“And Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead, and strengthened himself against Israel.”
Israel. In consequence of the civil broils, which ensued after the death of Baasa. The two kingdoms had been nearly equal.
“And he placed forces in all the fenced cities of Judah, and set garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim, which Asa his father had taken.”
Numbers, who were kept on foot; probably as in the days of David.
“And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim; of: or, of his father, and of David”
First. Before his fall: some copies add, “and last,” (La Haye) as the Gothic manuscript used by Mariana does, agreeably to the Scripture style. (Du Hamel) — David began and ended well. (Haydock)
“Therefore the LORD stablished the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honour in abundance. brought: Heb. gave”
Presents, as was customary, (1 Kings x. 27,) or tribute. (Calmet)
“And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah. was: that is, was encouraged”
When. Hebrew, “And his heart was elevated in the ways of the Lord.” He was endued with courage to undertake the great work of banishing all abuses out of his dominions, seeing that the people were well affected, and the Lord urged him forward. (Haydock) — He trusted no so much to his great army or riches, as to a good conscience, (Tirinus) which made him fear no difficulties; (1 John iii. 21,) doubting not but God would grant him success, as he endeavoured to keep his laws. (Calmet) — Groves of idols, (Menochius) though he tolerated the high places, which had been consecrated to God, chap. xx. 33., and 3 Kings xxii. 43. (Haydock) — Good works, rewarded by God, encouraged people to proceed in virtue. (Worthington)
“Also in the third year of his reign he sent to his princes, even to Benhail, and to Obadiah, and to Zechariah, and to Nethaneel, and to Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah.”
Princes. Political, (Tirinus) to see that all paid attention to the proper teachers; (Malachias ii. 7.; Calmet) and thus to partake in that good work. (Menochius) — The princes might also give instruction by word (Calmet) and example. (Haydock)
“And they taught in Judah, and had the book of the law of the LORD with them, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people.”
Book. The Pentateuch, or its abridgment, the book of Deuteronomy, (Menochius) which they read and explained. (Calmet) — People. It was not sufficient to destroy idolatry, (Menochius) unless the people were taught how to serve the true God. (Haydock)
“And the fear of the LORD fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat. fell: Heb. was”
War. They had witnessed the fruitless attempt of Zara, chap. xiv. 15. (Haydock)
“Also some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents, and tribute silver; and the Arabians brought him flocks, seven thousand and seven hundred rams, and seven thousand and seven hundred he goats.”
Philistines. Though they had been reduced by David, they had sometimes proved remiss in the payment of tribute. — Arabians, who lived near the Ethiopians, and the Dead Sea, chap. xxi. 19. They had been subdued by Solomon, (3 Kings x. 15.) and were rich in cattle, Ezechiel xxvii. 21. The name is not so comprehensive as we generally make it. (Calmet)
“And Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly; and he built in Judah castles, and cities of store. castles: or, palaces”
Houses. Protestants, “castles.” Hebrew biraniyoth. Birah is properly a Chaldean word, and is added after susan, to imply that it was a royal castle, (Calmet) or palace. (Haydock) (Esdras i. 1.) — Septuagint often use baris in the same sense. (Calmet) — It became a provincial word in Palestine, for a place shut up on all sides and built like a tower. (St. Jerome ad Princep.) — David calls the temple a palace (habbirah) for God, 1 Paralipomenon xxix. 1. (Calmet) — Josaphat employed his immense riches in beautifying the country, and erecting storehouses, ver. 5. — Walled. Protestants, “cities of store.” (Haydock) See chap. xv. 4.
“And these are the numbers of them according to the house of their fathers: Of Judah, the captains of thousands; Adnah the chief, and with him mighty men of valour three hundred thousand.”
Ednas was the chief of the five generals, who had under their command 1,160,000, (Calmet) besides the garrison soldiers, ver. 19. (Haydock) — So great power and riches had not been seen in Juda since the days of Solomon. (Calmet) — They were not all on duty at the same time, but were able to bear arms (Menochius) when called out.
“And next him was Amasiah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself unto the LORD; and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of valour.”
Consecrated. Hebrew, “a volunteer of the Lord,” (Haydock) serving at his own expence, (Tirinus) or with remarkable zeal. (Calmet) — Perhaps he was of the tribe of Levi, (Menochius) or had taken the vows of the Nazarites, &c.
“And of Benjamin; Eliada a mighty man of valour, and with him armed men with bow and shield two hundred thousand.”
After. Hebrew and Septuagint, “And of Benjamin, Eliada, a valiant man of the army.” (Haydock) — It seems all were not chosen from Juda. (Menochius)
“These waited on the king, beside those whom the king put in the fenced cities throughout all Judah.”
King, at different times. Septuagint, “waiting upon” him, (Haydock) like the companies which David had appointed, (Calmet) but far more numerous. (Haydock) — The dominions of Juda were now pretty extensive, and well cultivated. The population must have amounted to near six millions, for whose support recourse must have been had to commerce. Rome had once almost four million inhabitants, and Cairo is said to contain seven millions, while China has two hundred millions. (Calmet) — We must reflect that many from the other tribes had taken refuge in the kingdom of Juda. (Tirinus) — It would be too bold to suppose, with Kennicott, that so many numbers have been corrupted. (Haydock) (Chap. xiii. 3.)