# Overview 2 Chronicles Chapter 20 records a powerful narrative of faith and divine intervention during the reign of #KingJehoshaphat of #Judah. The chapter begins with news that a vast army from #Moab, #Ammon, and other tribes is coming against Judah. In response, Jehoshaphat turns to the LORD, proclaiming a fast throughout all Judah and gathering the people to seek help from #God. In his prayer, Jehoshaphat acknowledges God’s sovereignty, recalling His past deliverances and pleading for divine intervention, admitting their powerlessness against the formidable enemy. This earnest prayer embodies a profound trust in God and sets the stage for a miraculous deliverance. The Spirit of the LORD comes upon #Jahaziel, a Levite, who delivers a prophetic message of assurance: the battle belongs to God, and the people of Judah will not need to fight. Encouraged by this promise, Jehoshaphat and the people worship the LORD. The following day, Jehoshaphat appoints singers to praise the LORD, and as they sing, God sets ambushes against the enemy forces, leading to their defeat. The chapter concludes with Judah returning joyfully to Jerusalem, blessing the name of the LORD, and the surrounding nations fearing God due to His mighty acts. The story highlights themes of faith, worship, and the power of God to deliver His people against overwhelming odds. ## Theological Insights 2 Chronicles 20 highlights the themes of **divine deliverance**, **faith**, and **worship** through the story of #Jehoshaphat and the people of #Judah. The chapter serves as a profound reminder of God's sovereignty and faithfulness to those who seek Him in times of distress. 1. **Reliance on God’s Sovereignty**: When faced with an overwhelming enemy, King Jehoshaphat's immediate response is to seek the Lord and proclaim a fast throughout Judah ([[2 Chronicles/2 Chronicles Chapter 20#1|2 Chronicles 20:3]]). This act underscores the importance of turning to God in prayer and fasting as a demonstration of reliance on His sovereignty and power, similar to other instances in Scripture where God's people sought divine intervention (e.g., [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 14]] during the Red Sea crossing). 2. **Faith and Obedience**: Jehoshaphat’s prayer ([[2 Chronicles/2 Chronicles Chapter 20#6|2 Chronicles 20:6-12]]) is a model of faith, acknowledging God’s past deeds and His promises to Israel. His faith is manifested in his obedience when he instructs the people to trust in God’s deliverance, echoing the faith of leaders like #Moses and #Joshua (e.g., [[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 1]]). 3. **Prophetic Assurance**: The Spirit of the Lord comes upon #Jahaziel, who proclaims that the battle belongs to God and not to Judah ([[2 Chronicles/2 Chronicles Chapter 20#15|2 Chronicles 20:15]]). This assurance recalls similar divine pronouncements throughout Scripture, such as the Lord’s word to #Gideon in [[Judges/Judges Chapter 7]]. 4. **Worship and Praise as Warfare**: As the people go forth to the battlefield, they lead with worship and praise, singing to the Lord and declaring His enduring love ([[2 Chronicles/2 Chronicles Chapter 20#21|2 Chronicles 20:21-22]]). This act of faith parallels the fall of #Jericho, where worship was instrumental in God’s deliverance (see [[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 6]]). 5. **Divine Deliverance and Rest**: God's miraculous intervention, causing the enemy armies to turn on each other, demonstrates His power to save. The victory without Judah having to fight ([[2 Chronicles/2 Chronicles Chapter 20#22|2 Chronicles 20:22-24]]) highlights God’s ability to bring peace and rest to His people, akin to the peace promised in the covenant blessings (see [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 26]]). 6. **Theological Reflection on God’s Faithfulness**: The subsequent gathering of spoils and the return to Jerusalem in joy ([[2 Chronicles/2 Chronicles Chapter 20#25|2 Chronicles 20:25-28]]) underscores the theological truth that God’s faithfulness is not only in delivering His people but also in restoring and blessing them abundantly. 