2 Chronicles – Chapter 17

Old Testament19 Verses

Chapter Summary

"And Josaphat his son reigned in his stead, and grew strong against Israel." — so begins 2 Chronicles 17. The chapter centers on Nathanael, Zechariah and Jonathan. Across its 19 verses, two threads run through the text: God's kingdom and kingship and family and covenant relationships. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1And Josaphat his son reigned in his stead, and grew strong against Israel.

2And he placed numbers of soldiers in all the fortified cities of Juda. And he put garrisons in the land of Juda, and in the cities of Ephraim, which Asa his father had taken.

3And the Lord was with Josaphat, because he walked in the first ways of David his father: and trusted not in Baalim,

4But in the God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not according to the sins of Israel.

5And the Lord established the kingdom in his hand, and all Juda brought presents to Josaphat: and he acquired immense riches, and much glory.

6And when his heart had taken courage for the ways of the Lord, he took away also the high places and the groves out of Juda.

7And 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 cites of Juda:

8And with them the Levites, Semeias, and Nathanias, and Zabadias, and Asael, and Semiramoth, and Jonathan, and Adonias, and Tobias, and Thobadonias Levites, and with them Elisama, and Joram priests.

9And they taught the people in Juda, having with them the book of the law of the Lord: and they went about all the cities of Juda, and instructed the people.

10And the fear of the Lord came upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Juda, and they durst not make war against Josaphat.

11The Philistines also brought presents to Josaphat, and tribute in silver, and the Arabians brought him cattle, seven thousand seven hundred rams, and as many he goats.

12And Josaphat grew, and became exceeding great: and he built in Juda houses like towers, and walled cities.

13And he prepared many works in the cities of Juda: and he had warriors, and valiant men in Jerusalem.

14Of whom this is the number of the houses and families of every one: in Juda captains of the army, Ednas the chief, and with him three hundred thousand most valiant men.

15After him Johanan the captain, and with him two hundred and eighty thousand.

16And after him was Amasias the son of Zechri, consecrated to the Lord, and with him were two hundred thousand valiant men.

17After him was Eliada valiant in battle, and with him two hundred thousand armed with bow and shield.

18After him also was Jozabad, and with him a hundred and eighty thousand ready for war.

19All these were at the hand of the king, beside others, whom he had put in the walled cities, in all Juda.

Important Verses in 2 Chronicles 17

And Josaphat his son reigned in his stead, and grew strong against Israel.

2 Chronicles 17:1

And the Lord established the kingdom in his hand, and all Juda brought presents to Josaphat: and he acquired immense riches, and much glory.

2 Chronicles 17:5

And the fear of the Lord came upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Juda, and they durst not make war against Josaphat.

2 Chronicles 17:10

And after him was Amasias the son of Zechri, consecrated to the Lord, and with him were two hundred thousand valiant men.

2 Chronicles 17:16

Historical Context

2 Chronicles belongs to the Old Testament and was composed for the restored community, urged to keep worship pure and hearts humble. Chapter 17 of 36 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a narrative passage recounting concrete events in salvation history with 19 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter focuses on Nathanael, Zechariah, Jonathan and Micah, whose actions and words drive the passage forward. The chapter begins: "And Josaphat his son reigned in his stead, and grew strong against Israel." The final verse reads: "All these were at the hand of the king, beside others, whom he had put in the walled cities, in all Juda. " The wider setting of 2 Chronicles is this: Second Chronicles spans from Solomon's Temple to the decree of Cyrus allowing the exiles to return home. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: After the return from exile, around 400-350 BC.

Who Wrote It

Traditionally attributed to Ezra ('the Chronicler')

When It Was Written

After the return from exile, around 400-350 BC

Catholic Commentary

The literal sense of 2 Chronicles 17 presents a concrete episode in the history of Temple worship and Judah's kings. A pivotal line is verse 1: "And Josaphat his son reigned in his stead, and grew strong against Israel." The passage repeatedly touches on God's kingdom and kingship.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 26). Here, the Temple liturgy prefigures the Church's worship (CIC 1093). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize God's kingdom and kingship as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.
  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • Faith is a gift and a decision: entrusting ourselves entirely to God and to His promises.

People in This Chapter

Nathanael1 mentionZechariah1 mentionJonathan1 mentionMicah1 mentionTobias1 mention

Reflection for Today

2 Chronicles Chapter 17, containing 19 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation, offers a distinct passage for prayer and meditation.

The Magisterium teaches that every biblical passage must be read in light of Christ, the center of Scripture (CIC 2105). Here the emphasis falls on the Eucharist as source and summit, which shapes how the Church understands Temple worship and Judah's kings.

If this passage raises questions, seek the Church's teaching through the Catechism, a faithful priest, or sound Catholic commentaries. Private interpretation must remain in harmony with the Magisterium (CIC 2559).

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 2 Chronicles Chapter 17 about?

2 Chronicles 17 contains 19 verses. It opens with "And Josaphat his son reigned in his stead, and grew strong against Israel." and closes with "All these were at the hand of the king, beside others, whom he had put in the walled cities, in all Juda. ". The book as a whole is historical narrative.

What is a key verse in 2 Chronicles 17?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "And Josaphat his son reigned in his stead, and grew strong against Israel." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in 2 Chronicles Chapter 17?

This chapter mentions Nathanael, Zechariah, Jonathan, Micah, Tobias.

Who wrote 2 Chronicles and when?

Traditionally attributed to Ezra ('the Chronicler'). After the return from exile, around 400-350 BC.

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