2 Chronicles 21:3

And their father gave them great gifts of silver, and of gold, and of precious things, with fenced cities in Judah: but the kingdom gave he to Jehoram; because he [was] the firstborn.

And their father {H1} gave {H5414} them great {H7227} gifts {H4979} of silver {H3701}, and of gold {H2091}, and of precious things {H4030}, with fenced {H4694} cities {H5892} in Judah {H3063}: but the kingdom {H4467} gave {H5414} he to Jehoram {H3088}; because he was the firstborn {H1060}.

Their father had given them lavish gifts of silver, gold and other items of value, as well as fortified cities in Y'hudah; but he had given the kingdom to Y'horam, because he was the firstborn.

Their father had given them many gifts of silver and gold and precious things, as well as the fortified cities in Judah; but he gave the kingdom to Jehoram because he was the firstborn.

And their father gave them great gifts, of silver, and of gold, and of precious things, with fortified cities in Judah: but the kingdom gave he to Jehoram, because he was the first-born.

Commentary

This verse describes the distribution of wealth and property by King Jehoshaphat of Judah to his sons before his death, specifically noting the succession plan for the kingdom.

Context

Verse 3 falls within the opening verses of 2 Chronicles chapter 21, which detail the transition of power following the death of King Jehoshaphat. Having reigned righteously for many years, Jehoshaphat prepared for his succession by designating his eldest son, Jehoram, as the next king. However, he also provided generously for his other six sons, giving them considerable wealth and strategic assets.

Key Themes

  • Inheritance and Succession: The verse highlights the practice of passing on wealth and authority within a royal family. It specifically mentions the principle of primogeniture, where the kingdom is given to the firstborn son, Jehoram.
  • Parental Provision: Jehoshaphat demonstrates a concern for the welfare of all his sons, not just the heir. He provides substantial gifts of value – silver, gold, precious things, and even fortified cities – ensuring they were well-provided for, though not in line for the throne.
  • Wealth Distribution: The verse shows how wealth was distributed among the royal family members, distinguishing between personal riches/assets and the ultimate authority of the kingdom.

Linguistic Insights

The term "fenced cities" (Hebrew: 'arim betsurôt) refers to cities that were fortified or walled, making them militarily significant and valuable assets. Giving these to his younger sons indicates a substantial transfer of strategic property, not just portable wealth.

Reflection and Application

While set in a royal context, this verse touches on timeless themes of family provision and the transfer of assets and responsibilities across generations. It shows a father's desire to provide for his children, even as he establishes a clear line of succession. The subsequent verses in 2 Chronicles 21 reveal the tragic outcome when Jehoram, despite his father's careful planning, chose a path of wickedness and violence against his own brothers (see 2 Chronicles 21:4). This serves as a somber reminder that even the best earthly provisions and plans cannot guarantee righteous behavior in the next generation.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 11:23

    And he dealt wisely, and dispersed of all his children throughout all the countries of Judah and Benjamin, unto every fenced city: and he gave them victual in abundance. And he desired many wives.

  • 2 Chronicles 11:5

    And Rehoboam dwelt in Jerusalem, and built cities for defence in Judah.

  • Deuteronomy 21:15

    ¶ If a man have two wives, one beloved, and another hated, and they have born him children, [both] the beloved and the hated; and [if] the firstborn son be hers that was hated:

  • Deuteronomy 21:17

    But he shall acknowledge the son of the hated [for] the firstborn, by giving him a double portion of all that he hath: for he [is] the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn [is] his.

  • Genesis 25:6

    But unto the sons of the concubines, which Abraham had, Abraham gave gifts, and sent them away from Isaac his son, while he yet lived, eastward, unto the east country.