II Chronicles 17-18

“And they went throughout the cities of Judah and taught among the people” (17:9).  King Jehoshaphat “sought the God of his father” (17:4) and tried to lead his people in righteousness. He tore down pagan altars to idols, and he sent prophets and priests as teachers throughout the land, “having the book of the law of the Lord with them”.  It wasn’t enough to tell people to stop sinning; they needed to replace their old ways with the habits of holiness.

Just like us, the Israelites faced constant pressure to conform to the “normal”, sinful cultures around them.  They needed instruction and encouragement to stand strong.