2 Chronicles 17:8

KJV

And with them [he sent] Levites, [even] Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and Zebadiah, and Asahel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehonathan, and Adonijah, and Tobijah, and Tobadonijah, Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, priests.

KJV (with Strong's)

And with them he sent Levites {H3881}, even Shemaiah {H8098}, and Nethaniah {H5418}, and Zebadiah {H2069}, and Asahel {H6214}, and Shemiramoth {H8070}, and Jehonathan {H3083}, and Adonijah {H138}, and Tobijah {H2900}, and Tobadonijah {H2899}, Levites {H3881}; and with them Elishama {H476} and Jehoram {H3088}, priests {H3548}.

Complete Jewish Bible

with them were the L'vi'im Sh'ma'yahu, N'tanyahu, Z'vadyahu, 'Asah'el, Sh'miramot, Y'honatan, Adoniyahu, Tuviyahu and Tov-Adoniyah, the L'vi'im; and with them Elishama and Y'horam the cohanim.

Berean Standard Bible

accompanied by certain Levites—Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tob-adonijah—along with the priests Elishama and Jehoram.

American Standard Version

and with them the Levites, even Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and Zebadiah, and Asahel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehonathan, and Adonijah, and Tobijah, and Tob-adonijah, the Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, the priests.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 17:8 precisely enumerates the nine Levites and two priests commissioned by King Jehoshaphat of Judah, alongside the princes mentioned previously, for a kingdom-wide spiritual education initiative. This verse highlights the meticulous and comprehensive nature of Jehoshaphat's commitment to re-establishing the knowledge and practice of God's Law among his people, underscoring the indispensable role of spiritual leaders in fostering national renewal and adherence to divine truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral component of the Chronicler's detailed account of King Jehoshaphat's reign, specifically focusing on his spiritual and administrative reforms outlined in [2 Chronicles 17](/2_chronicles/17 "2 Chronicles 17 - Jehoshaphat's Reign and Reforms"). Following an initial period of strengthening Judah militarily and consolidating his power (as seen in [2 Chronicles 17:1-2](/2_chronicles/17-1-2 "2 Chronicles 17:1-2 - Jehoshaphat's Early Reign")), Jehoshaphat's primary focus shifts to the spiritual well-being of his kingdom. The preceding verse, [2 Chronicles 17:7](/2_chronicles/17-7 "2 Chronicles 17:7 - Princes Sent to Teach"), introduces the groundbreaking initiative of sending royal officials to teach the Law throughout Judah. Verse 8 then provides the specific, named individuals from the Levitical and priestly orders who joined this teaching commission, emphasizing the multi-faceted and authoritative nature of this program. The subsequent verse, [2 Chronicles 17:9](/2_chronicles/17-9 "2 Chronicles 17:9 - The Book of the Law Taught"), explicitly states that they taught "the book of the law of the Lord," clarifying the content of their instruction and affirming its divine origin.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah from approximately 870 to 848 BC, a period marked by ongoing political and religious challenges in the divided kingdom. While the northern kingdom of Israel frequently succumbed to idolatry, Judah, though often wavering, generally maintained a connection to the Mosaic covenant. However, even in Judah, there was a persistent need for spiritual revitalization and a deeper understanding of God's commands. The dispatch of a teaching commission was a direct response to this spiritual deficit, reflecting the traditional and divinely appointed role of Levites and priests as custodians, interpreters, and teachers of the Law, as prescribed in [Deuteronomy 33:10](/deuteronomy/33-10 "Deuteronomy 33:10 - Levites' Duty to Teach"). This initiative was remarkable for its organized, kingdom-wide scope, demonstrating Jehoshaphat's proactive and comprehensive approach to fostering national spiritual health, a stark contrast to the often reactive or negligent leadership of many contemporary rulers.
* **Key Themes:** The primary themes illuminated by [2 Chronicles 17:8](/2_chronicles/17-8 "2 Chronicles 17:8 - Levites and Priests Sent to Teach") are the **centrality of God's Law** for national prosperity, the **importance of systematic religious education**, and the **necessity of collaborative spiritual leadership**. Jehoshaphat intuitively understood that true national strength was not solely derived from military might or political alliances but from a robust moral and spiritual foundation rooted in adherence to God's commandments. His program of sending teachers throughout Judah underscores a commitment to **biblical literacy** as a cornerstone of societal stability, echoing the Mosaic command for the public reading and instruction of the Law, as seen in [Deuteronomy 31:10-13](/deuteronomy/31-10-13 "Deuteronomy 31:10-13 - The Reading of the Law"). Furthermore, the strategic collaboration between princes (representing civil authority), Levites (responsible for instruction), and priests (representing religious authority and worship) highlights a holistic approach to national reform, demonstrating that both governmental and ecclesiastical spheres had a vital, intertwined role in upholding divine truth and promoting covenant faithfulness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Levites (Hebrew, _Lêvîyîy'_):** Descendants of Levi, designated by God for sacred service. Their duties extended beyond Temple rituals to include the crucial role of instructing the people in God's Law. In this context, their presence signifies the king's reliance on the divinely appointed educators of Israel, ensuring the accurate and authoritative dissemination of God's statutes throughout the land.
* **Priests (Hebrew, _kôhên'_):** A specific lineage within the Levites, descended from Aaron, whose primary responsibilities included offering sacrifices, ministering in the sanctuary, and discerning between the holy and the common. Their inclusion in this teaching mission alongside the Levites underscores the sacred authority and theological depth associated with the instruction, linking the teaching of the Law directly to the established religious order and the covenant relationship with God.
* **Adonijah (Hebrew, _ʼĂdônîyâh'_):** Meaning "lord (i.e., worshipper) of Jah." This name, along with others listed, reflects a common Israelite practice of incorporating divine names (like "Jah" or "Jehovah") into personal names, signifying a connection to God. The inclusion of such names among the teachers subtly reinforces the God-centered nature of the mission and the personal piety expected of those entrusted with God's Word.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And with them [he sent] Levites, [even] Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and Zebadiah, and Asahel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehonathan, and Adonijah, and Tobijah, and Tobadonijah, Levites;":** This clause meticulously lists the nine Levites who were part of the teaching commission. The explicit naming of each individual lends a strong sense of historical veracity and highlights the personal dedication of these men to the king's vision for spiritual renewal. The repetition of "Levites" at the end of the list serves to re-emphasize their tribal affiliation and, by extension, their divinely ordained role as guardians and teachers of the Law, reinforcing the legitimacy and spiritual authority of the mission.
* **"and with them Elishama and Jehoram, priests.":** This second clause specifies the two priests who also accompanied the princes and Levites. Their inclusion adds an additional layer of sacred authority and religious sanctity to the teaching mission. Priests were uniquely responsible for interpreting the Law, making distinctions between the clean and unclean, and guiding the people in matters of worship and covenant fidelity. Their presence ensured that the instruction was not merely academic but also deeply rooted in the practical, sacrificial, and theological aspects of Israelite worship and covenant living.

