2 Chronicles 17:5

“Therefore the Lord stablished the kingdom in his hand, etc.] 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 <091027> 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.”

“all Judah brought . . . presents--This was customary with the people generally at the beginning of a reign (Sa1 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.”

“Presents - i. e. “free-will offerings,” in addition to the regular taxes. See 1 Samuel 10:27. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Brought presents - As subjects in those times used to do to their kings, as a token of their respect and subjection to them. 2 Chronicles 17:6”

“17:5-6 The word translated gifts is usually translated “tribute,” such as conquering kings required of their vassals (e.g., Judg 3:15-18), but forced tribute is hardly the sense intended here. The people of Judah voluntarily made Jehoshaphat very wealthy. As with Uzziah (2 Chr 26:16) and Hezekiah (32:25), riches often result in pride. However, Jehoshaphat was deeply committed to the ways of the Lord. He was not proud of his own achievements; instead, his courage led him to remove idolatrous worship from the kingdom. Jehoshaphat established control within his kingdom by practicing righteousness and faithfulness to God.”

“am 3091, bc 913 the Lord: Sa2 7:25, Sa2 7:26; Kg1 9:4, Kg1 9:5; Psa 127:1, Psa 132:12; Pe1 5:10 brought: Heb. gave presents: Ch2 32:23; Sa1 10:27; Kg1 4:21, Kg1 10:25; Psa 68:29, Psa 72:10, Psa 76:11; Mat 2:11 he had riches: Ch2 1:15, Ch2 9:27, Ch2 18:1, Ch2 32:27-29; Gen 13:2, Gen 26:13, Gen 26:14; Deu 8:13, Deu 8:14; Kg1 10:27; Job 42:12; Mat 6:33 2 Chronicles 17:6”

“Therefore Jahve established the kingdom in his hand, i.e., under his rule; cf. Kg2 14:5. All Judah brought him presents. מנחה, often used of tribute of subject peoples, e.g., in Ch2 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 Ch2 18:1, recalls Ch1 29:28; Ch2 1:12, and signifies that Jehoshaphat, like his ancestors David and Solomon, was blessed for walking in the pious ways of these his…”