2 Chronicles 17:5

So the LORD established the kingdom in his hand, and all Judah brought him tribute, so that he had an abundance of riches and honor.

Study Bible

So the LORD established the kingdom in his hand
This phrase highlights the divine intervention and support that Jehoshaphat received as king. The establishment of the kingdom by the LORD signifies God's approval and blessing upon Jehoshaphat's reign. This echoes the biblical theme that true authority and stability come from God (Romans 13:1). The phrase also reflects the covenantal relationship between God and the Davidic line, as seen in 2 Samuel 7:16, where God promises to establish David's throne forever. Jehoshaphat's reliance on God is a type of Christ, who perfectly fulfills the role of a king established by God.

and all Judah brought him tribute
The act of bringing tribute indicates the loyalty and support of the people of Judah towards Jehoshaphat. This was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures, where subjects would bring gifts to their king as a sign of allegiance and respect. The unity and cooperation of Judah under Jehoshaphat's rule can be seen as a fulfillment of the blessings promised to those who follow God's commandments (Deuteronomy 28:1-14). This also prefigures the homage that all nations will bring to Christ, the King of Kings, as prophesied in Isaiah 60:5-6.

so that he had an abundance of riches and honor
The abundance of riches and honor bestowed upon Jehoshaphat is a testament to God's favor and the prosperity that comes from righteous leadership. This prosperity is reminiscent of Solomon's reign, where wisdom and adherence to God's laws led to great wealth and honor (1 Kings 10:23-25). The phrase underscores the biblical principle that those who seek God's kingdom and righteousness will be blessed materially and spiritually (Matthew 6:33). Jehoshaphat's wealth and honor can be seen as a foreshadowing of the eternal riches and glory found in Christ, who provides spiritual abundance to His followers (Ephesians 1:18).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jehoshaphat
The fourth king of the Kingdom of Judah, known for his religious reforms and efforts to bring the people back to the worship of Yahweh.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, consisting of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, over which Jehoshaphat reigned.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who established Jehoshaphat's kingdom and blessed him with prosperity.

4. Tribute
The offerings or gifts brought by the people of Judah to Jehoshaphat, signifying their loyalty and the prosperity of his reign.

5. Riches and Honor
The material wealth and respect that Jehoshaphat received as a result of his faithfulness to God and God's favor upon him.

Teaching Points

God's Establishment
Recognize that true stability and success come from the Lord's establishment. Just as God established Jehoshaphat's kingdom, He can establish our lives when we are faithful to Him.

Faithfulness Brings Blessing
Jehoshaphat's faithfulness to God resulted in material and social blessings. We should strive to be faithful in our walk with God, trusting that He will provide for our needs.

The Role of Tribute
The tribute brought to Jehoshaphat signifies respect and acknowledgment of God's chosen leader. In our lives, we should honor those whom God has placed in authority over us.

Riches and Honor
While material wealth is not the ultimate goal, it can be a byproduct of living a life that honors God. We should use any wealth or honor we receive to further God's kingdom.

Seek First God's Kingdom
Jehoshaphat's reign exemplifies the principle of seeking God's kingdom first. In our daily lives, we should prioritize God's will and trust Him for the rest.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jehoshaphat's faithfulness to God serve as a model for us in our personal and professional lives?

2. In what ways can we bring "tribute" to God today, and how does this reflect our loyalty and gratitude?

3. How can we balance the pursuit of material wealth with the call to seek first the kingdom of God?

4. What are some practical ways we can honor those in authority over us, as the people of Judah did with Jehoshaphat?

5. How do the blessings described in Deuteronomy 28:1-14 relate to the prosperity experienced by Jehoshaphat, and how can we apply these principles to our lives today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 3:13
This verse highlights how God granted Solomon riches and honor, similar to Jehoshaphat, as a result of his faithfulness and wisdom.

Proverbs 3:9-10
These verses emphasize the principle of honoring the Lord with one's wealth, which aligns with the tribute brought to Jehoshaphat.

Matthew 6:33
Jesus teaches about seeking first the kingdom of God, which parallels Jehoshaphat's prioritization of God's ways and the resulting blessings.

Psalm 112:1-3
This passage describes the blessings of the righteous, including wealth and honor, reflecting the prosperity experienced by Jehoshaphat.

Deuteronomy 28:1-14
These verses outline the blessings for obedience to God's commands, which Jehoshaphat experienced during his reign.