and said, "O LORD, God of our fathers, are You not the God who is in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand, and no one can stand against You. O LORDThe Hebrew word for "LORD" here is "Yahweh," the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature. This invocation acknowledges God's supreme authority and His personal relationship with Israel. Historically, this name was revealed to Moses at the burning bush ( Exodus 3:14), signifying God's unchanging presence and faithfulness to His promises. God of our fathers
This phrase connects the present generation with the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—highlighting a continuity of faith and divine promise. It underscores the historical relationship between God and His people, reminding them of His past faithfulness and the covenantal promises that have been passed down through generations. are You not the God who is in heaven?
This rhetorical question affirms God's transcendence and sovereignty. The phrase "in heaven" signifies His exalted position above all creation, ruling with authority and power. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, gods were often associated with specific locations or peoples, but this declaration sets Yahweh apart as the universal God who reigns from the heavens. And do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations?
This acknowledges God's dominion over all earthly powers, not just Israel. The Hebrew word for "rule" (mashal) implies governance and authority. Historically, this reflects the belief that God orchestrates the affairs of nations, a theme prevalent throughout the Old Testament, as seen in the accounts of Daniel and the prophets. Power and might are in Your hand
The imagery of God's "hand" symbolizes His active involvement and control over the world. "Power" (koach) and "might" (geburah) emphasize His ability to accomplish His will and protect His people. This assurance of divine strength is a recurring theme in the Psalms and prophetic literature, offering comfort and confidence to believers. and no one can stand against You
This phrase declares the invincibility of God. The Hebrew root for "stand" (yatsab) conveys the idea of taking a position or resisting. Historically, this reflects the numerous instances where God delivered Israel from seemingly insurmountable odds, reinforcing the belief that no earthly power can thwart His purposes. Persons / Places / Events 1. JehoshaphatThe king of Judah who led the nation in seeking God's help against a vast enemy coalition. His leadership and faith are central to this chapter. 2. JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, facing a formidable threat from neighboring nations. The people of Judah gathered to seek the Lord's guidance and deliverance. 3. The Temple in JerusalemThe place where Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah gathered to pray and seek God's intervention. It symbolizes God's presence among His people. 4. The Moabites, Ammonites, and MeunitesThe coalition of enemy nations that came to make war against Judah, prompting Jehoshaphat's prayer. 5. The Assembly of Judah and JerusalemThe collective gathering of the people, demonstrating unity in seeking God's help and acknowledging His sovereignty. Teaching Points Acknowledging God's SovereigntyRecognize that God is supreme over all earthly powers. In times of trouble, we should turn to Him, acknowledging His ultimate authority and control. Prayer as a First ResponseJehoshaphat's immediate reaction to the threat was to seek the Lord in prayer. This teaches us to prioritize prayer in our own lives, especially when facing challenges. Unity in Seeking GodThe people of Judah came together to seek God's help. This unity in prayer and purpose is a powerful example for the church today. Trust in God's PowerThe acknowledgment that "no one can stand against You" reminds us to trust in God's power and might, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. Historical FaithfulnessJehoshaphat refers to God as the "God of our fathers," reminding us to remember and recount God's past faithfulness as a foundation for present trust. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jehoshaphat's prayer in 2 Chronicles 20:6 reflect his understanding of God's character and sovereignty? 2. In what ways can we apply the principle of seeking God first in our own lives when faced with challenges? 3. How does the unity of the people of Judah in seeking God serve as a model for the church today? 4. What are some specific examples from your life where you have seen God's power and might at work? 5. How can remembering God's past faithfulness help us trust Him in current and future situations? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 115:3This verse echoes the theme of God's sovereignty and His rule over all nations, reinforcing the idea that God is in control and His plans cannot be thwarted. Daniel 4:35Highlights God's dominion over the kingdoms of men, similar to Jehoshaphat's acknowledgment of God's power and might. Ephesians 1:21Connects to the New Testament understanding of Christ's authority over all powers and dominions, reflecting the same divine sovereignty. 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 Able, Alone, Aren't, Fathers, Hands, Heathen, Heaven, Heavens, Kingdoms, Nations, None, O, Power, Rule, Ruler, Rulest, Ruling, Stand, Station, Strength, Withstand, YeaDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Chronicles 20:6 1060 God, greatness of
1090 God, majesty of
1130 God, sovereignty
5216 authority, nature of
5326 government
5366 king
5367 kingdoms
8401 challenges 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 20:6 NIV2 Chronicles 20:6 NLT2 Chronicles 20:6 ESV2 Chronicles 20:6 NASB2 Chronicles 20:6 KJV
2 Chronicles 20:6 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
