What does 2 Chronicles 17:4 mean?
"But sought to the LORD God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel." - 2 Chronicles 17:4
2 Chronicles 17:4 - "But sought to the LORD God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel."
2 Chronicles 17:4 (KJV) states: "But sought to the Lord God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel."
This verse is taken from the book of 2 Chronicles, which is a historical account of the kings of Judah. The verse refers to King Jehoshaphat, who was the son of King Asa. Jehoshaphat is described as a righteous king who sought the Lord God of his father and walked in His commandments. This verse highlights Jehoshaphat's devotion to God and his commitment to following God's laws, in contrast to the actions of the people of Israel at that time.
Contextually, this verse is situated in a time of spiritual and political turmoil in Judah. King Jehoshaphat inherited the throne of Judah after the reign of his father, King Asa. During Asa's reign, there was a period of spiritual revival and reformation in Judah, as he removed idols and restored the worship of the Lord. However, as time passed, the nation of Judah began to stray from the Lord, and many were following the sinful practices of the surrounding nations, particularly Israel.
In this verse, Jehoshaphat is commended for not following the doings of Israel, which likely refers to their idolatrous practices and disregard for the commandments of God. Instead, Jehoshaphat chose to seek the Lord God of his father, showing his commitment to following in the footsteps of King Asa and honoring the legacy of faithfulness to God.
One of the key themes in this verse is the significance of seeking and following God wholeheartedly. Jehoshaphat's actions demonstrate his desire to honor the Lord and live according to His commandments. This theme emphasizes the importance of maintaining a close relationship with God and obeying His teachings, even in the face of opposition or temptation to stray from His ways.
Additionally, this verse serves as a reminder of the impact of leadership on the spiritual wellbeing of a nation. Jehoshaphat's commitment to seeking God and obeying His commandments set a positive example for the people of Judah. It highlights the influence that a righteous leader can have on the spiritual direction of a nation and the importance of faithfulness to God in leadership.
Symbolically, this verse can be seen as a representation of the struggle between righteousness and sin, and the choice to follow God's ways in the midst of moral decay and spiritual compromise. Jehoshaphat's decision to seek the Lord stands as a symbol of unwavering faith and devotion to God, even in the midst of a culture that was turning away from Him.
In conclusion, 2 Chronicles 17:4 (KJV) provides a powerful message about the importance of seeking and obeying God wholeheartedly, the impact of leadership on a nation's spiritual wellbeing, and the symbolic representation of faithfulness in the face of moral decay. It serves as a timeless reminder for believers to remain steadfast in their devotion to God, to resist the temptations of the world, and to lead others by setting an example of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands.
2 Chronicles 17:4 Artwork
2 Chronicles 17:4 - "But sought to the LORD God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel."
2 Chronicles 4:17 - "In the plain of Jordan did the king cast them, in the clay ground between Succoth and Zeredathah."
2 Corinthians 4:17
1 Chronicles 17:4 - "Go and tell David my servant, Thus saith the LORD, Thou shalt not build me an house to dwell in:"
1 Chronicles 2:17 - "And Abigail bare Amasa: and the father of Amasa was Jether the Ishmeelite."
2 Chronicles 17:1 - "And Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead, and strengthened himself against Israel."
2 Chronicles 17:17 - "And of Benjamin; Eliada a mighty man of valour, and with him armed men with bow and shield two hundred thousand."
2 Chronicles 4:15 - "One sea, and twelve oxen under it."
2 Chronicles 30:4 - "And the thing pleased the king and all the congregation."
2 Chronicles 17:15 - "And next to him was Jehohanan the captain, and with him two hundred and fourscore thousand."
2 Chronicles 17:12 - "¶ And Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly; and he built in Judah castles, and cities of store."
2 Chronicles 8:17 - "¶ Then went Solomon to Ezion-geber, and to Eloth, at the sea side in the land of Edom."
2 Chronicles 9:17 - "Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with pure gold."
2 Chronicles 10:17 - "But as for the children of Israel that dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them."
2 Chronicles 28:17 - "For again the Edomites had come and smitten Judah, and carried away captives."
2 Samuel 17:4 - "And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel."
1 Chronicles 4:17 - "And the sons of Ezra were, Jether, and Mered, and Epher, and Jalon: and she bare Miriam, and Shammai, and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa."
1 Chronicles 17:2 - "Then Nathan said unto David, Do all that is in thine heart; for God is with thee."
2 Chronicles 17:18 - "And next him was Jehozabad, and with him an hundred and fourscore thousand ready prepared for the war."
2 Chronicles 7:4 - "¶ Then the king and all the people offered sacrifices before the LORD."
2 Chronicles 17:19 - "These waited on the king, beside those whom the king put in the fenced cities throughout all Judah."
2 Chronicles 4:21 - "And the flowers, and the lamps, and the tongs, made he of gold, and that perfect gold;"
2 Chronicles 26:17 - "And Azariah the priest went in after him, and with him fourscore priests of the LORD, that were valiant men:"
2 Chronicles 24:4 - "¶ And it came to pass after this, that Joash was minded to repair the house of the LORD."
2 Chronicles 5:4 - "And all the elders of Israel came; and the Levites took up the ark."
2 Chronicles 31:17 - "Both to the genealogy of the priests by the house of their fathers, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward, in their charges by their courses;"
2 Chronicles 35:17 - "And the children of Israel that were present kept the passover at that time, and the feast of unleavened bread seven days."
2 Chronicles 33:17 - "Nevertheless the people did sacrifice still in the high places, yet unto the LORD their God only."
2 Chronicles 17:13 - "And he had much business in the cities of Judah: and the men of war, mighty men of valour, were in Jerusalem."
2 Chronicles 4:14 - "He made also bases, and lavers made he upon the bases;"