How does Jehoshaphat's tribute compare to God's promises in Deuteronomy 28:1-14? Scene Setting “Jehoshaphat grew steadily greater” (2 Chronicles 17:12). The Chronicler highlights one particular signal of that greatness: the extraordinary tribute that poured into Jerusalem from surrounding peoples. “Some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat gifts and a load of silver as tribute, and the Arabs brought him flocks: 7,700 rams and 7,700 goats.” God’s Promises in Deuteronomy 28:1-14 The LORD had sketched a picture of national blessing for Israel if they would “diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God” (v. 1). Key elements: • Nations exalted: “He will set you high above all the nations of the earth” (v. 1). • Economic plenty: “Blessed shall be the produce of your ground and the young of your livestock” (v. 4). • Military and political favor: “The LORD will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before you” (v. 7). • International respect: “All the peoples of the earth will see that you are called by the name of the LORD, and they will fear you” (v. 10). • Financial overflow: “You will lend to many nations but borrow from none” (v. 12). • Leadership status: “The LORD will make you the head and not the tail” (v. 13). Jehoshaphat’s Tribute Recorded • Philistines: long-time foes choose to pay rather than fight. • Arabs: nomadic neighbors bring 7,700 rams + 7,700 goats—an enormous agricultural gift. • Judah itself: “All Judah brought tribute to Jehoshaphat, and he had great riches and honor” (2 Chronicles 17:5). Point-by-Point Comparison 1. Nations Subject to Judah’s King – Deuteronomy 28:1,13: exaltation above nations. – 2 Chronicles 17:11: Philistines and Arabs acknowledge Judah’s superiority with gifts. 2. Material Prosperity – Deuteronomy 28:4: blessing on livestock. – The gift of thousands of animals confirms overflowing herds in Jehoshaphat’s realm and beyond. 3. Political Security – Deuteronomy 28:7: enemies routed. – Instead of mounting attacks, historic enemies send silver—proof of secure borders (cf. 2 Chronicles 17:10, “And the dread of the LORD was on all the kingdoms”). 4. International Respect and Fear – Deuteronomy 28:10: fear of the LORD on surrounding peoples. – 2 Chronicles 17:10 reiterates that exact phenomenon, producing tribute. 5. Economic Headship – Deuteronomy 28:12-13: lending, not borrowing; head, not tail. – Tribute places Judah on the receiving end of wealth transfer—exactly what “headship” looks like in ancient diplomacy. Lessons for Today • God keeps His word in real-world, measurable ways. • Obedience positions a believer (or nation) to become an undeniable testimony to surrounding onlookers. • Blessing is never merely personal; it attracts and influences others (Matthew 5:16). Key Takeaways • Jehoshaphat’s tribute is a tangible, public echo of every promise in Deuteronomy 28:1-14. • The overflow of rams, goats, silver, and honor illustrates that “not one word” of God’s covenant promises fails (Joshua 21:45). |
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