Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version In the third year of his reign he sent his officials Ben-Hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel and Micaiah to teach in the towns of Judah. New Living Translation In the third year of his reign Jehoshaphat sent his officials to teach in all the towns of Judah. These officials included Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah. English Standard Version In the third year of his reign he sent his officials, Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah; Berean Standard Bible In the third year of his reign, Jehoshaphat sent his officials Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah to teach in the cities of Judah, Berean Literal Bible And in the third year of his reign he sent his leaders Ben-hail, and Obadiah, and Zechariah, and Nethanel, and Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah, King James Bible 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. New King James Version Also in the third year of his reign he sent his leaders, Ben-Hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah. New American Standard Bible Then in the third year of his reign he sent his officials, Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah; NASB 1995 Then in the third year of his reign he sent his officials, Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel and Micaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah; NASB 1977 Then in the third year of his reign he sent his officials, Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah; Legacy Standard Bible Then in the third year of his reign he sent his officials, Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel and Micaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah; Amplified Bible Then in the third year of his reign he sent his officials, Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah; Berean Annotated Bible In the third year of his reign, Jehoshaphat sent his officials Ben-hail (son of might), Obadiah (servant of YHWH), Zechariah (YHWH remembers), Nethanel (given of God), and Micaiah (who is like God) to teach in the cities of Judah (praised), Christian Standard Bible In the third year of his reign, Jehoshaphat sent his officials—Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah—to teach in the cities of Judah. Holman Christian Standard Bible In the third year of his reign, Jehoshaphat sent his officials—Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah—to teach in the cities of Judah. American Standard Version Also in the third year of his reign he sent his princes, even Ben-hail, and Obadiah, and Zechariah, and Nethanel, and Micaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah; Contemporary English Version In the third year of Jehoshaphat's rule, he chose five officials and gave them orders to teach the LORD's Law in every city and town in Judah. They were Benhail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah. English Revised Version Also in the third year of his reign he sent his princes, even Ben-hail, and Obadiah, and Zechariah, and Nethanel, and Micaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah; GOD'S WORD® Translation In the third year of his reign, he sent his officers Ben Hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah to teach in the cities of Judah. Good News Translation In the third year of his reign he sent out the following officials to teach in the cities of Judah: Benhail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah. International Standard Version During the third year of his reign, Jehoshaphat sent his officials Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah to teach throughout the cities of Judah. NET Bible In the third year of his reign he sent his officials Ben-Hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah to teach in the cities of Judah. New Heart English Bible Also in the third year of his reign he sent his officials, even Ben Hail, and Obadiah, and Zechariah, and Nethanel, and Micaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah; Webster's Bible Translation Also in the third year of his reign he sent to his princes, even to Ben-hail, and to Obadiah, and to Zechariah, and to Nethaneel, and to Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIn the third year of his reign, Jehoshaphat sent his officials Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah to teach in the cities of Judah, World English Bible Also in the third year of his reign he sent his princes, even Ben Hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah; Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd in the third year of his reign he has sent for his heads, for Ben-Hail, and for Obadiah, and for