2 Chronicles 20
Meaning of 2 Chronicles 20
2 Chronicles 20 is a passage from the Old Testament of the Bible, within the book of 2 Chronicles, which is a narrative of the history of Israel. This chapter particularly narrates the story of King Jehoshaphat of Judah and his remarkable victory against a vast enemy force.
The story begins when Jehoshaphat learned that a massive army from Edom was approaching to attack Judah. Instead of responding with fear or hastily gathering his forces, Jehoshaphat first sought God’s help. He declared a fast throughout Judah, and people from all the towns came to Jerusalem to seek God’s guidance.
Jehoshaphat stood amongst his people in the Temple and prayed to the Lord for help, reminiscing God’s past deeds for His people, Israel, and acknowledging their dependence on Him. He pleaded with God to judge their enemies since their enemies were attacking the land that God Himself had given to the descendants of Abraham.
God responded to Jehoshaphat and the people through a prophet named Jahaziel. God assured them that the battle was His and not theirs. He instructed Jehoshaphat and his army not to be afraid or discouraged, but to march against their enemies.
Heeding to God’s words, Jehoshaphat went to battle with his people, having faith in God’s promise. He arranged singers to praise God ahead of the soldiers. As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the enemy armies causing them to fight against and destroy each other. Jehoshaphat and his men did not even have to fight, affirming God’s promise that the battle was indeed His.
When Jehoshaphat’s army reached the battlefield, they found that their enemies were already defeated. None of the enemy forces had survived. Afterwards, Jehoshaphat and his men collected the vast amount of the plunder. They returned triumphantly to Jerusalem, praising God in the Temple for granting such a remarkable victory.
Finally, Jehoshaphat’s reign over Judah was peaceful, and his fame spread. His story ends with a warning, illustrating that disobedience toward God’s prophets can bring a disastrous end.
This chapter teaches several lessons like: trust in God, especially when faced with overwhelming odds; the power of prayer; God fights on behalf of His people; and the importance of praising God in all circumstances.
2 Chronicles 20 kjv
2 Chronicles 20 details the story of King Jehoshaphat of Judah, who received news that a large army was planning to attack his kingdom. This included forces from Moab, Ammon, and others. Jehoshaphat was deeply afraid but resolved to inquire of the Lord. He proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. People came from each city in Judah to seek help from God.
In his prayer (verses 6-12), Jehoshaphat acknowledges God’s greatness, recalls His past miracles, and declares his dependency on Him. He concludes by saying they do not know what to do, but their eyes are on God.
God responds through Jahaziel (a Levite) in verses 15 and 17. He tells them not to be afraid or discouraged because the battle is not theirs, but God’s. They were instructed not to fight but stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.
The next day, as they went to the battlefield, Jehoshaphat told the people to trust in God and His prophets and they would be successful. He appointed singers to praise God. As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the enemies who began to destroy each other. When Judah’s army arrived, they found only corpses. There was so much loot that it took them three days to collect it all.
On the fourth day, they gathered in the Valley of Beracah (which means “blessing”) to praise God. The fear of God came upon the neighboring kingdoms when they heard how the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel. Jehoshaphat’s kingdom was at peace because his God gave him rest on every side.
In the last part of the chapter, Jehoshaphat reigns righteously and is noted for removing the high places and Asherah poles. He also sends out leaders, Levites, and priests to teach the Book of the Law throughout Judah.
The chapter ends on a sour note where Jehoshaphat makes an unwise alliance with Ahaziah, king of Israel, who acted wickedly. They built a fleet of trading ships, which were later wrecked and unable to set sail. Jehoshaphat dies and is succeeded by his son Jehoram.
2 Chronicles 20 nkjv
2 Chronicles 20 in the New King James Version (NKJV) depicts the reign of King Jehoshaphat of Judah and how he responded to more significant adversity. When the Moabites, Ammonites, and others threatened to invade Judah, Jehoshaphat turned to God for guidance (verses 1-4). He sought God’s help publicly, standing in the temple in the presence of his people, offering a prayer of humility, faith, and dependence on God (verses 5-12).
