2 Chronicles 17:11

KJV

Also [some] of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents, and tribute silver; and the Arabians brought him flocks, seven thousand and seven hundred rams, and seven thousand and seven hundred he goats.

KJV (with Strong's)

Also some of the Philistines {H6430} brought {H935} Jehoshaphat {H3092} presents {H4503}, and tribute {H4853} silver {H3701}; and the Arabians {H6163} brought {H935} him flocks {H6629}, seven {H7651} thousand {H505} and seven {H7651} hundred {H3967} rams {H352}, and seven {H7651} thousand {H505} and seven {H7651} hundred {H3967} he goats {H8495}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Some of the P'lishtim brought Y'hoshafat gifts and silver as tribute; the Arabs too brought him flocks - 7,700 rams and 7,700 male goats.

Berean Standard Bible

Some Philistines also brought gifts and silver as tribute to Jehoshaphat, and the Arabs brought him 7,700 rams and 7,700 goats from their flocks.

American Standard Version

And some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents, and silver for tribute; the Arabians also brought him flocks, seven thousand and seven hundred rams, and seven thousand and seven hundred he-goats.

Commentary

### 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](/2_chronicles/17 "2 Chronicles 17 - Jehoshaphat's Reign and Reforms") 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 ([2 Chronicles 17:7-9](/2_chronicles/17-7 "2 Chronicles 17:7-9 - Jehoshaphat's Teaching Initiative")), Jehoshaphat experiences divine favor. The preceding verse, [2 Chronicles 17:10](/2_chronicles/17-10 "2 Chronicles 17:10 - The Fear of the LORD on Surrounding Nations"), 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.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Philistines were ancient adversaries of Israel, often engaging in fierce conflicts (e.g., [1 Samuel 17](/1_samuel/17 "1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath")). 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.

* **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 in [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience"). 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](/proverbs/16-7 "Proverbs 16:7 - God Makes Enemies at Peace"). 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.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Presents (מנחה, _minchah_):** This Hebrew term 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](/leviticus/2-1 "Leviticus 2:1 - The Grain Offering")), or a gift presented to a superior as a sign of respect or to curry favor ([Genesis 32:13](/genesis/32-13 "Genesis 32:13 - Jacob's Present to Esau")). 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.
* **Tribute (מס, _mas_):** This word refers to a compulsory payment, levy, or forced labor. It implies a subjugation or acknowledgment of a superior's authority, often imposed on conquered peoples or vassal states ([1 Kings 4:6](/1_kings/4-6 "1 Kings 4:6 - Adoniram in Charge of Forced Labor")). 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.
* **Flocks (מקנה, _miqneh_):** This general term for livestock, including sheep, goats, and cattle, 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.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Also [some] of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents, and tribute silver;":** This clause highlights the submission of the Philistines, a traditional enemy of Israel, to King Jehoshaphat. The dual nature of their offering – "presents" (voluntary homage) and "tribute silver" (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, likely driven by the "fear of the LORD" mentioned in the preceding verse. The "silver" indicates a valuable and portable form of wealth.
* **"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.

#### 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. **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.

### 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.

* [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience to God")
* [Proverbs 16:7](/proverbs/16-7 "Proverbs 16:7 - When a man's ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.")
* [Psalm 72:10-11](/psalm/72-10 "Psalm 72:10-11 - Kings of Tarshish and the isles shall bring presents; the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts. All kings shall fall down before him; all nations shall serve him.")

### 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.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or community might you be seeking security or provision apart from God's favor?**
* **How does Jehoshaphat's example encourage you to prioritize spiritual faithfulness over worldly strategies for success?**
* **What does it mean for "the fear of the LORD" to fall upon those around you in a modern context?**
* **How can you cultivate an attitude of trust in God's abundant provision, even when circumstances seem challenging?**

### FAQ
**Question?** Why did the Philistines and Arabians, traditional adversaries, bring gifts and tribute to Jehoshaphat?

Answer: The text explicitly states in [2 Chronicles 17:10](/2_chronicles/17-10 "2 Chronicles 17:10 - The Fear of the LORD on Surrounding Nations") 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.

### 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 ([Matthew 2:11](/matthew/2-11 "Matthew 2:11 - The Magi Worship Jesus")). 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 ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). 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 ([Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9-10 - The Lamb Redeems People from Every Tribe")). 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](/isaiah/11-6 "Isaiah 11:6 - The Wolf and the Lamb")) and nations walk by His light, bringing their glory into the New Jerusalem ([Revelation 21:24-26](/revelation/21-24 "Revelation 21:24-26 - The Nations Walk by Its Light")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 26:8

And the Ammonites gave gifts to Uzziah: and his name spread abroad [even] to the entering in of Egypt; for he strengthened [himself] exceedingly.

2 Chronicles 9:14

Beside [that which] chapmen and merchants brought. And all the kings of Arabia and governors of the country brought gold and silver to Solomon.

2 Samuel 8:2

And he smote Moab, and measured them with a line, casting them down to the ground; even with two lines measured he to put to death, and with one full line to keep alive. And [so] the Moabites became David's servants, [and] brought gifts.

2 Kings 3:4

And Mesha king of Moab was a sheepmaster, and rendered unto the king of Israel an hundred thousand lambs, and an hundred thousand rams, with the wool.

2 Chronicles 17:5

Therefore the LORD stablished the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honour in abundance.