2 Chronicles 17:3
New International Version
The LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the ways of his father David before him. He did not consult the Baals

New Living Translation
The LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the example of his father’s early years and did not worship the images of Baal.

English Standard Version
The LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David. He did not seek the Baals,

Berean Standard Bible
Now the LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David. He did not seek the Baals,

King James Bible
And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim;

New King James Version
Now the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the former ways of his father David; he did not seek the Baals,

New American Standard Bible
And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the example of his father David’s earlier days and did not seek the Baals,

NASB 1995
The LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the example of his father David’s earlier days and did not seek the Baals,

NASB 1977
And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the example of his father David’s earlier days and did not seek the Baals,

Legacy Standard Bible
And Yahweh was with Jehoshaphat because he walked in the ways of his father David’s earlier days and did not seek the Baals,

Amplified Bible
The LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the example of his father (ancestor) David. He did not seek [to follow] the Baals [the false gods],

Christian Standard Bible
Now the LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he walked in the former ways of his ancestor David. He did not seek the Baals

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Now the LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he walked in the former ways of his father David. He did not seek the Baals

American Standard Version
And Jehovah was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto the Baalim,

English Revised Version
And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto the Baalim;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The LORD was with Jehoshaphat, who lived in the old way like his ancestor David. Jehoshaphat didn't dedicate his life to serving other gods-the Baals.

Good News Translation
The LORD blessed Jehoshaphat because he followed the example of his father's early life and did not worship Baal.

International Standard Version
The LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the example set during his ancestor David's preliminary years by not pursuing the Baals.

Majority Standard Bible
Now the LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David. He did not seek the Baals,

NET Bible
The LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he followed in his ancestor David's footsteps at the beginning of his reign. He did not seek the Baals,

New Heart English Bible
The LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father, and did not seek the Baals,

Webster's Bible Translation
And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not to Baalim;

World English Bible
Yahweh was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and didn’t seek the Baals,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And YHWH is with Jehoshaphat, for he has walked in the first ways of his father David, and has not sought for the Ba‘alim,

Young's Literal Translation
And Jehovah is with Jehoshaphat, for he hath walked in the first ways of David his father, and hath not sought to Baalim,

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jehovah will be with Jehoshaphat, for he went in the first ways of David his father, and he sought not for the Baals.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the Lord was with Josaphat, because he walked in the first ways of David his father: and trusted not in Baalim,

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father, David. And he did not trust in the Baals,

New American Bible
The LORD was with Jehoshaphat, for he walked in the earlier ways of David his father, and did not seek the Baals.

New Revised Standard Version
The LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the earlier ways of his father; he did not seek the Baals,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he walked in the first ways of his father David and did not pray to images;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And LORD JEHOVAH was with Yehoshaphat, because he walked in the ways of David his forefather and did not pray to images.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto the Baalim;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the Lord was with Josaphat, for he walked in the first ways of his father, and did not seek to idols;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jehoshaphat Reigns in Judah
2He stationed troops in every fortified city of Judah and put garrisons in the land of Judah and in the cities of Ephraim that his father Asa had captured. 3Now the LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David. He did not seek out the Baals, 4but he sought the God of his father and walked by His commandments rather than the practices of Israel.…

Cross References
1 Kings 3:3
And Solomon loved the LORD and walked in the statutes of his father David, except that he sacrificed and burned incense on the high places.

1 Kings 15:11
And Asa did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, as his father David had done.

1 Kings 22:43
And Jehoshaphat walked in all the ways of his father Asa; he did not turn away from them, but did what was right in the eyes of the LORD. The high places, however, were not removed; the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places.

2 Chronicles 14:2-5
And Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God. / He removed the foreign altars and high places, shattered the sacred pillars, and chopped down the Asherah poles. / He commanded the people of Judah to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, and to observe the law and the commandments. ...

2 Chronicles 15:17
The high places were not removed from Israel, but Asa’s heart was fully devoted all his days.

2 Chronicles 20:32
And Jehoshaphat walked in the way of his father Asa and did not turn away from it; he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 21:12
Then a letter came to Jehoram from Elijah the prophet, which stated: “This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: ‘You have not walked in the ways of your father Jehoshaphat or of Asa king of Judah,

2 Chronicles 29:2
And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father David had done.

2 Chronicles 34:2
And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and walked in the ways of his father David; he did not turn aside to the right or to the left.

Psalm 1:1-3
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. / But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. / He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does.

Psalm 37:23
The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey.

Psalm 119:1-3
Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the Law of the LORD. / Blessed are those who keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart. / They do no iniquity; they walk in His ways.

Isaiah 30:21
And whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.”

Jeremiah 6:16
This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask for the ancient paths: ‘Where is the good way?’ Then walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it!’

Matthew 5:6
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.


Treasury of Scripture

And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not to Baalim;

the Lord

2 Chronicles 15:2,9
And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you…

Genesis 39:2,3,21
And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian…

Exodus 3:12
And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.

he walked

2 Samuel 8:15
And David reigned over all Israel; and David executed judgment and justice unto all his people.

1 Kings 11:6
And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father.

1 Kings 15:3,4
And he walked in all the sins of his father, which he had done before him: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father…

his father David.