God responded by sending His Spirit to Jahaziel, a Levite, who prophesied that Judah would not have to fight; the battle was God’s, and they would stand by and watch Him deliver their enemies into their hands (verses 14-17). Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah responded in worship and faith, even appointing singers to praise God for the victory He promised before the victory was evident (verses 18-21).
As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the invading armies, causing them to destroy each other entirely (verses 22-23). The people of Judah found the battlefield littered with bodies and valuable plunder, which took three days to collect (verses 24-25). They then returned to Jerusalem, celebrating God’s victory with joy (verses 26-28).
This chapter concludes by recording that Jehoshaphat’s kingdom was at peace, as God had given him rest on all sides (verses 29-30). However, the chapter ends on a sour note as it is recorded that Jehoshaphat made an alliance with Ahaziah, the wicked king of Israel, which God disapproved (verses 35-37).
This chapter teaches us the vital importance of seeking God’s help in our challenges, acknowledging our dependence, and trusting in His deliverance even before it manifests. It also warns against associating with those who don’t honor God, even if they are powerful or influential.
2 Chronicles 20 niv
2 Chronicles 20 in the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible can be divided into several sections as follows:
1. Invasion by Moab and Ammon (verses 1-2): The chapter begins with a detailing of an invasion ready to be launched against Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, by Moabites, Ammonites and some Meunites.
2. Jehoshaphat’s Prayer (verses 3-12): In fear, Jehoshaphat turns to God and prays for guidance. His prayers are public and in it, he acknowledges God’s sovereignty, recalls God’s past deliverances, claims God’s covenant promises, and admits his own powerlessness against the invading armies.
3. God’s Response (verses 14-17): God responds to Jehoshaphat’s prayer through Jahaziel, a Levite and a descendant of Asaph. Jahaziel prophesizes that the battle will be God’s, not Judah’s, and that they will not have to fight.
4. Jehoshaphat’s Faith (verses 18-21): Jehoshaphat reacts to this prophesy with faith. The people worship God and Jehoshaphat appoints men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for his holiness as they went out in front of the army.
5. God’s Intervention (verses 22-25): This is a description of God’s miraculous intervention. As they begin to sing and praise, God causes the armies of Moab, Ammon, and Mount Seir to turn on each other. When the men of Judah come to the place that overlooks the desert and look toward the vast army, they see only dead bodies lying on the ground; no one had escaped.
6. Aftermath and Jehoshaphat’s Reforms (verses 26-30): The chapter ends with the victorious return of Jehoshaphat and his people, and his subsequent reforms to further establish the worship of God.
7. Jehoshaphat’s Final Days (verses 31-37): The last few verses record Jehoshaphat’s final days, his alliance with Ahaziah King of Israel (which was to his discredit), and the end of his reign.
Thus, this chapter predominantly emphasizes the power of prayer and faith, and God’s support and intervention for those who earnestly seek him in times of trouble.
What is 2 Chronicles 20 all about?
2 Chronicles 20 in the Bible is a story about the deliverance of King Jehoshaphat and the Southern Kingdom of Judah from the invasion by a vast enemy coalition from surrounding nations.
The chapter begins with word reaching Jehoshaphat of a massive army coming against him. Crafted in desperation, Jehoshaphat seeks God’s intervention. He calls for a fast and prays publicly in the temple courts, pleading with God to intervene, acknowledging that they’re powerless against this great horde coming against them.
In his prayer, Jehoshaphat recalls the promises made to Abraham, and how God had delivered Israel in the past. He then appeals to God, saying that the approaching armies are threatening to drive them out of the territory God had given them. Jehoshaphat concludes his prayer by confessing that Judah does not know what to do, but that their eyes are on God.
After the prayer, Jahaziel, a Levite, receives a prophetic word from the Lord for the assembly. God assures them that the battle they are facing belongs to Him and that they will stand by and see the Lord’s salvation. They were not to fear but were to go out against the armies knowing that God will be with them.
Next day, as the Jewish army marches out, Jehoshaphat exhorts his troops to have faith in God and his prophets. As they head to battle, Jehoshaphat appoints a choir that leads the army, singing praises to God.