7. **Impact of God’s Deliverance**: The fear of God falls on all surrounding kingdoms when they hear of His mighty deeds for Judah ([[2 Chronicles/2 Chronicles Chapter 20#29|2 Chronicles 20:29]]), reflecting a broader biblical theme of God’s acts serving as a testimony to the nations, as seen in the plagues of Egypt (see [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 9]]). In 2 Chronicles 20, the narrative of Jehoshaphat and Judah serves as a powerful testament to the efficacy of prayer, the necessity of faith, and the centrality of worship in the life of believers. It encourages Christians to trust in God's promises and power, reflecting an evangelical understanding of God's active involvement in the lives of His people. ## Thematic Connections ### Divine Deliverance and Trust in God In 2 Chronicles 20, the theme of divine deliverance is central as #Jehoshaphat and the people of #Judah face a formidable alliance of enemies. The narrative highlights the importance of seeking God's guidance in times of crisis, as seen when Jehoshaphat proclaims a fast and seeks the Lord's help. This theme resonates with other instances of deliverance in Scripture, such as the Israelites' escape from Egypt in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 14]] and the deliverance of Daniel from the lion's den in [[Daniel/Daniel Chapter 6]]. Trusting in God's power and promises, even in seemingly insurmountable circumstances, is a recurring motif. ### The Power of Praise and Worship The chapter emphasizes the power of praise and worship as instrumental in achieving victory. Jehoshaphat appoints singers to praise the Lord, which leads to the confusion and defeat of their enemies. This theme aligns with the story of the walls of Jericho falling after the Israelites' shout and trumpet blasts in [[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 6]]. It demonstrates that worship is not merely a ritual but a potent expression of faith that invites God's intervention. ### God's Sovereignty and Human Helplessness Jehoshaphat's prayer acknowledges human helplessness and God's sovereignty, as he admits, "We have no power to face this vast army" and seeks divine intervention. This theme is mirrored in the story of King #Hezekiah, who also turned to God in desperation when faced with the Assyrian threat in [[2 Kings/2 Kings Chapter 19]]. Both narratives underscore that acknowledging our limitations and relying on God's strength is crucial for overcoming challenges. ### Community and Unity in Seeking God The unified response of all Judah, including men, women, and children, as they seek the Lord together illustrates the theme of community and unity in seeking divine guidance. This communal approach echoes the gathering of the Israelites at Mount Sinai to receive the law in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 19]], highlighting the importance of collective faith and obedience in the biblical narrative. ### Prophetic Assurance and Obedience The role of the prophet #Jahaziel in delivering God's message of assurance to Jehoshaphat and Judah underscores the theme of prophetic guidance. God often provided direction through prophets, as seen with #Elijah in [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 18]] and #Elisha in [[2 Kings/2 Kings Chapter 3]]. The people's obedience to the prophetic word results in God’s miraculous intervention, reinforcing the importance of heeding divine messages through His chosen vessels. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### Divine Deliverance and Victory In 2 Chronicles 20, the story of King #Jehoshaphat and the deliverance of #Judah from the hands of their enemies is a manifestation of God’s promise to fight for His people, as seen in the #Exodus narrative. The divine intervention where God sets ambushes against the enemies of Judah (2 Chronicles 20:22) echoes the fulfillment of God’s promise in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 14|Exodus 14:14]], where He declares, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” This instance is a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness in defending His people against overwhelming odds, thus reinforcing His covenant commitment to Israel. ### The Assurance of God’s Presence The reassurance given to Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah by the Spirit of the Lord through #Jahaziel (2 Chronicles 20:14-17) aligns with the prophetic assurance of God’s presence and aid. This assurance is reminiscent of the promise made to #Joshua in [[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 1|Joshua 1:9]], where God commands Joshua to be strong and courageous because the Lord will be with him wherever he goes. In 2 Chronicles 20, the prophecy delivered by Jahaziel emphasizes that the battle belongs to the Lord, underscoring the theme of divine presence and support