Chronicles of the Past Dynasties_Chapter 17

Jehoshaphat, the son of Asa, succeeded him as king and strengthened himself, guarding against the Israelites,

Arrange an army in all the fortified cities of Judah, and place garrisons in the land of Judah and in the cities of Ephraim acquired by his father Asa.

The Lord is with Jehoshaphat. Because he walked in the first way of his father David and did not seek Baal,

Seeking only the God of his father, following his commandments, and not following the ways of the Israelites.

Therefore the Lord established his kingdom, and all Judah brought tribute to him. Jehoshaphat has great wealth and honor.

He joyfully walked in the way of the Lord and removed all high places and wooden poles from Judah.

In the third year of his reign, he sent his officials Benhail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah to teach the people in all the cities of Judah.

With them were the Levites Shemaiah, Netaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jonathan, Adonijah, Tobiah, and Camelbadonijah, as well as the priests Elishama and Joram.

They traveled throughout all the cities of Judah with the Book of the Law of the Lord, teaching the people.

The Lord caused great fear among the nations around Judah, and they dared not fight against Jehoshaphat.

Some Philistines gave gifts and tribute silver to Jehoshaphat. The Arabians also gave him seven thousand seven hundred male sheep and seven thousand seven hundred male goats.

Jehoshaphat grew stronger and built fortresses and storage cities in Judah.

He had many works in the cities of Judah, and there were warriors in Jerusalem, who were mighty warriors.

Their numbers, according to their families, are recorded below: among the people of Judah, Anah the commander of thousands led three hundred thousand mighty warriors.

Secondly, the commander Johanan led two hundred and eighty thousand mighty warriors.

Next was Amaziah son of Zichri, who sacrificed himself for the Lord and led two hundred thousand strong warriors.

The people of Benjamin were two hundred thousand strong warriors led by Eliada, armed with bows, arrows, and shields.

Secondly, Jozabad led an army of 180000 prepared for war.

These are all servants of the king, and those who the king has placed in fortified cities throughout Judah are not included.