Zechariah, and for Nethaneel, and for Michaiah, to teach in cities of Judah; Berean Literal Bible And in the third year of his reign he sent his leaders Ben-hail, and Obadiah, and Zechariah, and Nethanel, and Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah, Young's Literal Translation And in the third year of his reign he hath sent for his heads, for Ben-Hail, and for Obadiah, and for Zechariah, and for Nethaneel, and for Michaiah, to teach in cities of Judah, Smith's Literal Translation And in the third year to his kingdom he sent to his chiefs to the son of power, and to the servant of Jehovah, and to him Remembered of Jehovah, and to the Gift of God, and to Who as God, to teach in the cities of Judah. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd in the third year of his reign, he sent of his princes Benhail, and Abdias, and Zacharias, and Nathanael, and Micheas, to teach in the cities of Juda: Catholic Public Domain Version Then, in the third year of his reign, he sent Benhail, and Obadiah, and Zechariah, and Nethanel, and Micaiah, from among his leaders, so that they might teach in the cites of Judah. New American Bible In the third year of his reign he sent his officials, Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah. New Revised Standard Version In the third year of his reign he sent his officials, Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAlso in the third year of his reign he sent and called his princes and the commanders of the armies, even to Obadiah, Zechariah, Nathanael, Melachiah, to teach in the cities of Judah. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And in the third year of his reign he sent and he called for his Nobles and the Generals of the armies, Oubdaya and Zechariah and Methneil and Melkia, to teach in the villages of Yehuda. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Also in the third year of his reign he sent his princes, even Ben-hail, and Obadiah, and Zechariah, and Nethanel, and Micaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah; Brenton Septuagint Translation And in the third year of his reign, he sent his chief men, and his mighty men, Abdias and Zacharias, and Nathanael, and Michaias, to teach in the cities of Juda. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jehoshaphat Reigns in Judah…6And his heart took delight in the ways of the LORD; furthermore, he removed the high places and Asherah poles from Judah. 7In the third year of his reign, Jehoshaphat sent his officials Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah to teach in the cities of Judah, 8accompanied by certain Levites—Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tob-adonijah—along with the priests Elishama and Jehoram.… Cross References In the third year of his reign, 2 Kings 18:1 In the third year of the reign of Hoshea son of Elah over Israel, Hezekiah son of Ahaz became king of Judah. 2 Chronicles 13:1 In the eighteenth year of Jeroboam’s reign, Abijah became king of Judah, 1 Kings 15:2 and he reigned in Jerusalem three years. His mother’s name was Maacah daughter of Abishalom. Jehoshaphat sent his officials 2 Chronicles 30:6-9 At the command of the king, the couriers went throughout Israel and Judah with letters from the king and his officials, which read: “Children of Israel, return to the LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, so that He may return to those of you who remain, who have escaped the grasp of the kings of Assyria. / Do not be like your fathers and brothers who were unfaithful to the LORD, the God of their fathers, so that He made them an object of horror, as you can see. / Now do not stiffen your necks as your fathers did. Submit to the LORD and come to His sanctuary, which He has consecrated forever. Serve the LORD your God, so that His fierce anger will turn away from you. … 2 Chronicles 19:5-7 He appointed judges in the land, in each of the fortified cities of Judah. / Then he said to the judges, “Consider carefully what you do, for you are not judging for man, but for the LORD, who is with you when you render judgment. / And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.” 2 Kings 22:3-7 Now in the eighteenth year of his reign, King Josiah sent the scribe, Shaphan son of Azaliah, the son of Meshullam, to the house of the LORD, saying, / “Go up to Hilkiah the high priest and have him count the money that has been brought into the house of the LORD, which the doorkeepers have collected from the people. / And let them deliver it into the hands of the supervisors of those doing the work on the house of the LORD, who in turn are to give it to the workmen repairing the damages to the house of the LORD— … Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah 2 Chronicles 35:8-9 His officials also contributed willingly to the people and priests and Levites. Hilkiah, Zechariah, and Jehiel, the chief officials of the house of God, gave the priests 2,600 Passover offerings and 300 bulls. / Additionally, Conaniah and his brothers Shemaiah and Nethanel, as well as Hashabiah, Jeiel, and Jozabad, officers of the Levites, contributed to the Levites 5,000 Passover offerings and 500 bulls. 