Jehoshaphat, who typically faces divine judgment for compromising alliances, here achieves complete victory through radical dependence on God rather than military strategy.
2 Chronicles 20
Jehoshaphat's Victory Over Coalition
1After this, the children of Moab, the children of Ammon, and with them some of the Ammonites, came against Jehoshaphat to battle.
2Then some came who told Jehoshaphat, saying, “A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea from Syria. Behold, they are in Hazazon Tamar” (that is, En Gedi).
3Jehoshaphat was alarmed, and set himself to seek the LORD. He proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.
4Judah gathered themselves together to seek help from the LORD. They came out of all the cities of Judah to seek the LORD.
5Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the LORD’s house, before the new court;
6and he said, “LORD, the God of our fathers, aren’t you God in heaven? Aren’t you ruler over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in your hand, so that no one is able to withstand you.
7Didn’t you, our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel, and give it to the offspring of Abraham your friend forever?
8They lived in it, and have built you a sanctuary in it for your name, saying,
9‘If evil comes on us—the sword, judgment, pestilence, or famine—we will stand before this house, and before you (for your name is in this house), and cry to you in our affliction, and you will hear and save.’
10Now, behold, the children of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir, whom you would not let Israel invade when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned away from them, and didn’t destroy them;
11behold, how they reward us, to come to cast us out of your possession, which you have given us to inherit.
12Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no might against this great company that comes against us. We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”
13All Judah stood before the LORD, with their little ones, their wives, and their children.
14Then the LORD’s Spirit came on Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, the Levite, of the sons of Asaph, in the middle of the assembly;
15and he said, “Listen, all Judah, and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat. The LORD says to you, ‘Don’t be afraid, and don’t be dismayed because of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s.
16Tomorrow, go down against them. Behold, they are coming up by the ascent of Ziz. You will find them at the end of the valley, before the wilderness of Jeruel.
17You will not need to fight this battle. Set yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Don’t be afraid, nor be dismayed. Go out against them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you.’”
18Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground; and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the LORD, worshiping the LORD.
19The Levites, of the children of the Kohathites and of the children of the Korahites, stood up to praise the LORD, the God of Israel, with an exceedingly loud voice.
20They rose early in the morning and went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. As they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the LORD your God, so you will be established! Believe his prophets, so you will prosper.”
21When he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the LORD and give praise in holy array as they go out before the army, and say, “Give thanks to the LORD, for his loving kindness endures forever.”
22When they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushers against the children of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were struck.
23For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir to utterly kill and destroy them. When they had finished the inhabitants of Seir, everyone helped to destroy each other.
24When Judah came to the place overlooking the wilderness, they looked at the multitude; and behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and there were none who escaped.
25When Jehoshaphat and his people came to take their plunder, they found among them in abundance both riches and dead bodies with precious jewels, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away. They took plunder for three days, it was so much.
26On the fourth day, they assembled themselves in Beracah Valley, for there they blessed the LORD. Therefore the name of that place was called “Beracah Valley” to this day.
27Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, with Jehoshaphat in front of them, to go again to Jerusalem with joy; for the LORD had made them to rejoice over their enemies.
28They came to Jerusalem with stringed instruments, harps, and trumpets to the LORD’s house.
29The fear of God was on all the kingdoms of the countries when they heard that the LORD fought against the enemies of Israel.
30So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet, for his God gave him rest all around.
Jehoshaphat's Death and Final Acts
31So Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah. He was thirty-five years old when he began to reign. He reigned twenty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi.
32He walked in the way of Asa his father, and didn’t turn away from it, doing that which was right in the LORD’s eyes.
33However the high places were not taken away, and the people had still not set their hearts on the God of their fathers.
34Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, first and last, behold, they are written in the history of Jehu the son of Hanani, which is included in the book of the kings of Israel.
35After this, Jehoshaphat king of Judah joined himself with Ahaziah king of Israel. The same did very wickedly.
36He joined himself with him to make ships to go to Tarshish. They made the ships in Ezion Geber.
37Then Eliezer the son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, “Because you have joined yourself with Ahaziah, the LORD has destroyed your works.” The ships were wrecked, so that they were not able to go to Tarshish.
