And 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.

2 CHRONICLES 17:10KJV
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2 Chronicles 17:10 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 17:10 mean?

2 Chronicles 17:10 describes how a sense of awe and fear of the LORD came over all the surrounding kingdoms, causing them to avoid making war against King Jehoshaphat of Judah. The verse shows that Jehoshaphat’s rule was protected not by military strength alone, but by a divine influence that kept enemies at bay.

The setting is during the reign of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, as recorded by the Chronicler. Jehoshaphat had just strengthened his kingdom spiritually and militarily, and as a result, neighboring nations were struck with fear and chose not to attack Judah. This verse highlights the effect of God’s presence and reputation on the nations around Judah, emphasizing that their peace was due to God’s intervention rather than just political or military strategy.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 17:10

  • The word “fear” is פַּחַד (pachad), which means terror, dread, or awe. Here, it suggests a supernatural sense of fear that God placed on the surrounding kingdoms, not just ordinary anxiety.
  • “LORD” is יְהוָה (YHWH), the personal name of Israel’s God. The verse credits this fear directly to YHWH, making it clear that the source of protection is God Himself, not just Jehoshaphat’s actions.
  • “Kingdoms” is מַלְכוּת (malkhut), meaning realms or territories ruled by kings. The use of this word shows that it wasn’t just individuals, but entire nations around Judah that were affected.
  • “War” is לָחַם (lacham), which means to fight or make war. The verse notes that the surrounding kingdoms refrained from fighting Jehoshaphat, underlining the effectiveness of God’s protection.

Why 2 Chronicles 17:10 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Judah’s safety was not merely the result of strong defenses or alliances, but of God’s direct intervention in the affairs of nations.
  • It connects to the wider passage by showing the practical results of Jehoshaphat’s faithfulness and reforms; his commitment to God led to real-world peace and security.
  • The verse helps correct the misunderstanding that biblical peace always comes from human effort, highlighting instead the role of God’s presence in shaping history and protecting His people.

Where else these words appear

“fear” Hebrew H6343 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 31:42 Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight.
  • Job 4:14 Fear came upon me, and trembling, which made all my bones to shake.
  • Psalms 119:120 My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.

“Jehoshaphat” Hebrew H3092 · used in 75 verses

  • 2 Samuel 8:16 And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;
  • 2 Kings 3:1 Now Jehoram the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned twelve years.
  • 2 Chronicles 18:31 And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, It is the king of Israel. Therefore they compassed about him to fight: but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him; and God moved them to depart from him.

“kingdoms” Hebrew H4467 · used in 113 verses

  • Genesis 10:10 And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar.
  • 2 Kings 14:5 And it came to pass, as soon as the kingdom was confirmed in his hand, that he slew his servants which had slain the king his father.
  • Isaiah 14:16 They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;