2 Chronicles 17:10

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the fear {H6343} of the LORD {H3068} fell upon all the kingdoms {H4467} of the lands {H776} that were round about {H5439} Judah {H3063}, so that they made no war {H3898} against Jehoshaphat {H3092}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A panic from ADONAI seized all the kingdoms in the lands surrounding Y'hudah, so that they did not make war against Y'hoshafat.

Berean Standard Bible

And the dread of the LORD fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that surrounded Judah, so that they did not make war against Jehoshaphat.

American Standard Version

And the fear of Jehovah fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 17:10 vividly illustrates the profound divine protection and peace bestowed upon King Jehoshaphat and the kingdom of Judah. This verse serves as a direct testament to the tangible blessings of national obedience and the king's steadfast commitment to the Lord, demonstrating how God's sovereign influence can deter external threats and secure the well-being of His faithful people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the early, prosperous reign of King Jehoshaphat, son of Asa, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 17](/2-chronicles/17 "2 Chronicles 17 - Jehoshaphat's Early Reign and Reforms"). The preceding verses (v. 3-9) highlight Jehoshaphat's exemplary devotion to the Lord, his rejection of idolatry, and his proactive efforts to strengthen Judah both militarily and spiritually. Crucially, he initiated a widespread teaching program, sending princes, Levites, and priests throughout the cities of Judah to instruct the people in the Law of the Lord ([2 Chronicles 17:7-9](/2-chronicles/17-7 "2 Chronicles 17:7-9 - Jehoshaphat's Teaching Initiative")). Verse 10 immediately follows this account of spiritual revival and administrative strengthening, presenting the "fear of the LORD" falling upon surrounding nations as a direct, divinely orchestrated consequence of Judah's faithfulness and Jehoshaphat's righteous leadership. It underscores the principle that national security and peace are ultimately rooted in divine favor, not merely military might.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Judah, during Jehoshaphat's reign (c. 870-848 BC), was a relatively small kingdom often surrounded by larger, more aggressive powers like Aram (Syria) to the north, Philistia to the west, and various Arab tribes to the south and east. Warfare was a constant threat, and national security was paramount. The concept of "the fear of the LORD" (יִרְאַת יְהוָה, _yir’at Yahweh_) was a cornerstone of Israelite theology, signifying not just terror but a profound reverence, awe, and submission to God's supreme authority. In the ancient Near East, a deity's favor was often believed to manifest in military success and the deterrence of enemies. For God to instill His "fear" in foreign kingdoms meant a supernatural intervention, compelling them to acknowledge Judah's divine protector and consequently refrain from aggression. This was a direct fulfillment of covenant promises, where obedience would lead to peace and security (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:7](/deuteronomy/28-7 "Deuteronomy 28:7 - Blessings of Obedience")).
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it exemplifies **Divine Protection and Sovereignty**, showcasing God's active involvement in the affairs of nations and His ability to manipulate circumstances for the benefit of His people. The "fear of the LORD" acts as a supernatural deterrent, highlighting that God's power transcends human military capabilities. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Obedience and Blessing**, demonstrating a clear cause-and-effect relationship: Jehoshaphat's commitment to the Lord and his efforts to restore true worship directly resulted in national peace and prosperity. This aligns with the Deuteronomic theology prevalent in the Chronicler's work, where faithfulness brings favor and disobedience brings judgment. Finally, the verse speaks to **The Fear of the Lord as a Foundation for Wisdom and Security**, illustrating that true reverence for God is not merely an internal spiritual state but can have tangible, external consequences, including peace from enemies, as seen in [Proverbs 16:7](/proverbs/16-7 "Proverbs 16:7 - When a man's ways please the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Heb. יִרְאַת, _yir’at_):** This term, part of the construct phrase "fear of the LORD" (יִרְאַת יְהוָה, _yir’at Yahweh_), denotes more than mere terror or fright. While it certainly includes an element of dread for God's power and judgment, its primary meaning in this theological context is one of profound awe, reverence, respectful submission, and worship. When this "fear" falls upon the surrounding kingdoms, it implies a divinely instilled recognition of God's supreme authority and power as manifested through Judah, compelling them to act in a way that honors His sovereignty.
* **Fell upon (Heb. נָפַל, _naphal_):** The verb "fell upon" indicates a sudden, impactful, and divinely initiated action. It suggests that this "fear" was not a gradual development or a natural human response, but a supernatural imposition by God Himself. It implies an overwhelming and inescapable influence that seized the hearts and minds of the foreign kings and their peoples, rendering them incapable of pursuing their aggressive intentions against Judah.
* **No war (Heb. לֹא מִלְחָמָה, _lo milchamah_):** This phrase explicitly states the direct outcome of the divine intervention. The absence of war signifies complete peace and security for Judah. It highlights the effectiveness of God's protection, which manifested not in Judah's military prowess (though Jehoshaphat did strengthen his army), but in the miraculous deterrence of potential adversaries. This peace allowed Judah to flourish and Jehoshaphat to consolidate his reign without external conflict.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the fear of the LORD fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that [were] round about Judah":** This initial clause establishes the supernatural cause of Judah's peace. The "fear of the LORD" is personified as an active agent, supernaturally imposed by God. It "fell upon" not just one, but "all the kingdoms" surrounding Judah, indicating a comprehensive and widespread divine influence. This signifies God's sovereign control over the nations, demonstrating His ability to influence the hearts and actions of even pagan rulers and peoples for the sake of His chosen nation.
* **"so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat":** This second clause presents the direct and tangible result of the divine intervention described in the first. The divinely instilled "fear" directly led to the cessation of hostilities. The surrounding kingdoms, despite their potential for aggression, were supernaturally restrained from engaging in conflict with Jehoshaphat. This highlights the practical benefit of Judah's faithfulness and God's protective hand, ensuring a period of peace and stability for the kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Divine Intervention** is the overarching theme, as the "fear of the LORD" is explicitly presented as a supernatural force directly influencing human events. This is not a psychological state but a divinely orchestrated deterrent. There is a clear **Cause and Effect** relationship established: Judah's faithfulness (implied from the preceding context) leads to God instilling fear in their enemies, which in turn leads to peace. The phrase "the fear of the LORD" also functions as a form of **Metonymy**, where the "fear" stands in for God's active presence, power, and sovereign will. It is not merely the emotion of fear, but the very power and authority of God that causes the surrounding nations to refrain from aggression. The use of "all the kingdoms" provides **Hyperbole** to emphasize the comprehensive and overwhelming nature of this divinely imposed peace.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates the biblical principle that God actively defends and provides peace for those who walk in obedience and reverence towards Him. It underscores divine sovereignty over nations and the tangible blessings that flow from a right relationship with God, whether for an individual or a nation. The peace experienced by Judah was not merely the absence of conflict but a divinely granted security, demonstrating that true protection comes from the Lord. This resonates with the broader biblical narrative where God often intervenes supernaturally to protect His people, turning the hearts of enemies or rendering their plans futile.

