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. Then the Spirit of the LORDThis phrase signifies a divine intervention where God's presence and power are manifested through the Holy Spirit. In Hebrew, "Ruach Yahweh" indicates a breath or wind, symbolizing life and divine inspiration. The Spirit's coming upon someone in the Old Testament often precedes a prophetic message or action, underscoring God's direct involvement in the affairs of His people. came upon Jahaziel
Jahaziel, whose name means "God sees" or "God watches over," is chosen as the vessel for God's message. This highlights the theme of divine selection and empowerment, where God chooses individuals for specific purposes. Jahaziel's role as a prophet in this context emphasizes the importance of being receptive to God's calling. son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah
The genealogy provided here serves to establish Jahaziel's credibility and heritage. Each name carries significance, reflecting a lineage of faithfulness and service to God. This lineage underscores the continuity of God's work through generations, reminding believers of the importance of spiritual heritage and legacy. a Levite
The Levites were a tribe set apart for religious duties and service in the temple. Jahaziel's identity as a Levite emphasizes his role in spiritual leadership and his preparedness to receive and deliver God's message. This highlights the theme of consecration and dedication to God's service. of the sons of Asaph
Asaph was a prominent figure in the worship and musical traditions of Israel, known for his role in leading worship and composing psalms. Being of the sons of Asaph indicates a heritage of worship and prophetic insight, suggesting that Jahaziel's message is not only prophetic but also deeply rooted in the worship and praise of God. as he stood in the assembly
The setting of the assembly indicates a communal gathering, likely for worship or seeking God's guidance. Jahaziel's position in the assembly signifies his readiness to speak God's word to the people. This setting underscores the importance of community in discerning and responding to God's will, highlighting the collective nature of faith and obedience. Persons / Places / Events 1. JahazielA Levite and a prophet through whom God spoke to King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah. His lineage is traced back to Asaph, a prominent figure in the worship practices of Israel. 2. Zechariah, Benaiah, Jeiel, MattaniahAncestors of Jahaziel, indicating his Levitical heritage and connection to the worship and musical traditions of Israel. 3. LevitesMembers of the tribe of Levi, set apart for religious duties and temple service. Jahaziel's role as a Levite underscores his authority and the significance of his message. 4. Sons of AsaphA group of Levites known for their musical and prophetic roles in temple worship. Asaph himself was a prominent musician and seer during the time of King David. 5. Assembly of JudahThe gathering of the people of Judah, including King Jehoshaphat, who were seeking God's guidance in the face of a military threat. Teaching Points The Role of the Holy SpiritThe Spirit of the LORD empowers and guides believers, providing wisdom and direction in times of need. Just as Jahaziel was filled with the Spirit to deliver God's message, we too can seek the Spirit's guidance in our lives. Heritage and CallingJahaziel's lineage as a Levite and a son of Asaph underscores the importance of spiritual heritage and calling. We should recognize and honor the spiritual legacies in our own lives and communities. God's Presence in CommunityThe Spirit came upon Jahaziel in the midst of the assembly, highlighting the importance of communal worship and seeking God together. We are encouraged to gather with fellow believers to seek God's presence and guidance. Prophetic EncouragementJahaziel's message brought encouragement and direction to a fearful people. We should be open to receiving and sharing words of encouragement and prophecy that align with Scripture. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the role of the Holy Spirit in 2 Chronicles 20:14 compare to other instances in the Bible where the Spirit empowers individuals for specific tasks? 2. In what ways can we honor and continue the spiritual legacies of our own families or church communities, similar to Jahaziel's connection to the sons of Asaph? 3. How can we cultivate an environment in our churches or small groups where the Holy Spirit is welcomed to speak and guide us as a community? 4. What are some practical ways we can discern and share prophetic encouragement with others, ensuring it aligns with biblical truth? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's guidance in a challenging situation. How did the community of believers play a role in that experience? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Chronicles 25:1-2This passage describes the appointment of the sons of Asaph, including Jahaziel's ancestors, to prophesy with musical instruments, highlighting the prophetic and worshipful heritage of Jahaziel. Acts 13:2The Holy Spirit speaks to the leaders of the church in Antioch, similar to how the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel, emphasizing the continuity of divine guidance through the Spirit. Exodus 31:3The Spirit of God fills Bezalel with wisdom and skill, paralleling how the Spirit empowers individuals for specific tasks and messages. People Ahaziah, Ammonites, Aram, Asa, Asaph, Azubah, Benaiah, Berachah, Dodavah, Eliezer, Geber, Hanani, Jahaziel, Jehoshaphat, Jehu, Jeiel, Kohathites, Korahites, Korhites, Levites, Maonites, Mattaniah, Meunim, Meunites, Moabites, Seir, Shilhi, Tamar, Tarshish, ZechariahPlaces Ammon, Edom, Egypt, Engedi, Ezion-geber, Hazazon-tamar, Jeruel, Jerusalem, Mareshah, Moab, Mount Seir, Seir, Tarshish, Tekoa, ZizTopics Asaph, Assembly, Benaiah, Benai'ah, Congregation, Descendant, Family, Jahaziel, Jaha'ziel, Jehaziel, Jeiel, Je-i'el, Levite, Mattaniah, Mattani'ah, Meeting, Midst, Sons, Spirit, Stood, Zechariah, Zechari'ahDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Chronicles 20:14 3272 Holy Spirit, in OT