#### Literary Devices
The most prominent literary device employed in [2 Chronicles 17:8](/2_chronicles/17-8 "2 Chronicles 17:8 - Jehoshaphat's Teaching Commission") is **Enumeration** or **Listing**. The detailed naming of nine Levites and two priests serves multiple significant purposes. Firstly, it imbues the narrative with historical authenticity and specificity, presenting the event as a genuine, well-documented undertaking rather than a generalized statement. Secondly, it powerfully emphasizes the comprehensive and organized nature of King Jehoshaphat's spiritual reform; this was clearly not a haphazard effort but a meticulously planned and executed program involving specific, appointed individuals. Thirdly, the act of individually naming each participant underscores the importance of their personal involvement in this vital mission, highlighting the king's commitment to mobilizing the kingdom's spiritual resources. A subtle but effective use of **Repetition** is also present with the re-mention of "Levites" at the close of the first clause, which reinforces the identity and primary role of this group within the teaching expedition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The dispatch of Levites and priests to teach the Law throughout Judah under Jehoshaphat's reign profoundly illustrates God's enduring desire for His people to know and obey His Word. This initiative reflects the foundational covenantal relationship established at Sinai, where Israel was called to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation, set apart by their adherence to divine instruction. The systematic dissemination of the Law was not merely an educational program but a spiritual act designed to draw the nation back into faithful covenant living, ensuring that God's truth permeated every city and household. It underscores the profound theological principle that national blessings, stability, and true prosperity are intrinsically linked to spiritual fidelity and a deep, communal understanding of divine revelation.

