2 Chronicles 20:20

Early in the morning they got up and left for the Wilderness of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood up and said, "Hear me, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be upheld; believe in His prophets, and you will succeed."

Study Bible

Early in the morning
This phrase indicates a sense of urgency and readiness. In the Hebrew context, rising early often signifies diligence and commitment to a task. The people of Judah, led by Jehoshaphat, demonstrate their faith and determination by setting out at dawn. This reflects a spiritual principle of seeking God and His will with eagerness and priority, as seen throughout Scripture where early rising is associated with seeking God (e.g., Psalm 5:3).

they got up and left
The act of getting up and leaving signifies obedience and action. The Hebrew root for "got up" (קוּם, qum) implies rising to a challenge or occasion. This movement towards the Wilderness of Tekoa is not just physical but also spiritual, as it represents stepping out in faith, trusting in God's guidance and protection.

for the Wilderness of Tekoa
Tekoa was a town in Judah, known for its strategic location and its wilderness. The wilderness often symbolizes a place of testing and reliance on God. Historically, Tekoa was the home of the prophet Amos, adding a layer of prophetic significance to this journey. The wilderness setting underscores the theme of dependence on God rather than human strength or resources.

As they set out
This phrase captures the moment of transition from preparation to action. The Hebrew verb used here conveys a sense of embarking on a journey with purpose. It reflects the spiritual journey of faith, where believers must move from hearing God's word to acting upon it, trusting in His promises.

Jehoshaphat stood up and said
Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, takes a leadership role, both physically and spiritually. His standing up is an act of authority and responsibility. In the biblical narrative, leaders often stand to address the people, signifying the importance of the message. Jehoshaphat's words are not just royal commands but spiritual exhortations, emphasizing his role as both a political and spiritual leader.

Listen to me, O people of Judah and Jerusalem!
The call to listen is a common biblical exhortation, urging the audience to pay attention and heed the message. The Hebrew word for "listen" (שָׁמַע, shama) implies not just hearing but obeying. Jehoshaphat addresses both Judah and Jerusalem, uniting the people in a common purpose and reminding them of their shared identity and covenant with God.

Believe in the LORD your God
Faith in God is the central theme of this exhortation. The Hebrew word for "believe" (אָמַן, aman) conveys trust, reliability, and firmness. Jehoshaphat calls the people to place their confidence in Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God, who has proven Himself faithful throughout their history. This belief is foundational for their stability and success.

and you will be upheld
The promise of being upheld is a reassurance of God's sustaining power. The Hebrew root (אָמַן, aman) is the same as for "believe," indicating that faith in God results in being established and supported. This reflects the biblical principle that trust in God leads to security and strength, even in the face of adversity.

believe in His prophets
The prophets were God's messengers, conveying His will and guidance. Believing in the prophets means accepting their messages as divinely inspired and authoritative. In the context of 2 Chronicles, this refers to the prophetic word given to Jehoshaphat regarding the battle. Trusting in God's prophets is an extension of trusting in God Himself.

and you will succeed
Success, in this context, is not merely military victory but fulfilling God's purposes. The Hebrew word for "succeed" (צָלַח, tsalach) implies prospering or advancing. This success is contingent upon faith in God and His word through the prophets. It underscores the biblical truth that true success is found in alignment with God's will and purposes.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jehoshaphat
The King of Judah who led the people in seeking God's guidance and deliverance from their enemies.

2. People of Judah and Jerusalem
The inhabitants of the southern kingdom who were facing a coalition of enemy forces.

3. Wilderness of Tekoa
The location where the people of Judah gathered to confront their enemies, symbolizing a place of testing and faith.

4. The Prophets
God's messengers who conveyed His will and guidance to the people, emphasizing the importance of divine revelation.

5. The Enemies
The Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites who threatened Judah, representing challenges and adversities in life.

Teaching Points

Faith in God’s Sovereignty
Trusting in God's power and plan is essential for overcoming life's challenges. Jehoshaphat's leadership exemplifies reliance on divine strength rather than human ability.

The Role of Prophetic Guidance
God's word, delivered through His prophets, provides direction and assurance. Believers are called to heed and trust in the Scriptures as God's revealed truth.

The Power of Community in Faith
The collective faith and action of the people of Judah highlight the importance of communal support and unity in facing adversities.

The Importance of Obedience
Obedience to God's instructions, as conveyed by His prophets, leads to success and stability. This principle remains vital for believers today.

Preparation and Action
Rising early and setting out for the Wilderness of Tekoa symbolizes readiness and proactive faith. Believers are encouraged to prepare and act in faith when facing trials.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jehoshaphat's leadership in 2 Chronicles 20:20 inspire you to trust in God's sovereignty in your own life?

2. In what ways can you seek and apply prophetic guidance from Scripture in your daily decisions?

3. How can the example of the people of Judah encourage you to foster a supportive faith community?

4. What steps can you take to ensure obedience to God's word in your personal and professional life?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to prepare and act in faith. How did this experience strengthen your relationship with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Hebrews 11:6
This verse emphasizes the necessity of faith in God, similar to Jehoshaphat's call to believe in the LORD for deliverance.

Isaiah 7:9
The importance of standing firm in faith is echoed here, reinforcing the message of trust in God's promises.

Romans 10:17
Highlights the role of hearing God's word through His prophets, aligning with Jehoshaphat's exhortation to believe in the prophets.

Psalm 20:7
Contrasts trust in human strength with trust in the name of the LORD, paralleling the call to faith in 2 Chronicles 20:20.

James 1:5-6
Encourages believers to ask God for wisdom with faith, reflecting the need for trust in divine guidance as demonstrated by Jehoshaphat.