2 Chronicles 14:2-5,11
And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God: …

2 Chronicles 15:8-13
And when Asa heard these words, and the prophecy of Oded the prophet, he took courage, and put away the abominable idols out of all the land of Judah and Benjamin, and out of the cities which he had taken from mount Ephraim, and renewed the altar of the LORD, that was before the porch of the LORD…

sought

Judges 2:11
And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim:

Judges 8:33
And it came to pass, as soon as Gideon was dead, that the children of Israel turned again, and went a whoring after Baalim, and made Baalberith their god.

Jeremiah 2:23
How canst thou say, I am not polluted, I have not gone after Baalim? see thy way in the valley, know what thou hast done: thou art a swift dromedary traversing her ways;

Jump to Previous
Baalim Baals Consult David David's Earlier Early Example First Followed Jehoshaphat Jehosh'aphat Seek Sought Turning Walked Ways
Jump to Next
Baalim Baals Consult David David's Earlier Early Example First Followed Jehoshaphat Jehosh'aphat Seek Sought Turning Walked Ways
2 Chronicles 17
1. Jehoshaphat, succeeding Asa, reigns well, and prospers
7. He sends Levites with the princes to teach Judah
10. His enemies being terrified by God, some of them bring him presents and tribute
12. His greatness, captains, and armies














Now the LORD was with Jehoshaphat
The phrase "the LORD was with" is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, signifying divine favor and presence. The Hebrew word for "LORD" here is "Yahweh," the covenant name of God, emphasizing His personal relationship with His people. The presence of Yahweh with Jehoshaphat indicates a special blessing and guidance, suggesting that Jehoshaphat's reign was marked by divine approval and support. This divine presence is a reminder of the promise God made to David, that He would be with his descendants if they remained faithful.

because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David
The phrase "walked in the earlier ways" refers to a lifestyle or conduct that aligns with God's commandments. The Hebrew word for "walked" is "halak," which implies a continuous, habitual way of living. The "earlier ways of his father David" points to the period in David's life when he was most faithful to God, before his later transgressions. This highlights Jehoshaphat's commitment to the same principles of faithfulness and obedience that characterized David's early reign, suggesting a return to foundational values and a rejection of the idolatry that had crept into the kingdom.

He did not seek out the Baals
The term "Baals" refers to the various local deities worshiped in Canaanite religion, often associated with fertility and storms. The Hebrew word "Baal" means "lord" or "master," and these deities were seen as rivals to Yahweh. By stating that Jehoshaphat "did not seek out the Baals," the text emphasizes his rejection of idolatry and his exclusive devotion to Yahweh. This decision to avoid the Baals is significant in the historical context, as many of the kings of Israel and Judah fell into the trap of syncretism, blending the worship of Yahweh with that of other gods. Jehoshaphat's faithfulness in this regard sets a standard for spiritual purity and loyalty to the one true God.

(3) He walked in the first ways.--The former or earlier ways of David, as contrasted with his later conduct--a tacit allusion to the adultery with Bathsheba and other sins of David committed in his later years (2 Samuel 11-24). A few MSS. and the LXX. omit David.

And sought not unto Baalim.--And sought not the Baals (d?rash l?, a late construction). The Baals were different local aspects of the sun-god. Here the term no doubt includes the illegal worship of Jehovah under the form of a bullock, as instituted by Jeroboam, and practised in the northern kingdom ("the doing of Israel" 2Chronicles 17:4). Syriac, "and prayed not to images."

Verse 3. - The first ways of his father David. Although there would be no difficulty in reconciling this statement with history, yet probably the name David should not stand here. It is not in the Septuagint. The most natural and sufficient reference is to Asa. And sought not unto Ballim; literally, to the Baalim; i.e. to the various false gods of surrounding peoples (Judges 2:11), Baal-berith (Judges 8:33; Judges 9:4, 46), Baal-zebub (2 Kings 1:2), Baal-peor (Numbers 23:28, etc.; Numbers 25:3), according to the places where the idolatrous worship was carried on. (For the preposition לְ, "to," after "sought," in this and following verse, see again 1 Chronicles 22:19.)

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Now the LORD
יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

was
וַיְהִ֥י (way·hî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

with
עִם־ (‘im-)
Preposition
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

Jehoshaphat
יְהוֹשָׁפָ֑ט (yə·hō·wō·šā·p̄āṭ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3092: Jehoshaphat -- 'the LORD has judged', the name of a number of Israelites

because
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

he walked
הָלַ֗ךְ (hā·laḵ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

in the earlier
הָרִ֣אשֹׁנִ֔ים (hā·ri·šō·nîm)
Article | Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 7223: First, in place, time, rank

ways
בְּדַרְכֵ֞י (bə·ḏar·ḵê)
Preposition-b | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

of his father
אָבִיו֙ (’ā·ḇîw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1: Father

David.
דָּוִ֤יד (dā·wîḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

He did not
וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

seek out
דָרַ֖שׁ (ḏā·raš)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1875: To tread, frequent, to follow, to seek, ask, to worship

the Baals,
לַבְּעָלִֽים׃ (lab·bə·‘ā·lîm)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1168: Baal -- a heathen god


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OT History: 2 Chronicles 17:3 Yahweh was with Jehoshaphat because he walked (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)
2 Chronicles 17:2
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