2 Chronicles 21:3

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
This verse details King Jehoshaphat's meticulous distribution of assets among his sons prior to his death, a practice common for ancient Near Eastern monarchs. While providing substantial material wealth—including silver, gold, precious items, and strategically important fortified cities within Judah—to his younger sons, Jehoshaphat explicitly designates the kingdom itself to his eldest son, Jehoram, in accordance with the principle of primogeniture. This act underscores both a father's provision for his family and the established order of royal succession in Judah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 2 Chronicles 21:3 is situated at a critical juncture in the book, marking the transition from the generally righteous and prosperous reign of King Jehoshaphat (chapters 17-20) to the tragically wicked rule of his son, Jehoram. The preceding verses (21:1-2) set the stage by announcing Jehoshaphat's death and listing his seven sons, including Jehoram, who is clearly identified as the eldest. This verse, therefore, serves as a crucial bridge, illustrating Jehoshaphat's final acts of governance and family provision before the narrative pivots dramatically to Jehoram's violent consolidation of power and subsequent apostasy, as vividly described in [2 Chronicles 21:4-6](/2-chronicles/21-4 "2 Chronicles 21:4-6 - Jehoram's Wicked Reign"). The careful distribution of wealth here stands in stark contrast to the bloodshed that immediately follows, highlighting the futility of human planning in the face of spiritual rebellion.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of a king distributing wealth and property to his non-heir sons was a common strategy in the ancient Near East to ensure their loyalty, provide for their welfare, and potentially prevent internal strife or challenges to the designated successor. Primogeniture, the right of the firstborn son to inherit the primary estate or title, was a deeply entrenched legal and social custom in Israelite society, enshrined in Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 21:17](/deuteronomy/21-17 "Deuteronomy 21:17 - Rights of the Firstborn")). "Fenced cities" refer to fortified or walled cities, which were not merely residential properties but significant strategic and economic assets. Granting such cities indicated a substantial transfer of power and resources, potentially making these sons regional governors or powerful landowners, thereby securing their position within the kingdom's hierarchy, albeit subordinate to the king.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **Royal Succession and Primogeniture**, illustrating the established custom by which the Davidic throne was passed down. Secondly, it highlights **Parental Provision and Stewardship**, as Jehoshaphat demonstrates a responsible concern for all his children, not just the heir, by distributing significant wealth. This act reflects a king's duty to manage his resources and provide for his family, even as he adheres to the principle of a clear line of succession. Thirdly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **The Limits of Human Wisdom and Planning**. Despite Jehoshaphat's careful and seemingly wise arrangements, the subsequent narrative reveals Jehoram's immediate betrayal and murder of his brothers ([2 Chronicles 21:4](/2-chronicles/21-4 "2 Chronicles 21:4 - Jehoram Murders His Brothers")), demonstrating that even the most meticulously laid human plans cannot guarantee righteous outcomes or prevent the destructive consequences of sin. This foreshadows the broader theological point that true security and blessing come from obedience to God, not merely from material provision or human foresight, a theme explored throughout [the book of 2 Chronicles](/2-chronicles/1 "The Book of 2 Chronicles").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gifts (Hebrew, _mattanot'_):** This term refers to presents or offerings, often given as a sign of respect, favor, or provision. In this context, it signifies a deliberate and substantial transfer of assets from Jehoshaphat to his younger sons. The use of "great gifts" emphasizes the generosity and significant value of the silver, gold, and precious things, indicating a comprehensive provision designed to secure their future and status.
* **Fenced cities (Hebrew, _'arim betsurôt'_):** Literally "cities of fortifications" or "fortified cities." These were not just parcels of land but strategically important urban centers equipped with defensive walls and infrastructure. Granting these to his younger sons meant providing them with a permanent, defensible base of power and a source of income, distinguishing this provision from mere portable wealth. It implies a degree of regional authority or significant landownership, making them powerful figures within Judah, though not contenders for the throne.
* **Firstborn (Hebrew, _bekor'_):** This term denotes the eldest son, who, by custom and law, held a privileged position of inheritance. In the context of royalty, the firstborn inherited the kingship. Jehoshaphat's explicit statement that the kingdom was given to Jehoram "because he was the firstborn" underscores the adherence to this ancient and sacred principle of primogeniture, which was foundational to the stability and legitimacy of the Davidic dynasty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And their father gave them great gifts of silver, and of gold, and of precious things":** This clause highlights the generous and extensive provision made by King Jehoshaphat for his non-heir sons. The enumeration of "silver, and of gold, and of precious things" signifies a comprehensive transfer of valuable, portable wealth, ensuring their financial security and status within the kingdom. It reflects a father's desire to care for all his offspring.
* **"with fenced cities in Judah":** This phrase indicates that Jehoshaphat's provision extended beyond movable riches to include significant, permanent, and strategic assets. "Fenced cities" were fortified urban centers, providing not only residence but also a base of power, economic resources, and military significance. Granting these assets to his younger sons suggests a deliberate attempt to establish them as powerful, yet subordinate, figures within the kingdom, perhaps as regional administrators or landowners, preventing them from feeling dispossessed.
* **"but the kingdom gave he to Jehoram; because he [was] the firstborn":** This final clause clearly distinguishes the distribution of personal wealth from the transfer of ultimate political authority. The "kingdom" refers to the throne and the sovereign rule of Judah. Jehoshaphat's decision to grant this solely to Jehoram is explicitly justified by the principle of primogeniture, emphasizing that the succession was not arbitrary but followed established legal and cultural norms. This highlights the singular nature of the royal inheritance and the unique position of the firstborn heir.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its message. **Contrast** is evident in the distinction between the "great gifts" given to the younger sons and the singular "kingdom" reserved for the firstborn, Jehoram. This highlights the different types of inheritance and the unique status of the heir. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as the careful and generous provision by Jehoshaphat, a righteous king, stands in stark contrast to the subsequent violent and unrighteous actions of Jehoram, who would murder these very brothers ([2 Chronicles 21:4](/2-chronicles/21-4 "2 Chronicles 21:4 - Jehoram Murders His Brothers")). This subtle foreshadowing emphasizes the tragic irony of human planning when confronted with human depravity. The **Enumeration** of "silver, and of gold, and of precious things" serves as a form of **Merism**, signifying the totality and abundance of the wealth transferred, indicating that no expense was spared in providing for the younger sons.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 21:3 speaks to the theological themes of divine order in succession, the stewardship of wealth, and the responsibility inherent in inheritance. While the verse describes a human act of royal succession governed by the principle of primogeniture, it implicitly points to God's ultimate sovereignty over all earthly kingdoms and their rulers. The careful provision by Jehoshaphat, a king who largely walked in the ways of the Lord, reflects a righteous concern for his family's welfare and the stability of his realm, even if the outcome was tragically marred by his son's wickedness. This tension between human planning and divine will, and the moral choices of individuals, is a recurring theme in the Deuteronomistic history. The verse also touches on the broader biblical concept of inheritance, not just as material wealth, but as a legacy of responsibility and a trust to be managed, which Jehoram would ultimately fail to uphold.

