2 Chronicles 20:2
New International Version
Some people came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Dead Sea. It is already in Hazezon Tamar” (that is, En Gedi).

New Living Translation
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.)

English Standard Version
Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, “A great multitude is coming against you from Edom, from beyond the sea; and, behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar” (that is, Engedi).

Berean Standard Bible
Then some men came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from beyond the Sea; they are already in Hazazon-tamar” (that is, En-gedi).

King James Bible
Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying, There cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea on this side Syria; and, behold, they be in Hazazontamar, which is Engedi.

New King James Version
Then some came and told Jehoshaphat, saying, “A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea, from Syria; and they are in Hazazon Tamar” (which is En Gedi).

New American Standard Bible
Then some came and reported to Jehoshaphat, saying, “A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea, from Aram; and behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar (that is Engedi).”

NASB 1995
Then some came and reported to Jehoshaphat, saying, “A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea, out of Aram and behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar (that is Engedi).”

NASB 1977
Then some came and reported to Jehoshaphat, saying, “A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea, out of Aram and behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar (that is Engedi).”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then some came and told Jehoshaphat, saying, “A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea, out of Aram and behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar (that is Engedi).”

Amplified Bible
Then it was reported to Jehoshaphat, “A great multitude has come against you from beyond the [Dead] Sea, out of Aram (Syria); and behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar (that is, Engedi).”

Christian Standard Bible
People came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast number from beyond the Dead Sea and from Edom has come to fight against you; they are already in Hazazon-tamar” (that is, En-gedi).

Holman Christian Standard Bible
People came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast number from beyond the Dead Sea and from Edom has come to fight against you; they are already in Hazazon-tamar” (that is, En-gedi).

American Standard Version
Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying, There cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea from Syria; and, behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar (the same is En-gedi).

Contemporary English Version
Messengers told Jehoshaphat, "A large army from Edom east of the Dead Sea has invaded our country. They have already reached En-Gedi."

English Revised Version
Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying, There cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea from Syria; and, behold, they be in Hazazon-tamar (the same is En-gedi).

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Some men reported to Jehoshaphat, "A large crowd is coming against you from the other side of the Dead Sea, from Edom. The crowd is already in Hazazon Tamar" (also called En Gedi).

Good News Translation
Some messengers came and announced to King Jehoshaphat: "A large army from Edom has come from the other side of the Dead Sea to attack you. They have already captured Hazazon Tamar." (This is another name for Engedi.)

International Standard Version
Jehoshaphat's military advisors came and informed him, "We've been attacked by a vast invasion force from Aram, beyond the Dead Sea. Be advised—they've already reached Hazazon-tamar, also known as En-gedi."

Majority Standard Bible
Then some men came and told Jehoshaphat, ?A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from beyond the Sea; they are already in Hazazon-tamar? (that is, En-gedi).

NET Bible
Messengers arrived and reported to Jehoshaphat, "A huge army is attacking you from the other side of the Dead Sea, from the direction of Edom. Look, they are in Hazezon Tamar (that is, En Gedi)."

New Heart English Bible
Then some came who told Jehoshaphat, saying, "A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea from Edom. Look, they are in Hazazon Tamar" (that is, En Gedi).

Webster's Bible Translation
Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying, There cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea on this side of Syria; and behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar, which is En-gedi.

World English Bible
Then some came who told Jehoshaphat, saying, “A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea from Syria. Behold, they are in Hazazon Tamar” (that is, En Gedi).
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And [some] come in and declare [it] to Jehoshaphat, saying, “A great multitude has come against you from beyond the sea, from Aram, and behold, they [are] in Hazezon-Tamar—it [is] En-Gedi.”

Young's Literal Translation
And they come in and declare to Jehoshaphat, saying, 'Come against thee hath a great multitude from beyond the sea, from Aram, and lo, they are in Hazezon-Tamar -- it is En-Gedi.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And they will come and announce to Jehoshaphat, saying, A great multitude coming against thee from beyond the sea from Aram in Hazazon-Tamar; this the fountain of the kid.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And there came messengers, and told Josaphat, saying: There cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea, and out of Syria, and behold they are in Asasonthamar, which is Engaddi.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And messengers arrived and reported to Jehoshaphat, saying: “A great multitude has arrived against you, from those places that are across the sea, and from Syria. And behold, they are standing together at Hazazon-tamar, which is Engedi.”

New American Bible
Jehoshaphat was told: “A great multitude is coming against you from across the sea, from Edom; they are already in Hazazon-tamar” (which is En-gedi).