As they began to praise, God sets ambushes against the enemy coalition, causing them to fight among themselves and completely annihilate each other. When Judah’s armies arrive at the look out point in the desert, they see bodies lying on the ground, and not a single enemy had escaped.
In conclusion, Jehoshaphat and his people return to Jerusalem, joyfully praising God for their miraculous deliverance. The chapter concludes by mentioning another event in Jehoshaphat’s reign, emphasizing still that God was with him.
Thus, the underlying theme of the chapter can be seen as God’s deliverance comes not by military might or power, but through prayer, worship, faith, and the proclamation of his word.
What does 2 Chronicles 20 teaches?
2 Chronicles 20 recounts the story of King Jehoshaphat of Judah when he was threatened by a huge army from Moab, Ammon, and Mount Seir. The chapter primarily teaches about the key principles of faith, prayer, and praise as responses to adversity.
1. Dependence on God in times of trouble: The moment Jehoshaphat heard of the impending battle, he responded with fear and sought God’s guidance and summoning all of Judah to fast and pray, showing his dependence on God in times of crisis.
2. The place of collective prayer: Jehoshaphat gathered everyone – men, women, and children – to seek the Lord together. It’s a reflection of how collective prayer and unity play a vital role in overcoming trials.
3. Faith and Confidence in God’s promise: Jehoshaphat confidently prayed back to God His covenant promises, that if disaster comes upon the people, and they cry to God, He will hear and help. He confidently proclaimed that God has power and might, so no one can stand against him.
4. Praise as spiritual warfare: King Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise Him for the splendor of His holiness, demonstrating faith that the battle doesn’t belong to us but to God. Their faith and praise preceded triumph over their enemies.
5. The Victory Belongs to God: God caused the armies to turn against each other and self-destruct. Jehoshaphat and his people did not have to fight; they only stood by and saw the deliverance of the Lord.
2 Chronicles 20 is a strong reminder to place our faith in God, seek His guidance through prayer and praise Him through our trials, and to trust in His power to deliver us from our struggles.
A Sermon on 2 Chronicles 20
2 Chronicles 20 is a notable chapter in the Bible that recounts the story of King Jehoshaphat and his victory against mighty armies through faith, prayer and worship. Here’s a general representation that can be used for a sermon.
Title: Faith in Times of Fear – A Lesson from the Life of Jehoshaphat
Opening:
Begin by introducing the setting. Set the scene with Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, being confronted by alarming news of a vast army marching towards him.
1. The Power of Faith and Prayer:
2 Chronicles 20:3-13 reflects Jehoshaphat’s immediate response to the threat. He turns to God in prayer and fasting, seeking divine intervention. He acknowledges God’s power and sovereignty, expressing his faith and complete dependence on God. Emphasize here that faith and prayer should be our first response in times of fear or uncertainty.
2. God’s Assurance:
In verses 14-17, Jahaziel, enabled by the Holy Spirit, brings a message of assurance and command from God. God tells the people not to be afraid, as the battle belongs to Him. God promises victory even before the battle is fought. This illustrates that in our battles, we should trust God’s assurance, understanding that the fight belongs to Him.
3. Responding with Worship:
Verses 18-21 talk about Jehoshaphat and the people’s response to God’s assurance – bowing in worship and praising Him. Jehoshaphat appointed singers to march ahead of the army, singing praises to God, declaring the beauty of God’s holiness even before the victory was seen. This section of the sermon can emphasize on the power of worship and praise in facing challenges.
4. Victory Through God:
Verses 22-24 recount how the armies were annihilated, without Judah having to fight the battle. This talks about the power of dependence on God. Despite the odds, Jehoshaphat and his people experienced victory because God fought for them. This passage serves as an encouragement to believers that with God on our side, victory is assured.
Conclusion:
End the sermon by reinforcing the lesson that in every battle or challenges in life, turning to God in faith, prayer and worship is our best response. Assure believers of God’s omnipotence and His might to deliver and provide victory.
Remember, a sermon is crafted to your congregation’s needs and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Make sure to adapt this outline to your specific needs and circumstances.