* [Psalm 34:7](/psalms/34-7 "Psalm 34:7 - The Angel of the Lord Encamps")
* [Proverbs 16:7](/proverbs/16-7 "Proverbs 16:7 - When a Man's Ways Please the Lord")
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God Is For Us")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Jehoshaphat's reign and the peace granted to Judah serves as a powerful reminder that our ultimate security and well-being are not found in human strength, strategic alliances, or material defenses alone, but in a reverent and obedient relationship with God. For individuals, this means cultivating a deep "fear of the Lord"—a profound awe and submission—that guides our choices and priorities. For communities and nations, it calls for a collective turning towards God's ways, recognizing His supreme authority over all earthly powers. When we prioritize God's kingdom and righteousness, we can trust in His providential care, knowing that He can influence circumstances and even the hearts of adversaries to bring about His purposes and grant us peace, whether external or internal. This peace is a divine gift, enabling us to flourish in our callings without being consumed by fear of the unknown or the hostile.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I seeking security and peace from sources other than God?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate a "fear of the LORD" – a profound awe and submission to His will?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper trust in God's protective hand over my circumstances?**
* **How might the principle of "the fear of the LORD" apply to the challenges faced by nations today?**

### FAQ
**What does "the fear of the LORD" specifically mean in this context?**

Answer: In this context, "the fear of the LORD" (יִרְאַת יְהוָה, _yir’at Yahweh_) refers to a divinely instilled awe, dread, and recognition of God's supreme power and authority. It's not merely a psychological state of terror, but a supernatural influence that compelled the surrounding kingdoms to acknowledge the God of Judah as sovereign and therefore to refrain from aggression. It signifies a profound reverence for God that leads to specific actions, or in this case, inactions. This fear caused them to respect the divine protection over Judah and Jehoshaphat, leading to peace.

**How did this "fear" manifest among the surrounding kingdoms?**

Answer: The text indicates that the "fear" manifested as a deterrent, preventing them from making war against Jehoshaphat. This suggests that their aggressive intentions were supernaturally paralyzed or redirected. It could have involved a sudden, inexplicable dread, a series of internal conflicts that distracted them, or a clear recognition of God's hand protecting Judah through various signs. The narrative doesn't specify the exact mechanism, but the outcome is clear: their hostile actions ceased. This highlights God's ability to influence the hearts and decisions of rulers and nations, as seen in other biblical accounts (e.g., [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in the Hand of the Lord")).

**Is this type of divine protection still relevant for believers today?**

Answer: Yes, the principle of divine protection for those who walk in obedience and reverence for God remains eternally relevant, though its manifestations may differ. While modern believers may not face literal armies at their borders, God continues to be a shield and protector against spiritual, emotional, and even physical harm. The "fear of the LORD" still brings wisdom and security ([Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")). God's sovereignty over all circumstances and His commitment to His people mean that He can still provide peace in the midst of turmoil, deter adversaries, and work all things for the good of those who love Him ([Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work Together for Good")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The peace and protection experienced by Jehoshaphat and Judah, stemming from the "fear of the LORD" falling upon their enemies, foreshadows the ultimate and everlasting peace secured through Jesus Christ. While Jehoshaphat's reign brought temporary cessation of physical warfare, Christ, the true [Prince of Peace](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace"), brings an eternal peace that transcends earthly conflicts. He disarms not merely human armies but the spiritual forces of evil that wage war against our souls ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Disarming the Powers")). The "fear of the LORD" that restrained Judah's enemies finds its ultimate fulfillment in the awe and reverence due to Christ, who has conquered sin, death, and the devil. Through His atoning sacrifice, believers are reconciled to God, experiencing a peace that "surpasses all understanding" ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")). In Christ, we find true security and rest, for He is our ultimate refuge and strength, providing a spiritual peace that no earthly power can disrupt ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - My Peace I Give to You")). The peace granted to Jehoshaphat was a shadow; the peace and protection found in Christ are the substance, securing our eternal well-being and empowering us to live fearlessly in a hostile world, knowing that [He has overcome the world](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - I Have Overcome the World").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 14:14

And they smote all the cities round about Gerar; for the fear of the LORD came upon them: and they spoiled all the cities; for there was exceeding much spoil in them.

Exodus 15:14

The people shall hear, [and] be afraid: sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina.

Exodus 15:16

Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be [as] still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O LORD, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased.

Exodus 34:24

For I will cast out the nations before thee, and enlarge thy borders: neither shall any man desire thy land, when thou shalt go up to appear before the LORD thy God thrice in the year.

Proverbs 16:7

¶ When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

2 Chronicles 16:9

For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of [them] whose heart [is] perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.

Genesis 35:5

And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that [were] round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob.