2 Chronicles 17:7

KJV

Also in the third year of his reign he sent to his princes, [even] to Benhail, and to Obadiah, and to Zechariah, and to Nethaneel, and to Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah.

KJV (with Strong's)

Also in the third {H7969} year {H8141} of his reign {H4427} he sent {H7971} to his princes {H8269}, even to Benhail {H1134}, and to Obadiah {H5662}, and to Zechariah {H2148}, and to Nethaneel {H5417}, and to Michaiah {H4322}, to teach {H3925} in the cities {H5892} of Judah {H3063}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In the third year of his reign he sent his leading men Ben-Chayil, 'Ovadyah, Z'kharyah, N'tan'el and Mikhayahu to teach in the cities of Y'hudah;

Berean Standard Bible

In the third year of his reign, Jehoshaphat sent his officials Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah to teach in the cities of Judah,

American Standard Version

Also in the third year of his reign he sent his princes, even Ben-hail, and Obadiah, and Zechariah, and Nethanel, and Micaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In the third year of his reign, King Jehoshaphat of Judah initiated a remarkable spiritual and administrative reform by dispatching a delegation of his leading princes to the cities of Judah. Their mission was to teach the people the Law of the Lord, signifying a profound commitment by the king to the spiritual education and moral grounding of his kingdom. This proactive measure aimed to re-establish the covenant relationship between God and His people, laying a strong foundation for national stability and righteousness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated early in the reign of King Jehoshaphat, immediately following a description of his initial actions to strengthen Judah militarily and spiritually. [2 Chronicles 17:1-2](/2-chronicles/17-1 "2 Chronicles 17:1-2 - Jehoshaphat's Reign Begins") establishes his succession to King Asa and his focus on fortifying the kingdom. Verses [2 Chronicles 17:3-6](/2-chronicles/17-3 "2 Chronicles 17:3-6 - Jehoshaphat's Devotion to the Lord") highlight his devotion to the Lord, walking in the ways of his father David and removing idolatry. The sending of these princes in verse 7 serves as the direct prelude to the more comprehensive teaching mission described in [2 Chronicles 17:8-9](/2-chronicles/17-8 "2 Chronicles 17:8-9 - Levites and Priests Join the Teaching Mission"), where Levites and priests are also commissioned to teach the Law throughout Judah. Together, these verses paint a picture of a king committed to a widespread spiritual revival, understanding that national strength was intrinsically linked to adherence to God's covenant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jehoshaphat's reign (c. 870-848 BC) followed that of his father Asa, who had initiated some religious reforms but also faced challenges. Judah, as the southern kingdom, often struggled with syncretism and the lingering influence of pagan practices despite the presence of the Temple in Jerusalem. The northern kingdom of Israel had long since abandoned the worship of Yahweh for idolatry under kings like Jeroboam and Ahab. In this environment, Jehoshaphat's initiative was radical. Kings in ancient Israel were expected to uphold the Law, as seen in [Deuteronomy 17:18-20](/deuteronomy/17-18 "Deuteronomy 17:18-20 - The King's Copy of the Law"), but actively sending out officials to teach it was an extraordinary step. The "cities of Judah" would have been diverse, ranging from fortified centers to smaller towns, indicating a desire for widespread instruction, not just in Jerusalem. This was a direct attempt to counter spiritual decline and ensure the populace understood the covenant obligations that defined their identity as God's people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Godly Leadership**, portraying Jehoshaphat as a king who prioritized spiritual health over mere political or military might, aligning his reign with the righteous example of [King David](/2-samuel/5 "2 Samuel 5 - David's Reign"). Secondly, it emphasizes the **Centrality of Divine Instruction** (Torah) for national well-being. The act of "teaching" the Law highlights its foundational role in shaping society, echoing the commands in [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Teaching the Law to Your Children") for parents to diligently teach their children. Lastly, it exemplifies a **Comprehensive National Reform**, demonstrating that true societal transformation requires a multi-faceted approach involving both civil and religious authorities, aiming for a widespread return to the Lord's commandments and a strengthening of the covenant relationship, as seen in other reform movements like that under [King Josiah](/2-kings/23 "2 Kings 23 - Josiah's Reforms").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sent (Hebrew, _shalach'_):** This verb signifies a deliberate, authoritative commissioning. It implies that Jehoshaphat did not merely suggest or encourage, but rather actively dispatched these individuals with a specific mandate and the full backing of his royal authority. This was a formal, organized mission, not a casual endeavor.
* **princes (Hebrew, _sarim'_):** These were not merely minor officials but high-ranking civil leaders, likely drawn from noble families or holding significant administrative positions. Their involvement in a spiritual teaching mission is highly significant, indicating that Jehoshaphat viewed the instruction of God's Law as a matter of national policy and governance, not solely a religious or priestly concern. It underscores the integrated nature of faith and public life in his vision for Judah.
