Today’s Podcast
Today’s Scriptures
Today’s Bible reading plans include:
Ready – 2 Chronicles 17
Set – 2 Chronicles 17; Colossians 3
Go! – 1 Kings 20-21; 2 Chronicles 17; Colossians 3
2 Chronicles 17
1 Jehoshaphat, Asa’s son, became king and demonstrated his authority over the Southern Kingdom of Israel by strengthening Judah’s defenses. 2 He stationed forces in all the fortified cities of Judah and built barracks throughout the territory of Judah and the cities of Ephraim, which his father Asa had conquered. 3 The Eternal was with Jehoshaphat because he ruled as David had throughout his reign and as his father Asa had at the beginning of his reign. Jehoshaphat did not seek the lords of foreign religions; 4 instead, he looked for the True God of his father as Azariah told Asa to do, followed His commands, and was faithful to God, unlike the Northern Kingdom of Israel. 5 Because of his virtues, the Eternal gave control of the kingdom to Jehoshaphat. The people living throughout Judah brought gifts to their new king, Jehoshaphat, and he had abundant riches and honor. 6 Jehoshaphat prided himself on supporting the ways of the Eternal by cleansing Judah of foreign cultic symbols: high places and Asherah figures.7-9 In his third year, Jehoshaphat sent his most worthy officials (Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah), some of the Levites (Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tobadonijah), and some of the priests (Elishama and Jehoram) to all the people in Judah to teach them from the Eternal’s laws.
10 All the kingdoms and lands surrounding Judah feared the Eternal, so they would not attack Jehoshaphat. 11 Some of the Philistines even brought gifts and silver as tribute to Jehoshaphat, and Arabians brought him flocks: 7,700 rams and 7,700 male goats.
12-13 Jehoshaphat grew stronger at home and abroad, he built fortresses and store cities with great supplies in Judah, and he stationed his heroic men in Jerusalem 14 according to their families: From Judah, the commanders of their divisions were Adnah, the commander of 300,000 heroic men; 15 then Johanan, the commander of 280,000; 16 then Amasiah (son of Zichri who volunteered to serve the Eternal), and with him 200,000 heroic men. 17 From Benjamin, Eliada, a valiant warrior, and with him 200,000 archers and those carrying shields; 18 then Jehozabad, and with him 180,000 equipped for war. 19 These men served the king in Jerusalem, and others served him in other fortified cities throughout Judah.
Today’s Devotional
From today’s background scripture God might say:
No one in Jehoshaphat’s day dared attack Jerusalem. He put over a million soldiers in the city. That would put fear into any army poised against them in that day. But it wasn’t the size of Jehoshaphat’s army they feared. The nations around Judah had seen large armies before and knew they could take advantage of internal tribal discord and piecemeal any army over time.
The surrounding nations feared Me. They knew I was on Judah’s side. When Jehoshaphat began clearing away the high places and destroyed the Asherah poles around the country without adverse consequences, but prosperity and blessings instead, they knew I protected him. They understood the promises I made to Judah’s kings were true. They didn’t want to face Me on the battlefield.
Jehoshaphat served Me the way David served Me. He searched My word. He listened to and obeyed My laws. He did everything I asked My kings to do and I rewarded him for it. Consequently, his coffers grew, even the long lasting enemies of the land, the Philistines, brought rich gifts to Jehoshaphat to honor his reign and he immediately gave the credit to Me.
That’s what happens when you’re faithful to Me. I bless you. It may be the same way in which I blessed Jehoshaphat, with riches and power and fear from your enemies. It may come in the form of peace and happiness but without a lot of wealth and stuff to clutter your life. It may come with pain and suffering, but knowing My peace, hope, and love that sustains you in the worst times of life. You will succeed in My eyes… And that’s what’s important.
While Asa and Jehoshaphat followed Me, they knew My power and presence in their lives. I protected them and those they led. You can experience the same thing. Just listen to and obey my voice.
The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved. In accordance with the requirements for FTC full disclosure, I may have affiliate relationships with some or all of the producers of the items mentioned in this post who may provide a small commission to me when purchased through this site.