And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim;

2 CHRONICLES 17:3KJV
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2 Chronicles 17:3 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 17:3 mean?

2 Chronicles 17:3 says that the LORD was with Jehoshaphat because Jehoshaphat followed the early example of his ancestor David and did not worship the Baalim, the false gods of the surrounding nations. The verse credits Jehoshaphat’s faithfulness to God as the reason for God’s support and presence with him.

This verse appears in a passage describing the reign of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah. The writer is explaining why Jehoshaphat’s rule was marked by God’s favor. The mention of “the first ways of his father David” points to David’s earlier, more faithful years, before his later failings, and contrasts Jehoshaphat’s loyalty to God with the idol worship that was common at the time.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 17:3

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing a direct relationship rather than a distant deity.
  • walked (הָלַךְ, halakh): This word means to live or conduct oneself. Here, it highlights Jehoshaphat’s consistent lifestyle and choices, not just a single act.
  • first (רִאשׁוֹן, rishon): This refers to the “early” or “original” ways of David, suggesting a return to a purer, more faithful time before later problems in David’s life.
  • Baalim (הַבְּעָלִים, ha-Ba‘alim): This plural form refers to the various local gods called Baal. The verse stresses that Jehoshaphat deliberately avoided the worship of these idols.

Why 2 Chronicles 17:3 matters

  • The verse clarifies that God’s presence with Jehoshaphat was not automatic because he was king, but was tied to his personal faithfulness and choices.
  • By mentioning “the first ways of his father David,” the verse highlights that not all traditions or examples from the past are equal—Jehoshaphat is praised for following David’s best example, not every part of his life.
  • The reference to Baalim shows the pressure and temptation to follow the religious practices of neighboring peoples, making Jehoshaphat’s loyalty to the LORD stand out even more in his context.

Where else these words appear

“Baalim” Hebrew H1168 · used in 68 verses

  • Judges 2:11 And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim:
  • 1 Kings 19:18 Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.
  • 2 Chronicles 23:17 Then all the people went to the house of Baal, and brake it down, and brake his altars and his images in pieces, and slew Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars.

“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.