MPV Commentary

He Sends Levites to Teach in Judah.

In his third year of reign, Jehoshaphat sent a delegation to his officials, instructing them to teach in the cities of Judah. Normally, teaching responsibilities fell to the priests, but this special commission was likely established to ensure that the work had been done or identify areas where it needed improvement. This team of five princes, accompanied by two priests and nine Levites, traveled throughout Judah's towns to provide instruction.

This initiative marks the first recorded effort by a king to promote religious education among his people. Jehoshaphat's kingdom enjoyed a period of peace and stability, allowing for the full implementation of this plan. The historian attributes this peaceful state to the widespread fear of the Lord that had fallen on neighboring kingdoms.