* **teach (Hebrew, _lamad'_):: While _lamad_ can mean "to learn," in the Hiphil stem (causative), as used here, it means "to cause to learn," "to instruct," or "to teach." It denotes an active process of imparting knowledge and understanding, particularly the Torah. This was not just about reading the Law, but explaining its meaning, its implications for daily life, and its application to the covenant relationship between God and Israel. It implies a process of discipleship aimed at practical obedience and moral formation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Also in the third year of his reign":** This specific chronological detail highlights the immediacy and priority of this initiative. Jehoshaphat undertook this significant spiritual reform early in his rule, indicating that it was a foundational aspect of his vision for the kingdom, not an afterthought or a response to crisis. It demonstrates proactive and intentional leadership.
* **"he sent to his princes, [even] to Benhail, and to Obadiah, and to Zechariah, and to Nethaneel, and to Michaiah":** This clause details the specific agents of the king's mission. The mention of five named princes underscores the seriousness and personal nature of the delegation. These were trusted, high-ranking officials, not merely religious figures. Their names (e.g., Obadiah, "servant of Yahweh"; Zechariah, "Yahweh remembers") may also carry symbolic weight, reflecting a general ethos of devotion to God, though their specific roles beyond this mission are not detailed.
* **"to teach in the cities of Judah":** This specifies the purpose and scope of the mission. The goal was widespread instruction in the Law of God throughout the entire kingdom, not just in the capital or among the elite. This was a comprehensive effort to disseminate divine truth and foster spiritual literacy among the general populace, aiming for a kingdom-wide understanding and adherence to God's covenant.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Narrative Detail** to convey the specific actions of King Jehoshaphat, providing precise information about the timing ("third year"), the agents (named princes), and their mission ("to teach"). The **Enumeration** of the five princes' names (Benhail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethaneel, Michaiah) serves to lend authenticity and specificity to the account, emphasizing the deliberate and organized nature of the king's initiative. This detailed listing also highlights the significant involvement of high-ranking civil officials in a spiritual endeavor, underscoring the **Emphasis** on the holistic nature of Jehoshaphat's reform. The verse also functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the even broader and more detailed teaching mission involving Levites and priests described in the subsequent verses, indicating a sustained and comprehensive commitment to spiritual education.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jehoshaphat's dispatch of princes to teach the Law reflects a profound theological conviction: that the well-being and stability of a nation are directly tied to its adherence to God's revealed will. This initiative underscores the biblical principle that divine instruction is not merely for personal piety but is foundational for communal and national righteousness. It highlights God's desire for His people to know and obey His covenant, and the responsibility of leaders to facilitate this knowledge. This act of teaching the Law was an investment in the spiritual infrastructure of Judah, designed to cultivate a society grounded in justice, morality, and true worship, thereby securing God's blessings and protection.

* [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6 "The Command to Teach the Law")
* [Nehemiah 8:7-8](/nehemiah/8-7 "Ezra and the Levites Teaching the Law")
* [Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "God's Word as a Lamp")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
King Jehoshaphat's proactive and comprehensive approach to spiritual education in 2 Chronicles 17:7 offers a timeless model for leaders and individuals today. It reminds us that true strength, whether for a nation, a community, or a family, is not solely found in material resources or strategic power, but fundamentally in a deep understanding and faithful application of God's Word. This verse challenges us to consider our own commitment to spiritual literacy – both personally and corporately. Are we actively investing in knowing, understanding, and living out God's truth? Do we recognize that the principles of Scripture are not just for "religious" spheres but are meant to inform every aspect of life, from governance to daily interactions? Just as Jehoshaphat commissioned his highest officials, we are called to prioritize and participate in the dissemination of divine wisdom, ensuring that the transformative power of God's Word permeates all levels of society.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jehoshaphat's initiative challenge our modern understanding of the separation of "church" and "state" or "spiritual" and "secular" spheres?**
* **In what ways can leaders today, whether in government, business, or community, integrate biblical principles into their leadership for the good of those they serve?**
* **What practical steps can individuals, families, and churches take to prioritize and deepen their understanding and application of God's Word in their daily lives?**
* **How does the idea of "teaching in the cities" translate to our contemporary context, and what are the most effective ways to disseminate biblical truth widely today?**

