THE BOOK IS IMPORTANT

The King sent a large delegation of important men to visit all the towns of Judah. Like other kings, he might have sent them to collect from the people: taxes, tithes, sacrifices. But he didn't. Like other kings, he might have sent them to deliver his latest set of commands, declarations or boasts. But he didn't.
Jehoshaphat sent his representatives to all the towns of Judah - to teach them. In fact they were to teach the people the Book of the Law of the Lord, and they did. The Book of the Law was the Bible of that day, most likely what we now know as the Pentateuch, the first five books of our Old Testament. (II Chronicles 17)

The king knew the history of his people. They were surrounded by nations and peoples who worshipped numerous gods in a variety of ways. For some reason, they were repeatedly attracted to other religions. Often in the past they had tried to worship God while they also actively participated in other religions. When they did this, they would of course borrow, switch, confuse and mess up. Before long they would become spiritually confused about the truth even if they wanted to do it.
Jehoshaphat realized that the Jews needed to have an accurate understanding of God and of what He really offered to his people. They needed to know what God commanded and expected from His people. They did not have personal scrolls of Scripture. What they needed was someone with the Word of God to teach them God's truth; to remind them of what God expected; to challenge them to loyal commitment and obedience.
Today we are surrounded by many religions and many anti-religions. We mingle daily among people with beliefs far different from what the Bible teaches. If we try to live on memory, or tradition, we will soon have a confused view of God and of the Christian life. We dare not expect to follow Christ well without regular reading of Scripture and the receiving of solid, life relevant teaching from Scripture. Healthy Christian faith communities place a strong emphasis on knowing and obeying Scripture. Healthy individual Christians do the same.