2 Chronicles 20:2
2 Chronicles 20:2 in Multiple Translations
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).
Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying, There cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea on this side Syria; and, behold, they be in Hazazon-tamar, which is En-gedi.
Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying, There cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea from Syria; and, behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar (the same is En-gedi).
And they came to Jehoshaphat with the news, saying, A great army is moving against you from Edom across the sea; and now they are in Hazazon-tamar (which is En-gedi).
Some people came and told Jehoshaphat, “A large army is coming to fight you from Edom, from the other side of the Dead Sea. They have already reached Hazazon-tamar,” (otherwise called En-gedi).
Then there came that tolde Iehoshaphat, saying, There commeth a great multitude against thee from beyonde the Sea, out of Aram: and beholde, they bee in Hazzon Tamar, which is En-gedi.
And they come in and declare to Jehoshaphat, saying, 'Come against thee hath a great multitude from beyond the sea, from Aram, and lo, they [are] in Hazezon-Tamar — it [is] En-Gedi.'
Then 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).
Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying, There cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea on this side of Syria; and behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar, which is En-gedi.
And there came messengers, and told Josaphat, saying: There cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea, and out of Syria, and behold they are in Asasonthamar, which is Engaddi.
Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, “A huge army is coming to attack your army. They are coming from the Edom region, from the eastern side of the Dead Sea. They have already come to Hazazon-Tamar!” Another name for that place is En-Gedi.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 20:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Chronicles 20:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּבֹ֗אוּ
וַ/יַּגִּ֤ידוּ
לִֽ/יהוֹשָׁפָט֙
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
בָּ֣א
עָלֶ֜י/ךָ
הָמ֥וֹן
רָ֛ב
מֵ/עֵ֥בֶר
לַ/יָּ֖ם
מֵ/אֲרָ֑ם
וְ/הִנָּ/ם֙
בְּ/חַֽצְצ֣וֹן
תָּמָ֔ר
הִ֖יא
עֵ֥ין
גֶּֽדִי
וַ/יָּבֹ֗אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
וַ/יַּגִּ֤ידוּ
nâgad
H5046
to tell
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
לִֽ/יהוֹשָׁפָט֙
Yᵉhôwshâphâṭ
H3092
Jehoshaphat
Prep | N-proper
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
בָּ֣א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
עָלֶ֜י/ךָ
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
הָמ֥וֹן
hâmôwn
H1995
crowd
N-ms
רָ֛ב
rab
H7227
many
Adj
מֵ/עֵ֥בֶר
ʻêber
H5676
side
Prep | N-ms
לַ/יָּ֖ם
yâm
H3220
West
Prep | N-ms
מֵ/אֲרָ֑ם
ʼĂrâm
H758
Aram
Prep | N-proper
וְ/הִנָּ/ם֙
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part | Suff
בְּ/חַֽצְצ֣וֹן
Chatsᵉtsôwn Tâmâr
H2688
Hazazon-tamar
Prep | N-proper
תָּמָ֔ר
Chatsᵉtsôwn Tâmâr
H2688
Hazazon-tamar
N-proper
הִ֖יא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
עֵ֥ין
ʻÊyn Gedîy
H5872
Engedi
N-proper
גֶּֽדִי
ʻÊyn Gedîy
H5872
Engedi
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Chronicles 20:2
וַ/יָּבֹ֗אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
וַ/יַּגִּ֤ידוּ
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
לִֽ/יהוֹשָׁפָט֙
Yᵉhôwshâphâṭ
H3092
"Jehoshaphat"
Prep | N-proper
Jehoshaphat was a king of Judah who ruled for 25 years and was known for his piety and prosperity. His name means Jehovah has judged, and he is mentioned in 2 Kings 9:2 as the son of King Asa. He was one of the best kings of Judah in the Bible.
Definition: A man of the Kingdom of Israel, living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.9.2; son of: Nimshi (H5250); father of: Jehu (H3058H) § Jehoshaphat = "Jehovah has judged" 1) son of king Asa and himself king of Judah for 25 years; one of the best, most pious, and prosperous kings of Judah 2) son of Nimshi and father of king Jehu of the northern kingdom of Israel 3) son of Ahilud and chronicler under David and Solomon 4) son of Paruah and one of the 12 commissary officers under Solomon 5) a priest and trumpeter in the time of David 6) symbolical name of a valley near Jerusalem which is the place of ultimate judgment; maybe the deep ravine which separates Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives through which the Kidron flowed
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: Jehoshaphat. Compare H3146 (יוֹשָׁפָט). See also: 2 Samuel 8:16; 2 Chronicles 17:5; Joel 4:12.
