2 Chronicles 17:3
And the Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim;
2 Chronicles 17:3 (KJV)
Context
Jehoshaphat was the son of Asa and the fourth king of Judah. He reigned for 25 years and is generally regarded as a righteous king who sought the Lord. During his reign, he implemented various reforms to restore the worship of God in Judah.
Meaning
The phrase “walked in the first ways of his father David” points to David’s early life and his wholehearted devotion to God before his later failings, particularly his sin with Bathsheba and against Uriah. Jehoshaphat’s commitment was to follow the example of David’s early faithfulness, not his later failures. This distinction matters because it shows that Jehoshaphat deliberately chose the pattern of wholehearted obedience that marked David’s best years.
The verse also says Jehoshaphat “sought not unto Baalim.” Baal was a Canaanite deity worshipped by some of the neighboring nations. The plural form “Baalim” suggests the various local manifestations of this false god. Jehoshaphat made a deliberate choice to reject the worship of false gods and instead remain faithful to the Lord God of Israel. This decision to stay loyal to God and avoid idolatry was crucial in maintaining a right relationship with God and receiving His favor.
As a result of Jehoshaphat’s commitment to walking in the ways of David and rejecting idolatry, the Lord was with him. This indicates that God’s presence, guidance, and blessings were upon Jehoshaphat and his reign as king. The favor of God was evident in his life, and God worked through him to bring about prosperity and victory for the kingdom of Judah.
Biblical connections
The immediate context in 2 Chronicles 17 shows that Jehoshaphat strengthened himself against the northern kingdom of Israel and that the Lord established the kingdom in his hand because he sought the Lord. The following verse, 2 Chronicles 17:4, confirms that he sought the Lord God of his father and walked in His commandments, not after the doings of Israel. This direct connection reinforces the pattern stated in the selected verse: Jehoshaphat’s obedience to God was the reason for the Lord’s presence with him.
Application
Walking in God’s ways: Jehoshaphat’s decision to walk in the ways of his father David demonstrates the significance of following the example of those who have faithfully served and honored God. It is crucial for believers to study the lives of those who have gone before us and strive to imitate their faithfulness and obedience to God’s Word.
Rejecting idolatry: Jehoshaphat’s refusal to seek after false gods teaches us the importance of wholeheartedly serving and worshipping the one true God. In our lives, we must guard against the temptation to be enticed by worldly idols or false religious practices, and instead, remain steadfast in our devotion to God alone.
The presence and favor of God: When we commit ourselves to walking in God’s ways and rejecting idolatry, we position ourselves to experience the presence and favor of God in our lives. God rewards those who diligently seek Him, and His presence provides guidance, strength, and blessings in all areas of our lives.
Reflection
2 Chronicles 17:3 highlights Jehoshaphat’s commitment to walking in the ways of David and his refusal to seek after false gods. As a result, God was with Jehoshaphat, and he experienced God’s presence and favor throughout his reign. This verse reminds us of the importance of following the examples of faithful servants of God, rejecting idolatry, and seeking a deep relationship with the Lord.
