Meanwhile all the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones, were standing before the LORD. MeanwhileThis word sets the scene, indicating a simultaneous action or event. In the context of 2 Chronicles 20, it suggests a moment of anticipation and collective focus. The Hebrew root for "meanwhile" can imply a sense of continuity and connection to the preceding events, where King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah sought divine intervention against their enemies. This word invites readers to consider the ongoing narrative of faith and reliance on God. all the men of Judah
The phrase emphasizes the unity and collective identity of the people of Judah. Historically, Judah was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, known for its leadership and strength. The mention of "all the men" underscores the communal aspect of their faith and the importance of male leadership in ancient Israelite society. It reflects a gathering of strength and solidarity in the face of adversity, highlighting the role of men as protectors and spiritual leaders. with their wives and children and little ones
This phrase paints a picture of inclusivity and family unity. The presence of "wives and children and little ones" signifies that the entire community, regardless of age or gender, was involved in seeking God's guidance. It reflects the biblical principle of family as a foundational unit of society and faith. The Hebrew culture placed great importance on family, and this gathering demonstrates the collective dependence on God for protection and deliverance. stood before the LORD
To "stand before the LORD" is a powerful expression of reverence, submission, and expectation. In the Hebrew context, standing before God often involved prayer, worship, and waiting for divine instruction. This posture indicates a readiness to listen and obey, acknowledging God's sovereignty and authority. The act of standing symbolizes respect and honor, as well as a communal act of worship and supplication, trusting in God's power to intervene in their situation. Persons / Places / Events 1. JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, consisting of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. At this time, it was under the rule of King Jehoshaphat. 2. JehoshaphatThe king of Judah who sought the Lord's guidance in the face of a vast enemy army. He was known for his reforms and efforts to bring the people back to the worship of Yahweh. 3. The AssemblyThe gathering of all the men, women, and children of Judah, who stood together in unity before the Lord, seeking His intervention and guidance. 4. The TempleThe place where the people of Judah gathered to seek the Lord. It was the central place of worship and symbolized God's presence among His people. 5. The ThreatThe imminent invasion by a coalition of enemy forces, which prompted Jehoshaphat to call for a national fast and prayer. Teaching Points Unity in Seeking GodThe entire community of Judah, regardless of age or gender, stood together before the Lord. This unity in seeking God is a powerful example for the church today, emphasizing the importance of coming together in prayer and worship. Dependence on GodThe people of Judah recognized their inability to face the enemy on their own and turned to God for help. This teaches us to rely on God's strength rather than our own abilities in times of trouble. The Role of LeadershipJehoshaphat's leadership in calling the people to seek the Lord highlights the responsibility of leaders to guide their communities in spiritual matters. Faith in ActionStanding before the Lord was an act of faith, demonstrating their trust in God's power and promises. We are called to stand firm in our faith, trusting God to act on our behalf. Intergenerational WorshipThe inclusion of children and little ones in the assembly underscores the importance of involving all generations in worship and spiritual practices. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the unity of the people of Judah in seeking God challenge or inspire your own approach to communal prayer and worship? 2. In what ways can you demonstrate dependence on God in your daily life, especially when facing challenges? 3. How can leaders today encourage their communities to seek God collectively, and what role can you play in this process? 4. Reflect on a time when you had to stand firm in faith, trusting God to act. What did you learn from that experience? 5. How can you involve different generations in your family or church community in worship and spiritual growth, following the example of Judah's assembly? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Chronicles 7:14This verse emphasizes the power of collective prayer and repentance, similar to the assembly of Judah seeking God's face. Exodus 14:13-14Just as the Israelites stood still and witnessed God's deliverance at the Red Sea, the people of Judah stood before the Lord, awaiting His salvation. Acts 1:14The early church gathered in unity and prayer, much like the assembly of Judah, demonstrating the power of communal prayer and seeking God's will. 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 Infants, Judah, Meanwhile, Ones, Sons, Standing, Stood, Waiting, WivesDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Chronicles 20:13 5302 education 2 Chronicles 20:1-17 8648 enquiring of God 2 Chronicles 20:12-13 8610 prayer, asking 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 20:13 NIV2 Chronicles 20:13 NLT2 Chronicles 20:13 ESV2 Chronicles 20:13 NASB2 Chronicles 20:13 KJV
2 Chronicles 20:13 Commentaries
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