2 Chronicles 27:5

KJV

He fought also with the king of the Ammonites, and prevailed against them. And the children of Ammon gave him the same year an hundred talents of silver, and ten thousand measures of wheat, and ten thousand of barley. So much did the children of Ammon pay unto him, both the second year, and the third.

KJV (with Strong's)

He fought {H3898} also with the king {H4428} of the Ammonites {H5984}, and prevailed {H2388} against them. And the children {H1121} of Ammon {H5983} gave {H5414} him the same year {H8141} an hundred {H3967} talents {H3603} of silver {H3701}, and ten {H6235} thousand {H505} measures {H3734} of wheat {H2406}, and ten {H6235} thousand {H505} of barley {H8184}. So much did the children {H1121} of Ammon {H5983} pay {H7725} unto {H2063} him, both the second {H8145} year {H8141}, and the third {H7992}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He fought with the king of the people of 'Amon and defeated them. That year the people of 'Amon paid him tribute of three-and-a-third tons of silver, 50,000 bushels of wheat and 50,000 [bushels] of barley. The people of 'Amon paid him the same amount the second and third years also.

Berean Standard Bible

Jotham waged war against the king of the Ammonites and defeated them, and that year they gave him a hundred talents of silver, ten thousand cors of wheat, and ten thousand cors of barley. They paid him the same in the second and third years.

American Standard Version

He fought also with the king of the children of Ammon, and prevailed against them. And the children of Ammon gave him the same year a hundred talents of silver, and ten thousand measures of wheat, and ten thousand of barley. So much did the children of Ammon render unto him, in the second year also, and in the third.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 27:5 details King Jotham’s decisive military victory over the Ammonites, resulting in a substantial and sustained tribute of silver, wheat, and barley. This verse underscores a period of significant strength, prosperity, and regional dominance for the kingdom of Judah, directly attributed to Jotham’s righteous reign and God's favor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the account of King Jotham's reign, which begins in [2 Chronicles 27](/2_chronicles/27 "2 Chronicles 27 - The Reign of Jotham"). It immediately follows the Chronicler's commendation of Jotham's righteousness, noting that he "did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father Uzziah did: howbeit he entered not into the temple of the Lord" ([2 Chronicles 27:2](/2_chronicles/27-2 "2 Chronicles 27:2 - Jotham's Righteousness")). This distinction from his father's later trespass (see [2 Chronicles 26:16-21](/2_chronicles/26-16 "2 Chronicles 26:16-21 - Uzziah's Transgression")) is crucial, setting the stage for Jotham's subsequent successes. The military victory and the resulting tribute described in [2 Chronicles 27:5](/2_chronicles/27-5 "2 Chronicles 27:5 - Jotham's Victory and Tribute") serve as tangible evidence of God's blessing upon a king who walked in obedience. The narrative then concludes with Jotham growing "mighty, because he prepared his ways before the Lord his God" ([2 Chronicles 27:6](/2_chronicles/27-6 "2 Chronicles 27:6 - Jotham's Strength from God")), reinforcing the direct link between his piety and his prosperity.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Ammonites were a Semitic people inhabiting the region east of the Jordan River, frequently in conflict with Israel and Judah throughout their history (e.g., [Judges 3:12-30](/judges/3-12 "Judges 3:12-30 - Ehud and Eglon"), [1 Samuel 11:1-11](/1_samuel/11-1 "1 Samuel 11:1-11 - Saul Defeats the Ammonites"), [2 Samuel 10:1-19](/2_samuel/10-19 "2 Samuel 10:1-19 - David Defeats the Ammonites")). Their defeat by Jotham signifies Judah's regional power and military prowess during his reign. The practice of exacting tribute from defeated nations was a standard component of ancient Near Eastern geopolitics, serving as a clear sign of submission and economic dominance. The specific quantities mentioned – 100 talents of silver and 10,000 measures of wheat and barley – represent an enormous sum, indicative of the Ammonites' complete subjugation and a significant economic boost for Judah. This level of tribute would have greatly enhanced Judah's wealth and resources, contributing to the kingdom's overall stability and prosperity.

