TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 2 Chronicles 17:10–19. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We have here a further account of Jehoshaphat's great prosperity and the flourishing state of his kingdom.
I.He had good interest in the neighbouring princes and nations.
Though he was not perhaps so great a soldier as David (which might have made him their terror), nor so great a scholar as Solomon (which might have made him their oracle), yet the fear of the Lord fell so upon them (that is, God so influenced and governed their spirits) that they had all a reverence for him, Ch2 17:10. And,
1.None of them made war against him. God's good providence so ordered it that, while the princes and priests were instructing and reforming the country, none of his neighbours gave him any molestations, to take him off from that good work. Thus when Jacob and his sons were going to worship at Bethel the terror of God was upon the neighbouring cities, that they did not pursue after them, Gen 35:5, and see Exo 34:24.
2.Many of them brought presents to him (Ch2 17:11), to secure his friendship. Perhaps these were a tribute imposed upon them by Asa, who made himself master of the cities of the Philistines, and the tents of the Arabians, Ch2 14:14, Ch2 14:15. With the 7700 rams, and the same number of he-goats, which the Arabians brought, there was probably a proportionable number of ewes and lambs, she-goats and kids.
II.He had a very considerable stores laid up in the cities of Judah.
He pulled down his barns, and built larger (Ch2 17:12), castles and cities of store, for arms and victuals. He was a man of business, and aimed at the public good in all his undertakings, either to preserve the peace or prepare for war.
III.He had the militia in good order.
It was never in better since David modelled it. Five lord-lieutenants (if I may so call them) are here named, with the numbers of those under their command (the serviceable men, that were fit for war in their respective districts), three in Judah, and two in Benjamin. It is said of one of these great commanders, Amasiah, that he willingly offered himself unto the Lord (Ch2 17:16), not only to the king, to serve him in this post, but to the Lord, to glorify him in it. He was the most eminent among them for religion, he accepted the place, not for the honour, or power, or profit of it, but for conscience' sake towards God, that he might serve his country,. It was usual for great generals then to offer of their spoils to the Lord, Ch1 26:26. But this good man offered himself first to the Lord, and then his dedicated things. The number of the soldiers under these five generals amounts to 1,160,000 men, a vast number for so small a compass of ground as Judah's and Benjamin's lot to furnish out and maintain. Abijah could bring into the field but 400,000 (Ch2 13:3), Asa not 600,000 (Ch2 14:8), yet Jehoshaphat has at command almost 1,200,000. But it must be considered,
1.That God had promised to make the seed of Abraham like the sand of the sea for number.
2.There had now been a long peace.
3.We may suppose that the city of Jerusalem was very much enlarged.
4.Many had come over to them from the kingdom of Israel (Ch2 15:19), which would increase the numbers of the people.
5.Jehoshaphat was under a special blessing of God, which made his affairs to prosper greatly. The armies, we may suppose, were dispersed all the country over, and each man resided for the most part on his own estate; but they appeared often, to be mustered and trained, and were ready at call whenever there was occasion. The commanders waited on the king (Ch2 17:19) as officers of his court, privy-counsellors, and ministers of state.
But, lastly, observe, It was not this formidable army that struck a terror upon the neighbouring nations, that restrained them from attempting any thing against Israel, or obliged them to pay tribute, but the fear of God which fell upon them when Jehoshaphat reformed his country and set up a preaching ministry in it, Ch2 17:10. The ordinances of God are more the strength and safety of a kingdom than its military force - its men of God more than its men of war.
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Summary
Second Chronicles 17:11 details the tangible blessings bestowed upon King Jehoshaphat of Judah, illustrating the profound impact of his faithful devotion to the Lord. As a direct consequence of God's favor and the fear of the Lord that fell upon surrounding nations, both the Philistines and the Arabians brought significant gifts and tribute to Jehoshaphat. This unprecedented influx of wealth, particularly the immense flocks from the Arabians, underscored Judah's prosperity and peace under a righteous king, showcasing God's ability to provide abundantly and secure His people without military conflict.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is situated within a broader narrative in 2 Chronicles 17 that extols King Jehoshaphat's righteous reign. Having established his kingdom's military strength and, more significantly, initiated a comprehensive spiritual reform by sending teachers of the Law throughout Judah, as detailed in 2 Chronicles 17:7-9, Jehoshaphat experiences profound divine favor. The preceding verse, 2 Chronicles 17:10, explicitly states that "the fear of the LORD fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat." Verse 11 directly exemplifies this "fear of the LORD" and the resulting peace and prosperity, demonstrating the practical outcome of Jehoshaphat's faithfulness and God's protective hand. It marks a period of unusual peace and recognition for Judah, highlighting the direct link between obedience and divine blessing.