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
בָּ֣א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
עָלֶ֜י/ךָ
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הָמ֥וֹן
hâmôwn
H1995
"crowd"
N-ms
Being in a state of turmoil or having a lot of noise is what this Hebrew word means. It can also refer to a large crowd or abundance of something, like in the book of Proverbs where it describes a multitude of people.
Definition: 1) murmur, roar, crowd, abundance, tumult, sound 1a) sound, murmur, rush, roar 1b) tumult, confusion 1c) crowd, multitude 1d) great number, abundance 1e) abundance, wealth
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: abundance, company, many, multitude, multiply, noise, riches, rumbling, sounding, store, tumult. See also: Genesis 17:4; Isaiah 33:3; Psalms 37:16.
רָ֛ב
rab
H7227
"many"
Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
מֵ/עֵ֥בֶר
ʻêber
H5676
"side"
Prep | N-ms
This word describes a region or side, often referring to the area beyond or across a river, and can be used to describe a location, direction, or perspective.
Definition: : ahead/beyond 1) region beyond or across, side 1a) region across or beyond 1b) side, opposite side
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] against, beyond, by, [idiom] from, over, passage, quarter, (other, this) side, straight. See also: Genesis 50:10; Joshua 22:11; Isaiah 7:20.
לַ/יָּ֖ם
yâm
H3220
"West"
Prep | N-ms
Refers to a large body of water like the Mediterranean Sea or a sea in general, sometimes specifically the west or seaward direction.
Definition: This name means sea, seaward, westward Another name of eph.ron (עֶפְרוֹן "(Mount )Ephron" H6085H)
Usage: Occurs in 339 OT verses. KJV: sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 1:10; Joshua 17:10; Psalms 8:9.
מֵ/אֲרָ֑ם
ʼĂrâm
H758
"Aram"
Prep | N-proper
Aram refers to a region in the Bible, also known as Syria, and its people, the Arameans. The grandson of Nahor, an ancestor of Jesus, was also named Aram. The prophet Isaiah wrote about Aram and its relationship with Israel in Isaiah 7:1-9.
Definition: Aram or Arameans = "exalted" Aram or Syrian nation Another name of pad.dan (פַּדָּן "Paddan" H6307)
Usage: Occurs in 118 OT verses. KJV: Aram, Mesopotamia, Syria, Syrians. See also: Genesis 10:22; 2 Kings 8:28; Isaiah 7:1.
וְ/הִנָּ/ם֙
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Conj | Part | Suff
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
בְּ/חַֽצְצ֣וֹן
Chatsᵉtsôwn Tâmâr
H2688
"Hazazon-tamar"
Prep | N-proper
Hazazon-tamar is a place in the desert of Judah, also known as Engedi. It is mentioned in 2 Chronicles 20:2 as a location where the Moabites and Ammonites gathered. The name means 'dividing the date-palm'.
Definition: Hazezon-tamar = "dividing the date-palm" a town situated in the desert Judah; Another name of en ge.di (עֵין גֶּ֫דִי "Engedi" H5872)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Hazezon-tamar. See also: Genesis 14:7; 2 Chronicles 20:2.
תָּמָ֔ר
Chatsᵉtsôwn Tâmâr
H2688
"Hazazon-tamar"
N-proper
Hazazon-tamar is a place in the desert of Judah, also known as Engedi. It is mentioned in 2 Chronicles 20:2 as a location where the Moabites and Ammonites gathered. The name means 'dividing the date-palm'.
Definition: Hazezon-tamar = "dividing the date-palm" a town situated in the desert Judah; Another name of en ge.di (עֵין גֶּ֫דִי "Engedi" H5872)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Hazezon-tamar. See also: Genesis 14:7; 2 Chronicles 20:2.
הִ֖יא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
עֵ֥ין
ʻÊyn Gedîy
H5872
"Engedi"
N-proper
En-Gedi, meaning fount of the kid, is a town on the western shore of the Dead Sea, mentioned in the book of Joshua and 1 Samuel. It was a place of refuge for King David. The town is also known as Hazazon-tamar, meaning village of the palm tree.
