John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 4. But sought to the Lord God of his fathers , etc.] Prayed to him, worshipped and served him: and walked in his commandments ; observed and kept them, moral, ceremonial, and judicial: and not after the doings of Israel : who worshipped the golden calves at Dan and Bethel.
Matthew Henry Commentary
- Jehoshaphat promotes religion in Judah, His prosperity.
--Jehoshaphat found his people generally very ignorant, and therefor endeavoured to have them well taught. The public teaching of the wor 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' 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 an 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 u 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 recommen one thing, and practise another. Begin with yourselves. Seek to the Lord God of Israel, then call upon children and servants to follow you example _________________________________________________
Original Hebrew כי3588 לאלהי430 אביו1 דרשׁ1875 ובמצותיו4687 הלך1980 ולא3808 כמעשׂה4639 ישׂראל׃3478
