Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
back to:
2 Chronicles
Book: 2 Chronicles
Chapter: 17
Overview:
Jehoshaphat promotes religion in
Judah, His prosperity.
-
Jehoshaphat found his people generally very ignorant, and
therefore endeavoured to have them
Well taught. The public
teaching of the
Word of God forms, in all ages, the great method
of promoting the power of
Godliness. Thereby the understanding
is informed, the
Conscience is awakened and directed. We have a
particular account of
Jehoshaphat's prosperity. But it was not
his formidable
Army that restrained the neighbouring nations
from attempting any thing against
Israel, but the fear of
God
which fell upon them, when
Jehoshaphat reformed his country, and
set up a preaching ministry in it. The ordinances of
God are
more the strength and safety of a kingdom, than soldiers and
weapons of
War. The
Bible requires us to notice the
Hand of
God
in every event, yet this is little regarded. But let all employ
the talents they have: be
Faithful, even in that which is
little. Set up the
Worship of
God in your houses. The charge of
a family is important. Why should you not instruct them as
Jehoshaphat did his subjects, in the
Book of the
Law of the
Lord. But be consistent. Do not recommend one thing, and
practise another. Begin with yourselves. Seek to the
Lord God of
Israel, then
Call upon children and servants to follow your
Example.