1. Summary of Jehoshaphat's reign 17:1-6

Jehoshaphat did right because he followed David's example (v. 3). He remained faithful to Yahweh by obeying His Law rather than worshipping Baal (vv. 3-4). Consequently God blessed his reign by giving him riches and honor (v. 5). The king took pride in obeying God, and he weeded out the high places that kept sprouting up around Judah (v. 6).

The Baals (v. 3) ". . . were almost numberless, each individual field being treated as if it had its own guiding ba'al(master, owner') i.e., fertility spirit."⁴³