Definition: En-gedi = "fount of the kid" a town in the wilderness of Judah on the western shore of the Dead Sea Also named: chats.tson ta.mar (חַצֲצֹן תָּמָר "Hazazon-tamar" H2688)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: En-gedi. See also: Joshua 15:62; 2 Chronicles 20:2; Ezekiel 47:10.
גֶּֽדִי
ʻÊyn Gedîy
H5872
"Engedi"
N-proper
En-Gedi, meaning fount of the kid, is a town on the western shore of the Dead Sea, mentioned in the book of Joshua and 1 Samuel. It was a place of refuge for King David. The town is also known as Hazazon-tamar, meaning village of the palm tree.
Definition: En-gedi = "fount of the kid" a town in the wilderness of Judah on the western shore of the Dead Sea Also named: chats.tson ta.mar (חַצֲצֹן תָּמָר "Hazazon-tamar" H2688)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: En-gedi. See also: Joshua 15:62; 2 Chronicles 20:2; Ezekiel 47:10.
Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 20:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Chronicles 20:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 20:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 20:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 20:2
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 20:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 20:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 20:2
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 20:2
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 20:2
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 20:2
- Sermons on 2 Chronicles 20:2
Context — War against Jehoshaphat
1After this, the Moabites and Ammonites, together with some of the Meunites, came to make war against Jehoshaphat.
2Then 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).
3Jehoshaphat was alarmed and set his face to seek the LORD. And he proclaimed a fast throughout Judah. 4So the people of Judah gathered to seek the LORD, and indeed, they came from all the cities of Judah to seek Him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 14:7 | Then they turned back to invade En-mishpat (that is, Kadesh), and they conquered the whole territory of the Amalekites, as well as the Amorites who lived in Hazazon-tamar. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 23:29 | And David went up from there and lived in the strongholds of En-gedi. |
| 3 | Joshua 15:62 | Nibshan, the City of Salt, and En-gedi—six cities, along with their villages. |
| 4 | Numbers 34:12 | Then the border will go down along the Jordan and end at the Salt Sea. This will be your land, defined by its borders on all sides.” |
| 5 | Joshua 3:16 | the flowing water stood still. It backed up as far upstream as Adam, a city in the area of Zarethan, while the water flowing toward the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea ) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. |
| 6 | Song of Solomon 1:14 | My beloved is to me a cluster of henna blossoms in the vineyards of En-gedi. |
| 7 | Genesis 14:3 | The latter five came as allies to the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea ). |
2 Chronicles 20:2 Summary
This verse tells us that a huge army was coming to fight against King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah, and this army was already very close, in a place called Hazazon-tamar or En-gedi. The size and proximity of the army made the situation very dangerous, similar to the threats faced by other leaders in the Bible, like King Hezekiah in Isaiah 37:1-7. Just like Jehoshaphat, when we face big problems, we can choose to seek God's help and trust in His power, as encouraged in Psalms 121:1-2. By doing so, we can find peace and protection, even in the most challenging situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the location 'beyond the Sea' in 2 Chronicles 20:2?
The location 'beyond the Sea' refers to the region east of the Mediterranean Sea, which in this context likely points to the area of Edom, as mentioned in the same verse, emphasizing the origin of the vast army coming against Jehoshaphat, similar to how other nations are described in relation to Israel in Ezekiel 26:1-5.
Why is Hazazon-tamar also known as En-gedi in 2 Chronicles 20:2?
Hazazon-tamar, also known as En-gedi, is a significant location in the Bible, known for its natural springs and as a stronghold in the wilderness of Judah, as seen in 1 Samuel 23:29, and the dual naming here may reflect different aspects of its identity or significance in different contexts.
What can we learn from the size of the army described in 2 Chronicles 20:2 as 'vast'?
The description of the army as 'vast' in 2 Chronicles 20:2 indicates a formidable military force, emphasizing the gravity of the threat against Jehoshaphat and Judah, much like the armies described in Isaiah 13:4, and setting the stage for a significant test of faith.
How does the news of the vast army in 2 Chronicles 20:2 relate to the overall narrative of Jehoshaphat's reign?
The news of the vast army coming against Jehoshaphat serves as a pivotal moment in his reign, as it prompts him to seek the Lord, as seen in 2 Chronicles 20:3, and ultimately leads to a demonstration of God's power and deliverance, similar to the experiences of other kings in the Bible, such as Hezekiah in Isaiah 37:1-7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some modern-day 'vast armies' that you feel are coming against you, and how can you apply the principles of seeking God in the face of such challenges?
