2 Chronicles 17:12

Translations

Modern

Jehoshaphat grew stronger and stronger, and he built fortresses and store cities in Judah

Traditional

And Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly; and he built in Judah castles, and cities of store.

Literal

And Jehoshaphat went on even to increasingly becoming great, and he built in Judah fortresses and storage cities.

Latin

Crevit ergo Josaphat, et magnificatus est usque in sublime: atque ædificavit in Juda domos ad instar turrium, urbesque muratas.

Original

Hebrew

English

Jehoshaphat grew stronger and stronger, and he built fortresses and store cities in Judah

Notes

2 Chronicles 17:12–19

Jehoshaphat was known for his international influence, construction projects, and strong army. Archaeologists have found highway forts in the Jordan Valley near the Dead Sea from his era. The reported number of troops in his army—over a million in Jerusalem—seems too high. Since leaders were organized by tribes (2 Chronicles 17:14), "thousand" (’elep) might mean "squad" or "platoon," which are smaller units. The totals might also include reserve divisions that rotated service (see 1 Chronicles 27:1–15). Jehoshaphat's troop numbers are about three times those of:

They are similar to the number of warriors during David’s census (1 Chronicles 21:5), when soldiers from the northern tribes were included. A large army showed God's blessing.

Theme notes and profiles

Jehoshaphat

Related verses

2 Chronicles 8:2–6
Solomon rebuilt the cities Hiram had given him and settled Israelites there.
2 Chronicles 27:4
He also built cities in the hill country of Judah and fortresses and towers in the forests.
2 Chronicles 18:1
Now Jehoshaphat had an abundance of riches and honor, and he allied himself with Ahab by marriage.
2 Chronicles 32:27–29
Hezekiah had very great riches and honor, and he made treasuries for his silver, gold, precious stones, spices, shields, and all kinds of valuable articles.
2 Chronicles 32:5
Then Hezekiah worked resolutely to rebuild all the broken sections of the wall and to raise up towers on it. He also built an outer wall and reinforced the supporting terraces of the City of David, and he produced an abundance of weapons and shields.
2 Chronicles 14:6–7
Because the land was at peace, Asa built fortified cities in Judah. In those days no one made war with him, because the LORD had given him rest.
2 Chronicles 26:6–9
Uzziah went out to wage war against the Philistines, and he tore down the walls of Gath, Jabneh, and Ashdod. Then he built cities near Ashdod and among the Philistines.
1 Chronicles 29:25
The LORD highly exalted Solomon in the sight of all Israel and bestowed on him royal majesty such as had not been bestowed on any king in Israel before him.
2 Chronicles 11:5–12
Rehoboam lived in Jerusalem, and he built up cities for defense in Judah.

Parallels

1 Kings 15:23–24

People

Jehoshaphat: Son of Asa, king of Judah Judah: Israelite tribe, kingdom, and province

Glossary

Chronicles, Books of First and Second Genealogy Jehoshaphat (Person) Tax, Taxation

Topics

Armies: Generals of Corps and Divisions Armies: March in Ranks: Standing Armies Castle: A Tower Cities: Designated as Treasure Jehoshaphat: King of Judah: His Military Forces and Armaments

2 Chronicles 17:12

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Original?

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Parallels?