2 Chronicles 17:12

KJV

And Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly; and he built in Judah castles, and cities of store.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jehoshaphat {H3092} waxed {H1980} great {H1432} exceedingly {H4605}; and he built {H1129} in Judah {H3063} castles {H1003}, and cities {H5892} of store {H4543}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So Y'hoshafat grew increasingly powerful. In Y'hudah he built fortresses and storage cities.

Berean Standard Bible

Jehoshaphat grew stronger and stronger, and he built fortresses and store cities in Judah

American Standard Version

And Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly; and he built in Judah castles and cities of store.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 17:12 marks a significant turning point in the narrative of King Jehoshaphat's reign, highlighting the remarkable and extensive growth of his kingdom. This verse underscores the tangible manifestation of divine blessing upon a righteous ruler, evidenced by Jehoshaphat's escalating power and the strategic infrastructure he established throughout Judah, specifically through the construction of fortified strongholds and vital supply depots. It serves as a testament to the prosperity and security that resulted from his faithful leadership and commitment to the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a detailed account of Jehoshaphat's early reign, which was characterized by his devout commitment to the Lord. Unlike many of his predecessors, Jehoshaphat "walked in the former ways of his father David" and "sought not Baal but the God of his father" (compare [2 Chronicles 17:3](/2_chronicles/17-3 "2 Chronicles 17:3 - Jehoshaphat's Devotion") and [2 Chronicles 17:4](/2_chronicles/17-4 "2 Chronicles 17:4 - Seeking God, Not Baal")). His dedication led him to remove high places and Asherah poles from Judah, and he further demonstrated his zeal by sending out princes, Levites, and priests to teach the Law of the Lord throughout all the cities of Judah ([2 Chronicles 17:7-9](/2_chronicles/17-7 "2 Chronicles 17:7-9 - Teaching the Law")). The preceding verses also mention the "terror of the Lord" falling upon the surrounding kingdoms, preventing them from making war against Jehoshaphat ([2 Chronicles 17:10](/2_chronicles/17-10 "2 Chronicles 17:10 - Terror of the Lord")). Thus, verse 12 presents the direct, tangible results of God's favor upon a king who diligently sought Him and led his people in righteousness, showcasing the prosperity, security, and influence that flowed from his faithful leadership. It transitions from his spiritual reforms to their material consequences, setting the stage for the description of his military strength and wealth in the subsequent verses of [2 Chronicles 17](/2_chronicles/17 "2 Chronicles 17 - Jehoshaphat's Reign").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jehoshaphat reigned over the Southern Kingdom of Judah from approximately 870-845 BC. This period followed the division of the united monarchy, with Judah often facing threats from the larger, more powerful Northern Kingdom of Israel, as well as surrounding nations like Aram (Syria), Philistia, and Edom. The construction of "castles" (fortresses) and "cities of store" (supply depots) was a common and essential practice for ancient Near Eastern kingdoms to ensure both military defense and economic stability. Fortifications provided protection against invasions, while store cities were crucial for stockpiling food, weapons, and other provisions, especially during times of siege or famine. This infrastructure also supported the movement and sustenance of armies. Jehoshaphat's actions reflect shrewd statecraft, demonstrating his understanding of the geopolitical realities and the practical necessities for maintaining national sovereignty and the well-being of his populace in a volatile region. His building program underscores a period of peace and prosperity, allowing for such significant investment in national security and infrastructure.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it exemplifies the theme of **Divine Blessing for Obedience**, where Jehoshaphat's immense prosperity and strength ("waxed great exceedingly") are presented as a direct consequence of his faithfulness to God, echoing the promises of the Deuteronomic covenant (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience")). Secondly, it highlights **Strategic Leadership and Preparedness**, showcasing Jehoshaphat's foresight and practical wisdom as a ruler. He understood the need for robust military defense and economic resilience to protect his people and sustain his kingdom, even amidst peace and prosperity. This proactive approach to governance is a recurring motif in the books of Chronicles, which often emphasize the importance of kings who not only seek God but also wisely manage their kingdoms. Thirdly, the verse speaks to **Security and Provision**, as the fortresses provided military security against potential invaders, while the store cities ensured provisions for both the populace and the military, demonstrating a comprehensive commitment to the well-being and resilience of Judah. This reflects God's providential care working through the diligent efforts of a righteous leader, ensuring the flourishing of His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Waxed great exceedingly (Hebrew, _vayyelech vayyigdal l'ma'lah_):** This phrase is a powerful Hebrew idiom, literally meaning "he went and became great to the highest degree" or "he walked and grew exceedingly." The repetition of verbs and the intensifying adverb "exceedingly" (לְמַעְלָה, _l'ma'lah_, meaning "upward," "above," "to the highest point") convey a profound and continuous increase in power, wealth, and influence. It signifies an unparalleled period of national flourishing and divine endorsement, far beyond mere growth, suggesting a trajectory of ever-increasing prominence and strength for Jehoshaphat and his kingdom.
* **Castles (Hebrew, מְצוּדוֹת, _metsudot_):** This noun refers to fortified places, strongholds, or fortresses. It implies robust defensive structures, often built on high ground or strategic locations, designed to withstand sieges and protect key areas or routes. The plural form indicates a widespread construction program, signifying a comprehensive national defense strategy rather than isolated fortifications. These were not merely watchtowers but substantial military installations.
* **Cities of store (Hebrew, עָרֵי מִסְכְּנוֹת, _arei miskenot_):** This phrase literally means "cities of storehouses" or "treasure cities." The term מִסְכְּנוֹת (_miskenot_) refers to places designated for the storage of goods, provisions, or military supplies, often associated with royal or national treasuries and depots. This highlights Jehoshaphat's careful resource management, economic foresight, and national preparedness, ensuring that Judah had ample provisions for its populace and military, demonstrating a sophisticated approach to national resilience and well-being.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly;":** This initial clause establishes the primary outcome of Jehoshaphat's reign: a period of unprecedented growth, power, and influence. The use of "waxed great exceedingly" emphasizes a continuous, escalating process of aggrandizement, not merely a static state. It attributes this flourishing to divine favor and Jehoshaphat's righteous conduct, setting the stage for the specific actions that follow as manifestations of this greatness. It signifies a king whose kingdom was expanding in prominence and strength beyond typical expectations.
* **"and he built in Judah castles, and cities of store.":** This second clause details the practical, strategic actions Jehoshaphat undertook that contributed to and reflected his kingdom's greatness. The construction of "castles" (fortresses) points to a robust military defense strategy, securing the borders and key regions of Judah. The establishment of "cities of store" indicates economic foresight and logistical planning, ensuring the availability of resources and provisions for both military and civilian needs. These building projects were not just symbols of power but vital components of national security and economic stability, demonstrating Jehoshaphat's wise stewardship of the blessings God had bestowed upon him.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its message effectively. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "waxed great exceedingly," which emphasizes the extraordinary and unparalleled nature of Jehoshaphat's prosperity and influence, suggesting a level of greatness that went beyond normal expectations. This serves to magnify the divine blessing upon his reign. **Metonymy** is also at play, where "castles" and "cities of store" stand in for the broader concepts of military strength, national security, and economic stability. These physical structures are tangible representations of the kingdom's fortified status and its capacity for self-sufficiency. Furthermore, the verse functions as a clear example of **Cause and Effect**, where Jehoshaphat's prior faithfulness and obedience to God (as detailed in the preceding verses) are presented as the direct cause for the resulting prosperity, security, and ability to build such extensive infrastructure. This reinforces a key theological principle often found in the Deuteronomistic history and the Chronicler's work: that righteousness leads to blessing and national flourishing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 17:12 powerfully illustrates the biblical principle that obedience to God often leads to tangible blessings, including national prosperity and security. Jehoshaphat's diligent pursuit of the Lord and his commitment to restoring true worship in Judah were directly correlated with the waxing great of his kingdom and his ability to fortify it. This is not a simplistic prosperity gospel, but rather a demonstration of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, where a nation that honors Him experiences stability and strength. The building of fortresses and store cities, while practical and strategic, also symbolizes the divine hand providing the means and opportunity for such endeavors. This verse serves as a narrative example of the wisdom literature's teaching that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" ([Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord")), leading to flourishing in all aspects of life, including governance and national well-being.

