2 Chronicles 17:5

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore the LORD {H3068} stablished {H3559} the kingdom {H4467} in his hand {H3027}; and all Judah {H3063} brought {H5414} to Jehoshaphat {H3092} presents {H4503}; and he had riches {H6239} and honour {H3519} in abundance {H7230}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore ADONAI consolidated his rulership; all Y'hudah brought presents to Y'hoshafat, so that he had wealth and honor in abundance.

Berean Standard Bible

So the LORD established the kingdom in his hand, and all Judah brought him tribute, so that he had an abundance of riches and honor.

American Standard Version

Therefore Jehovah established the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat tribute; and he had riches and honor in abundance.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 17:5 encapsulates the profound divine favor bestowed upon King Jehoshaphat of Judah, illustrating the direct correlation between his devout obedience to the Lord and the subsequent establishment, prosperity, and honor of his reign. This verse serves as a pivotal summary of God's active response to Jehoshaphat's righteous leadership, demonstrating how divine intervention led to an abundance of material wealth and widespread respect, thereby solidifying his position and ensuring the security and flourishing of the kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a detailed account of Jehoshaphat's initial actions as king, setting the stage for the remarkable blessings that ensue. Verses 3-4 explicitly highlight his departure from the idolatrous practices prevalent in the northern kingdom of Israel and his steadfast commitment to seeking the Lord God of his father, David, and walking in His commandments. Therefore, 2 Chronicles 17:5 functions as a direct and divinely ordained consequence, a tangible affirmation of this foundational obedience. The narrative flow continues to reinforce Jehoshaphat's devotion in the subsequent verse, [2 Chronicles 17:6](/2_chronicles/17-6 "2 Chronicles 17:6 - Jehoshaphat's Zeal for the Lord"), which details his zealous removal of high places and Asherah poles from Judah, further underscoring the profound nature of his commitment that elicited such unparalleled divine favor and national stability.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the stability, prosperity, and legitimacy of a kingdom were almost universally attributed to the favor of its patron deity. For the Kingdom of Judah, this meant the indispensable blessing of Yahweh. Kingship was not merely a political office but was viewed as divinely ordained, and a king's success or failure was consistently interpreted through the lens of his faithfulness to the covenant with God. The "presents" brought by "all Judah" were far more than simple gifts; they often represented tribute, taxes, or voluntary offerings signifying allegiance and acknowledging the king's legitimate and divinely-supported rule. This practice was a crucial indicator of the nation's economic health, its internal unity, and the unified support for the monarch, all of which were perceived as clear signs of divine blessing and a well-ordered, flourishing society.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes pervasive throughout the book of Chronicles. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **Divine Establishment and Blessing**, asserting that Jehoshaphat's authority and the security of his reign were not merely human achievements or political maneuvering but a direct work of God, ensuring unparalleled stability and strength for the [Kingdom of Judah](/2_chronicles/11-4 "2 Chronicles 11:4 - Division of the Kingdom"). Secondly, it serves as a prime example of the principle of **Reward for Obedience**, a recurring motif deeply embedded in the Deuteronomistic history, where faithfulness to God consistently leads to tangible prosperity, respect, and national flourishing, as profoundly articulated in [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-14 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience"). Finally, it highlights **Prosperity and Influence** as clear indicators of God's covenant faithfulness and a flourishing kingdom under righteous leadership, reflecting both the people's loyalty and the nation's economic vitality, echoing the foundational promises made to David in [2 Samuel 7:12-13](/2_samuel/7-12-13 "2 Samuel 7:12-13 - God's Covenant with David").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Stablished (Hebrew, _kûwn'_):** The Hebrew verb כּוּן (_kûwn_, H3559) fundamentally means "to be erect," and causatively, "to set up," "to confirm," or "to prepare." In the context of 2 Chronicles 17:5, it denotes a divine act of making something secure, enduring, and divinely sanctioned. It implies that the Lord actively intervened to confirm and strengthen Jehoshaphat's kingship, providing a stability that transcended human effort or political maneuvering. This divine establishment ensured the legitimacy, longevity, and inherent strength of his rule, directly linking God's action to the king's success.
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** The Hebrew word יָד (_yâd_, H3027), translated here as "hand," is a versatile term that often signifies power, authority, means, or dominion. When the text states the Lord "stablished the kingdom in his hand," it powerfully conveys that God placed the kingdom firmly under Jehoshaphat's control and authority. It emphasizes the king's effective governance and the secure grasp he had over his realm, not through his own might alone, but through divine empowerment and endorsement. The "hand" here symbolizes the active exercise of his divinely appointed rule.
* **Presents (Hebrew, _minchâh'_):** The Hebrew word מִנְחָה (_minchâh_, H4503) is multifaceted, referring to a donation, tribute, or specifically a sacrificial offering (often bloodless). In this verse, its use suggests that the "presents" brought by "all Judah" were not merely ordinary gifts but carried a profound connotation of allegiance, respect, and perhaps even a sacred acknowledgment of Jehoshaphat's divinely appointed authority. It signifies a willing and reverent submission to his rule, mirroring the way one might offer tribute or an offering to God, thereby underscoring the king's divinely sanctioned status and the people's unified support.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore the LORD stablished the kingdom in his hand;":** This opening clause establishes a direct cause-and-effect relationship, linking Jehoshaphat's prior obedience and devotion (as described in 2 Chronicles 17:3-4) to God's active, sovereign intervention. The phrase "stablished the kingdom in his hand" signifies that God Himself secured, strengthened, and confirmed Jehoshaphat's rule, ensuring its stability, legitimacy, and effective exercise. This was not a human accomplishment or political maneuver but a divine act of endorsement and empowerment, making his reign firm and secure.
* **"and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents;":** As a direct and tangible result of God's establishment of his kingdom, the people of Judah responded with widespread loyalty, honor, and material support. The "presents" (which could include tribute, taxes, or voluntary offerings) brought by "all Judah" indicate a unified and willing submission to Jehoshaphat's authority. This reflects not only the kingdom's internal peace and economic health under his righteous leadership but also the people's recognition of his divinely-backed reign, expressing their allegiance and contributing to the national treasury.
* **"and he had riches and honour in abundance.":** This final clause describes the comprehensive and overflowing outcomes of God's blessing and the people's loyal support. Jehoshaphat experienced immense material wealth ("riches") and widespread respect, prestige, and high regard ("honour"). The concluding phrase "in abundance" emphasizes the overflowing, superabundant nature of these blessings, signifying a period of unparalleled prosperity, influence, and esteem for the king and his realm, directly attributable to God's favor upon a ruler who diligently sought Him.