New Revised Standard Version
Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat, “A great multitude is coming against you from Edom, from beyond the sea; already they are at Hazazon-tamar” (that is, En-gedi).
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then there came messengers and told Jehoshaphat, saying, A great army has come against you from beyond the Red Sea; and, behold, they are encamping in Jericho, which is En-gad.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they came and they told Yehoshaphat and they were saying to him: “A great army has come against you from the other side of the Red Sea, and behold, they are camping in Jericho, this is Ayn Gad.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying: 'There cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea from Aram; and, behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar'--the same is En-gedi.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And they came and told Josaphat, saying, There is come against thee a great multitude from Syria, from beyond the sea; and, behold, they are in Asasan Thamar, this is Engadi.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jehoshaphat Invaded by Moab
1After this, the Moabites and Ammonites, together with some of the Meunites, came to make war against Jehoshaphat. 2Then some men came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from beyond the Sea; they are already in Hazazon-tamar” (that is, En-gedi). 3Jehoshaphat was alarmed and set his face to seek the LORD. And he proclaimed a fast throughout Judah.…

Cross References
Psalm 83:3-8
With cunning they scheme against Your people and conspire against those You cherish, / saying, “Come, let us erase them as a nation; may the name of Israel be remembered no more.” / For with one mind they plot together; they form an alliance against You— ...

2 Kings 3:9-27
So the king of Israel, the king of Judah, and the king of Edom set out, and after they had traveled a roundabout route for seven days, they had no water for their army or for their animals. / “Alas,” said the king of Israel, “for the LORD has summoned these three kings to deliver them into the hand of Moab!” / But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there no prophet of the LORD here? Let us inquire of the LORD through him.” And one of the servants of the king of Israel answered, “Elisha son of Shaphat is here. He used to pour water on the hands of Elijah.” ...

Judges 6:3-5
Whenever the Israelites planted their crops, the Midianites, Amalekites, and other people of the east would come up and invade them, / encamping against them as far as Gaza and destroying the produce of the land. They left Israel with no sustenance, neither sheep nor oxen nor donkeys. / For the Midianites came with their livestock and their tents like a great swarm of locusts. They and their camels were innumerable, and they entered the land to ravage it.

2 Chronicles 14:9-15
Then Zerah the Cushite came against them with an army of 1,000,000 men and 300 chariots, and they advanced as far as Mareshah. / So Asa marched out against him and lined up in battle formation in the Valley of Zephathah near Mareshah. / Then Asa cried out to the LORD his God: “O LORD, there is no one besides You to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on You, and in Your name we have come against this multitude. O LORD, You are our God. Do not let a mere mortal prevail against You.” ...

2 Chronicles 32:1-8
After all these acts of faithfulness, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and invaded Judah. He laid siege to the fortified cities, intending to conquer them for himself. / When Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib had come to make war against Jerusalem, / he consulted with his leaders and mighty men about stopping up the waters of the springs outside the city, and they helped him carry it out. ...

Isaiah 7:1-9
Now in the days that Ahaz son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, was king of Judah, Rezin king of Aram marched up to wage war against Jerusalem. He was accompanied by Pekah son of Remaliah the king of Israel, but he could not overpower the city. / When it was reported to the house of David that Aram was in league with Ephraim, the hearts of Ahaz and his people trembled like trees in the forest shaken by the wind. / Then the LORD said to Isaiah, “Go out with your son Shear-jashub to meet Ahaz at the end of the aqueduct that feeds the upper pool, on the road to the Launderer’s Field, ...

2 Kings 19:9-19
Now Sennacherib had been warned about Tirhakah king of Cush: “Look, he has set out to fight against you.” So Sennacherib again sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying, / “Give this message to Hezekiah king of Judah: ‘Do not let your God, in whom you trust, deceive you by saying that Jerusalem will not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria. / Surely you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all the other countries, devoting them to destruction. Will you then be spared? ...

2 Samuel 10:6-19
When the Ammonites realized that they had become a stench to David, they hired twenty thousand Aramean foot soldiers from Beth-rehob and Zoba, as well as a thousand men from the king of Maacah and twelve thousand men from Tob. / On hearing this, David sent Joab and the entire army of mighty men. / The Ammonites marched out and arrayed themselves for battle at the entrance of the city gate, while the Arameans of Zobah and Rehob and the men of Tob and Maacah were by themselves in the open country. ...

