2 Chronicles 20
BSB1 After this, the Moabites and Ammonites, together with some of the Meunites, came to make war against Jehoshaphat. 2 Then some men came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from beyond the Sea; they are already in Hazazon-tamar” (that is, En-gedi). 3 Jehoshaphat was alarmed and set his face to seek the LORD. And he proclaimed a fast throughout Judah. 4 So the people of Judah gathered to seek the LORD, and indeed, they came from all the cities of Judah to seek Him. 5 Then Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem in the house of the LORD in front of the new courtyard 6 and said, “O LORD, God of our fathers, are You not the God who is in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand, and no one can stand against You. 7 Our God, did You not drive out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham Your friend? 8 They have lived in the land and have built in it a sanctuary for Your Name, saying, 9 ‘If disaster comes upon us—whether sword or judgment, plague or famine—we will stand before this temple and before You, for Your Name is in this temple. We will cry out to You in our distress, and You will hear us and save us.’ 10 And now, here are the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, whom You did not let Israel invade when they came out of the land of Egypt; but Israel turned away from them and did not destroy them. 11 See how they are repaying us by coming to drive us out of the possession that You gave us as an inheritance. 12 Our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast army that comes against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You." 13 Meanwhile all the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones, were standing before the LORD. 14 Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite from Asaph’s descendants, as he stood in the midst of the assembly. 15 And he said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army, for the battle does not belong to you, but to God. 16 Tomorrow you are to march down against them. You will see them coming up the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the valley facing the Wilderness of Jeruel. 17 You need not fight this battle. Take up your positions, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out and face them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you.’" 18 Then Jehoshaphat bowed facedown, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down before the LORD to worship Him. 19 And the Levites from the Kohathites and Korahites stood up to praise the LORD, the God of Israel, shouting in a very loud voice. 20 Early in the morning they got up and left for the Wilderness of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood up and said, “Hear me, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be upheld; believe in His prophets, and you will succeed." 21 Then Jehoshaphat consulted with the people and appointed those who would sing to the LORD and praise the splendor of His holiness. As they went out before the army, they were singing: “Give thanks to the LORD, for His loving devotion endures forever." 22 The moment they began their shouts and praises, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who had come against Judah, and they were defeated. 23 The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, devoting them to destruction. And when they had made an end to the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another. 24 When the men of Judah came to a place overlooking the wilderness, they looked for the vast army, but there were only corpses lying on the ground; no one had escaped. 25 Then Jehoshaphat and his people went to carry off the plunder, and they found on the bodies an abundance of goods and valuables —more than they could carry away. They were gathering the plunder for three days because there was so much. 26 On the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Beracah, where they blessed the LORD. Therefore that place is called the Valley of Beracah to this day. 27 Then all the men of Judah and Jerusalem, with Jehoshaphat at their head, returned joyfully to Jerusalem, for the LORD had made them rejoice over their enemies. 28 So they entered Jerusalem and went into the house of the LORD with harps, lyres, and trumpets. 29 And the fear of God came upon all the kingdoms of the lands when they heard that the LORD had fought against the enemies of Israel. 30 Then Jehoshaphat’s kingdom was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side. 31 So Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah. He was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-five years. His mother’s name was Azubah daughter of Shilhi. 32 And Jehoshaphat walked in the way of his father Asa and did not turn away from it; he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD. 33 The high places, however, were not removed; the people had not yet set their hearts on the God of their fathers. 34 As for the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, from beginning to end, they are indeed written in the Chronicles of Jehu son of Hanani, which are recorded in the Book of the Kings of Israel. 35 Later, Jehoshaphat king of Judah made an alliance with Ahaziah king of Israel, who acted wickedly. 36 They agreed to make ships to go to Tarshish, and these were built in Ezion-geber. 37 Then Eliezer son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, “Because you have allied yourself with Ahaziah, the LORD has destroyed your works.” So the ships were wrecked and were unable to sail to Tarshish.
Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 20
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 2 Chronicles 20
- Themes from 2 Chronicles 20
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 2 Chronicles 20
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
2 Chronicles 20 tells the story of King Jehoshaphat's response to the threat of war from the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites. Jehoshaphat seeks God's guidance and trusts in His power, leading to a great victory. The chapter highlights the importance of prayer, faith, and obedience in times of crisis. Key verses include 2 Chronicles 20:3, where Jehoshaphat proclaims a fast, and 2 Chronicles 20:15, where the prophet Jahaziel delivers a message of encouragement from God. The chapter concludes with the defeat of the enemy armies and the people's celebration of God's deliverance.
Context for the Chapter
2 Chronicles 20 is part of the larger narrative of the divided kingdom, where Judah and Israel are separate kingdoms. The chapter takes place during the reign of King Jehoshaphat, who is seeking to follow God's will and lead his people in obedience to God's commands. The chapter is also part of the broader biblical narrative, which emphasizes God's sovereignty and deliverance throughout history. The events of 2 Chronicles 20 are connected to other biblical accounts, such as the conquest of Canaan and the establishment of the monarchy.
Heart Application
As we read about Jehoshaphat's trust in God, we are encouraged to trust in God's power and deliverance in our own lives. We are reminded to seek God's guidance and favor, and to trust in His sovereignty, even in the face of overwhelming odds. We can apply this to our own lives by seeking God's will and guidance, and by trusting in His power and deliverance.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about King Jehoshaphat and how he trusted in God during a time of war. He sought God's guidance and trusted in His power, leading to a great victory. We can learn from Jehoshaphat's example by seeking God's will and trusting in His power and deliverance, as seen in 2 Chronicles 20:3 and 2 Chronicles 20:15.
Voices from the Church
“Faith is not a mere sentiment, but a living, active, and powerful principle, which takes hold of the promises of God, and says, 'I will trust in thee, O Lord, and not be afraid.'”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The prophet Jahaziel's message to Jehoshaphat is a reminder that God is our refuge and strength, and that we should not be afraid or discouraged, even in the face of great danger.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Threat of War (2 Chronicles 20:1-2) — The chapter begins with the threat of war from the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites, and Jehoshaphat's response of seeking God's guidance.
- Jehoshaphat's Prayer (2 Chronicles 20:3-13) — Jehoshaphat proclaims a fast and seeks God's guidance, leading to a message of encouragement from the prophet Jahaziel.
- The Battle (2 Chronicles 20:14-23) — The Israelites go out to battle, but God fights for them, leading to a great victory.
- The Aftermath (2 Chronicles 20:24-30) — The chapter concludes with the defeat of the enemy armies and the people's celebration of God's deliverance.
- The Lesson (2 Chronicles 20:31-37) — The chapter ends with a summary of Jehoshaphat's reign and the lessons learned from the experience.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- This chapter teaches us about the sovereignty of God, who is in control of all things and can deliver His people from any danger.
- The Importance of Prayer
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of prayer in seeking God's guidance and favor.
- The Power of Faith
- We see the power of faith in action, as Jehoshaphat trusts in God's power and deliverance, leading to a great victory.
- The Role of Obedience
- The chapter highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands, as Jehoshaphat seeks to follow God's will and lead his people in obedience.
Lessons from 2 Chronicles 20
- Trust in God's Power — We learn to trust in God's power and deliverance, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
- Seek God's Guidance — We learn to seek God's guidance and favor, and to trust in His sovereignty.
- The Importance of Prayer — We learn about the importance of prayer in seeking God's guidance and favor.
- The Power of Faith — We see the power of faith in action, as Jehoshaphat trusts in God's power and deliverance.
- The Role of Obedience — We learn about the importance of obedience to God's commands, as Jehoshaphat seeks to follow God's will and lead his people in obedience.
Themes from 2 Chronicles 20
- Trust and Faith — The chapter emphasizes the importance of trust and faith in God's power and deliverance.
- The Sovereignty of God — We see God's sovereignty in action, as He delivers His people from danger.
- The Importance of Prayer — The chapter highlights the importance of prayer in seeking God's guidance and favor.
