Who was Zichri in the Bible?

Zichri was a military commander in Judah who led a division of 200,000 volunteer soldiers during the reign of King Jehoshaphat. He is mentioned specifically as a valiant warrior from the tribe of Benjamin (2 Chronicles 17:16).

Why is Zichri significant in the Bible?

Zichri's significance lies in his role as a key military leader who helped strengthen Judah's defenses. His command of a large volunteer force demonstrates the people's support for Jehoshaphat's righteous reign and their commitment to national security (2 Chronicles 17:12-19).

What did Zichri do in the Bible?

The Bible records that Zichri volunteered to serve King Jehoshaphat as a commander of 200,000 mighty men of valor. This was part of a larger military reorganization where Jehoshaphat placed troops in all the fortified cities of Judah (2 Chronicles 17:14-19).

Zichri

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleCommander

Zichri was a commander of 200,000 soldiers who volunteered to serve King Jehoshaphat of Judah (2Ch.17.16).

Zichri

Biography

Zichri was a military commander who served under King Jehoshaphat of Judah, specifically identified in 2 Chronicles 17:16 as the leader of 200,000 volunteers armed with bows and shields. He was the son of Isshiah and served as the second of five commanders listed in Jehoshaphat's military reorganization. The description of his soldiers as volunteers who "offered themselves willingly" distinguishes them from conscripted forces, suggesting a high level of commitment and personal loyalty to both king and kingdom. Jehoshaphat's military reforms, described in 2 Chronicles 17:12-19, reflect his broader program of religious and administrative renewal. The combined force of Jehoshaphat's army, totaling over a million men by these figures, represented the military might assembled under a king noted for his devotion to God.

Significance

Zichri's command of 200,000 willing volunteers under Jehoshaphat illuminates the Chronicler's portrait of what faithful governance looks like. Jehoshaphat is celebrated as one of Judah's better kings, noted for seeking God, sending teachers throughout the land, and building a just judicial system (2 Chronicles 17-19). The military strength that accompanied his reign is presented not as a cause of pride but as a consequence of faithfulness, an expression of God's blessing on a king who walked in David's ways. Zichri's soldiers, as willing volunteers rather than conscripts, embody the spirit of joyful service that the Chronicler consistently associates with authentic covenant devotion, contrasting with the reluctant compliance of less committed generations.

Verse Appearances (1)

2Chr

2Chr 17:16

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

View all sources & licensing →

See our editorial standards →

Content compiled from public domain scholarship, academic sources, and verified references. Editorial standards · View all sources