2 Chronicles 17:12

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

2 Chronicles 17:12 describes the remarkable growth and strategic development that characterized the reign of King Jehoshaphat of Judah. This verse highlights his increasing power and the practical measures he took to strengthen his kingdom, specifically through building fortresses and supply depots across the land.

Context

This verse follows a description of Jehoshaphat's early reign, which was marked by his devout commitment to the Lord. Unlike some of his predecessors, he walked in the former ways of his father David and sought not Baal but the God of his father (2 Chronicles 17:4). His dedication led him to remove high places and groves from Judah, and he even sent out princes and Levites to teach the Law of the Lord throughout the cities (2 Chronicles 17:7-9). Verse 12 thus presents the tangible results of God's favor upon a king who diligently sought Him and led his people in righteousness, showcasing the prosperity and security that resulted from his faithful leadership.

Key Themes

  • Divine Blessing for Obedience: Jehoshaphat's immense prosperity and strength ("waxed great exceedingly") are presented as a direct consequence of his faithfulness to God. This illustrates the principle that God blesses those who honor Him and walk in His ways, providing security and abundance.
  • Strategic Leadership and Preparedness: The construction of "castles" (fortresses or strongholds) and "cities of store" (supply depots or storehouses) reveals Jehoshaphat's foresight and practical wisdom as a ruler. He understood the need for military defense and economic stability to protect his people and sustain his kingdom, even amidst peace and prosperity.
  • Security and Provision: The fortresses provided military security against potential invaders, while the store cities ensured provisions, likely for both the populace and the military, demonstrating a commitment to the well-being and resilience of Judah.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "waxed great exceedingly" emphasizes a profound and continuous increase in power, wealth, and influence, signifying a period of significant national flourishing. The Hebrew word for "castles" (ืžึฐืฆื•ึผื“ื•ึนืช, metsudot) refers to fortified places or strongholds, indicating robust defensive structures. "Cities of store" (ืขึธืจึตื™ ืžึดืกึฐื›ึฐึผื ื•ึนืช, arei miskenot) denotes places designated for the storage of goods, provisions, or military supplies, highlighting careful resource management and national preparedness.

Practical Application

This verse offers valuable lessons for believers today:

  • Prioritize God: Just as Jehoshaphat's prosperity stemmed from his devotion, seeking God first in our lives often leads to true and lasting stability and blessing, not necessarily just material wealth but also peace and purpose (Matthew 6:33).
  • Wise Stewardship: God's blessing doesn't negate the need for human effort and wisdom. Jehoshaphat actively built and prepared, demonstrating responsible stewardship of the resources and peace God had granted him. We are called to be diligent and prepared in our own spheres, utilizing the gifts and opportunities given to us.
  • Building for the Future: The act of building fortresses and store cities speaks to preparation and planning. In life, spiritual, relational, and practical "storehouses" and "fortresses" are essential for resilience during times of challenge, built through consistent effort and faithfulness.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 8:2 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

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

  • 2 Chronicles 18:1 (4 votes)

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

  • 2 Chronicles 14:6 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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.