1 Samuel 23:27-28
Then a messenger came to Saul, saying, “Come quickly, for the Philistines have raided the land!” / So Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went to meet the Philistines. That is why that place is called Sela-hammahlekoth.

2 Chronicles 12:2-4
In the fifth year of Rehoboam’s reign, because they had been unfaithful to the LORD, Shishak king of Egypt attacked Jerusalem / with 1,200 chariots, 60,000 horsemen, and countless troops who came with him out of Egypt—Libyans, Sukkites, and Cushites. / He captured the fortified cities of Judah and came as far as Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 28:17-18
The Edomites had again come and attacked Judah and carried away captives. / The Philistines had also raided the cities of the foothills and the Negev of Judah, capturing and occupying Beth-shemesh, Aijalon, and Gederoth, as well as Soco, Timnah, and Gimzo with their villages.

2 Chronicles 21:16-17
Then the LORD stirred against Jehoram the spirit of the Philistines and Arabs who lived near the Cushites. / So they went to war against Judah, invaded it, and carried off all the possessions found in the king’s palace, along with his sons and wives; not a son was left to him except Jehoahaz, his youngest.

2 Chronicles 24:23-24
In the spring, the army of Aram went to war against Joash. They entered Judah and Jerusalem and destroyed all the leaders of the people, and they sent all the plunder to their king in Damascus. / Although the Aramean army had come with only a few men, the LORD delivered into their hand a very great army. Because Judah had forsaken the LORD, the God of their fathers, judgment was executed on Joash.

2 Chronicles 26:6-7
Uzziah went out to wage war against the Philistines, and he tore down the walls of Gath, Jabneh, and Ashdod. Then he built cities near Ashdod and among the Philistines. / God helped him against the Philistines, against the Arabs living in Gur-baal, and against the Meunites.

2 Chronicles 27:5
Jotham waged war against the king of the Ammonites and defeated them, and that year they gave him a hundred talents of silver, ten thousand cors of wheat, and ten thousand cors of barley. They paid him the same in the second and third years.


Treasury of Scripture

Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying, There comes a great multitude against you from beyond the sea on this side Syria; and, behold, they be in Hazazontamar, which is Engedi.

beyond the sea.

Genesis 14:3
All these were joined together in the vale of Siddim, which is the salt sea.

Numbers 34:12
And the border shall go down to Jordan, and the goings out of it shall be at the salt sea: this shall be your land with the coasts thereof round about.

Joshua 3:16
That the waters which came down from above stood and rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that is beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, failed, and were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.

Hazazon-tamar

Genesis 14:7
And they returned, and came to Enmishpat, which is Kadesh, and smote all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, that dwelt in Hazezontamar.

En-gedi

Joshua 15:62
And Nibshan, and the city of Salt, and Engedi; six cities with their villages.

1 Samuel 23:29
And David went up from thence, and dwelt in strong holds at Engedi.

Song of Solomon 1:14
My beloved is unto me as a cluster of camphire in the vineyards of Engedi.

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Aram Army Declare Edom En Engedi En-Gedi Gedi Great Hazazon Hazazon-Tamar Jehoshaphat Jehosh'aphat Multitude News Reported Sea Side Syria Tamar Vast
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2 Chronicles 20
1. Jehoshaphat, invaded by Moab, proclaims a fast
5. His prayer
14. The prophecy of Jahaziel
20. Jehoshaphat exhorts the people, and sets singers to praise the Lord
22. The great overthrow of his enemies
26. The people, having blessed God at Berachah, return in triumph
31. Jehoshaphat's reign
35. His convoy of ships, according to the prophecy of Eliezer, unhappily perishes.














Then some men came and told Jehoshaphat
This phrase introduces the urgency and gravity of the situation. The Hebrew root for "told" (נָגַד, nagad) implies a formal announcement or declaration, indicating the seriousness of the message. Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, is a central figure in this narrative, known for his faithfulness to God. Historically, Jehoshaphat's reign was marked by religious reforms and efforts to bring the people back to the worship of Yahweh. This context sets the stage for understanding the weight of the news he receives.