3281 Holy Spirit, inspiration 2 Chronicles 20:1-17 8648 enquiring of God Library A Strange Battle
'We have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon Thee.'--2 CHRON xx. 12. A formidable combination of neighbouring nations, of which Moab and Ammon, the ancestral enemies of Judah, were the chief, was threatening Judah. Jehoshaphat, the king, was panic-stricken when he heard of the heavy war-cloud that was rolling on, ready to burst in thunder on his little kingdom. His first act was to muster the nation, not as a military levy …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureHolding Fast and Held Fast
'As they went forth Jehoshaphat stood and said, Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established.'--2 CHRON. xx. 20. Certainly no stronger army ever went forth to victory than these Jews, who poured out of Jerusalem that morning with no weapon in all their ranks, and having for their van, not their picked men, but singers who 'praised the beauty of holiness,' and chanted the old hymn, 'Give thanks unto the Lord, for His mercy endureth for ever.' That was all that men had to do in the battle, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Of the Public Fast.
A public fast is when, by the authority of the magistrate (Jonah iii. 7; 2 Chron. xx. 3; Ezra viii. 21), either the whole church within his dominion, or some special congregation, whom it concerneth, assemble themselves together, to perform the fore-mentioned duties of humiliation; either for the removing of some public calamity threatened or already inflicted upon them, as the sword, invasion, famine, pestilence, or other fearful sickness (1 Sam. vii. 5, 6; Joel ii. 15; 2 Chron. xx.; Jonah iii. …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety The Coast of the Asphaltites, the Essenes. En-Gedi.
"On the western shore" (of the Asphaltites) "dwell the Essenes; whom persons, guilty of any crimes, fly from on every side. A nation it is that lives alone, and of all other nations in the whole world, most to be admired; they are without any woman; all lust banished, &c. Below these, was the town Engadda, the next to Jerusalem for fruitfulness, and groves of palm-trees, now another burying-place. From thence stands Massada, a castle in a rock, and this castle not far from the Asphaltites." Solinus, …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica "Thou Shall Keep Him in Perfect Peace, Whose Mind is Stayed on Thee, Because He Trusteth in Thee. "
Isaiah xxvi. 3.--"Thou shall keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee." Christ hath left us his peace, as the great and comprehensive legacy, "My peace I leave you," John xiv. 27. And this was not peace in the world that he enjoyed; you know what his life was, a continual warfare; but a peace above the world, that passeth understanding. "In the world you shall have trouble, but in me you shall have peace," saith Christ,--a peace that shall make trouble …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning That the Employing Of, and Associating with the Malignant Party, According as is Contained in the Public Resolutions, is Sinful and Unlawful.
That The Employing Of, And Associating With The Malignant Party, According As Is Contained In The Public Resolutions, Is Sinful And Unlawful. If there be in the land a malignant party of power and policy, and the exceptions contained in the Act of Levy do comprehend but few of that party, then there need be no more difficulty to prove, that the present public resolutions and proceedings do import an association and conjunction with a malignant party, than to gather a conclusion from clear premises. …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Commerce
The remarkable change which we have noticed in the views of Jewish authorities, from contempt to almost affectation of manual labour, could certainly not have been arbitrary. But as we fail to discover here any religious motive, we can only account for it on the score of altered political and social circumstances. So long as the people were, at least nominally, independent, and in possession of their own land, constant engagement in a trade would probably mark an inferior social stage, and imply …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Concerning Peaceableness
Blessed are the peacemakers. Matthew 5:9 This is the seventh step of the golden ladder which leads to blessedness. The name of peace is sweet, and the work of peace is a blessed work. Blessed are the peacemakers'. Observe the connection. The Scripture links these two together, pureness of heart and peaceableness of spirit. The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable' (James 3:17). Follow peace and holiness' (Hebrews 12:14). And here Christ joins them together pure in heart, and peacemakers', …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Chronicles 20:14 NIV2 Chronicles 20:14 NLT2 Chronicles 20:14 ESV2 Chronicles 20:14 NASB2 Chronicles 20:14 KJV
2 Chronicles 20:14 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