- Reflect on a time when you received alarming news, and consider how Jehoshaphat's response in the next verse can serve as a model for your own reactions to difficult situations.
- How does the specific mention of the army's origin and current location impact your understanding of the geopolitical context of this verse, and what does it reveal about the nature of the threat against Judah?
- In what ways can the example of the men who came to tell Jehoshaphat about the army serve as a reminder of the importance of communication and vigilance in our own lives and communities?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 20:2
Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat,.... Deserters or spies, or some of the inhabitants of those parts where they had entered, who rode post haste to acquaint him with it: saying, there cometh
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 20:2
Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying, There cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea on this side Syria; and, behold, they be in Hazazon-tamar, which is Engedi.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 20:2
From beyond the sea, to wit, the Dead Sea, beyond which Mount Seir lay. On this side Syria, or, and from Syria, largely so called, and so it includes the Moabites and Ammonites. And it may be thus expressed, to intimate that they came by the instigation of the Syrians, who thought by this means to revenge themselves on Jehoshaphat for joining with Ahab against them.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 20:2
2 Chronicles 20:2 Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying, There cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea on this side Syria; and, behold, they [be] in Hazazontamar, which [is] Engedi.Ver. 2. From beyond the sea.] The Dead Sea, which ran between Judea and Syria; and about this sea was their rendezvous. Which is Engedi.] See Joshua 15:62. Here were the gardens of balsam, saith Zeigler, and the woods of palm trees.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 20:2
(2) Then there came some that told.—And they (i.e., messengers; Vulg., “nuntii”) came and told.Cometh.—Is come.The Sea.—The Dead Sea, east of which lay the territories of Ammon and Moab; while to the south of it, not far from Petra, was Maon. On this side Syria.—Heb., from Aram; and so LXX. and Vulg. But Edom is probably the true reading—a name often confused with Aram. As the invaders marched round the southern end of the Dead Sea, they were naturally described as coming from Edom. The Syr. and Arab. have: from the other side of the Red Sea.Hazazon-tamar.—See Genesis 14:7. Engedi (Ain-jidy), midway on the western coast of the Dead Sea (see 1 Samuel 23:29), about thirty-six miles from Jerusalem. The Syr. and Arab, have Jericho for Hazazon-tamar (? meadow of palms). Jericho was also called “city of palms.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 20:2
Verse 2. On this side Syria] Instead of מארם mearam, from Syria, I would read with one of Kennicott's MSS. (89) מאדם meedom, from Edom, which alteration brings it to truth and does not require the change of half a letter, as it consists in the almost imperceptible difference between ר resh and ד daleth. We do not read of any Syrians in this invasion, but we know there were Edomites, or inhabitants of Mount Seir. Hazazon-tamar] "In the wood of palm trees, that is, in Engedi." - Targum. This is the meaning of the word, and it is probable that they lay hid here.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 20:2
2. on this side Syria] R.V. from Syria (so LXX.). The text is corrupt, and the words are either a gloss on from beyond the sea or a corruption of the original reading. From Edom is an easy correction. which is En-gedi] R.V. (the same is En-gedi). Cp. G. A. Smith, Hist. Geography as quoted above, and Bädeker p. 140. En-gedi is on the west coast of the Dead Sea at a point where a rugged pass leads up into the hill-country of Judah.
Hazazon-tamar] Genesis 14:7. The name seems to describe the place as stony and as containing palm-trees. It is in fact an oasis.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 20:2
Translate, “from beyond the sea, from Edom.” The “sea” intended is, of course, the Dead Sea. “Syria” (Aram) is probably a mistake of a copyist for “Edom” (compare 2 Samuel 8:12 note). On Engedi, see 1 Samuel 23:29 note.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 20:2
2. From beyond the sea — That is, the Dead Sea. On this side Syria — Better, from Edom. The reading ξΰψν, from Aram, or Syria, is so unsuitable that there is sufficient reason to substitute ξΰγν, from Edom.
Sermons on 2 Chronicles 20:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Practice of Fasting by Michael Durham | Michael Durham preaches on the significance of fasting as a spiritual discipline, emphasizing that fasting is a tool used by Jesus and His apostles to unplug from the world and con |
|
Guilt and Freedom by David Roper | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the book of Joshua and the thrilling days of Israel's conquest of the land. He emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience as crucial |