#### Literary Devices
2 Chronicles 17:5 effectively employs **Cause and Effect** to highlight the direct correlation between Jehoshaphat's faithfulness and God's subsequent blessings. His previous obedience (implied from the preceding verses) is presented as the clear cause, and the divine establishment of his kingdom, the tribute from all Judah, and his abundant riches and honor are the direct, undeniable effects. The phrase "the LORD stablished" also powerfully utilizes a **Divine Passive** or **Theological Passive** (though grammatically active, the emphasis is squarely on God as the sole agent), underscoring that the stability and security of the kingdom were not due to human effort or political acumen but solely to God's sovereign and active intervention. Furthermore, the concluding phrase "riches and honour in abundance" employs **Hyperbole** to convey the extraordinary and overflowing degree of prosperity and esteem Jehoshaphat enjoyed, dramatically emphasizing the sheer magnitude of God's blessing upon a righteous king.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 17:5 powerfully illustrates the Deuteronomic principle that unwavering obedience to God leads to profound blessing and prosperity, while disobedience inevitably results in judgment. Jehoshaphat's reign serves as a compelling model of a king who, unlike many of his predecessors and successors, prioritized seeking the Lord with his whole heart. In turn, God honored him with remarkable stability, material wealth, and widespread respect. This verse affirms God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly to the Davidic line, demonstrating that divine favor and the flourishing of a kingdom are profoundly contingent upon righteous living and adherence to God's commands. It underscores that true security, lasting abundance, and genuine authority come not from human strength, military might, or political savvy, but from divine establishment and blessing.