Font Size 17pt
Line Spacing
Theme
When a vast coalition of Moab, Ammon, and other nations threatens Judah, King Jehoshaphat responds by proclaiming a fast and leading the nation in prayer, acknowledging their helplessness and dependence on God. Through the prophet Jahaziel, God promises victory without fighting, declaring 'the battle is not yours, but God's.' The enemies destroy each other while Judah watches, resulting in abundant spoil and a period of peace, though the chapter concludes with Jehoshaphat's problematic alliance with wicked King Ahaziah.
Context
This chapter follows Jehoshaphat's earlier reforms and alliance with Ahab, demonstrating both the king's spiritual leadership and his continued struggle with problematic foreign alliances.
Key Themes
Outline
- 1-4 Coalition Threat and National Prayer A massive enemy coalition prompts Jehoshaphat to proclaim a fast and gather all Judah to seek the LORD.
- 5-12 Jehoshaphat's Prayer The king prays publicly, appealing to God's sovereignty, past faithfulness, and their current helplessness.
- 13-19 Divine Response Through Jahaziel God's Spirit comes upon a Levite who prophesies victory without fighting, prompting worship and praise.
- 20-24 March to Victory Judah advances with singers leading, and God causes the enemies to destroy each other completely.
- 25-30 Abundant Spoil and Peace Three days are needed to collect the vast plunder, followed by celebration and regional peace.
- 31-37 Jehoshaphat's Reign Summary and Final Error The chapter concludes with Jehoshaphat's reign overview and his condemned alliance with Israel's wicked king.
Jehoshaphat's Victory Over Coalition
20:1–20:30 narrative prayer hopeful
Facing invasion by a coalition of enemies, Jehoshaphat leads Judah in fasting and prayer, acknowledging their helplessness and complete dependence on God. God responds through the prophet Jahaziel, promising divine intervention and victory.
person_contrast
Jehoshaphat, who typically faces divine judgment for compromising alliances, here achieves complete victory through radical dependence on God rather than military strategy.
Jehoshaphat's Death and Final Acts
20:31–20:37 narrative narration solemn
The passage records Jehoshaphat's death and final acts, noting his generally righteous reign but his failure to remove high places and his ill-fated alliance with wicked King Ahaziah. God's judgment comes through the destruction of their joint shipping venture to Tarshish.
person_contrast
Azubah, whose name means "forsaken," ironically appears as mother to Jehoshaphat who himself would be "forsaken" by God due to his alliance with wicked Ahaziah.
Insights
Azubah, whose name means "forsaken," ironically appears as mother to Jehoshaphat who himself would be "forsaken" by God due to his alliance with wicked Ahaziah.
Cross-References
Connected passages across Scripture
2 Chronicles 20:1 1 reference
2 Chronicles 20:6 2 references
Lexicals 2
2 Chronicles 20:7 3 references
Lexicals 3
Isaiah 41:8 Lexical
“But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the offspring of Abraham my friend,
Deuteronomy 1:8 Lexical
Behold, I have set the land before you. Go in and possess the land which the LORD swore to your fathers—to Abraham, to I…
Genesis 28:4 Lexical
and give you the blessing of Abraham, to you and to your offspring with you, that you may inherit the land where you tra…
2 Chronicles 20:9 5 references
Lexicals 5
Judges 10:14 Lexical
Go and cry to the gods which you have chosen. Let them save you in the time of your distress!”