### FAQ
**Why did King Jehoshaphat send princes to teach, rather than just priests or Levites?**

Answer: Jehoshaphat's decision to send princes alongside (and initially, even before) the Levites and priests, as mentioned in [2 Chronicles 17:8-9](/2-chronicles/17-8 "2 Chronicles 17:8-9 - Levites and Priests Join the Teaching Mission"), highlights his holistic vision for national reform. It demonstrated that the instruction of God's Law was not merely a religious or ceremonial matter confined to the Temple or the priesthood. By involving high-ranking civil officials, Jehoshaphat underscored that adherence to God's commandments was integral to the very fabric of national life, governance, and societal well-being. It signaled that the king himself endorsed and prioritized this spiritual education, giving it royal authority and ensuring its widespread acceptance and implementation across all sectors of society. This comprehensive approach aimed to integrate spiritual truth into every sphere of public and private life in Judah.

**What exactly were these princes, Levites, and priests teaching?**

Answer: They were teaching the "Law of the Lord" (as specified in [2 Chronicles 17:9](/2-chronicles/17-9 "2 Chronicles 17:9 - The Law of the Lord")), which refers primarily to the Torah, the first five books of Moses. This would have included the Ten Commandments ([Exodus 20](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments")), the covenant stipulations given at Sinai ([Exodus 21-23](/exodus/21 "Exodus 21-23 - Covenant Laws")), the various laws concerning worship, sacrifices, purity, and social justice found throughout [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - Laws and Sacrifices"), [Numbers](/numbers/1 "Numbers - Census and Laws"), and [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "Deuteronomy - Moses' Farewell Speeches"). Their teaching would have involved explaining these laws, their implications for daily living, and their significance for Israel's covenant relationship with God. The goal was not just intellectual understanding, but practical obedience and a renewed commitment to the Lord, as emphasized in [Deuteronomy 6:6-9](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Deuteronomy 6:6-9 - Teaching and Remembering the Law").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The initiative of King Jehoshaphat, sending out princes to teach the Law of God, foreshadows the ultimate and perfect Teacher, Jesus Christ. While Jehoshaphat's mission sought to bring the written Law to the people of Judah, it ultimately pointed to the one who would embody and perfectly fulfill that Law. Jesus did not merely teach the Law; He lived it perfectly, becoming the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). He came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")), revealing its true spiritual depth and the heart of God behind its commands. Furthermore, Jesus commissioned His disciples, not merely princes, but ordinary men empowered by the Holy Spirit, to go into [all the world and make disciples](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission"), teaching them "everything I have commanded you" ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - Teaching All Nations")). Unlike the external teaching of the Old Covenant, Christ's work, through the New Covenant, writes the Law on our hearts by the Holy Spirit ([Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant")), enabling true understanding and obedience. Thus, Jehoshaphat's noble effort, while significant, pales in comparison to the transformative, internal, and global teaching ministry inaugurated by Christ, who is the very [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") and the ultimate source of all wisdom and truth.

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 35:3

And said unto the Levites that taught all Israel, which were holy unto the LORD, Put the holy ark in the house which Solomon the son of David king of Israel did build; [it shall] not [be] a burden upon [your] shoulders: serve now the LORD your God, and his people Israel,

2 Chronicles 15:3

Now for a long season Israel [hath been] without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law.

Ecclesiastes 12:9

And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, [and] set in order many proverbs.

Ecclesiastes 12:10

The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and [that which was] written [was] upright, [even] words of truth.

Nehemiah 8:7

Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law: and the people [stood] in their place.

Nehemiah 8:8

So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused [them] to understand the reading.

Psalms 51:13

[Then] will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.