as a fulfillment of God’s unfailing promise to be with His people. ### The Praise of God’s People The response of Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah, who worship and praise God before and after the victory (2 Chronicles 20:18-21), fulfills the prophetic call for God’s people to be a nation of praise. This is in line with the prophetic vision in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 43|Isaiah 43:21]], where God declares that the people He formed for Himself will proclaim His praise. The narrative in 2 Chronicles 20 highlights the power of worship and faith in God’s deliverance, celebrating His sovereignty and faithfulness as His people lift their voices in trust and thanksgiving. ### The Fear of the Lord Among Nations The fear that falls upon all the kingdoms of the lands when they hear that the Lord has fought against Israel’s enemies (2 Chronicles 20:29) fulfills the prophetic expectation of God’s name being feared and revered among the nations. This reflects the prophetic theme found in [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 28|Deuteronomy 28:10]], where God promises that when Israel obeys Him, all the peoples of the earth will see that they are called by the name of the Lord and will fear them. The miraculous victory granted to Judah serves as a testament to God’s power and glory, fulfilling the prophecy of His renown and reverence among the nations. ## Verses - **2 Chronicles 20:1** - "After this, the armies of the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites declared war on Jehoshaphat." - #Moabites #Ammonites #Meunites #Jehoshaphat - See also [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 19]] for the origin of Moab and Ammon. - **2 Chronicles 20:2** - "Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat, 'A vast army from Edom is marching against you from beyond the Dead Sea. They are already at Hazazon-tamar.' (This was another name for En-gedi.)" - #Edom #DeadSea #HazazonTamar #EnGedi - **2 Chronicles 20:3** - "Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and begged the Lord for guidance. He also ordered everyone in Judah to begin fasting." - #Jehoshaphat #Judah #Fasting - Fasting as a practice can also be seen in [[Jonah/Jonah Chapter 3]]. - **2 Chronicles 20:4** - "So people from all the towns of Judah came to Jerusalem to seek the Lord’s help." - #Judah #Jerusalem - **2 Chronicles 20:5** - "Jehoshaphat stood before the community of Judah and Jerusalem in front of the new courtyard at the Temple of the Lord." - #Jehoshaphat #Judah #Jerusalem #Temple - **2 Chronicles 20:6** - "He prayed, 'O Lord, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you!'" - #Prayer #God #Ancestors - **2 Chronicles 20:7** - "O our God, did you not drive out those who lived in this land when your people Israel arrived? And did you not give this land forever to the descendants of your friend Abraham?" - #God #Israel #Abraham - Reference to God's covenant with Abraham in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 12]]. - **2 Chronicles 20:8** - "Your people settled here and built this Temple to honor your name." - #Temple #God - **2 Chronicles 20:9** - "They said, ‘Whenever we are faced with any calamity such as war, plague, or famine, we can come to stand in your presence before this Temple where your name is honored. We can cry out to you to save us, and you will hear us and rescue us.’" - #Temple #Prayer #Salvation - **2 Chronicles 20:10** - "And now see what the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir are doing. You would not let our ancestors invade those nations when Israel left Egypt, so they went around them and did not destroy them." - #Ammon #Moab #MountSeir #Egypt - **2 Chronicles 20:11** - "Now see how they reward us! For they have come to throw us out of your land, which you gave us as an inheritance." - #Inheritance #Land - **2 Chronicles 20:12** - "O our God, won’t you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help." - #God #Help - **2 Chronicles 20:13** - "As all the men of Judah stood before the Lord with their little ones, wives, and children," - #Judah #Family - **2 Chronicles 20:14** - "the Spirit of the Lord came upon one of the men standing there. His name was Jahaziel son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite who was a descendant of Asaph." - #Spirit #Jahaziel #Levite #Asaph - **2 Chronicles 20:15** - "He said, 'Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.'" - #Judah #Jerusalem #Jehoshaphat #God - **2 Chronicles 20:16** - "Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel." - #Ziz #Jeruel - **2 Chronicles 20:17** - "But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!" - #Victory #Judah #Jerusalem #God - **2 Chronicles 20:18** - "Then King Jehoshaphat bowed low with his face to the ground. And all the people of Judah and Jerusalem did the same, worshiping the Lord." - #Worship #Jehoshaphat #Judah #Jerusalem - **2 Chronicles 20:19** - "Then the Levites from the clans of Kohath and Korah stood to praise the Lord, the God of Israel, with a very loud shout." - #Levites #Kohath #Korah #Praise - **2 Chronicles 20:20** - "Early the next morning the army of Judah went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. On the way, Jehoshaphat stopped and said, 'Listen to me, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in his prophets, and you will succeed.'" - #Judah #Jerusalem #Tekoa #Prophets - **2 Chronicles 20:21** - "After consulting the people, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy splendor. This is what they sang: 'Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever!'" - #Singers #Worship #Praise - **2 Chronicles 20:22** - "At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves." - #Ammon #Moab #MountSeir #Praise - **2 Chronicles 20:23** - "The armies of Moab and Ammon turned against their allies from Mount Seir and killed every one of them. After they had destroyed the army of Seir, they began attacking each other." - #Moab #Ammon #MountSeir - **2 Chronicles 20:24** - "So when the army of Judah arrived at the lookout point in the wilderness, all they saw were dead bodies lying on the ground as far as they could see. Not a single one of the enemy had escaped." - #Judah #Victory - **2 Chronicles 20:25** - "King Jehoshaphat and his men went out to gather the plunder. They found vast amounts of equipment, clothing, and other valuables—more than they could carry. There was so much plunder that it took them three days just to collect it all!" - #Jehoshaphat #Plunder - **2 Chronicles 20:26** - "On the fourth day they gathered in the Valley of Blessing, which got its name that day because the people praised and thanked the Lord there. It is still called the Valley of Blessing today." - #ValleyOfBlessing #Praise #Thanksgiving - **2 Chronicles 20:27** - "Then all the men returned to Jerusalem, with Jehoshaphat leading them, overjoyed that the Lord had given them victory over their enemies." - #Jerusalem #Jehoshaphat #Victory - **2 Chronicles 20:28** - "They marched into Jerusalem to the music of harps, lyres, and trumpets, and they proceeded to the Temple of the Lord." - #Music #Temple #Worship - **2 Chronicles 20:29** - "When all the surrounding kingdoms heard that the Lord himself had fought against the enemies of Israel, the fear of God came over them." - #Kingdoms #FearOfGod #Israel - **2 Chronicles 20:30** - "So Jehoshaphat’s kingdom was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side." - #Jehoshaphat #Peace #God - **2 Chronicles 20:31** - "So Jehoshaphat ruled over the land of Judah. He was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-five years. His mother was Azubah, the daughter of Shilhi." - #Jehoshaphat #Judah #Jerusalem #Azubah - **2 Chronicles 20:32** - "Jehoshaphat was a good king, following the ways of his father, Asa. He did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight." - #Jehoshaphat #Asa #Righteousness - **2 Chronicles 20:33** - "During his reign, however, he failed to remove all the pagan shrines, and the people never fully committed themselves to follow the God of their ancestors." - #PaganShrines #Commitment - **2 Chronicles 20:34** - "The rest of the events of Jehoshaphat’s reign, from beginning to end, are recorded in [The Record of Jehu son of Hanani], which is included in [The Book of the Kings of Israel]." - #Jehu #Hanani #BookOfTheKings - **2 Chronicles 20:35** - "Some time later King Jehoshaphat of Judah made an alliance with King Ahaziah of Israel, who was very wicked." - #Jehoshaphat #Ahaziah #Alliance - **2 Chronicles 20:36** - "Together they built a fleet of trading ships at the port of Ezion-geber." - #EzionGeber #Ships - **2 Chronicles 20:37** - "Then Eliezer son of Dodavahu from Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat. He said, 'Because you have allied yourself with King Ahaziah, the Lord will destroy your work.' So the ships met with disaster and never put out to sea." - #Eliezer #Mareshah #Prophecy #Ahaziah