* [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience")
* [Proverbs 3:9-10](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9-10 - Honor the Lord with your Wealth")
* [Psalm 144:12-15](/psalm/144-12 "Psalm 144:12-15 - Prosperity for the Righteous Nation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jehoshaphat's reign, as encapsulated in 2 Chronicles 17:12, offers profound lessons for believers today. His "waxing great exceedingly" was not merely a stroke of luck or human ingenuity, but a direct consequence of his prior commitment to seeking God and leading his people in righteousness. This reminds us that true and lasting prosperity, whether individual or communal, is often rooted in our spiritual alignment with God. While we may not be building physical castles and store cities, we are called to build our lives, families, and communities on the firm foundation of God's Word. This involves wise stewardship of the resources, talents, and opportunities God provides, coupled with a proactive approach to spiritual and practical preparedness. Just as Jehoshaphat secured his kingdom against external threats and ensured internal provision, we are to build "fortresses" of faith, prayer, and community that can withstand the challenges of life, and cultivate "storehouses" of wisdom, spiritual disciplines, and good works that sustain us and allow us to bless others. Our diligence in these areas, empowered by God's grace, contributes to a life of stability, purpose, and impact.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you desire to "wax great exceedingly," and how might your spiritual alignment with God influence that growth?**
* **What "castles" (spiritual defenses or boundaries) are you building in your life to protect against the schemes of the enemy or the pressures of the world?**
* **What "cities of store" (resources, knowledge, relationships, spiritual disciplines) are you intentionally cultivating to ensure provision and resilience for yourself and those around you?**
* **How does Jehoshaphat's example challenge your understanding of prosperity and its relationship to obedience and wise stewardship?**

