TRV
Translation
King James Version
These waited on the king, beside those whom the king put in the fenced cities throughout all Judah.
Complete Jewish Bible
These served the king, in addition to those the king assigned to the fortified cities throughout all Y'hudah.
Berean Standard Bible
These were the men who served the king, besides those he stationed in the fortified cities throughout Judah.
American Standard Version
These were they that waited on the king, besides those whom the king put in the fortified cities throughout all Judah.
World English Bible Messianic
These were those who waited on the king, besides those whom the king put in the fortified cities throughout all Judah.
Geneva Bible (1599)
These waited on the King, besides those which the King put in the strong cities thoroughout all Iudah.
Young's Literal Translation
These are those serving the king, apart from those whom the king put in the cities of fortress, in all Judah.
In the KJVVerse 11,543 of 31,102
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Commentary on 2 Chronicles 17 verses 10–19
10 ¶ 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.
11 Also some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents, and tribute silver; and the Arabians brought him flocks, seven thousand and seven hundred rams, and seven thousand and seven hundred he goats.
12 And Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly; and he built in Judah castles, and cities of store.
13 And he had much business in the cities of Judah: and the men of war, mighty men of valour, were in Jerusalem.
14 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.
15 And next to him was Jehohanan the captain, and with him two hundred and fourscore thousand.
16 And next him was Amasiah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself unto the LORD; and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of valour.
17 And of Benjamin; Eliada a mighty man of valour, and with him armed men with bow and shield two hundred thousand.
18 And next him was Jehozabad, and with him an hundred and fourscore thousand ready prepared for the war.
19 These waited on the king, beside those whom the king put in the fenced cities throughout all Judah.
We have here a further account of Jehoshaphat's great prosperity and the flourishing state of his kingdom.
I. He had good interest in the neighbouring princes and nations. Though he was not perhaps so great a soldier as David (which might have made him their terror), nor so great a scholar as Solomon (which might have made him their oracle), yet the fear of the Lord fell so upon them (that is, God so influenced and governed their spirits) that they had all a reverence for him, Ch2 17:10. And, 1. None of them made war against him. God's good providence so ordered it that, while the princes and priests were instructing and reforming the country, none of his neighbours gave him any molestations, to take him off from that good work. Thus when Jacob and his sons were going to worship at Bethel the terror of God was upon the neighbouring cities, that they did not pursue after them, Gen 35:5, and see Exo 34:24. 2. Many of them brought presents to him (Ch2 17:11), to secure his friendship. Perhaps these were a tribute imposed upon them by Asa, who made himself master of the cities of the Philistines, and the tents of the Arabians, Ch2 14:14, Ch2 14:15. With the 7700 rams, and the same number of he-goats, which the Arabians brought, there was probably a proportionable number of ewes and lambs, she-goats and kids.
II. He had a very considerable stores laid up in the cities of Judah. He pulled down his barns, and built larger (Ch2 17:12), castles and cities of store, for arms and victuals. He was a man of business, and aimed at the public good in all his undertakings, either to preserve the peace or prepare for war.
III. He had the militia in good order. It was never in better since David modelled it. Five lord-lieutenants (if I may so call them) are here named, with the numbers of those under their command (the serviceable men, that were fit for war in their respective districts), three in Judah, and two in Benjamin. It is said of one of these great commanders, Amasiah, that he willingly offered himself unto the Lord (Ch2 17:16), not only to the king, to serve him in this post, but to the Lord, to glorify him in it. He was the most eminent among them for religion, he accepted the place, not for the honour, or power, or profit of it, but for conscience' sake towards God, that he might serve his country,. It was usual for great generals then to offer of their spoils to the Lord, Ch1 26:26. But this good man offered himself first to the Lord, and then his dedicated things. The number of the soldiers under these five generals amounts to 1,160,000 men, a vast number for so small a compass of ground as Judah's and Benjamin's lot to furnish out and maintain. Abijah could bring into the field but 400,000 (Ch2 13:3), Asa not 600,000 (Ch2 14:8), yet Jehoshaphat has at command almost 1,200,000. But it must be considered, 1. That God had promised to make the seed of Abraham like the sand of the sea for number. 2. There had now been a long peace. 3. We may suppose that the city of Jerusalem was very much enlarged. 4. Many had come over to them from the kingdom of Israel (Ch2 15:19), which would increase the numbers of the people. 5. Jehoshaphat was under a special blessing of God, which made his affairs to prosper greatly. The armies, we may suppose, were dispersed all the country over, and each man resided for the most part on his own estate; but they appeared often, to be mustered and trained, and were ready at call whenever there was occasion. The commanders waited on the king (Ch2 17:19) as officers of his court, privy-counsellors, and ministers of state.