A vast army is coming against you
The phrase "a vast army" underscores the overwhelming nature of the threat. The Hebrew word for "vast" (רָב, rav) conveys a sense of multitude and magnitude, suggesting an intimidating force. This reflects the historical reality of the constant threats faced by the kingdoms of Israel and Judah from surrounding nations. The phrase "coming against you" indicates a direct and personal threat to Jehoshaphat and his kingdom, emphasizing the imminent danger and the need for divine intervention.

from Edom
Edom, located to the southeast of Judah, was a perennial adversary of Israel. The Edomites were descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother, which adds a layer of familial tension to the conflict. The historical enmity between Edom and Israel is well-documented in the Old Testament, and this mention serves to remind the reader of the longstanding hostilities and the challenges faced by Jehoshaphat.

from beyond the Sea
This phrase likely refers to the Dead Sea, which lies to the east of Judah. The geographical reference provides a sense of the direction from which the threat is approaching. It also highlights the strategic considerations of the time, as armies would often use natural landmarks for navigation and positioning. The mention of the sea adds to the dramatic imagery of an advancing force.

they are already in Hazazon-tamar
Hazazon-tamar, identified with En-gedi, is a location of strategic importance. Situated near the Dead Sea, it was an oasis and a place of refuge. The Hebrew name Hazazon-tamar means "pruning of the palm," indicating a fertile area. The fact that the enemy is "already" there suggests the immediacy of the threat and the need for swift action. This location is significant in biblical history, as it was a place where David sought refuge from Saul, adding layers of historical and spiritual resonance.

(that is, En-gedi)
En-gedi, meaning "spring of the goat," is a well-known oasis in the Judean Desert. Its mention here provides a geographical anchor for the narrative. En-gedi's lush environment amidst the desert wilderness symbolizes God's provision and sustenance. This setting serves as a backdrop for the unfolding drama, where Jehoshaphat's faith and leadership will be tested. The historical and spiritual significance of En-gedi enriches the narrative, reminding readers of God's past deliverance and the hope for His intervention in times of crisis.

(2) Then there came some that told.--And they (i.e., messengers; Vulg., "nuntii") came and told.

Cometh.--Is come.

The Sea.--The Dead Sea, east of which lay the territories of Ammon and Moab; while to the south of it, not far from Petra, was Maon.

On this side Syria.--Heb., from Aram; and so LXX. and Vulg. But Edom is probably the true reading--a name often confused with Aram. As the invaders marched round the southern end of the Dead Sea, they were naturally described as coming from Edom. The Syr. and Arab. have: from the other side of the Red Sea.

Hazazon-tamar.--See Genesis 14:7.

Engedi (Ain-jidy), midway on the western coast of the Dead Sea (see 1Samuel 23:29), about thirty-six miles from Jerusalem. The Syr. and Arab, have Jericho for Hazazon-tamar (? meadow of palms). Jericho was also called "city of palms."

Verse 2. - Beyond the sea on this aide Aram (Syria); i.e. south-east of the Salt Sea, and something west of Edom (the right reading in place of Aram, where a resh had turned out a daleth), Hazon-tamar... Engedi; i.e. the place Engedi (Ain-jiddy), a living "spring of water" from a lime-cliff, half-way up the west coast of the Salt Sea, "in the midst of palms" (interpalmas), the compound word "Hazazon-tamar" meaning literally, "the division of the palm."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then some men came
וַיָּבֹ֗אוּ (way·yā·ḇō·’ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

and told
וַיַּגִּ֤ידוּ (way·yag·gî·ḏū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous

Jehoshaphat,
לִֽיהוֹשָׁפָט֙ (lî·hō·wō·šā·p̄āṭ)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3092: Jehoshaphat -- 'the LORD has judged', the name of a number of Israelites

“A vast
רָ֛ב (rāḇ)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7227: Much, many, great

army
הָמ֥וֹן (hā·mō·wn)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1995: A noise, tumult, crowd, disquietude, wealth

is coming
בָּ֣א (bā)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

against you
עָלֶ֜יךָ (‘ā·le·ḵā)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

from Edom,
מֵאֲרָ֑ם (mê·’ă·rām)
Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 758: Aram -- Syria

from beyond
מֵעֵ֥בֶר (mê·‘ê·ḇer)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5676: A region across, on the opposite side

the Sea;
לַיָּ֖ם (lay·yām)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3220: A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basin

they are already
וְהִנָּם֙ (wə·hin·nām)
Conjunctive waw | Interjection | third person masculine plural
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

in Hazazon-tamar”
תָּמָ֔ר (tā·mār)
Preposition | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 2688: Hazazon-tamar -- a place on the west side of the Dead Sea

(that is,
הִ֖יא (hî)
Pronoun - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

En-gedi).
גֶּֽדִי׃ (ge·ḏî)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 5872: Engedi -- 'spring of a kid', a place on west shore of the Dead Sea


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OT History: 2 Chronicles 20:2 Then there came some who told Jehoshaphat (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)
2 Chronicles 20:1
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