1And Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead, and strengthened himself against Israel . 2And 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 . 3And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat , because he walked in the first ways of his father David , and sought not unto Baalim ; 4But sought to the Lord God of his father , and walked in his commandments , and not after the doings of Israel . 5Therefore the LORD stablished the kingdom in his hand ; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents ; and he had riches and honour in abundance . 6And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD : moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah .
Seeking the Lord
7Also 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 . 8And with them he sent Levites , even Shemaiah , and Nethaniah , and Zebadiah , and Asahel , and Shemiramoth , and Jehonathan , and Adonijah , and Tobijah , and Tob-adonijah , Levites ; and with them Elishama and Jehoram , priests . 9And 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 .
Military Strength and Alliances
10And 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 . 11Also 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 . 12And Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly ; and he built in Judah castles , and cities of store . 13And he had much business in the cities of Judah : and the men of war , mighty men of valour , were in Jerusalem . 14And 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 . 15And next to him was Jehohanan the captain , and with him two hundred and fourscore thousand . 16And 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 . 17And of Benjamin ; Eliada a mighty man of valour , and with him armed men with bow and shield two hundred thousand . 18And next him was Jehozabad , and with him an hundred and fourscore thousand ready prepared for the war . 19These waited on the king , beside those whom the king put in the fenced cities throughout all Judah .