But, lastly, observe, It was not this formidable army that struck a terror upon the neighbouring nations, that restrained them from attempting any thing against Israel, or obliged them to pay tribute, but the fear of God which fell upon them when Jehoshaphat reformed his country and set up a preaching ministry in it, Ch2 17:10. The ordinances of God are more the strength and safety of a kingdom than its military force - its men of God more than its men of war.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 10–19. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 17:19 concludes the detailed account of King Jehoshaphat's formidable military strength, emphasizing that the vast standing army previously enumerated was further augmented by strategically positioned garrisons within the numerous fortified cities spread throughout Judah. This verse highlights the comprehensive nature of Jehoshaphat's national defense strategy, which was a testament to his diligent leadership and a direct outcome of God's blessing upon his righteous reign, ensuring the stability and security of the kingdom against both internal and external threats.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its message of comprehensive strength and security. Enumeration is a primary device throughout 2 Chronicles 17:12-19, with the precise listing of military units and their commanders. Verse 19 acts as a concluding statement to this enumeration, adding a final, emphatic detail. The use of Emphasis is evident in the phrase "beside [those]," which highlights that the forces mentioned in this verse are additional to the already vast army, thereby magnifying the total military might. This creates a sense of Hyperbole or at least a strong impression of overwhelming power, even if the numbers are literal, to underscore the kingdom's security and the divine favor upon Jehoshaphat. Furthermore, the overall description of Jehoshaphat's military strength can be seen as Symbolism for the divine blessing upon his reign; his earthly might reflects God's favor and the stability granted to a righteous king.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 17:19 powerfully illustrates the principle that divine blessing often manifests in tangible ways, empowering human diligence and foresight. Jehoshaphat's immense military strength was not merely a product of human ingenuity but a direct consequence of his steadfast devotion to the Lord. While God promised to fight for His people, Jehoshaphat understood that faith did not negate the need for practical preparation. His meticulous organization of forces and fortification of cities demonstrate a wise stewardship of the resources and peace God had granted him. This balance of spiritual reliance and practical action served as a model for effective leadership, where earthly security and prosperity are seen as gifts from God, to be stewarded responsibly. The stability and deterrence provided by such a formidable defense allowed Jehoshaphat to focus on other aspects of his righteous reign, such as religious instruction and judicial reform, ultimately benefiting the entire nation.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Jehoshaphat's military preparedness in 2 Chronicles 17:19 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It challenges us to consider that true strength, whether for an individual, a family, or a community, is often a holistic blend of spiritual faithfulness and practical diligence. Jehoshaphat did not simply pray for protection; he actively organized, trained, and strategically positioned his forces. This teaches us that while our ultimate trust is in God, He often works through our responsible efforts and wise planning. Just as Jehoshaphat's soldiers were "waiting on the king," ready for service, so too are believers called to be prepared and available for the work of God's kingdom. This readiness extends beyond physical action to spiritual and mental preparedness, ensuring we are equipped to stand firm in faith, engage in spiritual warfare, and serve others effectively. Our "fenced cities" might be the spiritual disciplines we cultivate, the knowledge of God's Word we acquire, or the strong relationships we build within the body of Christ, all designed to protect and strengthen us in life's challenges and to enable us to be used by God.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was the significance of "fenced cities" in ancient Judah?
Answer: "Fenced cities" were critically important fortified urban centers in ancient Judah. They served multiple strategic purposes: primarily as defensive strongholds against invading armies, providing refuge for the population and a secure base for military operations. They also functioned as administrative hubs, centers for trade and commerce, and crucial points for controlling territory and communication routes. Maintaining garrisons in these cities, as Jehoshaphat did, ensured a widespread and constant military presence, protecting key assets and deterring potential enemies across the entire kingdom, not just the capital. Their strategic value was immense in an era of frequent warfare and territorial disputes, providing a vital layer of security for the nation.
How did Jehoshaphat's military strength compare to other kings of Judah?
Answer: Jehoshaphat's military strength, as described in 2 Chronicles 17, was exceptional and arguably unprecedented for the kingdom of Judah. The total number of valiant men listed (over 1.1 million) is remarkably high, far surpassing the forces typically associated with Judah or even the united monarchy in some periods. While some scholars debate the exact literal interpretation of these numbers, the clear intent of the Chronicler is to portray Jehoshaphat's military might as overwhelmingly formidable. This strength was directly attributed to God's blessing upon his righteous reign, setting him apart from many other kings who either struggled with internal strife or faced military defeats due to their unfaithfulness. His comprehensive defense strategy, combining a vast standing army with garrisons in fenced cities throughout all Judah, made his kingdom remarkably secure and prosperous during his time.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The earthly kingdom of Judah under Jehoshaphat, with its vast, well-organized army and strategically fortified cities, serves as a powerful Old Testament type pointing to the ultimate, unshakable kingdom of God established by Jesus Christ. Jehoshaphat's diligent preparation and military might, born from divine blessing, ensured the temporal security of his people. Yet, this earthly security was always vulnerable to human failing and external threats. In contrast, Jesus is the true King, whose authority is absolute, and whose kingdom is eternal and truly secure. His "army" is not one of physical might, but of spiritual power, equipped not with swords but with the full armor of God, as described in Ephesians 6:10-18. The "fenced cities" of Jehoshaphat foreshadow the spiritual strongholds of faith and truth within Christ's church, against which the very gates of hell cannot prevail (Matthew 16:18). The readiness of Jehoshaphat's soldiers to "wait on the king" points to the readiness of believers to serve Christ, not through earthly warfare, but by proclaiming the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15) and living lives of obedience, eagerly awaiting His return (Titus 2:13). Ultimately, Christ's victory is not over earthly enemies but over sin, death, and the powers of darkness (Colossians 2:15), establishing a kingdom that will never be destroyed and will stand forever (Revelation 11:15).