King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 17:7 Mean?

“Also in the third year of his reign he sent to his princes, even to Benhail, and to Obadiah, and to Zechariah, and to Nethaneel, and to Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah.”

Context

Therefore the LORD stablished the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honour in abundance. brought: Heb. gave

And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah. was: that is, was encouraged

Also in the third year of his reign he sent to his princes, even to Benhail, and to Obadiah, and to Zechariah, and to Nethaneel, and to Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah.

And with them he sent Levites, even Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and Zebadiah, and Asahel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehonathan, and Adonijah, and Tobijah, and Tobadonijah, Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, priests.

And they taught in Judah, and had the book of the law of the LORD with them, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

THE COMMISSIONERS OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION IN THE LAW. (7) **He sent to his princes, even to Ben-hail . . . to Michaiah.**—Rather, *He sent his princes, Ben- hail and Obadiah* . . . *and Michaiah.* (The *le* “to,” in the chronicler’s idiom, marking the object of the verb.) If, however, Authorised Version were correct, the construction would not be unique, as the *Speaker’s Com mentary* asserts. (Comp. 2Kings 5:7, “this man sendeth to me to recover a man,” &c.) **Princes.**—None of the personages mentioned in this and the following verse are otherwise known. The “five princes” were laymen of rank, and were accompanied by nine (eight) Levites and two priests. **Ben-hail.**—*Son of valour.* A compound proper name, only occurring here, but analogous to Ben-hur. Ben-deker, and Ben-hesed in 1Kings 4:8-10. (The LXX. renders “the sons of the mighty.” Syriac, “the chiefs of the forces;” apparently reading *bnê chail.*) **Nethaneel.**—Syriac, Mattanael; Arabic, Mattaniah, Michaiah. Syriac and Arabic, Malachiah.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 17:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.