John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 8. And with them he sent Levites , etc.] With the five princes he sent nine Levites: even Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and Zebadiah, and Asahel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehonathan, and Adonijah, and Tobijah, and Tobadonijah, Levites ; of whom we nowhere else read; no doubt they were principal persons, and fit for the work they were sent about: and with them Elishama and Jehoram, priests ; whose lips were to keep knowledge, and at whose mouth the law was to be sought, ( Malachi 2:7).
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 ועמהם5973 הלוים3881 שׁמעיהו8098 ונתניהו5418 וזבדיהו2069 ועשׂהאל6214 ושׁמרימות8070 ויהונתן3083 ואדניהו138 וטוביהו2900 וטוב אדוניה2899 הלוים3881 ועמהם5973 אלישׁמע476 ויהורם3088 הכהנים׃3548