2 Chronicles 34:12-13 And the men did the work faithfully. The Levites overseeing them were Jahath and Obadiah, descendants of Merari, and Zechariah and Meshullam, descendants of Kohath. Other Levites, all skilled with musical instruments, / were over the laborers and supervised all who did the work, task by task. Some of the Levites were secretaries, officers, and gatekeepers. 2 Chronicles 18:7 The king of Israel answered, “There is still one man through whom we can inquire of the LORD, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good for me, but only bad. He is Micaiah son of Imlah.” “The king should not say that!” Jehoshaphat replied. to teach in the cities of Judah, Ezra 7:10 For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, to practice it, and to teach its statutes and ordinances in Israel. Nehemiah 8:7-8 The Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah—instructed the people in the Law as they stood in their places. / So they read from the Book of the Law of God, explaining it and giving insight, so that the people could understand what was being read. 2 Chronicles 15:3 For many years Israel has been without the true God, without a priest to instruct them, and without the law. Deuteronomy 31:9-13 So Moses wrote down this law and gave it to the priests, the sons of Levi, who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and to all the elders of Israel. / Then Moses commanded them, “At the end of every seven years, at the appointed time in the year of remission of debt, during the Feast of Tabernacles, / when all Israel comes before the LORD your God at the place He will choose, you are to read this law in the hearing of all Israel. … Nehemiah 8:1-8 At that time all the people gathered together in the square before the Water Gate, and they asked Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded for Israel. / On the first day of the seventh month, Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could listen and understand. / So Ezra read it aloud from daybreak until noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate, in front of the men and women and those who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law. … 2 Kings 23:2 And he went up to the house of the LORD with all the people of Judah and Jerusalem, as well as the priests and the prophets—all the people small and great—and in their hearing he read all the words of the Book of the Covenant that had been found in the house of the LORD. 2 Chronicles 19:4-7 Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem, and once again he went out among the people from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim and turned them back to the LORD, the God of their fathers. / He appointed judges in the land, in each of the fortified cities of Judah. / Then he said to the judges, “Consider carefully what you do, for you are not judging for man, but for the LORD, who is with you when you render judgment. … Treasury of Scripture 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. A. Deuteronomy 4:5 Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Psalm 34:11 Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD. Psalm 51:13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. to teach 2 Chronicles 15:3 Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law. 2 Chronicles 30:22 And Hezekiah spake comfortably unto all the Levites that taught the good knowledge of the LORD: and they did eat throughout the feast seven days, offering peace offerings, and making confession to the LORD God of their fathers. 2 Chronicles 35:3 And said unto the Levites that taught all Israel, which were holy unto the LORD, Put the holy ark in the house which Solomon the son of David king of Israel did build; it shall not be a burden upon your shoulders: serve now the LORD your God, and his people Israel, Jump to Previous Ben Captains Cities Hail Heads Judah Micah Micaiah Micai'ah Michaiah Nethaneel Nethanel Nethan'el Obadiah Obadi'ah Officials Princes Reign Rule Teach Third Towns Zechariah Zechari'ahJump to Next Ben Captains Cities Hail Heads Judah Micah Micaiah Micai'ah Michaiah Nethaneel Nethanel Nethan'el Obadiah Obadi'ah Officials Princes Reign Rule Teach Third Towns Zechariah Zechari'ah2 Chronicles 17 1. Jehoshaphat, succeeding Asa, reigns well, and prospers7. 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 In the third year of his reign This phrase indicates a specific time in Jehoshaphat's rule, suggesting a period of consolidation and stability. The third year often symbolizes completeness and establishment in biblical numerology. Jehoshaphat, the son of Asa, was a king of Judah known for his religious reforms and efforts to bring the nation back to the worship of Yahweh. His reign is generally dated to around 873-849 BC. Jehoshaphat sent his officials Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah to teach in the cities of Judah Persons / Places / Events 1. JehoshaphatThe king of Judah who sought to strengthen his kingdom by promoting the teaching of God's law. 2. Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah Officials appointed by Jehoshaphat to teach the people of Judah. Their roles highlight the importance of leadership in spiritual education. 3. Judah The southern kingdom of Israel, where Jehoshaphat reigned and initiated religious reforms. 4. Teaching of the Law A significant event where the law of the Lord was taught to the people, emphasizing the importance of knowing and following God's commandments. Teaching Points The Importance of Godly LeadershipJehoshaphat's decision to send officials to teach reflects the responsibility of leaders to prioritize spiritual education and guidance. The Role of Education in Spiritual Growth Teaching the law was crucial for the spiritual development of Judah, reminding us of the need for continuous learning and understanding of God's Word. Community Engagement in Faith By sending teachers throughout Judah, Jehoshaphat engaged the entire community, illustrating the importance of collective participation in spiritual matters. The Power of Scripture in Transforming Lives The teaching of the law had the potential to transform the hearts and minds of the people, demonstrating the transformative power of God's Word. Consistency in Spiritual Practices Jehoshaphat's initiative in the third year of his reign shows the importance of consistency and dedication in implementing spiritual practices. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 17:7?2. How does Jehoshaphat's action in 2 Chronicles 17:7 inspire modern Christian leadership? 3. What role did teaching play in Judah's spiritual revival in 2 Chronicles 17:7? 4. How can we implement Jehoshaphat's strategy to strengthen our church community today? 5. What scriptural connections exist between 2 Chronicles 17:7 and Deuteronomy 6:6-7? 6. How can we prioritize biblical teaching in our personal and family lives? 7. What was the significance of Jehoshaphat sending officials to teach in 2 Chronicles 17:7? 8. How does 2 Chronicles 17:7 reflect the importance of religious education in ancient Israel? 9. Why did Jehoshaphat prioritize teaching the Book of the Law in 2 Chronicles 17:7? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 17? 11. How do we reconcile the differences between 1 Chronicles 17 and 2 Samuel 7 regarding the details of God's covenant with David? 12. (2 Chronicles 17:3–4) How can Jehoshaphat be said to walk in David’s ways without referencing David’s well-documented moral failures in earlier narratives? 13. How did Judah's kings follow or stray from God? 14. 2 Kings 18:5–6 – How can we verify Hezekiah’s unprecedented devotion when other kings are also praised elsewhere? What Does 2 Chronicles 17:7 Mean In the third year of his reign• Jehoshaphat didn’t rush into reforms; by year three he had assessed the spiritual needs of Judah and was ready for focused action (2 Chron 17:3-6). • The timing mirrors other godly leaders who moved deliberately—Moses after forty years in Midian (Exodus 3:10), David after seven years in Hebron (2 Samuel 5:4-5). • Year three signals stability: early enemies had been subdued (2 Chron 17:2), creating space for spiritual investment. Jehoshaphat sent his officials • Rather than relying only on priests, the king involved government leaders, showing that civil authority should actively promote God’s word (Deuteronomy 17:18-20; Romans 13:4). • Delegation multiplies influence; compare Moses choosing elders (Exodus 18:17-23) and the apostles appointing deacons (Acts 6:1-7). • The move underscores that Scripture is for every sphere—courtroom, marketplace, home. Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah • Naming the messengers personalizes the mission; God values individuals, not just crowds (Philippians 4:3). • A diverse team hints at various skills—administration, teaching, prophecy—working in harmony (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). • Their inclusion alongside Levites (v. 8) shows lay leaders can and should handle God’s word when faithful (Nehemiah 8:7-8). to teach in the cities of Judah • The goal was instruction, not mere ceremony; Scripture changes lives when understood (Nehemiah 8:12). • “Cities” means the entire population, not just Jerusalem’s elite; God’s truth is public, not private (Deuteronomy 31:12-13). • Teaching combats idolatry (2 Chron 17:6) and precedes national blessing (Psalm 1:1-3; James 1:25). summary By year three Jehoshaphat leveraged stable leadership to launch a nationwide Bible-teaching campaign. He mobilized trusted officials, named and accountable, to bring God’s law into every city. The verse highlights deliberate timing, shared responsibility, the value of individual servants, and the transforming power of Scripture when it’s taken beyond the temple and woven into everyday life. THE COMMISSIONERS OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION IN THE LAW.(7) He sent to his princes, even to Ben-hail . . . to Michaiah.--Rather, He sent his princes, Ben- hail and Obadiah . . . and Michaiah. (The le "to," in the chronicler's idiom, marking the object of the verb.) If, however, Authorised Version were correct, the construction would not be unique, as the Speaker's Com mentary asserts. (Comp. 2Kings 5:7, "this man sendeth to me to recover a man," &c.) Princes.--None of the personages mentioned in this and the following verse are otherwise known. The "five princes" were laymen of rank, and were accompanied by nine (eight) Levites and two priests. Ben-hail.--Son of valour. A compound proper name, only occurring here, but analogous to Ben-hur. Ben-deker, and Ben-hesed in 1Kings 4:8-10. (The LXX. renders "the sons of the mighty." Syriac, "the chiefs of the forces;" apparently reading bne chail.) Nethaneel.--Syriac, Mattanael; Arabic, Mattaniah, Michaiah. Syriac and Arabic, Malachiah. Verses 7-9. - He sent; Hebrew, שָׁלַח. The Hebrew text distinctly says, he sent to his princes, not, "he sent his princes." The meaning is - he sent orders to his princes to see to it that Judah was taught (ver. 9) the book of the Law of the Lord (Leviticus 10:11; Deuteronomy 4:9; Deuteronomy 17:18), not, indeed, without their own personal aid in whatever way able to be given, but systematically and with authority by the Levites and priests (Deuteronomy 33:10). This deeper fathoming of the needs of the time, and of what constituted its real safety, was greatly to the spiritual credit of Jehoshaphat. The references (2 Chronicles 15:3; 2 Chronicles 35:2-4, 10-12) are full of point. None of these princes, or Levites and priests, are elsewhere mentioned by name.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew In the thirdשָׁל֜וֹשׁ (šā·lō·wōš) Number - feminine singular Strong's 7969: Three, third, thrice year וּבִשְׁנַ֨ת (ū·ḇiš·naṯ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 8141: A year of his reign, לְמָלְכ֗וֹ (lə·mā·lə·ḵōw) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 4427: To reign, inceptively, to ascend the throne, to induct into royalty, to take counsel Jehoshaphat sent שָׁלַ֤ח (šā·laḥ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out his officials לְשָׂרָיו֙ (lə·śā·rāw) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince Ben-hail, חַ֙יִל֙ (ḥa·yil) Preposition | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1134: Benhail -- 'son of might', one of Jehoshaphat's leaders Obadiah, וּלְעֹבַדְיָ֣ה (ū·lə·‘ō·ḇaḏ·yāh) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 5662: Obadiah -- 'servant of Yah', the name of a number of Israelites Zechariah, וְלִזְכַרְיָ֔ה (wə·liz·ḵar·yāh) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 2148: Zachariah -- the name of a number of Israelites Nethanel, וְלִנְתַנְאֵ֖ל (wə·lin·ṯan·’êl) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 5417: Nethanel -- 'given of God', the name of a number of Israelites and Micaiah וּלְמִיכָיָ֑הוּ (ū·lə·mî·ḵā·yā·hū) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 4322: Micaiah -- 'Who is like Yah?' an Israelite, also an Israelite woman to teach לְלַמֵּ֖ד (lə·lam·mêḏ) Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct Strong's 3925: To exercise in, learn in the cities בְּעָרֵ֥י (bə·‘ā·rê) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural construct Strong's 5892: Excitement of Judah, יְהוּדָֽה׃ (yə·hū·ḏāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites Links 2 Chronicles 17:7 NIV2 Chronicles 17:7 NLT 2 Chronicles 17:7 ESV 2 Chronicles 17:7 NASB 2 Chronicles 17:7 KJV 2 Chronicles 17:7 BibleApps.com 2 Chronicles 17:7 Biblia Paralela 2 Chronicles 17:7 Chinese Bible 2 Chronicles 17:7 French Bible 2 Chronicles 17:7 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Chronicles 17:7 Also in the third year of his (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr) |
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