- The Power of Obedience — We learn about the importance of obedience to God's commands, as Jehoshaphat seeks to follow God's will and lead his people in obedience.
- The Role of Fasting — The chapter emphasizes the importance of fasting in seeking God's guidance and favor.
Questions for Meditation
- What can we learn from Jehoshaphat's response to the threat of war, and how can we apply it to our own lives?
- How does the chapter emphasize the importance of seeking God's guidance and favor?
- What role does faith play in the chapter, and how can we cultivate faith in our own lives?
- How does the chapter illustrate the power of prayer and fasting, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
- What lessons can we learn from the aftermath of the battle, and how can we apply them to our own lives?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Threat of War (2 Chronicles 20:1-2)
| 20:1 | The Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites form an alliance to attack Judah. |
| 20:2 | Jehoshaphat is informed of the threat and seeks God's guidance. |
2. Jehoshaphat's Prayer (2 Chronicles 20:3-13)
| 20:3 | Jehoshaphat proclaims a fast and seeks God's guidance. |
| 20:4 | The people of Judah gather to seek God's favor. |
| 20:5 | Jehoshaphat prays to God, seeking His guidance and favor. |
| 20:6 | Jehoshaphat acknowledges God's power and sovereignty. |
| 20:7 | Jehoshaphat reminds God of His covenant with Abraham. |
| 20:8 | Jehoshaphat asks God to judge between Judah and the enemy armies. |
| 20:9 | Jehoshaphat asks God to help them, as they are powerless against the enemy. |
| 20:10 | Jehoshaphat reminds God of the threat from the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites. |
| 20:11 | Jehoshaphat asks God to stop the enemy armies. |
| 20:12 | Jehoshaphat asks God to help them, as they do not know what to do. |
| 20:13 | The people of Judah wait for God's answer, with their wives and children present. |
3. The Prophet's Message (2 Chronicles 20:14-17)
| 20:14 | The prophet Jahaziel delivers a message from God. |
| 20:15 | Jahaziel tells the people not to be afraid, as the battle belongs to God. |
| 20:16 | Jahaziel instructs the people to march down to the enemy armies. |
| 20:17 | Jahaziel tells the people that they will not need to fight, as God will fight for them. |
4. The Battle (2 Chronicles 20:18-23)
| 20:18 | Jehoshaphat and the people bow down to worship God. |
| 20:19 | The Levites sing praises to God. |
| 20:20 | The people march down to the enemy armies, singing praises to God. |
| 20:21 | The enemy armies are confused and start fighting each other. |
| 20:22 | The enemy armies are defeated, and the people of Judah plunder their goods. |
| 20:23 | The people of Judah return to Jerusalem, joyful and triumphant. |
5. The Aftermath (2 Chronicles 20:24-30)
| 20:24 | The people of Judah return to Jerusalem, joyful and triumphant. |
| 20:25 | The people of Judah plunder the goods of the enemy armies. |
| 20:26 | The people of Judah gather in the Valley of Beracah to bless God. |
| 20:27 | The people of Judah return to Jerusalem, joyful and triumphant. |
| 20:28 | The people of Judah worship God with music and singing. |
| 20:29 | The fear of God falls on the surrounding kingdoms. |
| 20:30 | Jehoshaphat's kingdom is at peace, with no more wars during his reign. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What can we learn from Jehoshaphat's response to the threat of war?
We can learn to trust in God's power and deliverance, even in the face of overwhelming odds, as seen in 2 Chronicles 20:3 and 2 Chronicles 20:15.
How does the chapter emphasize the importance of prayer?
The chapter highlights the importance of prayer in seeking God's guidance and favor, as seen in 2 Chronicles 20:3-13.
What role does faith play in the chapter?
