2 Chronicles 17:16

And next him [was] Amasiah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself unto the LORD; and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of valour.

And next {H3027} him was Amasiah {H6007} the son {H1121} of Zichri {H2147}, who willingly offered {H5068} himself unto the LORD {H3068}; and with him two hundred {H3967} thousand {H505} mighty men {H1368} of valour {H2428}.

next to him 'Amasyah the son of Zikhri, who volunteered to serve ADONAI, and with him 200,000 strong, brave men.

and next to him, Amasiah son of Zichri, the volunteer for the LORD, and with him 200,000 mighty men of valor.

and next to him Amasiah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself unto Jehovah; and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of valor.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 17:16 introduces Amasiah, the son of Zichri, as a key military commander under King Jehoshaphat of Judah. The verse highlights his remarkable personal dedication: he "willingly offered himself unto the LORD." This commitment was accompanied by a substantial force of two hundred thousand "mighty men of valour," showcasing the strength and divine blessing upon Jehoshaphat's kingdom.

Context

This verse is situated within 2 Chronicles Chapter 17, which details the prosperous and righteous reign of King Jehoshaphat. Unlike many of his predecessors, Jehoshaphat walked in the former ways of his father David, seeking the Lord and removing idolatry from Judah. His faithfulness led to God establishing his kingdom, bringing him immense wealth, and granting him military strength that made him formidable to surrounding nations. Verses 14-19 list the various commanders and their vast contingents, collectively showing an army of over a million men, a clear sign of God's favor and the stability of the kingdom.

Key Themes

  • Willing Service and Dedication: Amasiah's decision to "willingly offered himself unto the LORD" is a profound statement. It signifies a devotion beyond mere military duty, indicating a personal, heartfelt commitment to God that likely permeated his leadership. This concept resonates with the idea of God's people willingly serving Him.
  • Divine Blessing and Strength: The immense size of Jehoshaphat's army, with Amasiah contributing a significant portion, is a direct result of God's blessing on a righteous king. It illustrates how God blesses those who obey Him with power and protection, often manifesting in tangible ways like military might and national security.
  • Leadership and Influence: Amasiah's personal dedication to the Lord suggests a leader whose spiritual state directly impacted his effectiveness and the loyalty of his men. His example likely inspired the "mighty men of valour" under his command.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "willingly offered himself unto the LORD" comes from the Hebrew verb ื ึธื“ึทื‘ (*nadav*), which implies a voluntary, spontaneous, and generous giving or offering. It's often used in contexts of freewill offerings to God (e.g., for the Tabernacle in Exodus 35:29). This emphasizes that Amasiah's service was not coerced but came from a deep, personal devotion. The term "mighty men of valour" (Hebrew: ื’ึผึดื‘ึผื•ึนืจ ื—ึทื™ึดืœ - *gibbor chayil*) denotes powerful, capable, and courageous warriors, highlighting their skill and effectiveness in battle.

Practical Application

2 Chronicles 17:16 encourages believers today to offer themselves willingly to the Lord. Our service to God should not be out of obligation or coercion, but from a heart of genuine devotion and love, just as Amasiah did. When we dedicate ourselves wholeheartedly to God, He can use us powerfully, often multiplying our efforts and influence beyond what we might expect. This verse reminds us that true strength and effectiveness in any sphere of life come from a personal relationship with God and a willingness to serve His purposes.

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Cross-References

  • Judges 5:9 (5 votes)

    My heart [is] toward the governors of Israel, that offered themselves willingly among the people. Bless ye the LORD.

  • 1 Chronicles 29:9 (4 votes)

    Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the LORD: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.

  • Judges 5:2 (4 votes)

    Praise ye the LORD for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves.

  • 1 Chronicles 29:17 (2 votes)

    I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:3 (2 votes)

    For to [their] power, I bear record, yea, and beyond [their] power [they were] willing of themselves;

  • 2 Corinthians 8:5 (2 votes)

    And [this they did], not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.

  • 1 Chronicles 29:14 (2 votes)

    But who [am] I, and what [is] my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things [come] of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.