1Jehoshaphat son of Asa became king in his place. Jehoshaphat strengthened himself against Israel.

2He placed forces in all the fortified cities of Judah, and set garrisons in the land of Judah and in the cities of Ephraim, which Asa his father had captured.

3Yahweh was with Jehoshaphat because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and did not seek the Baals. ⁶

4Instead, he relied on the God of his father, and walked in his commandments, not after the behavior of Israel.

5So Yahweh established the rule in his hand; all Judah brought tribute to Jehoshaphat. He had riches and honor in abundance.

6His heart was committed to Yahweh's ways. He also removed the high places and the Asherah poles from Judah.

7In the third year of his reign he sent his officials Ben-Hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah.

8With them were Levites: Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tob-Adonijah; and with them were the priests Elishama and Jehoram.

9They taught in Judah, having the book of the law of Yahweh with them. They went about throughout all the cities of Judah and taught among the people.

10Terror of Yahweh fell on all the kingdoms of the lands that were around Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat.

11Some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents, and silver as tribute. Arabians also brought him flocks, 7,700 rams, and 7,700 goats.

12Jehoshaphat became very powerful. He built fortresses and store cities in Judah.

13He had many supplies in the cities of Judah, and soldiers—strong, mighty men—in Jerusalem.

14These were their divisions listed by the name of their fathers' houses: From Judah, the commanders of thousands; Adnah the commander, and with him 300,000 fighting men;

15next to him Jehohanan the commander, and with him 280,000 men;

16next to him Amasiah son of Zichri, who willingly offered to serve Yahweh; and with him 200,000 fighting men.

17From Benjamin: Eliada a powerful man of courage, and with him 200,000 armed with bows and shields;

18next to him Jehozabad, and with him 180,000 ready prepared for war.

19These were those who served the king, besides those whom the king put in the fortified cities throughout all Judah.