2 Chronicles 20

2 Chronicles 20:1

20:1-6 A huge army from across the Dead Sea declared war on Judah. (Some Hebrew manuscripts read “Edom” for “Syria” in v. 2.) Jehoshaphat was justifiably alarmed. He proclaimed a fast and called the people to the temple, where he prayed to the LORD. This is the third “king’s prayer” in 2 Chronicles (see also Solomon’s prayer, chap. 6, and Asa’s prayer, 2Ch_14:11). 20:7-13 Jehoshaphat reminded the Lord that the Jews were His covenant people. The temple, where Jehoshaphat was praying, was God’s sanctuary and the place where He promised to hear and answer prayer. Those to whom Israel had once shown kindness were now coming to destroy her and take away her land. Jehoshaphat closed his impassioned appeal, and with all Judah . . . stood before the LORD, awaiting His answer. 20:14-17 The Spirit of the LORD spoke through Jahaziel, dispelling the fear that had gripped the nation. The battle was God’s; the people had only to go out the next day and see what He had done. 20:18-21 By faith the people rejoiced in their victory even before it came to pass. The next morning they were up at dawn to see what the LORD had done. They marched to the battlefield as though they were going to a festival, the singers leading the way. 20:22-30 God confounded the enemy when He heard His people singing their song of faith. He stirred up the opposition so that they fought and destroyed one another. When Judah arrived, the only thing left to do was to collect the spoil, a task requiring three days. With unbounded joy they praised the LORD and returned to Jerusalem singing. The neighboring countries took notice, and Judah enjoyed peace. 20:31-34 As is customary, a summary of the reign of Jehoshaphat is given. Despite his efforts he was unable to stamp out idolatry. But on the whole his had been a good reign. He sought to do good and, even though he was not perfect, he usually did what was right in God’s sight. 20:35-37 This is a postscript concerning Jehoshaphat’s partnership with Ahaziah, the wicked king of Israel. They made . . . ships at Ezion Geber to travel to Tarshish, but the LORD wrecked the project, as announced by a prophet named Eliezer. Jehoshaphat was sixty years old when he died. His son Jehoram, who had been his co-regent, succeeded him on the throne of Judah (2Ch_21:1).