* [Deuteronomy 28:1-2](/deuteronomy/28-1-2 "Deuteronomy 28:1-2 - Blessings for Obedience")
* [1 Samuel 2:30](/1_samuel/2-30 "1 Samuel 2:30 - Those Who Honor Me I Will Honor")
* [Proverbs 22:4](/proverbs/22-4 "Proverbs 22:4 - The Reward of Humility and the Fear of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jehoshaphat's story in 2 Chronicles 17:5 offers a profound and enduring lesson for believers today: prioritizing God and diligently walking in His ways is the ultimate and most reliable path to true stability, genuine flourishing, and a life of rich purpose. While God's blessings in the New Covenant are primarily spiritual and not always manifested in material wealth, the underlying principle remains profoundly true: seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness leads to a life that is divinely established and spiritually enriched by His presence, wisdom, and provision. This verse encourages us to deeply examine where our ultimate trust and reliance truly lie – are we striving to establish our lives, careers, and relationships by our own strength, resources, or connections, or are we humbly trusting in the sovereign hand of God to establish them? When we align our lives with His revealed will, we invite His divine establishment into every endeavor, every relationship, and every facet of our spiritual walk, experiencing a richness that transcends mere earthly measures and endures for eternity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently seeking to establish things by your own strength or wisdom, rather than actively trusting in God to establish them?**
* **How does Jehoshaphat's example challenge or affirm your personal understanding of what constitutes true prosperity and success in God's eyes?**
* **What practical and intentional steps can you take this week to more diligently "seek the LORD" in your daily life, mirroring Jehoshaphat's devotion?**
* **Considering Judah's bringing of "presents" to Jehoshaphat, how might God be calling you to demonstrate your allegiance and devotion to Him in tangible ways today?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse imply that all obedient people will be materially wealthy?**

Answer: Not necessarily. While 2 Chronicles 17:5 clearly shows material wealth and honor as a direct blessing for Jehoshaphat's obedience, the Bible presents a broader and more nuanced picture of God's blessings. In the Old Testament, particularly under the Mosaic Covenant, there was often a direct correlation between national obedience and material prosperity, as seen in the promises of [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1-14 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience"). However, the New Testament emphasizes spiritual blessings in Christ ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")) and acknowledges that faithfulness can sometimes lead to persecution or hardship ([2 Timothy 3:12](/2_timothy/3-12 "2 Timothy 3:12 - Persecution for Godly Living")). Jehoshaphat's experience highlights God's faithfulness to those who honor Him, but the *form* of that blessing can vary greatly depending on God's sovereign purposes and the specific covenantal context. It underscores that God *can* bless materially, but His primary concern is our spiritual well-being, conformity to the image of Christ, and the advancement of His eternal kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 17:5 vividly describes the earthly establishment and prosperity of Jehoshaphat's kingdom, it ultimately points forward to the eternal and spiritual reign of Jesus Christ, the true King. Just as "the LORD stablished the kingdom in his hand," God the Father has established an everlasting kingdom in the hands of His Son, Jesus, who is the true King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")). The "riches and honour in abundance" that Jehoshaphat received are but a faint, temporal shadow of the immeasurable spiritual riches and glory that belong to those who are united with Christ ([Ephesians 1:7-8](/ephesians/1-7-8 "Ephesians 1:7-8 - Riches of God's Grace")). Unlike the temporary stability of an earthly kingdom, Christ's kingdom is eternal, unshakable, and not of this world ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakable Kingdom"); [John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom Is Not of This World")), established not by human tribute or military might but by His perfect obedience, atoning sacrifice on the cross, and victorious resurrection ([Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8-11 "Philippians 2:8-11 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). Through Christ, believers receive not just material presents, but the ultimate gift of salvation, reconciliation with God, and an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept securely in heaven ([1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3-4 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - A Living Hope")). Thus, Jehoshaphat's earthly blessings serve as a prophetic glimpse of the far greater spiritual blessings and the eternal, divinely established reign of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom all the promises of God find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises Are Yes in Christ")).

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 18:1

¶ Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honour in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab.

Matthew 6:33

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

1 Peter 5:10

¶ But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle [you].

2 Chronicles 32:23

And many brought gifts unto the LORD to Jerusalem, and presents to Hezekiah king of Judah: so that he was magnified in the sight of all nations from thenceforth.

Job 42:12

So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses.

1 Samuel 10:27

But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace.

Psalms 127:1

¶ A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh [but] in vain.