2 Chronicles 17:5 – “The Lord established the kingdom under his control; and all Judah brought gifts to Jehoshaphat, so that he had great wealth and honor.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

In this verse, we see that God solidified Jehoshaphat’s reign over Judah. It wasn’t by Jehoshaphat’s wisdom or military strategy alone that his kingdom was secure; it was the Lord who established his rule. As a result of this divine favor, the people of Judah showed their loyalty and respect by bringing gifts to him, which in turn increased Jehoshaphat’s wealth and honor. This verse highlights the prosperity and stability that came to Jehoshaphat because he sought to follow God’s ways, leading the people with integrity and faithfulness.

Historical Context

At the time of Jehoshaphat’s reign, the kingdom of Judah had experienced many ups and downs, especially in relation to its northern neighbor, Israel. Jehoshaphat’s father, Asa, had already made reforms and fought off invasions, but his reign had not been perfect. When Jehoshaphat came to power, he continued in the footsteps of his father, but he also took more decisive steps toward reforming the nation spiritually. His loyalty to God and efforts to lead the people back to the true worship of the Lord were key reasons why God strengthened his kingdom and gave him such success.

In ancient times, kings were often measured by their military might and wealth. By mentioning Jehoshaphat’s wealth and honor, the text emphasizes that these blessings were not just the result of political maneuvering but were a sign of God’s approval and establishment of Jehoshaphat’s rule.

Theological Implications

This verse carries an important theological message: God is the one who establishes authority and blesses those who seek Him. Jehoshaphat’s prosperity wasn’t a random occurrence but a direct result of his faithfulness to God. Throughout Scripture, God’s favor and blessing often follow those who lead with righteousness and trust in Him. The gifts and wealth that came to Jehoshaphat were external signs of God’s blessing. It serves as a reminder that when we align ourselves with God’s will, He is faithful to provide for us, though the blessings may come in different forms.

Literary Analysis

This verse marks a pivotal moment in Jehoshaphat’s reign. The phrase “The Lord established the kingdom under his control” highlights the centrality of God’s involvement in Jehoshaphat’s success. It is also significant that the gifts and wealth are mentioned immediately after the Lord’s establishment of the kingdom, linking Jehoshaphat’s prosperity directly to God’s favor.

The structure of the verse moves from divine action to human response: God establishes, and the people bring gifts. This progression shows that Jehoshaphat’s power and honor are not self-made but are rooted in God’s action and the people’s recognition of his divinely sanctioned leadership.

Biblical Cross-References

• 1 Samuel 2:7 – “The Lord sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts.” This verse echoes the truth that God is sovereign over wealth and honor, just as He was in Jehoshaphat’s life.
• Proverbs 3:9-10 – “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” This principle of honoring God and receiving His blessing is reflected in Jehoshaphat’s experience.
• Deuteronomy 8:18 – “But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.” Jehoshaphat’s wealth came from God’s blessing, reminding us of this truth.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, this verse serves as a reminder that God is the one who establishes our paths, whether in leadership, work, or any area of life. When we trust in God and live faithfully, He brings blessings, though they may not always come in the form of wealth or honor like they did for Jehoshaphat. The key takeaway is that true success comes from God, not from human effort alone. This encourages Christians to prioritize faithfulness to God over the pursuit of worldly success, knowing that any success that does come is a gift from Him.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse highlights God’s love and care for His people. By establishing Jehoshaphat’s rule and blessing him with wealth and honor, God shows that He is intimately involved in the lives of His followers. God does not leave His people to struggle on their own; He actively works to provide for them and to give them security. Jehoshaphat’s success is a reflection of God’s love for His people, and it demonstrates that God delights in blessing those who walk in His ways.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jehoshaphat’s reign, with its stability and honor, points forward to the ultimate reign of Jesus Christ. Just as God established Jehoshaphat’s kingdom, so too did God establish Jesus as the King of kings. Jesus is the fulfillment of the line of David, and His reign brings eternal peace and security to His people. The gifts and honor that Jehoshaphat received from his people reflect the way believers honor Jesus as King, bringing their lives and worship to Him. In Revelation 5:12, we see Jesus receiving “power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise,” a clear connection to the idea of kingship and the worship of God’s anointed.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. In what areas of your life do you see God establishing your path, and how can you respond with faithfulness?
2. How does Jehoshaphat’s example of leadership inspire you to seek God’s guidance in your own responsibilities?
3. How can we avoid the temptation to rely on our own efforts for success, instead trusting in God to establish our way?
4. What does this verse teach you about God’s love and desire to bless His people?
5. How does Jehoshaphat’s rule point forward to the reign of Christ, and how can we honor Jesus as our King today?

This verse offers profound insight into the relationship between God’s sovereignty, leadership, and the blessings that come from faithfulness. It calls us to reflect on how God works in our lives, how we can honor Him, and how Jesus, the ultimate King, fulfills all these truths.