II Chronicles 17:11 · Bible study
2 Chronicles 17:11 Commentary: Tribute as Divine Blessing
Hebrew · 9 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
How the tribute brought by Philistines and Arabians illustrates the covenant blessings God gave to Jehoshaphat in response to his reforms.
Research Summary
- Meaning: The tribute from Philistines and Arabians demonstrates God’s covenant blessing on Jehoshaphat’s faithfulness and reforms.
- Key words: minchah (tribute/gift), massa (burden/load), tzon (flock), eleph (thousand).
- Main debate: Whether the tribute was a forced annual payment (Barnes, Gill) or a voluntary gift to secure peace (Matthew Henry, Jamieson-Fausset-Brown).
- Theological theme: Retribution theology in Chronicles: obedience leads to divine favour and material prosperity as part of the Davidic covenant.
- Best use: A sermon illustration of how God’s presence with a faithful leader brings unexpected peace and resources.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
Some Philistines also brought gifts and silver as tribute to Jehoshaphat, and the Arabs brought him 7,700 rams and 7,700 goats from their flocks.
WEB World English Bible 2000
Some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents and silver for tribute. The Arabians also brought him flocks: seven thousand seven hundred rams and seven thousand seven hundred male goats.
KJV King James Version 1769
Also some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents, and tribute silver; and the Arabians brought him flocks, seven thousand and seven hundred rams, and seven thousand and seven hundred he goats.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
And some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents, and silver for tribute; the Arabians also brought him flocks, seven thousand and seven hundred rams, and seven thousand and seven hundred he-goats.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
and of the Philistines they are bringing in to Jehoshaphat a present, and tribute silver; also, the Arabians are bringing to him a flock, rams seven thousand an seven hundred, and he-goats seven thousand and seven hundred.
Darby Darby Bible 1890
And some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat gifts and tribute-silver. The Arabians also brought him flocks, seven thousand seven hundred rams, and seven thousand seven hundred he-goats.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
The Philistines also brought presents to Josaphat, and tribute in silver, and the Arabians brought him cattle, seven thousand seven hundred rams, and as many he goats.
Translations in other languages (10 available)
Y traían de los Filisteos presentes á Josaphat, y tributos de plata. Los Arabes también le trajeron ganados, siete mil y setecientos|strong="H7651, H3967" carneros y siete mil y setecientos|strong="H7651, H3967" machos de cabrío.
E traziam dos filisteus presentes a Josafá, e tributos de prata. Os árabes também lhe trouxeram gados, sete mil e setecentos carneiros e sete mil e setecentos bodes.
Des Philistins apportèrent à Josaphat des présents et un tribut en argent; et les Arabes lui amenèrent aussi du bétail, sept mille sept cents béliers et sept mille sept cents boucs.
Und die Philister brachten Josaphat Geschenke, eine Last Silber; und die Araber brachten ihm siebentausend und siebenhundert Widder und siebentausend und siebenhundert Böcke.
En van de Filistijnen brachten zij Josafat geschenken met het opgelegde geld; ook brachten hem de Arabieren klein vee, zeven duizend en zevenhonderd rammen, en zeven duizend en zevenhonderd bokken.
E una parte de’ Filistei recò a Giosafat dei doni, e un tributo in argento; anche gli Arabi gli menarono del bestiame: settemila settecento montoni e settemila settecento capri.
Nawet i Filistynowie przynosili Jozafatowi dary i dań pieniężną. Arabczycy też przygnali mu drobnego bydła, baranów siedm tysięcy i siedm set, kozłów także siedm tysięcy i siedm set.
А от Филистимлян приносили Иосафату дары и в дань серебро; также Аравитяне пригоняли к нему мелкий скот: овнов семь тысяч семьсот и козлов семь тысяч семьсот.
有些 非利士人 與約沙法 送 禮物，納貢 銀。阿拉伯人 也 送 他 公 綿羊 七 千 七 百隻，公山羊 七 千 七 百隻。
And some of the Philistines took offerings to Jehoshaphat, and made him payments of silver; and the Arabians gave him flocks, seven thousand, seven hundred sheep, and seven thousand, seven hundred he-goats.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · II Chronicles 17:11
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators across traditions see this verse as a concrete example of covenant blessing on a faithful king. Matthew Henry notes that the fear of Yahweh fell on surrounding nations, so they not only refrained from war but brought presents. Keil and Delitzsch describe the gifts as homage, presents rather than forced tribute. Barnes and Gill connect both groups to earlier conquests: Asa had defeated Philistines and Arabians (2 Chronicles 14:14, 15), so they now pay tribute to his son. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown calls the gifts “a voluntary offer of tribute” to secure Jehoshaphat’s friendship. The Hebrew phrase khesef massa’ (“silver a burden”) indicates a large quantity, not a fixed tax. So the consensus is clear: this tribute signals the political and economic peace God gave Jehoshaphat because he walked in the ways of the Lord.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- Voluntary gifts of homage: The Hebrew minchah often means gift, and the text says only that they “brought presents”; no explicit language of conquest or enforcement.
