2 Chronicles 17:14

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And these are the numbers {H6486} of them according to the house {H1004} of their fathers {H1}: Of Judah {H3063}, the captains {H8269} of thousands {H505}; Adnah {H5734} the chief {H8269}, and with him mighty men {H1368} of valour {H2428} three {H7969} hundred {H3967} thousand {H505}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Here is a listing of them by clans: from Y'hudah, the captains of thousands: 'Adnah the leader, and with him 300,000 strong, brave men;

Berean Standard Bible

These are their numbers according to the houses of their fathers: From Judah, the commanders of thousands: Adnah the commander, and with him 300,000 mighty men of valor;

American Standard Version

And this was the numbering of them according to their fathers’ houses: Of Judah, the captains of thousands: Adnah the captain, and with him mighty men of valor three hundred thousand;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 17:14 introduces the detailed enumeration of King Jehoshaphat's impressive military forces, specifically highlighting the contingent from the tribe of Judah. This verse records Adnah as the chief commander of three hundred thousand "mighty men of valour," underscoring Jehoshaphat's strategic military organization and the substantial strength of his kingdom. This preparedness is presented as a direct outcome of God's favor upon his obedient reign, establishing Judah as a secure and formidable power in the ancient Near East.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the Chronicler's account of King Jehoshaphat's reign, which commences in [2 Chronicles 17](/2_chronicles/17 "2 Chronicles 17 - Jehoshaphat's Reign and Reforms"). Following the example of his father Asa, Jehoshaphat is depicted as a righteous king who faithfully walked in the Lord's ways, actively rejecting the idolatrous practices prevalent in the northern kingdom of Israel. The preceding verses detail his significant spiritual reforms, including the removal of high places and Asherim, and his groundbreaking initiative to send princes, Levites, and priests throughout Judah to teach the Law of the Lord ([2 Chronicles 17:7-9](/2_chronicles/17-7-9 "2 Chronicles 17:7-9 - Jehoshaphat's Teaching Ministry")). This period of spiritual renewal is immediately followed by a description of his increasing greatness, wealth, and military might ([2 Chronicles 17:10-12](/2_chronicles/17-10-12 "2 Chronicles 17:10-12 - Jehoshaphat's Prosperity and Military Might")). Verse 14 marks the beginning of a detailed inventory of his vast army, demonstrating that his national security was not solely a matter of piety but also of meticulous preparation, empowered by divine favor. The subsequent verses ([2 Chronicles 17:15-19](/2_chronicles/17-15-19 "2 Chronicles 17:15-19 - Further Military Counts")) continue this enumeration, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of his military organization.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jehoshaphat ruled over the Kingdom of Judah during the 9th century BC (approximately 870-848 BC), a tumultuous era characterized by pervasive regional instability and the constant threat of invasion from powerful neighboring kingdoms. In the ancient Near East, the possession of a strong, well-organized army was absolutely critical for maintaining national sovereignty, deterring aggression, and projecting power. Kings frequently conducted censuses not only to assess their military strength but also to facilitate the levying of troops. The mention of "captains of thousands" reflects a standard military organizational structure of the period, where large contingents were systematically divided into smaller, more manageable units, each under the command of a specific officer. The phrase "according to the house of their fathers" highlights that military service was often deeply rooted in tribal or clan lineage, a traditional Israelite practice that ensured accountability and participation from each ancestral group. Jehoshaphat's reign stands in stark contrast to the frequently turbulent and idolatrous reigns of the northern kingdom of Israel, underscoring Judah's relative stability and prosperity under a king who sought the Lord. The sheer magnitude of his army, as meticulously detailed in this chapter, would have served as a formidable deterrent to potential adversaries, contributing to the "fear of the Lord" falling upon the surrounding nations ([2 Chronicles 17:10](/2_chronicles/17-10 "2 Chronicles 17:10 - Fear of the Lord on Surrounding Nations")).

* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within [2 Chronicles](/2_chronicles/1 "The Book of 2 Chronicles"):
* **Divine Blessing and Prosperity through Obedience:** Jehoshaphat's formidable military strength is explicitly presented as a direct consequence of his unwavering faithfulness to the Lord. His commitment to seeking God and walking in His ways led to a tangible increase in wealth, power, and national security, powerfully illustrating the Chronicler's central theological emphasis on the covenantal principle of blessing for obedience. This theme is clearly articulated in [2 Chronicles 17:12](/2_chronicles/17-12 "2 Chronicles 17:12 - Jehoshaphat's Increasing Greatness").
* **Military Preparedness and Effective Leadership:** The precise and detailed enumeration of the army underscores Jehoshaphat's exceptional strategic foresight and administrative acumen. He is portrayed not merely as a pious king but also as a diligent, capable, and pragmatic leader who fully understood the critical importance of national defense and efficient organization. The structured system of "captains of thousands" exemplifies a well-ordered and hierarchical military command.
* **Strength from Judah:** The specific mention of Adnah and his 300,000 "mighty men of valour" from Judah emphasizes the substantial contribution and foundational strength derived from the king's own tribe. Judah consistently served as the spiritual and political heartland of the southern kingdom, and its military might was therefore paramount to the nation's overall defense and stability.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **numbers (Hebrew, _pᵉquddâh'_):** From H6486, this word refers to a "visitation" in many senses, but primarily "official." In this context, it specifically denotes a "reckoning" or "account" of troops, indicating a formal census or muster. It highlights the systematic and administrative effort Jehoshaphat undertook to quantify and organize his military forces, reflecting a careful and deliberate approach to national defense.
* **mighty men (Hebrew, _gibbôwr'_):** From H1368, this term describes individuals who are "powerful," "warriors," or "champions." While the KJV translates it as "mighty men" (plural), the Hebrew root often implies a singular powerful individual, yet it is commonly used to describe a collective of formidable fighters. It signifies not merely physical strength but also courage, skill, and effectiveness in battle. This suggests that Jehoshaphat's army was composed of high-quality, formidable fighting individuals, not just a large quantity of soldiers.
* **valour (Hebrew, _chayil'_):** From H2428, this word denotes "force," whether of men, means, or other resources. In a military context, it signifies "valor," "strength," "ability," or "effectiveness." When paired with "mighty men," it further emphasizes the qualitative aspect of Jehoshaphat's troops, indicating that they possessed not only physical prowess but also moral fortitude, skill, and readiness for combat.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And these [are] the numbers of them according to the house of their fathers:"** This introductory clause establishes the purpose of the following text: to provide a detailed and organized military census. The phrase "according to the house of their fathers" indicates that this enumeration was structured along traditional Israelite tribal and familial lines, reflecting the deep-seated social organization of the time and Jehoshaphat's methodical approach to national defense.
* **"Of Judah, the captains of thousands; Adnah the chief, and with him mighty men of valour three hundred thousand."** This segment specifies the first and largest contingent of Jehoshaphat's army, drawn from the tribe of Judah, which was the king's own tribe and the spiritual heartland of the southern kingdom. It names Adnah as the principal commander ("the chief") of this significant division, highlighting his prominent leadership role. The impressive figure of "three hundred thousand" "mighty men of valour" from Judah underscores the immense military strength concentrated within this core tribe, forming the powerful backbone of Jehoshaphat's forces.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several potent literary devices in [2 Chronicles 17:14](/2_chronicles/17-14 "2 Chronicles 17:14 - Jehoshaphat's Army from Judah") to convey the profound significance of Jehoshaphat's military strength. **Enumeration** is the most prominent, as the verse explicitly states precise numerical figures, setting the stage for the comprehensive list of military contingents that follows. This numerical precision lends an air of historical veracity and powerfully emphasizes the sheer scale of Jehoshaphat's preparedness. **Emphasis** is strategically achieved through the specific mention of Judah's contribution, placing it first in the detailed list and highlighting its substantial size, thereby underscoring the strength of the king's own tribe as the foundational backbone of his kingdom. The descriptive phrase "mighty men of valour" functions as a powerful **Epithet**, providing a qualitative assessment of the soldiers that goes beyond mere quantity, indicating their superior quality, effectiveness, and courage. This detailed military account, appearing immediately after Jehoshaphat's spiritual reforms, illustrates the Chronicler's theological perspective through **Juxtaposition**, demonstrating that divine blessing manifests in holistic national strength, encompassing both spiritual integrity and practical, tangible preparedness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous account of Jehoshaphat's army in 2 Chronicles 17:14 and the subsequent verses is far more than a mere historical record of military strength; it serves as a profound theological statement about the tangible fruits of obedience and divine favor. Jehoshaphat's diligent pursuit of God's ways, epitomized by his commitment to teaching the Law throughout the land, resulted in God granting him peace and prosperity. This divine blessing manifested tangibly in a powerful and secure kingdom. The immense size and superior quality of his army are presented as a direct consequence of God's blessing, demonstrating that true national security and strength are ultimately derived from aligning with God's will. While human preparation and strategic planning are undeniably important, the ultimate source of victory, stability, and protection is the Lord Himself. This narrative powerfully reminds believers that while we are called to be diligent and wise stewards of our resources and responsibilities, our ultimate trust must remain firmly in God, who sovereignly provides and protects.