Key people in 2 Chronicles 20
1. King Jehoshaphat: He was the King of Judah during the events of 2 Chronicles 20.
2. Jahaziel: He was a Levite and a descendant of Asaph who prophesied that the battle against Judah would be God’s, resulting in Jehoshaphat and his people not having to fight.
3. The Ammonites, Moabites, and Meunites: These are the enemies that were preparing to wage a war against King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah.
4. The people of Judah: They were led by King Jehoshaphat in this battle and because of their faith in God, they were saved.
Each of these individuals/groups played pivotal roles in the events detailed in 2 Chronicles 20. Jehoshaphat was a wise and faithful leader, Jahaziel was the messenger of God, the enemies served as a test of faith, and the people of Judah were the testament of the power of faith in God.
Real world examples on 2 Chronicles 20
2 Chronicles 20 is a chapter in the Bible that details King Jehoshaphat’s encounter with a vast army, his response by seeking God’s guidance, and the subsequent victory that God hands to him. Here are a few real-world examples or applications of 2 Chronicles 20:
1. Seeking Guidance Amidst Crisis: In 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat turns to God for help when he hears that a vast army is coming against him. In the real world, this could be likened to situations where we face significant challenges or problems. Instead of panicking or trying to handle everything by ourselves, we can seek guidance and assistance from God through prayer.
2. Fasting and Prayer: The people of Judah came together to fast and seek help from the Lord (verses 3-4). This can be likened to tough situations today where people draw together as a community, setting time aside to fast and pray for a breakthrough.
3. Worship and Praise Leads to Victory: When the army of Judah began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes on the Ammonites, so that they were defeated (verse 22). Similarly, in practical life, praising God even in the face of adversity can bring about breakthroughs.
4. The Power of Believing: King Jehoshaphat’s faith in God’s promise brought about the victory. “You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand and see the deliverance the Lord will give you…” (Verse 17). In our lives, trusting in God’s promises can provide reassurance and comfort in the face of trials and tribulations.
5. The Spoils of Victory: After the victory, it took the people three days to collect the plunder because there was so much of it. (Verse 25). This can be related to the abundance of blessing that can come after enduring a hardship or troubling period with faith and resilience.
These circumstances present the relevancy of this chapter and how its teachings can be applied to real-world situations.
Brief Explanation of 2 Chronicles 20
2 Chronicles 20 is a chapter in the Bible that narrates the story of King Jehoshaphat of Judah. In this chapter, King Jehoshaphat receives news that a great multitude from surrounding nations is preparing to attack Judah.
On hearing this, King Jehoshaphat proclaims a fast throughout Judah and seeks strength and wisdom from God. A significant part of the chapter describes Jehoshaphat’s prayer, in which he humbly reminds God of His past help and pleads for God’s aid against the formidable enemy forces.
God replies through a man named Jahaziel, assuring the king that he must not be afraid or discouraged, for the battle is not his, but God’s. God promises that Judah will not have to fight, but only to stand firm, watch and see the deliverance of the Lord.
Encouraged by God’s words, the king and his people go out to meet the enemy. Jehoshaphat places singers at the front lines to praise the Lord, and as they sing, God causes the enemy troops to attack each other, leading to their defeat.
Afterward, Judah spends three days gathering the spoils left by the enemy. They then return home joyfully and Jehoshaphat’s reign is secure.
2 Chronicles 20 emphasizes the power and faithfulness of God in delivering the people of Judah from their enemies, stressing the importance of sincere prayer and unshakeable faith in God.
Frequently asked questions for 2 Chronicles 20
1. Who is Jehoshaphat?
– Jehoshaphat was the king of Judah, considered one of the good kings who sought to obey God’s commands and led the people in worshiping God.
2. What does Jehoshaphat pray to God in 2 Chronicles 20?
– Jehoshaphat prays to God acknowledging his power and asking Him to judge the invading enemies who are trying to seize the inheritance God had given to Israel. He concludes by admitting their powerlessness against such a huge force and decrees their trust in God.
3. Who comes upon Jahaziel and what does he do?
– The Spirit of the Lord comes upon Jahaziel, a Levite. In response, Jahaziel tells the assembled people that they should not be afraid or discouraged by the vast enemy, for the battle is not theirs, but God’s.
4. What does Jehoshaphat do when he hears Jahaziel’s prophecy?
– Jehoshaphat responds by praising God, leading all the men of Judah and Jerusalem to bow down and worship God. He encourages belief in the Lord and his prophets for success.
5. What is unique about Jehoshaphat’s strategy in battling their enemies?
– Jehoshaphat appoints singers to praise the beauty of God’s holiness as they went out at the head of the army, reflecting his trust in God’s deliverance.
6. How does God intervene in 2 Chronicles 20?
– God sets the invading armies against each other, causing them to self-destruct, and hence providing a victory for Jehoshaphat and his people.
7. What happens after the victory?
– Jehoshaphat and his people return joyfully from the battle since the Lord had given them victory. They came to Jerusalem with harps, lutes and trumpets to the house of the Lord. This event led to the fear of God coming on all the surrounding kingdoms when they heard how God fought against the enemies of Israel.
8. What does Jehoshaphat’s reign look like after this event?
– Jehoshaphat continues to reign as king of Judah. His kingdom is described as being at peace, for his God had given him victory and “rest on every side.”
These are some common questions regarding 2 Chronicles 20, and it’s interesting to note the theme of trust in God, even in the face of overwhelming circumstances.
Possible References for 2 Chronicles 20
There are multiple verses in 2 Chronicles 20 including individual stories, themes and teachings. Here are a few major references:
1. 2 Chronicles 20:1-2: In these verses, it is reported that the Moabites, the Ammonites, and the Meunites declared war against Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah.
2. 2 Chronicles 20:3-13: Jehoshaphat, afraid, seeks God’s guidance and declares a fast throughout all the land. The people come together to seek the Lord’s help.
3. 2 Chronicles 20:14-17: Jahaziel, a Levite, is stirred by the Spirit of the Lord to reassure Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah and Jerusalem that they should not be afraid or discouraged because the battle is not theirs, but God’s.
4. 2 Chronicles 20:18-21: This references how Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah and Jerusalem responded with faith in God’s promise of victory. They praised and worshiped God even before the victory.
5. 2 Chronicles 20:22-24: These scriptures describe how Jehoshaphat and his troops sang and praised the Lord and God set ambushes against their enemies leading to their defeat.
6. 2 Chronicles 20:25-30: Following the victory over their enemies, they found much among the deceased, precious jewels, and they spent three days just gathering the spoil, it was so much. The battle area was named the Valley of Beracah because of the blessings they received.
7. 2 Chronicles 20:31-37: These verses tell about Jehoshaphat’s reign, his good deeds, and later mistakes. It also mentions the alliance with Ahaziah, which displeased God.
Please, consider reading the chapter directly for more in-depth understanding and interpretation as it is also important to personally reflect on the scriptures.
Conclusion on 2 Chronicles 20
The Conclusion of 2nd Chronicles 20 narrates the victory story through Jehoshaphat’s faith in God and his strategic battle arrangements. Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, is warned of a large approaching army including Moabites, Ammonites, and others. Instead of panicking, the king turns towards faith and prayer. Jehoshaphat calls for a nationwide fast and prays directly to God asking for guidance.
A Levite in the assembly, Jahaziel, is then inspired by the Spirit of the LORD and prophesies that they will not need to fight this battle, and the victory has already been given to them.
Following this prophecy, Jehoshaphat puts a choir and musicians at the front of his army, praising the Lord. As they start singing, the enemy armies get confused and begin to attack each other, resulting in their self-destruction.
Upon reaching the battlefield, Jehoshaphat and his men find all their enemies dead. They collect the enemies’ equipment, clothes, and valuable items. The gathering of items takes three days due to their sheer number. On the fourth day, they gather to praise the Lord again.
They return to Jerusalem with joy, for the Lord had given them victory over their enemies. The fear of God fell on all the surrounding kingdoms when they heard how the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel.
The chapter concludes with Jehoshaphat reigning over in peace and prosperity, a direct result of putting his faith fully in God. This chapter teaches us about the power of prayer, faith, and reliance on God’s promises. We may not have to fight our battles as God goes before us and makes a way.