- Renewed tribute from earlier conquests: Asa had defeated Philistines and Arabians (2 Chronicles 14:14–15), so this likely continued that annual payment, as Gill and Barnes argue.
- Symbol of covenant blessing: The narrative flow—from teaching the law (vv. 7–9) to fear of God (v. 10) to tribute (v. 11)—shows the Chronicler’s theme of obedience leading to blessing.
What is clear: The tribute demonstrates God’s favour on Jehoshaphat’s reign, resulting from the fear of Yahweh and his own faithfulness.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Nature of the tribute | Philistines and Arabians brought valuable goods to Jehoshaphat as a sign of their submission or goodwill. | Some see it as a forced annual tribute from conquered peoples (Clarke, Barnes); others view it as a voluntary gift to secure peace (Matthew Henry, Jamieson-Fausset-Brown). |
| Source of peace | The fear of Yahweh falling on surrounding kingdoms is presented as the direct cause of peace and tribute. | Was this a supernatural terror (Matthew Henry) or a natural political outcome of Jehoshaphat’s strength and God’s reputation (Keil and Delitzsch)? |
| Relation to earlier kings | Both David and Asa had subdued these groups (2 Samuel 8:1; 2 Chronicles 14:14, 15). | Some say Jehoshaphat simply collected renewed tribute from already conquered peoples (Gill); others see it as a new development, since the text says “some of the Philistines” rather than all (Barnes). |
| Theological meaning for today | God blesses faithfulness, and this verse is part of that biblical pattern. | Some traditions read it as a direct promise of material prosperity for believers; others stress that it applies specifically to the Davidic monarchy and not as a one-to-one promise for individuals. |
Historical & Cultural Context
The immediate context is Jehoshaphat’s religious reforms. In verses 7, 9 he sent princes, Levites and priests to teach the book of Yahweh’s law throughout Judah, a unique program of covenant instruction. Verse 10 says the result was that “the fear of Yahweh fell on all the kingdoms of the lands that were around Judah.” This fear is God’s weapon, not mere psychology. In the ancient Near East, when a king clearly enjoyed his god’s favour, other rulers often sent gifts or tribute to secure peace.
The Philistines had been subdued by David (2 Samuel 8:1) and more recently by Asa (2 Chronicles 14). Cities like Gath and Ekron were within striking distance. The Arabians were nomadic Bedouin from the south, likely the same groups Asa plundered (2 Chronicles 14:14, 15). For pastoral people, flocks were wealth; 7,700 rams and 7,700 goats was an enormous offering. The number “seven” appears twice, perhaps signalling completeness, but Keil and Delitzsch caution against overreading it, the point is the sheer quantity.
This tribute allowed Jehoshaphat to build fortresses and store cities (vv. 12, 13). The Chronicler is showing the covenant in action: obedience brings security and abundance. It is not a blanket promise for every believer, but a demonstration of God’s faithfulness to a king who sought Him.
Textual Notes
The supplied sources note no significant textual variants for this verse. The Hebrew text is consistent across manuscripts, and major versions (Septuagint, Syriac, Vulgate) agree in substance. Minor differences in rendering “tribute silver” (e.g., LXX: “silver in abundance”) reflect interpretation rather than a variant reading.
Reception History
This verse has been most widely used in Christian homiletics as an example of God rewarding piety with peace and provision. Matthew Henry (1710) saw in it a “fear of God” that secures outward safety. Gill and the Geneva Bible notes pointed to Asa’s conquests as background, emphasising that God’s blessing continues through a dynasty. In the Reformed tradition, it illustrates the temporal blessings of the covenant for covenant-keepers. The verse is not the subject of major doctrinal controversy, but it has been a favourite in devotional literature for teaching that walking in God’s ways brings surprising favors even from former enemies.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- God’s fear brings peace on earth. Verse 10 says the fear of Yahweh fell on surrounding kingdoms, so they made no war. The tribute is the tangible result of that peace.
- God’s blessing provides from unexpected sources. Philistines and Arabians were former enemies. Now they bring silver and flocks. God can move the hearts of outsiders to supply His people.