* **Key Themes:** [2 Chronicles 27:5](/2_chronicles/27-5 "2 Chronicles 27:5 - Jotham's Victory and Tribute") powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the Chronicler's theological agenda. Foremost among these is the theme of **divine blessing for righteousness**. Jotham's military success and the subsequent economic windfall are presented as direct consequences of his faithful walk with God, contrasting sharply with the consequences of his father Uzziah's pride and disobedience. This reinforces the Deuteronomic principle that obedience to God leads to prosperity and victory, while disobedience brings judgment, a concept explored in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Another prominent theme is **national strength and security**. Jotham's ability to subdue a formidable and long-standing adversary like the Ammonites highlights Judah's robust military and political standing. Finally, the verse speaks to **economic prosperity**, demonstrating how God can provide abundant resources through various means when a nation or its leader aligns with His will. This echoes the widespread prosperity seen under other righteous kings, such as [King Solomon](/1_kings/4-21 "1 Kings 4:21 - Solomon's Dominion and Prosperity").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prevailed (Hebrew, _chazaq'_):** This verb means to be strong, firm, courageous, or to overcome. Its use here emphasizes Jotham's decisive victory over the Ammonites, implying not just a battle won, but a complete subjugation. It suggests that Jotham was empowered by God to be strong and effective in his military endeavors, leading to a conclusive triumph.
* **Talents (Hebrew, _kikkar'_):** A "talent" was a large unit of weight, typically for precious metals like silver or gold, varying in precise value but generally around 75 pounds (approx. 34 kg). One hundred talents of silver represents an immense quantity of wealth, underscoring the severity of the Ammonites' defeat and the significant economic gain for Judah. This was not a token payment but a massive transfer of resources.
* **Measures (Hebrew, _kor'_):** The "kor" was a dry measure, equivalent to a homer, which was approximately 6 bushels or 220 liters. Ten thousand measures of wheat and ten thousand measures of barley signify a colossal amount of grain. This substantial agricultural tribute would have provided immense food security and economic stability for Judah, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the Ammonites' submission.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He fought also with the king of the Ammonites, and prevailed against them."**: This opening clause establishes Jotham's active and successful military leadership. It highlights his engagement in warfare and the decisive outcome, indicating Judah's military superiority under his command. The term "prevailed" signifies a complete and undeniable victory.
* **"And the children of Ammon gave him the same year an hundred talents of silver, and ten thousand measures of wheat, and ten thousand of barley."**: This clause details the immediate and substantial economic consequences of Jotham's victory. The specific, large quantities of silver and grain underscore the magnitude of the tribute, reflecting the Ammonites' complete submission and Judah's significant material gain.
* **"So much did the children of Ammon pay unto him, both the second year, and the third."**: This final clause emphasizes the sustained nature of the tribute. It was not a one-time payment but an annual obligation for at least three years, demonstrating the long-term subjugation of the Ammonites and the enduring economic benefit and regional power enjoyed by Judah under Jotham's reign.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several **literary devices** in [2 Chronicles 27:5](/2_chronicles/27-5 "2 Chronicles 27:5 - Jotham's Victory and Tribute") to emphasize Jotham's success and God's favor. The use of **specific, large numbers** (100 talents, 10,000 measures) serves as a form of **hyperbole** or **amplification**, not necessarily to exaggerate literally, but to underscore the immense scale of the tribute and thus the magnitude of Jotham's victory and Judah's prosperity. This precise quantification lends an air of historical veracity while simultaneously emphasizing the divine blessing. The **repetition** of the phrase "So much did the children of Ammon pay unto him, both the second year, and the third" highlights the sustained nature of the tribute, reinforcing the long-term impact of Jotham's decisive victory and Judah's continued dominance. Furthermore, the passage implicitly uses **contrast** by subtly setting Jotham's righteous and successful reign against the backdrop of his father Uzziah's later pride and subsequent affliction, thereby reinforcing the Chronicler's overarching theological theme of divine recompense.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The account of Jotham's victory and the subsequent tribute in 2 Chronicles 27:5 serves as a powerful illustration of the Deuteronomic principle that obedience to God brings blessing and prosperity. Jotham's righteousness, explicitly stated earlier in the chapter, is directly linked to his military success and the economic boon for Judah. This demonstrates God's active involvement in the affairs of nations and His willingness to grant strength and provision to those who walk in His ways. It is a testament to the fact that true security and wealth ultimately come from divine favor, not merely human might or strategic brilliance. For the Chronicler, this narrative reinforces the idea that Israel's well-being is inextricably tied to its covenant faithfulness.

