19 These waited on the king, beside those whom the king put in the fenced cities throughout all Judah.
19 These were the men who served the king, besides those he stationed in the fortified cities throughout Judah.
19 These were in the service of the king, besides those whom the king had placed in the fortified cities throughout all Judah.
19 These were under the direct command of the king; in addition there were the troops assigned to the fortress cities spread all over Judah.
19 These served the king, besides those the king put in the fortified cities throughout all Judah.
19 These were the troops stationed in Jerusalem to serve the king, besides those Jehoshaphat stationed in the fortified towns throughout Judah.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 17:19
Chapter Contents
Jehoshaphat promotes religion in Judah, His prosperity.
Jehoshaphat found his people generally very ignorant, and therefore endeavoured to have them well taught. The public teaching of the word of God forms, in all ages, the great method of promoting the power of godliness. Thereby the understanding is informed, the conscience is awakened and directed. We have a particular account of Jehoshaphat's prosperity. But it was not his formidable army that restrained the neighbouring nations from attempting any thing against Israel, but the fear of God which fell upon them, when Jehoshaphat reformed his country, and set up a preaching ministry in it. The ordinances of God are more the strength and safety of a kingdom, than soldiers and weapons of war. The Bible requires use to notice the hand of God in every event, yet this is little regarded. But let all employ the talents they have: be faithful, even in that which is little. Set up the worship of God in your houses. The charge of a family is important. Why should you not instruct them as Jehoshaphat did his subjects, in the book of the law of the Lord. But be consistent. Do not recommend one thing, and practise another. Begin with yourselves. Seek to the Lord God of Israel, then call upon children and servants to follow your example.