2 Chronicles 17:3

KJV

And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim;

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} was with Jehoshaphat {H3092}, because he walked {H1980} in the first {H7223} ways {H1870} of his father {H1} David {H1732}, and sought {H1875} not unto Baalim {H1168};

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI was with Y'hoshafat, because he lived according to the first ways of his ancestor David, not seeking the ba'alim,

Berean Standard Bible

Now the LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David. He did not seek out the Baals,

American Standard Version

And Jehovah was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto the Baalim,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 17:3 introduces King Jehoshaphat's reign over Judah, immediately establishing the divine favor and presence he enjoyed due to his unwavering faithfulness. This verse highlights his commitment to walking in the righteous path of his ancestor David, particularly in his early devotion, and his decisive rejection of the widespread idolatry associated with Baalim. It sets the stage for a period of spiritual reform, national prosperity, and military strength in Judah, underscoring the direct correlation between a leader's devotion to God and the blessings bestowed upon the nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse initiates the Chronicler's account of Jehoshaphat's reign, immediately following the conclusion of Asa's kingship in [2 Chronicles 16](/2_chronicles/16 "2 Chronicles 16 - Asa's Later Reign"). The Chronicler, known for his emphasis on divine retribution and blessing, meticulously details the spiritual state of Judah's kings. By stating "And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim," the author establishes the foundational reason for the king's subsequent successes. The verses that follow (e.g., [2 Chronicles 17:4-6](/2_chronicles/17-4 "2 Chronicles 17:4-6 - Jehoshaphat's Reforms")) immediately describe Jehoshaphat's active reforms, including the removal of high places and the sending of Levites and priests to teach the Law throughout Judah, demonstrating the practical outworking of his devotion. This initial divine endorsement serves as a hermeneutical key for understanding the positive developments throughout his rule, portraying him as a righteous king in the lineage of David.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jehoshaphat ascended the throne of Judah around 870 BCE, a period marked by the persistent division between the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. While Israel frequently plunged into deep idolatry under wicked kings like Ahab and Jezebel, Judah often experienced cycles of spiritual revival and decline. The phrase "first ways of his father David" is crucial. It does not refer to David's later moral failures (such as the Bathsheba affair in [2 Samuel 11](/2_samuel/11 "2 Samuel 11 - David and Bathsheba")), but specifically to the purity of David's early devotion, his uncompromised trust in Yahweh, and his zeal for the Lord's house, as exemplified by his bringing the ark to Jerusalem in [2 Samuel 6](/2_samuel/6 "2 Samuel 6 - David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem"). This distinction highlights Jehoshaphat's commitment to a pure, unadulterated worship of Yahweh, directly contrasting with the pervasive Canaanite pagan practices. The "Baalim" (plural of Baal) refers to various local manifestations of the Canaanite storm and fertility god, often worshipped with immoral rites and child sacrifice, making Jehoshaphat's rejection of them a profound act of faithfulness to the covenant.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several pivotal themes that resonate throughout 2 Chronicles and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Presence and Favor**, explicitly stating, "And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat." This divine companionship is consistently depicted in Scripture as a direct consequence of faithfulness and obedience, mirroring instances like [Joseph's prosperity in Genesis 39:2-3](/genesis/39-2 "Genesis 39:2-3 - The Lord Was With Joseph"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes the importance of **Following Righteous Precedent** and spiritual heritage. Jehoshaphat's choice to "walk in the first ways of his father David" highlights the value of emulating godly examples and returning to the foundational principles of faith and obedience to God's law established by the covenant. Lastly, and perhaps most significantly, it highlights the theme of **Rejection of Idolatry** and singular devotion to Yahweh. By explicitly stating that he "sought not unto Baalim," the Chronicler commends Jehoshaphat's commitment to the First Commandment, which forbids having [other gods before the Lord](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment"), setting him apart from many of his contemporaries and predecessors.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Walked (Hebrew, _halak'_):** This verb, often translated as "walked," is much more than a physical movement in Hebrew thought. In biblical idiom, "walking" frequently denotes one's conduct, lifestyle, moral path, or entire manner of life. Thus, "walked in the first ways of his father David" implies that Jehoshaphat's decisions, policies, leadership, and personal piety were patterned after the pure, uncompromised devotion and obedience that characterized David's early relationship with God. It signifies a holistic adherence to a righteous standard.
* **Sought (Hebrew, _darash'_):** This verb means "to seek," "to inquire," "to consult," or "to frequent." When applied to deities, it implies active worship, consultation for guidance, or reliance upon. The negative construction, "sought not unto Baalim," therefore indicates a deliberate and complete abstinence from any form of worship, inquiry, or reliance upon these pagan deities. It underscores Jehoshaphat's intentional and singular devotion to Yahweh, actively turning away from the prevailing idolatrous practices of the region.
* **Baalim (Hebrew, _b'alim'_):** This is the plural form of "Baal," a generic Semitic term meaning "lord" or "master." In Canaanite religion, Baal was the chief storm and fertility god, worshipped in various local manifestations (e.g., Baal-Peor, Baal-Zebub). The plural "Baalim" highlights the widespread and diverse nature of the Baal cults across the land, each with its own local shrine and specific rituals. Jehoshaphat's rejection of "Baalim" signifies a comprehensive repudiation of all forms of polytheism and pagan worship, emphasizing his exclusive allegiance to the one true God of Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat":** This opening declaration immediately establishes the central theme of divine favor and presence. It is a statement of God's active blessing, support, and companionship with the king. In the Chronicler's theology, God's presence is not arbitrary but a direct consequence of human faithfulness, setting the stage for the reasons that follow. It implies divine enablement, protection, and guidance for Jehoshaphat's reign.
* **"because he walked in the first ways of his father David":** This clause provides the primary reason for God's favor. It specifies that Jehoshaphat's life and leadership were characterized by a pattern of conduct that mirrored the early, unblemished devotion of King David. This refers to David's unwavering trust in God, his zeal for God's covenant, and his commitment to pure worship before his moral failures. It signifies a return to foundational covenant fidelity and a rejection of spiritual compromise.
* **"and sought not unto Baalim":** This final clause further elaborates on Jehoshaphat's faithfulness by highlighting what he actively rejected. It specifies his decisive turning away from the widespread and insidious worship of the Canaanite fertility gods, Baal and his various manifestations. This rejection of idolatry was a crucial act of singular devotion to Yahweh, demonstrating his adherence to the first commandment and his commitment to the purity of Israelite worship, distinguishing him sharply from many of his contemporaries, especially in the northern kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Contrast** is prominent, implicitly setting Jehoshaphat's righteous conduct against the idolatrous practices of other kings, particularly those in the northern kingdom of Israel, and even against the later failings of David himself. The phrase "walked in the first ways of his father David" functions as a powerful **Metaphor**, where "walking" represents a comprehensive lifestyle and "ways" denote a pattern of conduct and devotion. This metaphor emphasizes the holistic nature of Jehoshaphat's obedience. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Divine Affirmation** ("the LORD was with Jehoshaphat") as a direct consequence of human action, establishing a clear **Cause-and-Effect** relationship that is central to the Chronicler's theological framework: faithfulness leads to divine blessing. The use of the plural "Baalim" is a form of **Synecdoche**, where the specific cult of Baal stands in for the entire spectrum of pagan idolatry that threatened the purity of Israelite worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 17:3 powerfully articulates the foundational biblical principle that divine favor and presence are intrinsically linked to human faithfulness and obedience. Jehoshaphat's example underscores that a leader's spiritual integrity directly impacts the well-being of the nation, demonstrating that true prosperity and security are rooted in a right relationship with God, not merely military might or political shrewdness. His deliberate choice to emulate David's early devotion and decisively reject idolatry serves as a timeless model for righteous leadership and personal piety, emphasizing that genuine faith involves both adherence to God's commands and active renunciation of competing allegiances. This verse sets the stage for the Chronicler's consistent theological message: when God's people, especially their leaders, walk in obedience, God's presence brings blessing, protection, and success.

