2 Chronicles 17:13

And he had much business in the cities of Judah: and the men of war, mighty men of valour, [were] in Jerusalem.

And he had much {H7227} business {H4399} in the cities {H5892} of Judah {H3063}: and the men {H582} of war {H4421}, mighty men {H1368} of valour {H2428}, were in Jerusalem {H3389}.

He had many projects in the cities of Y'hudah; and in Yerushalayim he had warriors, strong brave men.

and kept vast supplies in the cities of Judah. He also had warriors in Jerusalem who were mighty men of valor.

And he had many works in the cities of Judah; and men of war, mighty men of valor, in Jerusalem.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 17:13 describes King Jehoshaphat's extensive administrative and military organization throughout his kingdom. This verse highlights his diligent oversight of Judah's cities and the strategic placement of his elite military forces in Jerusalem, underscoring the stability and strength of his reign.

Context

This verse is part of a larger passage (2 Chronicles 17:1-19) detailing the prosperous and God-blessed reign of King Jehoshaphat of Judah. Following his father Asa, Jehoshaphat "walked in the first ways of his father David" (2 Chronicles 17:3), seeking the Lord and removing pagan practices. His commitment to the Lord led to divine favor, bringing him "riches and honour in abundance" (2 Chronicles 17:5). Beyond his spiritual reforms, such as sending Levites and priests to teach the law throughout Judah (2 Chronicles 17:7-9), Jehoshaphat was also a highly effective administrator and military leader. Verse 13 specifically shows the practical outworking of his strong governance: his active presence in the cities and the formidable presence of his "men of war" in the capital, Jerusalem.

Key Themes

  • Diligent Governance and Administration: The phrase "much business in the cities of Judah" indicates Jehoshaphat's hands-on approach to leadership, ensuring the well-being and proper functioning of his kingdom beyond the capital. This reflects a king deeply invested in his people's welfare.
  • Military Preparedness and Strength: The presence of "men of war, mighty men of valour" in Jerusalem signifies a strong defensive posture. This elite force provided security for the capital and served as a deterrent to potential enemies, contributing to the "fear of the Lord" falling upon surrounding kingdoms (2 Chronicles 17:10).
  • Centralized Authority: Stationing the "mighty men of valour" in Jerusalem reinforced the city's role as the administrative and military heart of Judah, solidifying the king's control and providing a ready response force.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "much business" is melakhah rabbah (ืžึฐืœึธืื›ึธื” ืจึทื‘ึธึผื”), which literally means "great work" or "much occupation." It conveys the idea of significant, active engagement in affairs of state, encompassing administrative duties, public works, and possibly even religious oversight in the various cities. The term "mighty men of valour" is gibborim chayil (ื’ึดึผื‘ึนึผื•ืจึตื™ ื—ึทื™ึดืœ), a common biblical phrase denoting strong, capable, and courageous warriors, often used to describe elite or distinguished soldiers.

Practical Application

Jehoshaphat's example in 2 Chronicles 17:13 teaches us the importance of comprehensive and diligent leadership. It's not enough to focus solely on one aspect, whether spiritual or practical. True effectiveness often involves:

  • Active Engagement: Leaders, whether in a family, business, or community, must be actively involved in the various "cities" or spheres of their responsibility, not just the central hub.
  • Strategic Preparedness: Just as Jehoshaphat maintained a strong defense, we are called to be prepared and vigilant in our own spheres, whether spiritually (e.g., putting on the full armor of God) or practically in our daily lives.
  • Stewardship: This verse illustrates good stewardship of national resources and manpower for the benefit and security of the people.
Jehoshaphat's success was a result of his devotion to God coupled with his practical wisdom and organizational skills, showing that divine blessing often accompanies diligent human effort.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 27:25 (3 votes)

    And over the king's treasures [was] Azmaveth the son of Adiel: and over the storehouses in the fields, in the cities, and in the villages, and in the castles, [was] Jehonathan the son of Uzziah:

  • 1 Chronicles 27:31 (3 votes)

    And over the flocks [was] Jaziz the Hagerite. All these [were] the rulers of the substance which [was] king David's.

  • 2 Chronicles 26:10 (3 votes)

    Also he built towers in the desert, and digged many wells: for he had much cattle, both in the low country, and in the plains: husbandmen [also], and vine dressers in the mountains, and in Carmel: for he loved husbandry.

  • 2 Chronicles 26:15 (3 votes)

    And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones withal. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong.