2 Chronicles 17:4

but he sought the God of his father and walked by His commandments rather than the practices of Israel.

Study Bible

but he sought
The Hebrew word for "sought" is "דָּרַשׁ" (darash), which implies a diligent pursuit or inquiry. This word suggests an active, intentional effort to seek out God, not merely a passive or casual interest. In the context of Jehoshaphat's reign, this indicates a deliberate choice to pursue a relationship with God, emphasizing the importance of seeking God with purpose and dedication in one's spiritual life.

the God of his father
This phrase underscores the continuity of faith from one generation to the next. "The God of his father" refers to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, highlighting the covenantal relationship that God established with the patriarchs. It reflects Jehoshaphat's commitment to the faith of his ancestors, a reminder of the importance of maintaining and passing down a legacy of faith within families.

and walked by His commandments
The Hebrew word for "walked" is "הָלַךְ" (halak), which means to live or conduct one's life. This phrase indicates that Jehoshaphat's life was characterized by obedience to God's laws. Walking by God's commandments implies a lifestyle of righteousness and adherence to divine instructions, emphasizing the importance of living according to God's Word as a demonstration of faith and devotion.

rather than the practices of Israel
This phrase contrasts Jehoshaphat's faithfulness with the idolatrous practices prevalent in the northern kingdom of Israel at the time. The "practices of Israel" likely refer to the worship of Baal and other pagan deities that had infiltrated Israelite society. Jehoshaphat's choice to reject these practices in favor of God's commandments highlights the importance of discernment and the courage to stand against cultural or societal norms that contradict God's will.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jehoshaphat
The king of Judah who is the central figure in this passage. He is noted for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to lead the nation in righteousness.

2. God of his father
Refers to the God of Israel, Yahweh, whom Jehoshaphat sought to follow, continuing the legacy of his father, Asa, who also sought to follow God.

3. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, over which Jehoshaphat reigned. It is distinct from the northern kingdom, often referred to simply as Israel.

4. Israel
In this context, it refers to the northern kingdom, which had largely turned away from the worship of Yahweh and followed other practices.

5. Commandments
The laws and decrees given by God, which Jehoshaphat chose to follow instead of the idolatrous practices prevalent in Israel.

Teaching Points

Faithfulness to God
Jehoshaphat's example teaches us the importance of seeking God wholeheartedly and remaining faithful to His commandments, even when others around us may not.

Legacy of Faith
The phrase "God of his father" underscores the impact of a godly heritage. We are encouraged to continue the legacy of faith passed down to us and to be intentional about passing it on to future generations.

Discernment in Leadership
Jehoshaphat's choice to follow God's commandments rather than the practices of Israel highlights the need for discernment in leadership. Leaders are called to guide others in righteousness, not conform to ungodly practices.

Obedience Over Conformity
The passage challenges us to prioritize obedience to God over conforming to the world. This requires courage and conviction, especially when societal norms conflict with biblical principles.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jehoshaphat's decision to seek the God of his father influence his leadership and the spiritual direction of Judah?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are following God's commandments rather than the practices of the world around us?

3. How can we cultivate a legacy of faith in our families and communities, similar to Jehoshaphat's continuation of his father's faith?

4. What are some modern-day "practices of Israel" that we might be tempted to follow, and how can we resist them?

5. How does the example of Jehoshaphat encourage us to be discerning leaders in our own spheres of influence?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 22:43
This verse highlights Jehoshaphat's commitment to walking in the ways of his father Asa, doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord, similar to the emphasis in 2 Chronicles 17:4.

Deuteronomy 5:32-33
These verses emphasize the importance of walking in obedience to God's commandments, a principle that Jehoshaphat exemplified.

Psalm 119:1-3
These verses speak to the blessings of walking in the law of the Lord, which aligns with Jehoshaphat's actions in seeking God and His commandments.