And they taught in Judah, having the Book of the Law of the LORD with them. They went about through all the cities of Judah and taught among the people.
2 Chronicles 17:9 (ESV)
In the third year of his reign, Jehoshaphat assembled a team of officials, Levites, and priests and sent them throughout the cities of Judah to instruct the people (2 Chron. 17:7-8). They took with them the Book of the Law of the Lord and taught from it. This is something that no other king is known to have done.
We do not know just exactly what this book contained, but it was surely some part of what we know today as the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, and most likely a portion of Deuteronomy. This is the book that was later found during Josiah’s reign. One that led to an acceleration of his reforms (2 Chron. 34:8-21).
The impact of this teaching ministry on the people is not stated. But it is hard to imagine it had no effect. To hear God’s word read and taught, maybe for the first time in their lives, could have had a significant, positive impact on their lives.
Immediately following this account, we are told that the fear of the Lord fell upon the surrounding nations. Jehoshaphat’s reforms, along with the people’s response to God’s word, accomplished something that armed might alone could not. God honored what they were doing, and they prospered accordingly.
I live in a part of the world where everyone has access to the Bible. But how many believers take advantage of the opportunities they have to read and study God’s word for themselves? Imagine what a difference it would make in our personal lives, in the church we serve, and in the world at large if God’s people were serious about learning and obeying God’s word. Would the fear of the Lord fall on the peoples around us, making them more receptive to the gospel message?