* [Deuteronomy 28:7](/deuteronomy/28-7 "Descriptive Title")
* [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalm/33-16-17 "Descriptive Title")
* [Proverbs 21:31](/proverbs/21-31 "Descriptive Title")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of Jehoshaphat's military organization in 2 Chronicles 17:14 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. While our primary battles are spiritual rather than physical, the principle of diligent preparation and strategic planning, coupled with absolute reliance on God, remains paramount. Just as Jehoshaphat meticulously fortified his kingdom and organized his forces, we are called to be spiritually prepared, actively putting on the full armor of God to effectively stand against the schemes of the enemy. Our "strength" is not merely our own abilities or finite resources, but the boundless power of God working through us as we walk in faithful obedience. This passage reminds us that true security is found not in the size of our "army" or the robustness of our defenses, but in the favor of God that empowers and blesses our diligent efforts. It powerfully underscores the importance of wise leadership, effective organization, and faithful stewardship in every sphere of life—whether in our families, churches, or communities—always recognizing that all genuine and lasting strength flows ultimately from our deep and abiding relationship with the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jehoshaphat's military preparedness, explicitly rooted in his obedience to God, challenge our contemporary understanding of "spiritual warfare" today?**
* **In what specific areas of your life are you called to be diligently prepared, while simultaneously trusting fully in God's sovereign provision and strength?**
* **How does the emphasis on "mighty men of valour" encourage you to actively pursue spiritual excellence, courage, and effectiveness in your personal faith journey?**
* **What does this passage teach us about the crucial relationship between human effort and divine blessing in achieving true success or lasting security in any endeavor?**

### FAQ
**Why is the army's size so emphasized in this chapter?**

Answer: The emphasis on the army's immense size (totaling 1,160,000 men across all tribes, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 17:14-18](/2_chronicles/17-14-18 "2 Chronicles 17:14-18 - Full Account of Jehoshaphat's Army")) serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it powerfully highlights the extensive nature of God's blessing upon Jehoshaphat's obedient reign, demonstrating that faithfulness to God leads to tangible prosperity and national strength. Secondly, it showcases Jehoshaphat's exceptional leadership and administrative skills in meticulously organizing such a vast and effective fighting force. Thirdly, it underscores Judah's formidable position in the region, acting as a significant deterrent to potential enemies and contributing to the "fear of the Lord" falling upon surrounding nations ([2 Chronicles 17:10](/2_chronicles/17-10 "2 Chronicles 17:10 - Fear of the Lord on Surrounding Nations")), thereby ensuring a period of peace and stability for the kingdom.

