What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 17:5? So the LORD established the kingdom in his hand “ So the LORD established the kingdom in his hand ”. • God Himself secured Jehoshaphat’s throne, just as He had promised David that a son would always sit on the throne (2 Samuel 7:12-16; 1 Kings 2:45). • This divine establishment flowed from Jehoshaphat’s earlier choices—he “sought the God of his father” and “walked in His commandments” (2 Chronicles 17:3-4). The principle is clear: when leaders humble themselves before the LORD, He lifts them up (James 4:10; Psalm 75:6-7). • The wording echoes Solomon’s experience: “The LORD was with Solomon and greatly magnified him” (2 Chronicles 1:1). God’s hand, not human politics, is the decisive factor in national stability (Proverbs 21:1). and all Judah brought him tribute “ and all Judah brought him tribute ”. • The nation responded to God’s work by giving generous support to their king, showing unity and loyalty (1 Chronicles 29:9; 2 Samuel 8:10). • Tribute in this context included regular taxes, gifts, and voluntary offerings—evidence of a healthy economy and of the people’s confidence in righteous leadership (1 Kings 10:24-25; 2 Chronicles 32:23). • When a leader walks uprightly, the people are blessed alongside him (Proverbs 29:2); they gladly invest in godly governance because they see tangible fruit. so that he had an abundance of riches and honor “ so that he had an abundance of riches and honor ”. • Material prosperity and public prestige were covenant blessings promised to obedient kings and nations (Deuteronomy 28:1-13). • God had already made this pattern clear with Solomon: “I will give you riches, wealth, and honor such as no king before you has ever had” (2 Chronicles 1:12). Jehoshaphat experiences the same principle: seek first God’s kingdom, and “all these things will be added” (Matthew 6:33). • Riches and honor are tools for greater service, not ends in themselves. Scripture cautions the wealthy to be “rich in good deeds, generous, and willing to share” (1 Timothy 6:17-19). Jehoshaphat later uses his resources to fortify cities and send teachers of the Law throughout Judah (2 Chronicles 17:9-12), turning personal blessing into communal benefit. summary 2 Chronicles 17:5 pictures a cause-and-effect chain that still speaks today: God raises up leaders who honor Him; the people gladly support such leaders; and tangible blessing follows, providing both security and resources for wider kingdom purposes. Jehoshaphat’s story reminds us that when the LORD is at the center, stability, unity, and prosperity naturally flow. |
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