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.

2 CHRONICLES 17:11KJV
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2 Chronicles 17:11 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 17:11 mean?

2 Chronicles 17:11 describes how neighboring peoples, including the Philistines and Arabians, brought gifts and tribute to King Jehoshaphat of Judah. These offerings included silver, rams, and goats, showing that Jehoshaphat’s rule was respected and that surrounding nations recognized his authority.

This verse is part of a passage describing the reign of Jehoshaphat, who was king of Judah. The chronicler is listing the ways Jehoshaphat’s kingdom prospered and how his leadership influenced other nations. The specific mention of gifts and tribute from powerful neighbors highlights the stability and strength of his rule during this period.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 17:11

  • The word for "presents" is מִנְחָה (minchah), which often means a gift or offering, usually given as a sign of respect or allegiance. Here, it shows that the Philistines were acknowledging Jehoshaphat’s position.
  • The word for "tribute" is מַשָּׂא (massa’), meaning a burden or load, but in this context, it refers to a required payment, emphasizing that these were not just voluntary gifts but also formal tributes.
  • The word for "flocks" is צֹאן (tson), which refers to sheep and goats in general. The detailed numbers of rams and he-goats underline the substantial nature of the tribute.

Why 2 Chronicles 17:11 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jehoshaphat’s influence extended beyond Judah, as even traditional enemies like the Philistines brought him tribute.
  • The mention of both voluntary gifts and formal tribute highlights the combination of respect and obligation felt by neighboring peoples.
  • This detail connects to the broader theme in 2 Chronicles 17 of Jehoshaphat’s faithfulness leading to national security and prosperity, showing how his leadership brought peace and recognition from surrounding nations.

Where else these words appear

“goats” Hebrew H8495 · used in 4 verses

  • Genesis 30:35 And he removed that day the he goats that were ringstraked and spotted, and all the she goats that were speckled and spotted, and every one that had some white in it, and all the brown among the sheep, and gave them into the hand of his sons.
  • Genesis 32:14 Two hundred she goats, and twenty he goats, two hundred ewes, and twenty rams,
  • Proverbs 30:31 A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up.

“Arabians” Hebrew H6163 · used in 9 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 21:16 Moreover the LORD stirred up against Jehoram the spirit of the Philistines, and of the Arabians, that were near the Ethiopians:
  • 2 Chronicles 26:7 And God helped him against the Philistines, and against the Arabians that dwelt in Gurbaal, and the Mehunims.
  • Nehemiah 6:1 Now it came to pass, when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had builded the wall, and that there was no breach left therein;(though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates;)

“tribute” Hebrew H4853 · used in 60 verses

  • Exodus 23:5 If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him.
  • 2 Chronicles 20:25 And when Jehoshaphat and his people came to take away the spoil of them, they found among them in abundance both riches with the dead bodies, and precious jewels, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away: and they were three days in gathering of the spoil, it was so much.
  • Isaiah 23:1 The burden of Tyre. Howl, ye ships of Tarshish; for it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no entering in: from the land of Chittim it is revealed to them.

“Jehoshaphat” Hebrew H3092 · used in 75 verses

  • 2 Samuel 8:16 And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;
  • 2 Kings 3:1 Now Jehoram the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned twelve years.
  • 2 Chronicles 18:31 And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, It is the king of Israel. Therefore they compassed about him to fight: but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him; and God moved them to depart from him.