2 Chronicles 17:15

KJV

And next to him [was] Jehohanan the captain, and with him two hundred and fourscore thousand.

KJV (with Strong's)

And next {H3027} to him was Jehohanan {H3076} the captain {H8269}, and with him two hundred {H3967} and fourscore {H8084} thousand {H505}.

Complete Jewish Bible

next to him Y'hochanan the leader, and with him 280,000;

Berean Standard Bible

next to him, Jehohanan the commander, and with him 280,000;

American Standard Version

and next to him Jehohanan the captain, and with him two hundred and fourscore thousand;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse continues the detailed account of King Jehoshaphat's formidable military organization, specifically highlighting Jehohanan, a key captain, and the immense force of 280,000 elite soldiers under his command. It underscores the exceptional strength and strategic preparedness of the kingdom of Judah during Jehoshaphat's reign, a period marked by divine blessing and effective leadership.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader passage (2 Chronicles 17:10-19) that meticulously details the military strength and organizational prowess of King Jehoshaphat's kingdom. Following the account of Jehoshaphat's early reign, characterized by his devotion to the Lord, his removal of high places, and his initiative to send Levites and priests to teach the Law throughout Judah ([2 Chronicles 17:3-9](/2_chronicles/17-3 "2 Chronicles 17:3-9 - Jehoshaphat's Early Reign and Reform")), the narrative shifts to describe the resulting peace and prosperity. The enumeration of military captains and their massive contingents, starting from [2 Chronicles 17:14](/2_chronicles/17-14 "2 Chronicles 17:14 - Jehoshaphat's Military Commanders"), serves to illustrate the tangible outcomes of Jehoshaphat's faithful leadership and God's blessing. Jehohanan is presented as one of several powerful commanders, each contributing to the kingdom's formidable defensive capabilities, culminating in a staggering total of over a million fighting men.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah from approximately 870-848 BC. His era was one of relative stability and prosperity, largely due to his strategic alliances (though some were problematic, like with Ahab of Israel) and, more importantly, his commitment to Yahweh worship. The detailed military census reflects the common practice in ancient Near Eastern kingdoms to assess and display national strength, often as a deterrent to potential invaders. The mention of "captains" (Hebrew: *sarim*) indicates a well-structured military hierarchy, typical of organized armies of the time. The sheer numbers, while potentially rounded or symbolic of overwhelming force, highlight Judah's significant population and its ability to muster a large fighting force, a testament to the stability and resources available under Jehoshaphat's rule. This period contrasts sharply with the earlier divided kingdom's struggles, showcasing Judah's resurgence.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, along with the surrounding passages, contributes to several key themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader Deuteronomistic history. Firstly, **Military Preparedness and Strength** is a prominent theme, emphasizing Judah's readiness for defense and its deterrent power against potential enemies. The detailed enumeration of troops, including Jehohanan's 280,000 men, underscores the kingdom's formidable capabilities, as described in [2 Chronicles 17:12](/2_chronicles/17-12 "2 Chronicles 17:12 - Jehoshaphat's Building and Military Strength"). Secondly, **Divine Blessing** is implicitly linked to Jehoshaphat's faithfulness. His devotion to the Lord, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 17:3-6](/2_chronicles/17-3 "2 Chronicles 17:3-6 - Jehoshaphat's Faithfulness"), is presented as the foundation for the growth and strength of his kingdom, suggesting that God's favor was the ultimate source of his power and security. Thirdly, **Effective Leadership and Organization** is evident in the meticulous listing of captains and their specific troop numbers, pointing to a highly organized and well-managed military structure under Jehoshaphat's command, a model of good governance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jehohanan (Hebrew, _Yəhôḥānān'_):** Meaning "Yahweh has been gracious" or "Yahweh is gracious." This name is significant as it reflects a theological statement about God's character. While common in Israel, its appearance here for a prominent military leader subtly reinforces the Chronicler's overarching theme: that Judah's strength and prosperity under Jehoshaphat were ultimately a result of divine favor and grace, not merely human might.
* **Captain (Hebrew, _śar'_):** This term denotes a high-ranking officer, a chief, or a commander. It implies significant authority, responsibility, and leadership over a large contingent of men. Jehohanan was not just a soldier but a key figure in Jehoshaphat's military hierarchy, responsible for a substantial portion of the army, indicating his strategic importance and the trust placed in him by the king.
* **Fourscore (English, archaic):** An archaic English term meaning "eighty." In the context of "two hundred and fourscore thousand," it translates to 280,000. This specific number highlights the Chronicler's meticulous attention to detail in enumerating the military forces, emphasizing the vast scale of Jehoshaphat's army and the precision with which it was organized.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And next to him [was] Jehohanan the captain":** This phrase positions Jehohanan immediately after the previously mentioned Adnah, the captain from Judah, and before Amasiah from Benjamin. It indicates a sequential enumeration of Jehoshaphat's principal military commanders, highlighting Jehohanan's significant standing within this elite group. The Chronicler is systematically listing the key pillars of Jehoshaphat's military strength.
* **"and with him two hundred and fourscore thousand":** This specifies the exact number of fighting men under Jehohanan's direct command: 280,000. This immense figure underscores the vastness of Jehoshaphat's army and the substantial resources dedicated to military defense. The sheer scale of this contingent speaks to the king's organizational capabilities and the kingdom's overall prosperity and ability to field such a large force.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs **Enumeration** and **Hyperbole** (or perhaps **Symbolic Numbers**) in this passage. The detailed listing of captains and their specific troop numbers (Enumeration) serves to impress upon the reader the sheer scale and formidable nature of Jehoshaphat's army. This meticulous accounting creates a sense of order, strength, and divine blessing. While the numbers themselves, particularly the cumulative total for Jehoshaphat's army, are exceptionally large for the period, they may function as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the overwhelming power and security of Judah under a righteous king. Alternatively, they could be **Symbolic Numbers**, representing completeness, divine favor, and an unassailable force, rather than precise literal counts. The effect is to convey an image of a kingdom divinely protected and militarily unchallengeable due to its faithful leadership.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The immense military strength described in 2 Chronicles 17:15, and the broader chapter, serves as a tangible demonstration of God's blessing upon King Jehoshaphat's faithful reign. Unlike kings who relied solely on alliances or their own might, Jehoshaphat first sought the Lord, removed idolatry, and promoted the teaching of the Law. The subsequent peace, prosperity, and formidable military power are presented as direct consequences of this devotion, illustrating the Deuteronomic principle that obedience to God leads to blessing and security. This passage underscores that true strength for a nation or an individual comes not from human resources alone, but from alignment with divine will and the favor of God.