Faith plays a central role in the chapter, as Jehoshaphat trusts in God's power and deliverance, leading to a great victory, as seen in 2 Chronicles 20:12 and 2 Chronicles 20:15.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 20:1 → Psalm 83:1-8 | The threat of war from the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites is similar to the threat described in Psalm 83. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 20:3 → Joel 2:12-17 | The proclamation of a fast is similar to the call to repentance in Joel 2. |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 20:6 → Psalm 115:3 | The acknowledgement of God's power and sovereignty is similar to the statement in Psalm 115. |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 20:7 → Genesis 15:18-21 | The reminder of God's covenant with Abraham is similar to the account in Genesis 15. |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 20:12 → Psalm 25:4-5 | The request for God's guidance and favor is similar to the prayer in Psalm 25. |
| 6 | 2 Chronicles 20:15 → Deuteronomy 20:4 | The statement that the battle belongs to God is similar to the statement in Deuteronomy 20. |
| 7 | 2 Chronicles 20:20 → Isaiah 43:2 | The promise of God's presence and deliverance is similar to the promise in Isaiah 43. |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 20:21 → Exodus 14:13-14 | The confusion of the enemy armies is similar to the account of the Exodus. |
| 9 | 2 Chronicles 20:24 → Psalm 100:1-5 | The return to Jerusalem and the worship of God is similar to the description in Psalm 100. |
| 10 | 2 Chronicles 20:30 → 1 Kings 22:41-50 | The description of Jehoshaphat's kingdom at peace is similar to the account in 1 Kings 22. |
Sermons on 2 Chronicles 20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(2008 Usa Tour) the Secret Place by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for addressing important matters from the Bible in every congregation. They urge for a sense of urgency and carefulness in addressin |
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(Basics) 29. Praise Brings Deliverance by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of praising God in difficult situations. He shares the story of King Jehoshaphat and how he led the people of Israel to victor |
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(Basics) 30. Praise Opens Closed Doors by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the message of not being afraid and trusting in God's power. He uses the example of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20, who admitted his powerle |
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K-144 Magna Carta of Apostolic Faith by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing the cosmic drama between darkness and light that the church is involved in. He highlights that in the last day |
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The Secret to Prayer by Jon Courson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of praising God and parading to His will. He references a story from the Bible where King Jehoshaphat and his people faced a g |
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The Five Smooth Stones by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of facing opposition and persecution in his ministry. Despite doors being shut and attempts to destroy him, he did not lose anyone |
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Dvd 14 the Core of Prophetic and Apostolic Reality by Art Katz | This sermon emphasizes the importance of the church being a part of God's cosmic moral drama, preparing for the end times and the salvation of Israel. It calls for a deep sense of |
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The Situation Is Desperate! by Vance Havner | Vance Havner emphasizes the desperate situation faced by King Jehoshaphat of Judah, who, confronted by overwhelming enemies, turned to God in prayer, acknowledging his inability to |
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K-531 Endtime Adversities by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker expresses their feelings of inadequacy and the burden they have for the end times. They reference the book of Joel in the Bible, specifically chapter 2, |
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Messages on Corporate Prayer #13-16 by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power of praise and worship in the face of battles and challenges. He draws inspiration from the story of Jehoshaphat and the army of Jud |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Chronicles 20
In 2 Chronicles 20, we see the power of faith and trust in God's deliverance. King Jehoshaphat, faced with the threat of war, seeks God's guidance and trusts in His power, leading to a great victory. The chapter teaches us about the importance of prayer, fasting, and obedience to God's commands. As Matthew Henry notes, 'the battle is not ours, but God's,' and we are encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty, even in the face of overwhelming odds. The chapter also highlights the importance of worship and praise, as the people of Judah return to Jerusalem and worship God with music and singing. As Henry comments, 'the fear of God fell upon all the kingdoms of the countries, when they heard that the Lord fought against the enemies of Israel.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Seeking God's Guidance
We notice that Jehoshaphat seeks God's guidance and trusts in His power, leading to a great victory. This emphasizes the importance of seeking God's will and guidance in our own lives.
The Power of Prayer and Fasting
The chapter highlights the power of prayer and fasting in seeking God's favor and deliverance. We see how Jehoshaphat's proclamation of a fast leads to a great victory.
The Role of Faith and Trust
We observe that faith and trust are essential in times of crisis. Jehoshaphat's trust in God's power and deliverance is a key aspect of the chapter, and we are encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty in our own lives.