After this, the Moabites and Ammonites, together with some of the Meunites, came to make war against Jehoshaphat. After thisThis phrase indicates a continuation from the previous events described in 2 Chronicles 19, where King Jehoshaphat had instituted judicial reforms and sought to bring the people of Judah back to the worship of Yahweh. The phrase "after this" serves as a reminder that spiritual victories and reforms are often followed by trials and challenges. It underscores the reality that the life of faith is not free from conflict, but rather, it is often marked by spiritual warfare. the Moabites and Ammonites
These two groups were descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew, as recorded in Genesis 19:37-38. Historically, the Moabites and Ammonites were often hostile towards Israel, and their enmity is a recurring theme in the Old Testament. Their mention here highlights the persistent opposition that God's people face from those who do not follow Him. The Moabites and Ammonites symbolize the external threats that can arise against the faithful, reminding believers of the need for vigilance and reliance on God. together with some of the Meunites
The Meunites, also known as the Maonites, were a lesser-known group, possibly from the region of Edom. Their inclusion in this coalition against Judah suggests a formidable alliance of enemies. This phrase emphasizes the unity of opposition that can come against God's people, illustrating how adversaries may join forces to challenge the faithful. It serves as a reminder that spiritual battles often involve multiple fronts and require divine intervention. came to make war against Jehoshaphat
This phrase indicates the direct threat posed to King Jehoshaphat and the kingdom of Judah. Jehoshaphat, known for his faithfulness and reforms, now faces a significant military challenge. The phrase "came to make war" underscores the aggressive intent of the enemies and the seriousness of the situation. It highlights the reality that even righteous leaders and nations are not immune to conflict. This serves as an encouragement to believers that when faced with overwhelming odds, they must turn to God for strength and deliverance, as Jehoshaphat does in the subsequent verses. Persons / Places / Events 1. JehoshaphatThe King of Judah, known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to bring the people back to the worship of Yahweh. He is the central figure in this chapter, facing a significant military threat. 2. MoabitesDescendants of Moab, the son of Lot, who lived east of the Dead Sea. Historically, they were often in conflict with Israel and Judah. 3. AmmonitesDescendants of Ammon, another son of Lot. They occupied territory northeast of the Dead Sea and were frequently adversaries of Israel. 4. MeunitesA lesser-known group mentioned in this passage, possibly a tribe or people allied with the Moabites and Ammonites against Judah. 5. War Against JehoshaphatThis event marks a significant challenge to Jehoshaphat's reign, testing his leadership and faith in God. Teaching Points Trust in God During AdversityJehoshaphat's response to the threat teaches us to turn to God in prayer and seek His guidance when facing overwhelming challenges. The Power of Unity in PrayerThe gathering of Judah to seek the Lord demonstrates the strength found in communal prayer and unity among believers. God's Sovereignty Over NationsThis passage reminds us that God is in control of all nations and their leaders, and He can use any situation for His purposes. Faith Over FearJehoshaphat's account encourages us to choose faith over fear, trusting that God will fight our battles when we rely on Him. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jehoshaphat's response to the threat from the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites challenge us to respond to our own crises? 2. In what ways can we apply the principle of communal prayer and unity in our church or community when facing difficulties? 3. How does understanding the historical enmity between Israel and its neighbors enhance our comprehension of the challenges Jehoshaphat faced? 4. What other biblical examples can you find where God intervened in seemingly impossible situations, and how do they encourage your faith? 5. How can Romans 8:31 be a source of comfort and strength when you face opposition or challenges in your life? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 19Provides background on the origins of the Moabites and Ammonites, tracing their lineage to Lot, Abraham's nephew. 1 Kings 22Details Jehoshaphat's earlier reign and his alliance with Ahab, providing context for his political and spiritual leadership. Psalm 83A psalm that mentions a coalition of nations, including Moab and Ammon, conspiring against Israel, reflecting the ongoing enmity. Romans 8:31Offers encouragement that if God is for us, who can be against us, a principle that Jehoshaphat would rely on in facing his enemies. 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 Ammon, Ammonites, Battle, Beside, Besides, Jehoshaphat, Jehosh'aphat, Maonites, Meunim, Meunites, Me-u'nites, Moab, Moabites, Pass, Peoples, Sons, WarDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Chronicles 20:1 5205 alliance
5214 attack
5354 invasions 2 Chronicles 20:1-4 8160 seeking God 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 20:1 NIV2 Chronicles 20:1 NLT2 Chronicles 20:1 ESV2 Chronicles 20:1 NASB2 Chronicles 20:1 KJV
2 Chronicles 20:1 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
