2 Chronicles 17:19

KJV

These waited on the king, beside [those] whom the king put in the fenced cities throughout all Judah.

KJV (with Strong's)

These waited {H8334} on the king {H4428}, beside those whom the king {H4428} put {H5414} in the fenced {H4013} cities {H5892} throughout all Judah {H3063}.

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.

Commentary

### 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.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the concluding statement to a remarkable section detailing King Jehoshaphat's military might and administrative achievements (2 Chronicles 17:12-19). The chapter begins by establishing Jehoshaphat's righteous reign, noting his commitment to seeking the Lord and removing idolatry from Judah, unlike his father Asa's later years. As a result of his faithfulness, God established his kingdom, granting him immense wealth and honor (2 Chronicles 17:1-6, 12). Verses 14-18 provide a meticulous enumeration of the military commanders and their respective fighting forces, totaling over a million valiant men. Verse 19 then adds a crucial layer of detail, clarifying that these massive contingents were *in addition* to the permanent garrisons already stationed in the numerous "fenced cities" that Jehoshaphat had fortified across Judah. This structure builds a picture of overwhelming and multi-layered security, underscoring the completeness of his defense.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jehoshaphat reigned in Judah during the mid-9th century BCE, a period of significant geopolitical instability in the ancient Near East. The kingdoms of Israel and Judah, though divided, faced constant threats from surrounding nations such as Aram (Syria), Philistia, Moab, and Ammon. In this environment, military strength was paramount for national sovereignty and survival. "Fenced cities" or fortified cities were crucial strategic assets, serving as defensive strongholds, administrative centers, supply depots, and points of control over territory and trade routes. Kings like Jehoshaphat invested heavily in their construction and maintenance, understanding their vital role in protecting the populace and deterring invasion. The meticulous organization and sheer numbers of Jehoshaphat's army, coupled with a widespread network of fortified cities, would have sent a clear message of strength to potential adversaries.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Chronicles and Jehoshaphat's reign. Firstly, it exemplifies **Divine Blessing and Human Responsibility**. Jehoshaphat's military strength is explicitly presented as a result of his faithfulness to God, as seen in [2 Chronicles 17:3-6](/2_chronicles/17-3 "2 Chronicles 17:3-6 - Jehoshaphat's Righteous Reign"). Yet, he doesn't passively rely on divine intervention; he diligently organizes and prepares his forces, demonstrating that God's blessing often empowers and works through human effort. Secondly, the verse highlights **Comprehensive Security**, showcasing Jehoshaphat's strategic foresight in establishing a multi-layered defense system that included both a large, mobile army and fixed, fortified garrisons. This ensured the protection of the entire kingdom. Finally, the phrase "These waited on the king" underscores **Centralized Authority and Order**, emphasizing the disciplined structure and loyalty within Jehoshaphat's military apparatus, all under his direct and effective command. This speaks to a well-governed and stable kingdom, a direct contrast to the disarray often seen in the Northern Kingdom of Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **waited on (Hebrew, _sheret'_):** This verb conveys the idea of serving, ministering, or being at the disposal of someone. In a military context, it signifies readiness, active service, and immediate availability for deployment or command. It implies a standing army or a highly organized reserve force that is prepared to act upon the king's orders, rather than a loosely gathered militia. The soldiers were not merely present but were actively "on call" and dedicated to the king's service.
* **fenced cities (Hebrew, _'arim mibtzar'_):** This term refers to cities that were fortified with substantial defensive structures, including walls, gates, towers, and possibly moats. These were not just settlements but strategic strongholds, designed to withstand sieges and protect inhabitants and resources. In ancient warfare, control of "fenced cities" was crucial for maintaining territorial integrity, securing supply lines, and providing refuge during conflict. Jehoshaphat's strategic placement of garrisons in such cities across Judah indicates a sophisticated and widespread defense network.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"These waited on the king":** "These" refers to the massive military forces enumerated in the preceding verses (2 Chronicles 17:14-18), totaling over a million men. The phrase "waited on the king" signifies their state of readiness and availability for royal command. It implies a highly organized, disciplined, and loyal military force that was at the king's immediate disposal, prepared to execute his strategic directives for national defense or offense.
* **"beside [those] whom the king put in the fenced cities":** This crucial phrase indicates that the vast standing army was *in addition to* the permanent garrisons stationed within Judah's fortified cities. The king had strategically placed troops in these strongholds, ensuring a constant defensive presence throughout the kingdom. These garrisons served as fixed points of defense, protecting key locations, trade routes, and providing security for the local populace, even when the main army was not actively deployed.
* **"throughout all Judah":** This emphasizes the comprehensive and widespread nature of Jehoshaphat's defense network. The fortified cities and their garrisons were not concentrated in one area but were distributed across the entire kingdom, ensuring that all regions were protected and that the king's authority and military presence extended to every corner of Judah. This speaks to a holistic and well-executed national security strategy.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its message of comprehensive strength. **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. 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.

* [Proverbs 21:31](/proverbs/21-31 "Proverbs 21:31 - The Horse is Prepared for Battle")
* [Psalm 127:1](/psalms/127-1 "Psalm 127:1 - Unless the Lord Builds the House")
* [Deuteronomy 28:7](/deuteronomy/28-7 "Deuteronomy 28:7 - Blessing for Obedience")

### 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.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jehoshaphat's example challenge our understanding of "strength" – is it purely spiritual, or does it involve diligent human effort?**
* **In what areas of your life are you called to be "ready for service" to the King of Kings, and what practical steps can you take to prepare?**
* **How can seeking God's favor lead to greater stability and effectiveness in your personal and communal endeavors, mirroring Jehoshaphat's reign?**

### 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.

**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](/2_chronicles/17-19 "2 Chronicles 17:19 - Jehoshaphat's Military Strength"), 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](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Armor of God"). 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](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter's Confession and the Church")). 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](/ephesians/6-15 "Ephesians 6:15 - Feet Shod with the Gospel of Peace")) and living lives of obedience. Ultimately, Christ's victory is not over earthly enemies but over sin, death, and the powers of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")), establishing a kingdom that will never be destroyed and will stand forever ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")).

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 17:2

And he placed forces in all the fenced cities of Judah, and set garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim, which Asa his father had taken.

2 Chronicles 11:12

And in every several city [he put] shields and spears, and made them exceeding strong, having Judah and Benjamin on his side.

2 Chronicles 17:12

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

2 Chronicles 11:23

And he dealt wisely, and dispersed of all his children throughout all the countries of Judah and Benjamin, unto every fenced city: and he gave them victual in abundance. And he desired many wives.