**What is the significance of "mighty men of valour" beyond just numbers?**

Answer: The phrase "mighty men of valour" (Hebrew: *gibborim chayil*) is profoundly significant because it describes the *quality* of the soldiers, not merely their *quantity*. It implies that these men were not just numerous, but also inherently brave, highly skilled, capable, and exceptionally effective warriors. This term is frequently reserved for elite or courageous fighters in the Old Testament, indicating a high level of military prowess, moral fortitude, and readiness for battle. Thus, Jehoshaphat's army was not merely large; it was composed of highly formidable and competent individuals, further emphasizing the depth of God's blessing and the king's wise and discerning leadership in assembling such a force.

**How does this military strength relate to Jehoshaphat's spiritual reforms mentioned earlier in the chapter?**

Answer: The Chronicler intentionally places the account of Jehoshaphat's military might immediately after detailing his spiritual reforms, such as the removal of idolatry and his initiative to send teachers of the Law throughout the land ([2 Chronicles 17:3-9](/2_chronicles/17-3-9 "2 Chronicles 17:3-9 - Jehoshaphat's Spiritual Reforms")). This deliberate literary arrangement underscores a crucial theological point: the strength and security of the kingdom were a direct and tangible consequence of the king's and the nation's obedience to God. His military power was not merely the result of human strategy or natural resources but a profound divine blessing, demonstrating that true prosperity and national defense are ultimately rooted in a right and faithful relationship with the Lord. It illustrates a holistic view of national well-being, where spiritual integrity directly leads to tangible blessings, including physical security and military might.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The earthly strength and meticulous organization of King Jehoshaphat's army, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 17:14](/2_chronicles/17-14 "2 Chronicles 17:14 - Jehoshaphat's Army from Judah"), find their ultimate fulfillment and spiritual parallel in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While Jehoshaphat was an earthly king leading a physical army, Christ is the King of kings and Lord of lords, who reigns over an eternal, spiritual kingdom and leads an invincible army of believers. The "mighty men of valour" from Judah, meticulously equipped for physical battle, beautifully foreshadow the Church—Christ's spiritual army—empowered by the Holy Spirit for profound spiritual warfare. Just as Jehoshaphat's righteous reign brought a measure of peace and security to Judah through divine blessing, Christ's perfect reign establishes an eternal kingdom of peace, offering ultimate security and definitive victory over sin, death, and all spiritual adversaries for all who believe. He is the true Adnah, the "chief" and ultimate Commander, under whom all believers are enlisted, not with carnal weapons, but with the spiritual armor of God ([Ephesians 6:10-18](/ephesians/6-10-18 "Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Full Armor of God")). The vastness of Jehoshaphat's forces points to the innumerable multitude of those redeemed by Christ from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation, who joyfully serve in His invincible kingdom, which is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom Is Not of This World")). Through His perfect obedience, atoning sacrifice, and glorious resurrection, Christ has secured a victory far greater and more enduring than any earthly king could ever achieve, leading His people in triumph over every spiritual foe ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")).

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

Numbers 1:18

And they assembled all the congregation together on the first [day] of the second month, and they declared their pedigrees after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, by their polls.

Numbers 1:2

Take ye the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, after their families, by the house of their fathers, with the number of [their] names, every male by their polls;

2 Chronicles 26:13

And under their hand [was] an army, three hundred thousand and seven thousand and five hundred, that made war with mighty power, to help the king against the enemy.

2 Chronicles 13:3

And Abijah set the battle in array with an army of valiant men of war, [even] four hundred thousand chosen men: Jeroboam also set the battle in array against him with eight hundred thousand chosen men, [being] mighty men of valour.

Genesis 12:2

And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:

2 Chronicles 14:8

And Asa had an army [of men] that bare targets and spears, out of Judah three hundred thousand; and out of Benjamin, that bare shields and drew bows, two hundred and fourscore thousand: all these [were] mighty men of valour.

Genesis 13:16

And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, [then] shall thy seed also be numbered.