### FAQ
**Was Jehoshaphat's prosperity solely due to his building projects, or was there a deeper reason?**

Answer: While Jehoshaphat's building of "castles, and cities of store" was a clear manifestation of his kingdom's prosperity and strategic foresight, the biblical narrative explicitly links this success to his prior spiritual devotion. The verses preceding [2 Chronicles 17:12](/2_chronicles/17-12 "2 Chronicles 17:12 - Jehoshaphat's Greatness") emphasize that Jehoshaphat "sought the Lord" ([2 Chronicles 17:4](/2_chronicles/17-4 "2 Chronicles 17:4 - Jehoshaphat Seeks the Lord")), "his heart was courageous in the ways of the Lord" ([2 Chronicles 17:6](/2_chronicles/17-6 "2 Chronicles 17:6 - Courage in the Lord's Ways")), and he even sent out teachers of the Law throughout Judah ([2 Chronicles 17:7-9](/2_chronicles/17-7 "2 Chronicles 17:7-9 - Teaching the Law in Judah")). The "terror of the Lord" fell upon surrounding kingdoms, preventing war against him ([2 Chronicles 17:10](/2_chronicles/17-10 "2 Chronicles 17:10 - Terror on Surrounding Kingdoms")), and tribute was brought to him ([2 Chronicles 17:11](/2_chronicles/17-11 "2 Chronicles 17:11 - Tribute to Jehoshaphat")). Therefore, his "waxing great exceedingly" and his ability to undertake such massive building projects are presented as a direct result of God's blessing upon his obedience and righteous leadership, not merely as a consequence of his human efforts alone.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 17:12 describes the earthly prosperity and security of a righteous king, it ultimately points forward to the greater, eternal kingdom established by Jesus Christ. Jehoshaphat's "waxing great exceedingly" and his building of physical "castles" and "cities of store" foreshadow the spiritual and eternal flourishing of the kingdom of God, which is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom Is Not of This World")). Christ is the ultimate King, whose reign is characterized by an immeasurable and everlasting greatness, far surpassing any earthly monarch. He builds not fortresses of stone, but an indestructible spiritual kingdom, the Church, against which "the gates of hell shall not prevail" ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Church Built on the Rock")). He is the true "store city," providing all spiritual provisions for His people—righteousness, peace, joy, and eternal life ([Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - Righteousness, Peace, and Joy in the Holy Spirit"); [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")). Just as Jehoshaphat secured his people, Christ offers ultimate security and eternal provision to all who trust in Him, establishing a kingdom that will never be destroyed ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom")) and providing a spiritual inheritance that is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven" for believers ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). In Christ, the promise of security and provision finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment.

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 8:2

That the cities which Huram had restored to Solomon, Solomon built them, and caused the children of Israel to dwell there.

2 Chronicles 8:6

And Baalath, and all the store cities that Solomon had, and all the chariot cities, and the cities of the horsemen, and all that Solomon desired to build in Jerusalem, and in Lebanon, and throughout all the land of his dominion.

2 Chronicles 27:4

Moreover he built cities in the mountains of Judah, and in the forests he built castles and towers.

2 Chronicles 18:1

¶ Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honour in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab.

2 Chronicles 14:6

And he built fenced cities in Judah: for the land had rest, and he had no war in those years; because the LORD had given him rest.

2 Chronicles 14:7

Therefore he said unto Judah, Let us build these cities, and make about [them] walls, and towers, gates, and bars, [while] the land [is] yet before us; because we have sought the LORD our God, we have sought [him], and he hath given us rest on every side. So they built and prospered.

2 Chronicles 32:5

Also he strengthened himself, and built up all the wall that was broken, and raised [it] up to the towers, and another wall without, and repaired Millo [in] the city of David, and made darts and shields in abundance.