(2) And he placed forces.--Comp. 2Chronicles 11:12. The fenced cities. --'Are ha-b?ts-roth. (Comp. 2Chronicles 11:5 sqq., 2Chronicles 14:6-7.)And set garrisons.--Placed military posts or prefects (netsibim). (1Chronicles 11:16; 2Chronicles 11:11.) Syriac, "appointed rulers." The cities of Ephraim . . . had taken.--See on 2Chronicles 15:8. Verse 2. - He placed forces; literally, he gave (Genesis 1:17) forces, or a force, or host, or army: חַיִל (Exodus 14:28; 2 Samuel 24:2). And set garrisons; again literally, he gave garrisons (נְאִיבִים); i.e. either the persons "set over," prefects or officers (1 Kings 4:19), or the military garrison itself "stationed" (1 Samuel 10:5; 1 Samuel 13:3). A village in Judah also had the name Nezeb (Joshua 15:45). In the cities of Ephraim (see 2 Chronicles 15:8). 17:1-19 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 use 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.And he placed forces in all the fenced cities of Judah,.... A considerable number of soldiers, to defend them should they be attacked:and set garrisons in the land of Judah: on the frontiers and borders of it, to protect it: and in the cities of Ephraim; soldiers to keep garrison there: which Asa his father had taken; see 2 Chronicles 15:8. |
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