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). Then some men came and told JehoshaphatThis 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. 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 account, facing a significant threat. 2. EdomA region southeast of Judah, often in conflict with Israel and Judah. The Edomites were descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother, and had a long history of enmity with the Israelites. 3. Hazazon-tamar (En Gedi)A location near the Dead Sea, known for its oasis and strategic importance. It is where the invading army was reported to be, indicating the immediacy of the threat. 4. The Vast ArmyComposed of Moabites, Ammonites, and some Meunites, this coalition posed a significant military threat to Judah, highlighting the dire situation Jehoshaphat faced. 5. The MessengersUnnamed individuals who brought the alarming news to Jehoshaphat, playing a crucial role in prompting his response. Teaching Points Trust in God's SovereigntyJehoshaphat's immediate response to seek the Lord (as seen in the following verses) teaches us to turn to God first in times of crisis, trusting in His control over all circumstances. The Power of Prayer and FastingThe subsequent verses show Jehoshaphat proclaiming a fast and leading the nation in prayer. This underscores the importance of communal prayer and fasting as powerful spiritual disciplines in seeking God's intervention. Facing Fear with FaithDespite the fearsome report, Jehoshaphat's actions demonstrate that faith can overcome fear. We are encouraged to face our fears by anchoring our trust in God's promises and past faithfulness. Community in CrisisThe involvement of the entire nation in seeking God highlights the strength found in community. In times of trouble, believers are called to unite in prayer and support. God's DeliveranceThe account ultimately shows that deliverance comes from the Lord, not through human strength or strategy. This reminds us to rely on God's power rather than our own abilities. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jehoshaphat's response to the threat in 2 Chronicles 20:2 challenge us to respond to crises in our own lives? 2. In what ways can we incorporate prayer and fasting into our spiritual practices when facing overwhelming situations? 3. How does the historical enmity between Edom and Israel/Judah inform our understanding of the challenges Jehoshaphat faced? 4. What parallels can we draw between Jehoshaphat's situation and other biblical accounts of God's deliverance, such as the Exodus? 5. How can we foster a sense of community and collective prayer in our churches or small groups when facing communal challenges? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 83This psalm speaks of a coalition of nations conspiring against Israel, similar to the alliance against Judah in 2 Chronicles 20. It highlights the recurring theme of surrounding nations threatening God's people. 2 Kings 3This passage describes another conflict involving Moab, providing context for the ongoing hostilities between these nations and Israel/Judah. Exodus 14The Israelites faced an overwhelming threat from the Egyptian army, similar to Jehoshaphat's situation. Both accounts emphasize reliance on God for deliverance. 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 Across, Already, Aram, Army, Behold, Beyond, Declare, Edom, En, Engedi, En-gedi, En-ge'di, Gedi, Hazazon, Hazazontamar, Hazazon-tamar, Haz'azon-ta'mar, Hazezon-tamar, Jehoshaphat, Jehosh'aphat, Moving, Multitude, News, Reported, Saying, Syria, Tamar, VastDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Chronicles 20:1-4 8160 seeking God 2 Chronicles 20:1-17 8648 enquiring of God 2 Chronicles 20:2-4 8431 fasting, reasons 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 20:2 NIV2 Chronicles 20:2 NLT2 Chronicles 20:2 ESV2 Chronicles 20:2 NASB2 Chronicles 20:2 KJV
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