2 Chronicles 19:4

And Jehoshaphat dwelt at Jerusalem: and he went out again through the people from Beersheba to mount Ephraim, and brought them back unto the LORD God of their fathers.

And Jehoshaphat {H3092} dwelt {H3427} at Jerusalem {H3389}: and he went out {H3318} again {H7725} through the people {H5971} from Beersheba {H884} to mount {H2022} Ephraim {H669}, and brought them back {H7725} unto the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of their fathers {H1}.

So Y'hoshafat lived in Yerushalayim and again circulated among the people from Be'er-Sheva to the hills of Efrayim, bringing them back to ADONAI, the God of their ancestors.

Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem, and once again he went out among the people from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim and turned them back to the LORD, the God of their fathers.

And Jehoshaphat dwelt at Jerusalem: and he went out again among the people from Beer-sheba to the hill-country of Ephraim, and brought them back unto Jehovah, the God of their fathers.

Commentary

Context of 2 Chronicles 19:4

This verse describes a pivotal moment in the reign of King Jehoshaphat of Judah. It immediately follows his return to Jerusalem after a disastrous military alliance with the wicked King Ahab of Israel, during which Jehoshaphat narrowly escaped death (2 Chronicles 18:31). Upon his return, he was rebuked by the prophet Jehu for his unholy alliance. Unlike many kings who might resent such correction, Jehoshaphat responded with humility and renewed zeal for the Lord. This verse highlights his commitment to spiritual reform, building on his earlier efforts to teach God's law throughout the land (2 Chronicles 17:7-9).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Repentance and Reformation: Jehoshaphat's actions demonstrate a clear response to divine correction. Instead of dwelling on his past mistake, he actively sought to rectify the spiritual state of his kingdom. This immediate and widespread reform shows genuine repentance leading to constructive action.
  • Active Spiritual Leadership: The verse portrays Jehoshaphat not as a passive ruler, but as a king deeply invested in the spiritual well-being of his people. His personal journey "from Beersheba to mount Ephraim" signifies a comprehensive, hands-on approach to national revival, reaching every corner of his influence.
  • Returning to the Lord: The core message is the king's effort to "bring them back unto the LORD God of their fathers." This emphasizes a restoration of the covenant relationship, moving away from idolatry and spiritual apathy that had plagued both Judah and Israel. It's a powerful reminder of God's desire for His people to turn their hearts back to Him.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "brought them back" (Hebrew: וַיָּשׁ֢ב, vayyashev) is significant. It implies a turning or returning, often used in the context of repentance or restoration. It's not just a physical movement but a spiritual reorientation. By bringing them back "unto the LORD God of their fathers," Jehoshaphat was calling the people to remember and uphold the covenant established with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, emphasizing their unique heritage and identity as God's chosen people. This phrase underlines the deep spiritual purpose behind his extensive journey.

Practical Application

2 Chronicles 19:4 offers timeless lessons for believers today.

  • Responding to Correction: Like Jehoshaphat, we are called to receive correction with humility and allow it to spur us towards positive change and deeper commitment to God.
  • Leadership Responsibility: Whether in families, communities, or workplaces, those in positions of influence have a spiritual responsibility to guide others towards righteous paths and a closer relationship with God.
  • The Call to Return: The verse reminds us that God always desires for His people to return to Him, regardless of how far they may have strayed. It's an ongoing call for personal and corporate spiritual renewal.
  • Holistic Discipleship: Jehoshaphat's journey "from Beersheba to mount Ephraim" illustrates the need for comprehensive and persistent effort in spiritual guidance, reaching out to all who are within our sphere of influence.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 15:8

    ΒΆ And when Asa heard these words, and the prophecy of Oded the prophet, he took courage, and put away the abominable idols out of all the land of Judah and Benjamin, and out of the cities which he had taken from mount Ephraim, and renewed the altar of the LORD, that [was] before the porch of the LORD.

  • 2 Chronicles 15:13

    That whosoever would not seek the LORD God of Israel should be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman.

  • 1 Samuel 7:3

    ΒΆ And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, [then] put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.

  • 1 Samuel 7:4

    Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the LORD only.

  • Malachi 4:6

    And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

  • 1 Samuel 7:15

    And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life.

  • 1 Samuel 7:17

    And his return [was] to Ramah; for there [was] his house; and there he judged Israel; and there he built an altar unto the LORD.
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