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.

EXPOSITORY (ENGLISH BIBLE)

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(5) Therefore.—And (so “also,” “so that,” in 2Chronicles 17:7; 2Chronicles 17:10).

The Lord stablished the kingdom in his hand.—Comp. 2Kings 14:5.

Presents.—Minchah. This word often means tributary offerings, as in 2Chronicles 17:11, but here it obviously denotes the voluntary gifts of loyal subjects, usual at the beginning of a reign (1Samuel 10:27).

And he had (or got) riches and honour in abundance.—Like David and Solomon (1Chronicles 29:28; 2Chronicles 1:12).

Benson Commentary

2 Chronicles 17:5-6. Therefore the Lord established the kingdom in his hand — Those stand firm that have the presence of God with them. If the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, that will stablish the work of our hands, and establish us in our integrity. And all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents — As subjects, in those times and places, used to do to their kings, in token of their respect and subjection to them. The more there is of true religion among a people, the more conscientious loyalty there will be. A governor, that answers the end of government, will be supported. And he had riches and honour in abundance — The effect of the favour both of God and his people. It is undoubtedly true, though few will believe it, that religion and piety are the best friends to outward prosperity. And his heart was lift up in the ways of the Lord — Riches and honour in abundance prove to many a clog and a hinderance in the ways of the Lord, an occasion of pride, security, and sensuality: but they had a quite contrary effect upon Jehoshaphat: his abundance was oil to the wheels of his obedience; and the more he had of the wealth of this world, the more cheerfully and resolutely he went on in the ways of the Lord. His heart also was lifted up above all discouragements, difficulties, and fears, by which men’s hearts are wont to be cast down. He was valiant and resolute for God and his ways. He took away the high places and groves — That is, those in which idols were worshipped; for those that were dedicated to the true God only were not taken away, chap. 2 Chronicles 20:33. And though Asa had done the same before, yet either he did not do it thoroughly, or the people, who were mad upon their idols, had secretly made new ones, in the latter part of his reign, when he grew more infirm in body, and more remiss in God’s cause.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

17:1-19 Jehoshaphat promotes religion in Judah, His prosperity. - Jehoshaphat found his people generally very ignorant, and therefore endeavoured to have them well taught. The public teaching of the word of God forms, in all ages, the great method of promoting the power of godliness. Thereby the understanding is informed, the conscience is awakened and directed. We have a particular account of Jehoshaphat's prosperity. But it was not his formidable army that restrained the neighbouring nations from attempting any thing against Israel, but the fear of God which fell upon them, when Jehoshaphat reformed his country, and set up a preaching ministry in it. The ordinances of God are more the strength and safety of a kingdom, than soldiers and weapons of war. The Bible requires use to notice the hand of God in every event, yet this is little regarded. But let all employ the talents they have: be faithful, even in that which is little. Set up the worship of God in your houses. The charge of a family is important. Why should you not instruct them as Jehoshaphat did his subjects, in the book of the law of the Lord. But be consistent. Do not recommend one thing, and practise another. Begin with yourselves. Seek to the Lord God of Israel, then call upon children and servants to follow your example.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Presents - i. e. "free-will offerings," in addition to the regular taxes. See 1 Samuel 10:27.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

5. all Judah brought … presents—This was customary with the people generally at the beginning of a reign (1Sa 10:27), and with the nobles and high functionaries yearly afterwards. They were given in the form of voluntary offerings, to avoid the odious idea of a tax or tribute.

Matthew Poole's Commentary

Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; as subjects in those times and places used to do to their kings, as a token of their respect and subjection to them. See 1 Samuel 10:27 1 Kings 10:25 2 Chronicles 32:23.

Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

Therefore the Lord stablished the kingdom in his hand,.... Piety is the best prop of government; the throne is best supported and established by truth, righteousness, and mercy; by the exercise of these Jehoshaphat was settled in his kingdom, and had a place in the hearts of his people:

and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; being well affected to him, as well as it was usual so to do at a prince's accession to the throne, see 1 Samuel 10:27.

and he had riches and honour in abundance; through the presents his subjects brought him, and the respect they showed him.

Geneva Study Bible

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

EXEGETICAL (ORIGINAL LANGUAGES)

Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

5. bought … presents] Probably congratulatory gifts at his accession; cp. 1 Samuel 10:27.

riches and honour] Cp. 2 Chronicles 18:1.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 5. - All Judah brought presents to Jehoshaphat. These presents were, of course, voluntary gifts, though, like not a few others, custom may have taken off from them something of the bloom of spontaneousness (1 Samuel 10:27; 2 Samuel 8:2; 1 Kings 4:21; 1 Kings 10:25; Psalm 72:10). 2 Chronicles 17:5

Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament

Therefore Jahve established the kingdom in his hand, i.e., under his rule; cf. 2 Kings 14:5. All Judah brought him presents. מנחה, often used of tribute of subject peoples, e.g., in 2 Chronicles 17:11 of the Philistines, cannot here have that signification; nor can it denote the regular imposts of subjects, for these are not called מנחה; but must denote voluntary gifts which his subjects brought him as a token of their reverence and love. The last clause, "and there was to him (he attained) riches and honour in abundance," which is repeated 2 Chronicles 18:1, recalls 1 Chronicles 29:28; 2 Chronicles 1:12, and signifies that Jehoshaphat, like his ancestors David and Solomon, was blessed for walking in the pious ways of these his forefathers.