Historical & Cultural Context
The Philistines were ancient adversaries of Israel, often engaging in fierce conflicts, as seen in the famous encounter between David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. Their bringing of "presents, and tribute silver" signifies a remarkable reversal of power dynamics, indicating a submission or acknowledgment of Judah's superior standing, likely due to divine intervention rather than military conquest. The Arabians, nomadic tribes inhabiting the desert regions to the south and east of Judah, were also often in conflict with Israel or at least distinct from them. Their immense tribute of livestock underscores the vast resources they commanded and their recognition of Jehoshaphat's authority. In the ancient Near East, the giving of gifts and tribute was a common practice signifying homage, submission, or a desire to maintain peace with a more powerful entity. This act highlights Judah's elevated status and the widespread respect (or fear) Jehoshaphat commanded, directly attributed to God's blessing and not merely to human military might.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of Chronicles. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Divine Blessing and Prosperity, demonstrating that faithfulness to God leads to tangible rewards, including peace and material abundance. Jehoshaphat's commitment to the Lord resulted in resources flowing into Judah without the need for warfare, echoing promises found throughout Deuteronomy 28. Secondly, it highlights the Recognition and Submission of Neighboring Nations, a testament to God's sovereignty. The Philistines and Arabians, historical adversaries, acknowledge Judah's strength and Jehoshaphat's authority, fulfilling the principle that when a person's ways please the Lord, He makes even their enemies to be at peace with them, as seen in Proverbs 16:7. Lastly, the specific mention of "seven thousand and seven hundred rams, and seven thousand and seven hundred he goats" emphasizes the Abundance and Wealth bestowed by God, showcasing His capacity for extraordinary provision. This divine provision empowers the king and kingdom for further service and security, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant people.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This Hebrew term (H4503) often refers to a gift, an offering, or a tribute. It can denote a voluntary offering, such as a grain offering to God (Leviticus 2:1), or a gift presented to a superior as a sign of respect or to curry favor (Genesis 32:13). In this context, from the Philistines, it likely signifies a voluntary acknowledgment of Jehoshaphat's power and a desire to maintain peaceful relations, distinct from a compulsory tax, yet indicative of submission.
This word (H4853) refers to a burden, specifically a compulsory payment or levy. It implies a subjugation or acknowledgment of a superior's authority, often imposed on conquered peoples or vassal states (1 Kings 4:6). The combination of "presents" and "tribute silver" from the Philistines suggests both a voluntary homage and a required submission, indicating Judah's ascendant position and the Philistines' recognition of Jehoshaphat's dominance, likely stemming from the divine fear mentioned previously.
This general term (H6629) for livestock, including sheep and goats, represents a significant form of wealth and sustenance in ancient agrarian societies. The immense quantity specified ("seven thousand and seven hundred rams, and seven thousand and seven hundred he goats") highlights the extraordinary scale of the Arabians' tribute, signifying immense material prosperity and a vast increase in Judah's resources. This abundance underscores the divine favor resting upon Jehoshaphat's reign.
Verse Breakdown
"Also [some] of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents, and tribute silver;"
This clause highlights the submission of the Philistines, a traditional and often hostile enemy of Israel, to King Jehoshaphat. The dual nature of their offering – "presents" (voluntary homage or gifts to curry favor) and "tribute silver" (a compulsory payment) – underscores the comprehensive recognition of Judah's strength and Jehoshaphat's authority. This was not merely a friendly exchange but an acknowledgment of Judah's superior position, directly driven by the "fear of the LORD" mentioned in the preceding verse. The "silver" indicates a valuable and portable form of wealth, signifying substantial economic benefit to Judah.
"and the Arabians brought him flocks, seven thousand and seven hundred rams, and seven thousand and seven hundred he goats."
This second clause details the contribution from the Arabians, emphasizing the immense scale of their tribute. The focus on "flocks" (rams and he-goats) signifies agricultural and pastoral wealth, crucial for the economy and sustenance of the kingdom. The precise and repetitive number "seven thousand and seven hundred" for both types of animals is striking, emphasizing the extraordinary abundance and the specific, divinely orchestrated nature of this provision. It underscores the vast increase in Judah's resources and the widespread recognition of Jehoshaphat's divinely blessed reign, demonstrating God's capacity to provide beyond measure.
Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices to emphasize the extraordinary nature of God's blessing upon Jehoshaphat. Hyperbole is evident in the specific and large numbers ("seven thousand and seven hundred rams, and seven thousand and seven hundred he goats"), which, while possibly literal, also serve to dramatically convey the immense scale of wealth and abundance. This numerical emphasis highlights the exceptional prosperity that resulted from divine favor. Repetition of "seven thousand and seven hundred" for both rams and he-goats reinforces the sheer volume and emphasizes the completeness and perfection of God's provision, as "seven" often symbolizes completeness or divine perfection in biblical numerology. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as Symbolism, where the tribute from traditional adversaries and nomadic tribes symbolizes the peace, security, and recognition that result from a nation's faithfulness to God. It portrays Judah as a dominant and blessed kingdom, not through its own might alone, but through divine favor and the fear of the Lord.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This verse is a profound testament to God's covenant faithfulness and the tangible blessings that flow from obedience and devotion. It illustrates the principle that when a king and his people prioritize seeking the Lord and upholding His Law, God not only grants internal peace and prosperity but also establishes their authority and security among surrounding nations. The "fear of the LORD" falling upon Judah's neighbors is a divine act, demonstrating God's sovereign power to protect His people and even turn enemies into tributaries. This highlights a key theological theme in Chronicles: the direct correlation between national righteousness and divine favor, often manifested in material blessings, peace, and recognition from others. It underscores that true security and abundance come from God's hand, not solely from human might or strategic alliances, but from a divine intervention that commands respect and submission from even the most formidable adversaries.
Reflection and Application
The account of Jehoshaphat receiving tribute from the Philistines and Arabians offers a powerful lesson for contemporary believers and leaders. It reminds us that prioritizing spiritual faithfulness and seeking God's will can lead to unexpected and abundant blessings, not necessarily in the form of literal tribute, but in peace, provision, and influence in our spheres of life. When we align ourselves with God's purposes, His favor can manifest in practical ways, securing our endeavors and even softening the hearts of those who might otherwise oppose us. This narrative encourages us to trust in God's ability to provide and protect, even in challenging circumstances, and to recognize that true prosperity is rooted in His blessing rather than solely in human effort or accumulation. It challenges us to consider how our personal and collective spiritual health impacts our relationships, security, and resources, urging us to cultivate a "fear of the Lord" that inspires respect and peace in our interactions with the world, demonstrating His power through our lives.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did the Philistines and Arabians, traditional adversaries, bring gifts and tribute to Jehoshaphat?
The text explicitly states in 2 Chronicles 17:10 that "the fear of the LORD fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah." This indicates that their actions were not merely political maneuvering or a result of Judah's military might alone, but a direct consequence of divine intervention. God instilled a reverential fear or awe of Judah, due to Jehoshaphat's righteousness and the strength God had given his kingdom. This led these nations to acknowledge Judah's superior position and seek to maintain peace through the customary practice of bringing presents and tribute, rather than engaging in conflict. It highlights God's sovereign power to protect and prosper His faithful servants, even influencing the hearts and actions of their potential enemies, demonstrating that true security comes from divine favor.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
While Jehoshaphat's reign, marked by peace and the receipt of tribute, foreshadows a blessed kingdom, it finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and reign of Jesus Christ. Jehoshaphat's temporary peace and material abundance, achieved through God's favor on an obedient king, point to the eternal and spiritual peace brought by the King of Kings. Just as nations brought tribute to Jehoshaphat, the New Testament portrays Christ as the one to whom all nations will ultimately bow and bring homage, as seen in the Magi bringing gifts to the infant Jesus in Matthew 2:11. The "fear of the LORD" that fell upon surrounding kingdoms in Jehoshaphat's day is a glimpse of the universal acknowledgment of Christ's sovereignty, where every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father, as declared in Philippians 2:10-11. Unlike Jehoshaphat's reign, which was limited by time and human imperfection, Christ's kingdom is eternal, bringing not just material tribute but the spiritual allegiance of hearts from every tribe and nation, as beautifully described in Revelation 5:9-10. He is the true source of all peace, prosperity, and ultimate security, establishing a kingdom where the lion lies down with the lamb (Isaiah 11:6) and nations walk by His light, bringing their glory into the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:24-26).