* [Deuteronomy 21:17](/deuteronomy/21-17 "Deuteronomy 21:17 - Rights of the Firstborn - Double Portion")
* [Proverbs 13:22](/proverbs/13-22 "Proverbs 13:22 - Inheritance of the Righteous")
* [1 Kings 1](/1-kings/1 "1 Kings 1 - Succession of Solomon")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse, though set in a royal court of ancient Judah, offers profound insights into timeless principles of family, provision, and the transfer of responsibility across generations. Jehoshaphat's actions demonstrate a father's deep concern for the well-being of all his children, not just the designated heir. He models a form of responsible stewardship, distributing assets in a way that sought to provide for his sons and maintain stability within the kingdom. Yet, the subsequent narrative in 2 Chronicles 21 reveals the tragic reality that even the most meticulous human planning and generous material provision cannot guarantee righteous character or prevent the destructive choices of the next generation. This serves as a powerful reminder that while we are called to be good stewards of our resources and to wisely prepare for the future, our ultimate hope and the true inheritance we pass on must be spiritual. We must labor not just to provide material comfort, but to instill faith, character, and a love for God, recognizing that true security and blessing come from a relationship with the Lord, not from earthly possessions or positions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jehoshaphat's approach to inheritance challenge or affirm our modern understanding of family provision and wealth transfer?**
* **What are the spiritual "fenced cities" or strategic assets we can pass on to the next generation that are more enduring than material wealth?**
* **How can we, like Jehoshaphat, plan wisely for the future while simultaneously acknowledging the limits of human control over the choices of others?**
* **In what ways does the subsequent narrative of Jehoram's reign highlight the importance of spiritual inheritance and character over material inheritance?**

### FAQ

**Why did King Jehoshaphat give so many gifts and cities to his younger sons if Jehoram was to be king?**

Answer: Jehoshaphat's actions were likely a strategic and compassionate move to ensure stability and prevent future conflict. In ancient monarchies, non-heir sons could become sources of discontent or even lead revolts if they felt disinherited or unprovided for. By giving them "great gifts of silver, and of gold, and of precious things, with fenced cities," Jehoshaphat was providing them with significant wealth, status, and a secure base of power. This provision ensured their welfare, gave them a vested interest in the kingdom's stability, and potentially established them as powerful regional governors or landowners, thereby removing any immediate incentive for them to challenge Jehoram's rule. It was an attempt to consolidate the family's power and minimize internal threats, even while adhering to the principle of primogeniture for the throne itself.

**What was the significance of "primogeniture" in ancient Israelite kingship?**

Answer: Primogeniture, the right of the firstborn son to inherit the primary estate or title, was a foundational principle in ancient Israelite society, deeply rooted in both custom and Mosaic Law ([Deuteronomy 21:17](/deuteronomy/21-17 "Deuteronomy 21:17 - Rights of the Firstborn - Double Portion")). In the context of kingship, it meant that the eldest son was the rightful heir to the throne, ensuring a clear and orderly succession. This practice minimized disputes over who would rule and provided a stable line of authority, which was crucial for the continuity and strength of the Davidic dynasty. Jehoshaphat's explicit statement that the kingdom was given to Jehoram "because he [was] the firstborn" underscores the adherence to this established and legitimizing principle.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 21:3 describes an earthly king's distribution of a temporal inheritance, it subtly points forward to the ultimate, eternal inheritance found in Christ. Jesus is the true and eternal "firstborn" in a far grander sense, not merely by human lineage but as the "firstborn over all creation" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Firstborn of All Creation")) and the "firstborn from among the dead" ([Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ, Head of the Church")). To Him, the Father has "appointed heir of all things" ([Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - Son, Heir of All Things")), granting Him a kingdom that is not of this world and will never end ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom is Not of This World"); [Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - Everlasting Dominion")). Unlike Jehoram, who squandered his earthly inheritance through wickedness and violence, Christ, the perfect Son, faithfully received and perfectly stewards His divine inheritance, offering eternal "gifts" to His followers—not silver or gold, but the spiritual riches of salvation, righteousness, and eternal life ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ"); [Ephesians 4:7-8](/ephesians/4-7 "Ephesians 4:7-8 - Grace and Gifts from Christ")). The failure of earthly kings and their flawed successions ultimately highlights the need for the perfect, unblemished, and eternal reign of the King of kings, Jesus Christ, who alone can truly secure the ultimate inheritance for His people.

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 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.