2 Chronicles 17:8

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.

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}.

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.

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

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

Context of 2 Chronicles 17:8

This verse is part of a larger narrative detailing the righteous reign of King Jehoshaphat of Judah. Chapters 17-20 describe his efforts to strengthen the kingdom, both militarily and spiritually. Following his father Asa's example (though surpassing him in some ways), Jehoshaphat initiated significant reforms aimed at bringing the people back to the Lord. Specifically, 2 Chronicles 17:7 introduces his innovative and crucial program of sending teaching commissions throughout the cities of Judah. Verse 8 then meticulously lists the Levites and priests who accompanied the princes on this vital mission, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of this spiritual revival.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Systematic Religious Education: Jehoshaphat understood that national stability and spiritual health were intertwined with the people's knowledge of God's Law. His decision to send teachers throughout the land was a proactive measure to ensure biblical literacy, a concept echoed in Deuteronomy 31:10-13.
  • Collaboration in Leadership: The mission involved a unique collaboration between political leaders (princes), spiritual instructors (Levites), and religious officiants (priests). This unified approach underscored the importance of the task and ensured both authority and spiritual depth were present in the teaching.
  • The Role of Levites and Priests: Traditionally, the Levites were responsible for the care of the Tabernacle/Temple and for teaching the Law (Leviticus 10:11, Deuteronomy 33:10). This verse highlights their direct involvement in disseminating God's statutes and commandments to the populace, ensuring the people understood the "book of the law of the Lord".

Linguistic Insights

The names listed in this verse are significant, as many contain elements that refer to God (e.g., "iah" or "jah" often refers to Yahweh). While not explicitly detailed in the KJV text, the inclusion of so many individuals by name underscores the historical specificity and the genuine commitment of these men to the king's vision. The term "Levites" (lĕwiyyim) and "priests" (kōhănîm) clearly delineate their specific tribal and vocational roles within ancient Israel, highlighting their designated responsibility for religious instruction and service.

Practical Application

This passage offers timeless lessons for believers today. Just as Jehoshaphat prioritized the spiritual education of his people, there is a continuing need for accessible and sound biblical teaching. It reminds us of:

  • The Importance of God's Word: Knowing and understanding the Bible is foundational for personal faith and societal well-being (Psalm 119:105).
  • The Role of Spiritual Leadership: Leaders in the church and home are called to teach and disciple, ensuring that truth is clearly communicated and applied.
  • Active Discipleship: This verse encourages believers to actively seek out and engage with sound teaching, not just passively receive it. It also highlights the value of taking God's truth to others, mirroring Jehoshaphat's outreach.

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Cross-References

  • Ezra 7:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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.