* [Deuteronomy 28:1-8](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Blessings for Obedience")
* [Psalm 20:7](/psalm/20-7 "Trust in the Lord, Not Chariots")
* [Proverbs 21:31](/proverbs/21-31 "Victory Belongs to the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While we do not build literal armies in the same way today, the principles embedded in 2 Chronicles 17:15 offer profound spiritual insights for believers and the church. Just as Jehoshaphat meticulously organized and prepared his kingdom for physical defense, we are called to be spiritually prepared, diligently building our lives and communities on the foundation of Christ. This involves not only personal spiritual discipline but also the collective strength of the church, organized and equipped for the spiritual battles we face. Our "strength" is not in numbers or worldly power, but in our faithfulness to God, our adherence to His Word, and our reliance on His Spirit. When we prioritize God's kingdom and righteousness, He provides the resources and protection necessary for us to stand firm and advance His purposes in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jehoshaphat's military preparedness challenge or affirm our understanding of spiritual preparedness in the Christian life?**
* **In what ways can the "organization" and "leadership" seen in Jehoshaphat's army be applied to the functioning of the church or Christian ministries today?**
* **How does the connection between Jehoshaphat's faithfulness and his kingdom's strength encourage you to seek God's will in your own life and endeavors?**

### FAQ
**Were these military numbers literal, or are they symbolic?**

Answer: The numbers presented in 2 Chronicles, including Jehohanan's 280,000 men, are exceptionally large for the period and have been a subject of scholarly debate. While ancient Near Eastern texts often used rounded or exaggerated figures to convey power and grandeur, it's difficult to ascertain if these are precise literal counts. Many scholars suggest they represent a combination of literal fighting men, reserves, and perhaps all able-bodied men available for military service, or they serve as a hyperbolic expression of Judah's overwhelming strength and divine blessing. The Chronicler's primary aim was likely to emphasize the vastness of Jehoshaphat's divinely blessed army, rather than to provide a modern-style military census. Regardless of their exact literalness, they powerfully convey the security and prosperity Judah enjoyed under a faithful king, demonstrating God's provision and protection.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 17:15 describes the earthly military might of King Jehoshaphat, it ultimately points to a greater, spiritual kingdom and its ultimate Captain, Jesus Christ. Jehoshaphat's army, though formidable, was a temporary earthly force, susceptible to human limitations and eventual defeat. In contrast, Christ leads an eternal, spiritual army, composed of all believers throughout history, who are called to wage spiritual warfare, not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces")). The "strength" of this army is not in numbers of physical soldiers, but in the power of the Holy Spirit and the authority of Christ's name. Just as Jehoshaphat's reign of peace and prosperity was a result of his faithfulness, the peace and security of God's people are found in their allegiance to Jesus, the [Prince of Peace](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Jesus, the Prince of Peace"). He is the ultimate "Captain of the Lord's host" ([Joshua 5:14](/joshua/5-14 "Joshua 5:14 - The Commander of the Lord's Army")), who has already secured the decisive victory over sin and death through His sacrifice and resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Our spiritual preparedness, unlike Jehoshaphat's physical one, is found in putting on the [full armor of God](/ephesians/6-11 "Ephesians 6:11 - The Full Armor of God"), trusting in Christ's finished work, and following Him as the victorious King and Commander of our salvation.

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.