* [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience")
* [Joshua 1:7-9](/joshua/1-7 "Joshua 1:7-9 - Be Strong and Courageous")
* [Psalm 1:1-3](/psalms/1-1 "Psalm 1:1-3 - The Blessed Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jehoshaphat's initial act of aligning his life and reign with God's will, as exemplified by David's early faithfulness and his explicit rejection of idolatry, serves as a profound blueprint for believers today. His story reminds us that God's presence and favor are not automatic but are intimately connected to our intentional choices to walk in obedience and to prioritize Him above all else. In a world brimming with "modern Baalim"—whether they be the pursuit of wealth, power, comfort, self-gratification, or even the subtle idols of reputation and approval—Jehoshaphat's resolute "sought not unto Baalim" challenges us to identify and dismantle anything that competes for God's rightful place in our hearts. Our "walk" (our daily conduct, decisions, and priorities) should reflect a singular devotion to Christ, drawing upon the rich spiritual heritage of those who have faithfully gone before us, so that the Lord might truly be "with" us, empowering us for His purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Baalim" or competing allegiances might be subtly drawing my devotion away from God in my life today?**
* **In what practical ways can I "walk in the first ways" of godly examples, both biblical and contemporary, in my own spiritual journey?**
* **How does the awareness of "the LORD being with me" impact my decision-making and my sense of security in challenging circumstances?**

### FAQ
**What does "the first ways of his father David" specifically refer to, given David's later moral failures?**

Answer: The phrase "the first ways of his father David" refers to the early period of David's reign and life, characterized by his unblemished devotion, unwavering trust in God, and zeal for Yahweh's covenant. It specifically excludes David's later moral lapses, such as his sin with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of Uriah, as recorded in [2 Samuel 11](/2_samuel/11 "2 Samuel 11 - David and Bathsheba"). The Chronicler, whose purpose often emphasizes righteous kingship and its blessings, focuses on David as the ideal king, especially in his initial commitment to God and his establishment of pure worship in Jerusalem ([2 Samuel 6](/2_samuel/6 "2 Samuel 6 - David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem")). Therefore, Jehoshaphat's emulation was not of David's imperfections, but of his foundational and pure devotion to the Lord, his commitment to God's law, and his courage in trusting God against overwhelming odds, as seen when he [faced Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:45-47](/1_samuel/17-45 "1 Samuel 17:45-47 - David's Faith Against Goliath").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 17:3 highlights Jehoshaphat's commendable obedience and the resultant divine favor, it ultimately points beyond him to the perfect King, Jesus Christ. Jehoshaphat "walked in the first ways of his father David," but Jesus is the true Son of David, who perfectly fulfilled all righteousness and never deviated from the Father's will. Unlike Jehoshaphat, who merely sought *not* unto Baalim, Jesus actively confronted and conquered all forms of idolatry and evil, ultimately triumphing over the powers of darkness through His death and resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). The promise that "the LORD was with Jehoshaphat" finds its ultimate and eternal reality in Christ, for in Him, God Himself dwelt among us, full of grace and truth ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Through Christ, we, too, can experience the abiding presence of God, for He promised to be with His disciples always, even to the end of the age ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission")). Our ability to "walk" in righteousness and to reject the idols of our age is not based on our own strength, but on the indwelling Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live in conformity to Christ, the one who perfectly walked in all the ways of God ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - Walking According to the Spirit")).

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.