- God’s favour is tied to faithfulness. Jehoshaphat had just sent teachers with the law (vv. 7, 9). The tribute did not come first. Walking in God’s ways precedes the blessing.
Five-point outline
- Foundation: Jehoshaphat’s obedience and reforms (vv. 1, 9).
- Divine action: Fear of God falls on the nations (v. 10).
- Evidence: Former enemies bring tribute (v. 11).
- Expansion: Jehoshaphat builds and prospers (vv. 12, 13).
- Protection: A formidable army stands ready (vv. 14, 19).
Illustration hooks
- A neighbour who opposed your church’s building project donates materials to finish it.
- A rival at work unexpectedly supports your idea and helps secure funding.
- A farmer who struggled through drought sees the first heavy rain just before planting.
Questions your congregation is asking
- “If I obey God, will I get rich and have no enemies?”
- “Why do some faithful believers suffer while others prosper?”
- “Does God guarantee political peace today the way He did for Jehoshaphat?”
Leading a Discussion
This verse sits inside a story about a king who took God’s law seriously. The Chronicler wants us to see cause and effect: teaching the law leads to peace and provision. But the application for us requires care. God’s blessings come in many forms, not always material. Let the questions below guide your group from what the text says to what it means for your life.
Discussion questions
- Observation: What did the Philistines and Arabians bring to Jehoshaphat? (Look at the text and note the types of goods.)
- Observation: What happened in verse 10 that explains why these nations brought tribute?
- Interpretation: Why would former enemies become tributaries? What does this say about how God works in international affairs?
- Interpretation: The tribute comes right after Jehoshaphat’s teaching campaign (vv. 7, 9). How does the Chronicler connect religious faithfulness and political success?
- Application: In what ways have you seen God provide unexpected resources or peace when you pursued Him seriously?
- Application: Not every obedient believer sees material abundance. How does this passage keep us from assuming a direct formula of “obedience equals wealth”?
- Application: What is one area of your life where you need to trust God’s blessing, whether material or spiritual, as you seek to follow Him?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| II Samuel 8:2 | He defeated Moab, and measured them with the line, making them to lie down on the ground; and he measured two lines to put to death, and one full line to keep alive. The Moabites became servants to David, and brought tribute. |
| II Kings 3:4 | Now Mesha king of Moab was a sheep breeder; and he supplied the king of Israel with one hundred thousand lambs and the wool of one hundred thousand rams. |
| II Chronicles 9:14 | in addition to that which the traders and merchants brought. All the kings of Arabia and the governors of the country brought gold and silver to Solomon. |
| II Chronicles 17:5 | Therefore Yahweh established the kingdom in his hand. All Judah brought tribute to Jehoshaphat, and he had riches and honor in abundance. |
| II Chronicles 26:8 | The Ammonites gave tribute to Uzziah. His name spread abroad even to the entrance of Egypt, for he grew exceedingly strong. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
8 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke observes that the Philistines and Arabians bought peace with Judah through annual tribute, each offering what their land produced: the Philistines brought silver and goods, while the Arabs gave flocks of rams and goats.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes identifies the "presents" from the Philistines as tribute payments from a subject people, not voluntary gifts. He also notes the phrase "silver of burden" refers to tribute silver and that the Arabians paid a fixed yearly tribute in goods.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
tribute silver ] R.V. silver for tribute . the Arabians ] Cp. 2 Ch_21:16 . flocks ] Cp. 2 Ki_3:4 .
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
Also some of the Philistims brought Iehoshaphat giftes and tribute siluer, and the Arabians brought him flockes, seuen thousande and seuen hundreth rammes, and seuen thousande and seuen hundreth hee goates.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill observes that these Philistines and Arabians were likely the same groups Asa had conquered and made tributary years earlier. Their gifts to Jehoshaphat were not spontaneous generosity but continued tribute, brought out of fear that he might follow his father's example and attack them.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
The commentator suggests the Philistines' tribute came from those who had earlier submitted to David, now continuing their allegiance to his godly successor. The Arabians, nomadic tribes south of the Dead Sea, paid their tribute in cattle, a gift suited to their pastoral way of life.
Keil & Delitzsch OT Commentary Protestant 1876
Keil-Delitzsch stresses that the peace surrounding Jehoshaphat was a direct divine reward for his piety, not merely a convenient lull in geopolitics. They insist that the terror of the Lord, not chance, kept enemies at bay and prompted voluntary gifts from Philistines and Arabian tribes.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry notes that Jehoshaphat was neither the warrior David was nor the scholar Solomon was, yet the fear of the Lord fell on surrounding nations. God so governed their spirits that they held the king in reverence and made no war against him. This was his true prosperity.