* [Deuteronomy 28:1-2](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28:1-2 - Blessings for Obedience")
* [Proverbs 21:31](/proverbs/21-31 "Proverbs 21:31 - Victory is from the Lord")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God is the Judge")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the immediate context of 2 Chronicles 27:5 is a historical account of military conquest and national tribute, its underlying principles offer profound spiritual lessons for believers today. Just as Jotham's righteousness led to tangible blessings for Judah, so too does faithfulness to God in our lives often yield spiritual and sometimes even tangible fruit. This verse encourages us to pursue integrity, obedience, and dependence on God in all our endeavors, whether facing personal challenges, professional obstacles, or spiritual battles. It reminds us that God is able to grant strength to "prevail" against adversaries and provide resources beyond our natural means. The sustained nature of the Ammonite tribute also speaks to the long-term benefits of consistent faithfulness; God's blessings often endure and compound over time, providing stability and security. We are called to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, knowing that He can equip us for every good work and bring about His purposes in our lives and communities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jotham's reign, particularly his military success, challenge or affirm your understanding of God's favor in the lives of His people?**
* **In what areas of your life are you seeking "victory" or "provision"? How might Jotham's example encourage you to pursue righteousness and trust God for the outcome?**
* **What does the sustained tribute from the Ammonites teach us about the long-term benefits of obedience and walking in God's ways?**

### FAQ
**Why is Jotham's military success highlighted immediately after his righteousness?**

Answer: Jotham's military success and the subsequent tribute are presented as a direct consequence and tangible evidence of his righteous reign. The Chronicler frequently links the prosperity and security of Judah's kings to their faithfulness to God, contrasting it with the misfortunes that befall disobedient rulers. This highlights the Deuteronomic principle that obedience to God brings blessing and victory, while disobedience brings judgment. The tribute from the [Ammonites](/2_chronicles/20 "2 Chronicles 20 - Jehoshaphat and the Ammonites") not only demonstrates Judah's strength but also God's favor upon a king who "did what was right in the eyes of the Lord" ([2 Chronicles 27:2](/2_chronicles/27-2 "2 Chronicles 27:2 - Jotham's Righteousness")). This literary arrangement emphasizes the theological lesson that God honors those who honor Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jotham's victory was a temporal triumph over an earthly foe, it serves as a historical foreshadowing of the ultimate and eternal victory achieved by Jesus Christ. Jotham "prevailed" against the Ammonites, securing a material tribute for his kingdom; Christ, the true King of kings, "prevailed" over sin, death, and the powers of darkness through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection. His triumph on the cross disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities, making a public spectacle of them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph over Powers")). The "tribute" Christ receives is not silver or grain, but a redeemed humanity, purchased by His own blood from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation ([Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9-10 - Redeemed from Every Tribe")). Just as Jotham's reign brought peace and prosperity to Judah, Christ's reign brings spiritual peace, reconciliation, and eternal life to all who believe in Him, offering a far greater "wealth" of grace and forgiveness ([Ephesians 1:7-8](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7-8 - Redemption through His Blood")). His victory is not for a few years, but for all eternity, establishing a kingdom that will never end ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory over Death")).

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

Judges 11:4

¶ And it came to pass in process of time, that the children of Ammon made war against Israel.

Judges 11:33

And he smote them from Aroer, even till thou come to Minnith, [even] twenty cities, and unto the plain of the vineyards, with a very great slaughter. Thus the children of Ammon were subdued before the children of Israel.

Jeremiah 49:1

¶ Concerning the Ammonites, thus saith the LORD; Hath Israel no sons? hath he no heir? why [then] doth their king inherit Gad, and his people dwell in his cities?

Jeremiah 49:6

And afterward I will bring again the captivity of the children of Ammon, saith the LORD.

2 Chronicles 20:1

¶ It came to pass after this also, [that] the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon, and with them [other] beside the Ammonites, came against Jehoshaphat to battle.

2 Samuel 10:1

¶ And it came to pass after this, that the king of the children of Ammon died, and Hanun his son reigned in his stead.

2 Samuel 10:14

And when the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians were fled, then fled they also before Abishai, and entered into the city. So Joab returned from the children of Ammon, and came to Jerusalem.