Jeremiah 38:2 Lexical
“The LORD says, ‘He who remains in this city will die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence, but he who goe…
Ezekiel 12:16 Lexical
But I will leave a few men of them from the sword, from the famine, and from the pestilence, that they may declare all t…
Ezekiel 7:15 Lexical
“‘The sword is outside, and the pestilence and the famine within. He who is in the field will die by the sword. He who i…
Ezekiel 6:12 Lexical
He who is far off will die of the pestilence. He who is near will fall by the sword. He who remains and is besieged will…
2 Chronicles 20:14 5 references
Lexicals 5
1 Chronicles 16:5 Lexical
Asaph the chief, and second to him Zechariah, then Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-Edom, an…
1 Chronicles 15:18 Lexical
and with them their brothers of the second rank: Zechariah, Ben, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Benaiah, Maa…
2 Chronicles 29:13 Lexical
and of the sons of Elizaphan, Shimri and Jeuel; and of the sons of Asaph, Zechariah and Mattaniah;
Nehemiah 12:35 Lexical
and some of the priests’ sons with trumpets: Zechariah the son of Jonathan, the son of Shemaiah, the son of Mattaniah, t…
Nehemiah 11:22 Lexical
The overseer also of the Levites at Jerusalem was Uzzi the son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the…
2 Chronicles 20:15 2 references
2 Chronicles 20:17 2 references
2 Chronicles 20:18 4 references
Lexicals 4
1 Samuel 28:14 Lexical
He said to her, “What does he look like?” She said, “An old man comes up. He is covered with a robe.” Saul perceived tha…
Nehemiah 8:6 Lexical
Then Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. All the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” with the lifting up of their hands. Th…
Numbers 22:31 Lexical
Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the LORD’s angel standing in the way, with his sword drawn in his ha…
1 Kings 1:31 Lexical
Then Bathsheba bowed with her face to the earth and showed respect to the king, and said, “Let my lord King David live f…
2 Chronicles 20:20 1 reference
2 Chronicles 20:21 5 references
Lexicals 5
2 Chronicles 5:13 Lexical
when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when t…
Psalms 106:1 Lexical
Praise the LORD! Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever.
Ezra 3:11 Lexical
They sang to one another in praising and giving thanks to the LORD, “For he is good, for his loving kindness endures for…
2 Chronicles 7:6 Lexical
The priests stood, according to their positions; the Levites also with instruments of music of the LORD, which David the…
Psalms 138:2 Lexical
I will bow down toward your holy temple, and give thanks to your Name for your loving kindness and for your truth; for y…
2 Chronicles 20:23 1 reference
2 Chronicles 20:24 2 references
2 Chronicles 20:25 2 references
2 Chronicles 20:28 3 references
Lexicals 3
1 Chronicles 13:8 Lexical
David and all Israel played before God with all their might, even with songs, with harps, with stringed instruments, wit…
2 Chronicles 5:12 Lexical
also the Levites who were the singers, all of them, even Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and their sons and their brothers, arra…
1 Chronicles 15:28 Lexical
Thus all Israel brought the ark of the LORD’s covenant up with shouting, with sound of the cornet, with trumpets, and wi…
2 Chronicles 20:29 1 reference
2 Chronicles 20:31 5 references
Lexicals 5
1 Kings 22:42 Lexical
Jehoshaphat was thirty-five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned twenty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother’…
2 Chronicles 29:1 Lexical
Hezekiah began to reign when he was twenty-five years old, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother’s n…
2 Kings 18:2 Lexical
He was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name wa…
2 Kings 23:36 Lexical
Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name…
2 Chronicles 25:1 Lexical
Amaziah was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother’s na…
2 Chronicles 20:32 1 reference
2 Chronicles 20:33 2 references
2 Chronicles 20:34 5 references
Lexicals 5
2 Chronicles 25:26 Lexical
Now the rest of the acts of Amaziah, first and last, behold, aren’t they written in the book of the kings of Judah and I…
2 Chronicles 28:26 Lexical
Now the rest of his acts, and all his ways, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah a…
2 Chronicles 16:11 Lexical
Behold, the acts of Asa, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.
2 Chronicles 35:27 Lexical
and his acts, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah.
2 Chronicles 26:22 Lexical
Now the rest of the acts of Uzziah, first and last, Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, wrote.
2 Chronicles 20:37 1 reference
Interlinear
Word-by-word original language
v. 1
v. 2
v. 3
v. 4
v. 5
v. 6
v. 7
v. 8
v. 9
v. 10
v. 11
v. 12
v. 13
v. 14
v. 15
v. 16
v. 17
v. 18
v. 19
v. 20
v. 21
v. 22
v. 23
v. 24
v. 25
v. 26
v. 27
v. 28
v. 29
v. 30
v. 31
v. 32
v. 33
v. 34
v. 35
v. 36
v. 37
Lemma
Morphology
Semantic Range
Theological Significance
Translation Notes
Key Passages
Historical Context
Places and events in this chapter
Loading map...