that in a study this brief, we will be concerned with only the major emphases and context of the Scriptures.
Each day a devotion for one or two chapters is posted, beginning with chapter one of Genesis and going through chapter twenty-two of Revelation. You are free to print each page as it appears. If you miss a day, you may contact us and request that devotion. Please send your request, along with $.50 (p&handling) for each page to:
Bruce McGee,Pastor
205 Adams
Columbia, LA 71418
HERE
Bro. Bruce's commentaries for the books of
Genesis through 2Kings are
now available in hard copy for $7.50. Just
mail your request for COMMENTARY ON (BOOK NAME) to the address above.
2CHRONICLES
1 And Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead, and strengthened himself against Israel.
2 And he placed forces in all the fenced cities of Judah, and set garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim, which Asa his father had taken.
3 And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim;
4 But sought to the (LORD) God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel.
Asa had been a beloved king. The "very great burning for him" in verse 14 of the last chapter was a burning of incense by the people. They really loved him.
5 Therefore the LORD stablished the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honour in abundance.
6 And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah.
7 Also in the third year of his reign he sent to his princes, even to Benhail, and to Obadiah, and to Zechariah, and to Nethaneel, and to Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah.
8 And with them he sent Levites, even Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and Zebadiah, and Asahel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehonathan, and Adonijah, and Tobijah, and Tob-adonijah, Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, priests.
9 And they taught in Judah, and had the book of the law of the LORD with them, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people.
Because of Jehoshaphat's diligence to seek God and obey His Word, God "established" the kingdom strongly. The people of Judah brought him presence acknowledging his leadership.
10 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.
11 Also some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents, and tribute silver; and the Arabians brought him flocks, seven thousand and seven hundred rams, and seven thousand and seven hundred he goats.
Because of their teaching the Word, God caused a great "fear" to come upon surrounding nations. These nations would not declare war on Judah.
12 And Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly; and he built in Judah castles, and cities of store.
13 And he had much business in the cities of Judah: and the men of war, mighty men of valour, were in Jerusalem.
14 And these are the numbers of them according to the house of their fathers: Of Judah, the captains of thousands; Adnah the chief, and with him mighty men of valour three hundred thousand.
15 And next to him was Jehohanan the captain, and with him two hundred and fourscore thousand.
16 And next him was Amasiah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself unto the LORD; and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of valour.
17 And of Benjamin; Eliada a mighty man of valour, and with him armed men with bow and shield two hundred thousand.
18 And next him was Jehozabad, and with him an hundred and fourscore thousand ready prepared for the war.
19 These waited on the king, beside those whom the king put in the fenced cities throughout all Judah.
Jehoshaphat also saw to it that fortresses and supply cities were built. And he used the army to strengthen and maintain those strategic cities. Please continue in Bible Study with us.
CHAPTER 17
Asa had loved the Lord and done right until he was reproved for the sin of not calling upon God for help. Then his PRIDE put him out on a shelf by himself, and he died diseased.
Jehoshaphat, Asa's son, had witnessed this. He was not hardened against God. Instead, he determined to follow God ONLY!
As he fortified Judah against foes, he also "sought" God and followed God's described will by complying with the WORD.
Jehoshaphat determined to do even MORE for God. He sent out five officials to teach the Word of God in the cities of Judah. With these officials, Jehoshaphat also sent five Levites who were skilled in the teaching of the Word of God.
The Philistine nation and the Arabian nation sent delegates with tremendous gifts to Jehoshaphat. They actually were trying to appease him so that he would not declare war on them.
There were two reasons for this. The first was that God had caused a great "fear" to come upon them. The second was that God had given Jehoshaphat a great army.
One "captain," or general (Adnah), commanded 300,000 men.
Another captain (Jehohanan) commanded 280,000 men.
Another captain (Amsiah) commanded 200,000 men.
Another captain (Eliada) commanded 200,000 men.
Another captain (Jehozabad) commanded 180,000 men.
PLUS, other army personnel were assigned to the fortified cities and storage cities.
That's a total army of more than 1,160,000 men!
Friends, it is REWARDING to follow God's ways!!