Jumpin' Jehoshaphat! Something new takes place in II Chronicles 17.
Jehoshaphat, a very good king who walked in the ways of his ancestor David, comes to the throne in verse 1. He strives to follow the commandments of God and courageously removes the idolatrous high places and sacred poles from Judah (vs. 6). In their place, Jehoshaphat decides that something else must be supplied.
In the third year of his reign, he sends out royal officials and Levites to teach in the cities of Judah. "They taught in Judah, having the book of the law of the Lord with them; they went around through all the cities of Judah and taught among the people" (vs. 9).
While the Temple remained in Jerusalem as the center of national religion, Jehoshaphat wisely decided that the Law and devotion to the Lord must be shared around the countryside. By instituting a teaching ministry in the cities of Judah, he increased the faithfulness of the Jews.
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