1
2CH 17:1
5
2CH 17:5
Therefore Jahve established the kingdom in his hand, i.e., under his rule; cf. 2 Kings 14:5. All Judah brought him presents. מנחה , often used of tribute of subject peoples, e.g., in 2 Chronicles 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 2 Chronicles 18:1, recalls 1 Chronicles 29:28; 2 Chronicles 1:12, and signifies that Jehoshaphat, like his ancestors David and Solomon, was blessed for walking in the pious ways of these his forefathers.
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Jehoshaphat's efforts to strengthen the kingdom, internally and externally. - 2 Chronicles 17:1, or rather the first half of this verse, belongs properly to the preceding chapter, since, when the son immediately follows the father on the throne, the successor is mentioned immediately: cf. 2 Chronicles 9:31; 2 Chronicles 12:16; 2 Chronicles 24:27; 2 Chronicles 27:9, etc. Here, however, the account of the accession to the throne is combined with a general remark on the reign of the successor, and therefore it is placed at the commencement of the account of the reign; while in the case of Asa (2 Chronicles 14:1) both come in immediately at the conclusion of the reign of his predecessor. Asa had shown himself weak against Israel, as he had sought help against Baasha's attack from the Syrians (2 Chronicles 16:1.), but it was otherwise with Jehoshaphat. He indeed put the fenced cities of his kingdom in a thoroughly good condition for defence, to protect his kingdom against hostile attacks from without (v. 20: but he walked at the same time in the ways of the Lord, so that the Lord made his kingdom strong and mighty (2 Chronicles 17:3-5). This general characterization of his reign is in 2 Chronicles 17:6 illustrated by facts: first by the communication of what Jehoshaphat did for the inner spiritual strengthening of the kingdom, by raising the standard of religion and morals among the people (2 Chronicles 17:6-11), and then by what he did for the external increase of his power (2 Chronicles 17:12-19).
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