2 Chronicles 17:18

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:

• Abijah (2 Chronicles 13:3)

• Asa (2 Chronicles 14:8)

• Amaziah (2 Chronicles 25:5)

• Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:11–15)

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.