* [Deuteronomy 31:10-13](/deuteronomy/31-10-13 "The Command to Read the Law")
* [Leviticus 10:10-11](/leviticus/10-10-11 "Priestly Duty to Distinguish and Teach")
* [Nehemiah 8:7-8](/nehemiah/8-7-8 "Levites Explaining the Law")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
King Jehoshaphat's proactive commitment to the spiritual education of his people, as vividly portrayed in [2 Chronicles 17:8](/2_chronicles/17-8 "2 Chronicles 17:8 - Jehoshaphat's Teaching Initiative"), offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today. In an era saturated with information, the disciplined pursuit and faithful dissemination of sound biblical truth remain paramount. Just as Jehoshaphat recognized that national well-being was inextricably tied to spiritual literacy, so too must individual and communal flourishing within the church be rooted in a deep understanding and diligent application of God's Word. This passage challenges us to prioritize biblical teaching and study in our homes, churches, and personal lives, actively seeking out opportunities to learn and to share the transformative power of Scripture. It also serves as a poignant reminder to spiritual leaders of their sacred duty to equip and empower others to engage with God's truth, fostering a vibrant culture where knowledge of the Lord is not confined to a select few but is widely accessible, deeply cherished, and faithfully lived out by all.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jehoshaphat's initiative inspire us to prioritize biblical literacy and theological education in our own lives and communities today?**
* **What are the contemporary equivalents of "sending out Levites and priests" to teach God's Word, and how can we actively participate in or support such efforts?**
* **In what specific ways can a deeper, communal understanding and application of God's Law (Scripture) contribute to the spiritual health and stability of our families, churches, and nations?**

### FAQ

**Why are so many specific names listed in this verse?**

Answer: The detailed listing of names in [2 Chronicles 17:8](/2_chronicles/17-8 "2 Chronicles 17:8 - Specific Names of Teachers") serves several important purposes. Firstly, it lends historical credibility and authenticity to the account, indicating that this was a real, organized event with specific participants, rather than a generic statement. Secondly, it emphasizes the thoroughness and intentionality of King Jehoshaphat's reform program. He didn't just issue a general decree; he appointed specific, accountable individuals for this vital mission, highlighting his commitment to its success. Finally, it underscores the importance of each person's role in the kingdom's spiritual renewal, celebrating the collective effort required to disseminate God's Law throughout the land.

**What was the significance of sending both princes, Levites, and priests together on this mission?**

Answer: The collaboration between princes (representing civil authority), Levites (responsible for teaching and care of the Temple), and priests (responsible for sacrificial worship and interpreting the Law) was profoundly significant. As outlined in [2 Chronicles 17:7-9](/2_chronicles/17-7-9 "2 Chronicles 17:7-9 - Jehoshaphat's Comprehensive Teaching Commission"), this unified approach demonstrated that the king's spiritual reform was a comprehensive, kingdom-wide initiative that involved all levels of leadership. The princes provided the royal authority and logistical support, while the Levites and priests brought the necessary spiritual expertise and theological depth. This ensured that the teaching of "the book of the law of the Lord" (as explicitly mentioned in [2 Chronicles 17:9](/2_chronicles/17-9 "2 Chronicles 17:9 - The Book of the Law Taught")) was both authoritative and spiritually sound, impacting both the civil and religious life of Judah and fostering a holistic national transformation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The systematic teaching of God's Law by Levites and priests under King Jehoshaphat's reign profoundly foreshadows the ultimate and perfect Teacher of God's truth: Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament Law revealed God's righteous standards and the dire need for a mediator, it could not ultimately transform hearts or grant the power to perfectly obey. Jesus, however, came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")), embodying its very essence and teaching with unparalleled authority, as powerfully demonstrated in the [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount"). Furthermore, the mission to spread God's Word throughout Judah finds its ultimate, global fulfillment in the Great Commission, where Christ commands His disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them... and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). Unlike the temporary, localized efforts of Old Testament teachers, Jesus promised the indwelling Holy Spirit, who would "teach you all things and remind you of everything I have said to you" ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit as Teacher")), writing God's Law not on tablets of stone but on human hearts ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")). Thus, the Spirit-empowered church, equipped with the complete revelation of God in Christ, continues the mission of spiritual education, bringing the transforming truth of the gospel to every corner of the earth, inviting all to know and obey the 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

Ezra 7:1

¶ Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah,

Ezra 7:6

This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he [was] a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him.

2 Chronicles 19:8

Moreover in Jerusalem did Jehoshaphat set of the Levites, and [of] the priests, and of the chief of the fathers of Israel, for the judgment of the LORD, and for controversies, when they returned to Jerusalem.

Malachi 2:7

For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he [is] the messenger of the LORD of hosts.