2 Chronicles 17:9 And they taught in Judah, and had the book of the law of the Lord with them, and went throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people.
A basic part of the reforms of Jehoshaphat was the widespread teaching of the Law of Moses, the Word of God. Just removing the pagan idols is great, but it doesn’t go deep enough and far enough to make it stick. The false and demonic religion and way of life must be replaced by the positive and effective Truth of God’s Word and the faith to live according to it. Teaching is essential to a deep-seated faith resulting in a changed life.
Most of the people were biblically illiterate and needed someone to teach them the Word of God. They had never taken time to discuss God’s Law and understand how it could change them. Jehoshaphat realized that knowing God’s commands was the first step in showing people how to live, so he initiated a kingdom-wide religious education program, He reversed the religious decline by putting God first in the people’s mind and instilling in them a sense of mission. The kingdom began to follow God again.
Churches and Christian schools today need solid Christian education programs as a joyful response to God’s salvation. Exposure to good Bible teaching through church, Bible study, personal and family devotions is essential for living as God intends. We cannot really live without constant attention to Law and Gospel.