The moment they began their shouts and praises, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who had come against Judah, and they were defeated. The moment they beganThis phrase emphasizes the immediacy of God's response to the faith and obedience of His people. In Hebrew, the word for "moment" can be understood as an exact point in time, highlighting the precision of divine intervention. The act of beginning signifies a step of faith, as the people of Judah trusted in God's promise of deliverance even before seeing the outcome. This teaches us about the power of initiating worship and prayer, trusting that God is already at work. their shouts and praises
The Hebrew words for "shouts" and "praises" reflect a deep, expressive form of worship. "Shouts" can be seen as a battle cry, a declaration of victory even before the battle is won, while "praises" denote a heartfelt acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and goodness. This dual expression of worship serves as a powerful weapon against spiritual adversaries, reminding believers that praise is not just a response to victory but a catalyst for it. the LORD set ambushes
The phrase "set ambushes" is intriguing, as it suggests a strategic and unexpected move by God. In the original Hebrew, the word for "ambushes" can imply hidden traps or sudden attacks. This demonstrates God's ability to use unconventional means to achieve His purposes, often turning the enemy's plans against them. It reassures believers that God is actively working behind the scenes, orchestrating events for their deliverance. against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir
These groups were long-standing enemies of Israel, representing forces that opposed God's people. Historically, Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir (Edom) were nations with familial ties to Israel, yet they often acted in hostility. This highlights the recurring theme of spiritual warfare, where believers face opposition from familiar sources. It serves as a reminder that God is capable of overcoming any adversary, no matter how entrenched or formidable. who had come against Judah
Judah, representing the faithful remnant of God's people, was under threat. The phrase "come against" indicates a direct confrontation, a common experience for those who follow God. This context underscores the reality of spiritual battles faced by believers, yet it also assures them of divine protection and victory when they stand firm in faith. and they were defeated
The conclusion of this verse is a testament to God's faithfulness and power. The Hebrew root for "defeated" conveys a complete and utter overthrow, leaving no doubt about the outcome. This serves as an encouragement to believers that no matter how dire the situation may seem, God is able to bring about total victory. It reinforces the message that when God's people worship and trust in Him, He fights on their behalf, ensuring their triumph over any adversary. Persons / Places / Events 1. JehoshaphatThe King of Judah who led the nation in seeking the Lord's guidance and deliverance from their enemies. 2. JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, facing a coalition of enemies. 3. Ammon, Moab, and Mount SeirThe nations that formed an alliance to attack Judah. 4. The LORDThe God of Israel, who intervened on behalf of Judah. 5. AmbushesThe divine intervention that led to the defeat of Judah's enemies. Teaching Points The Power of PraisePraise is not just a response to victory but a catalyst for it. When we praise God, we invite His presence and power into our situations. Faith in ActionJehoshaphat and the people of Judah demonstrated their faith by praising God before the victory was visible. Faith often requires us to act in trust before we see the outcome. Divine InterventionGod is actively involved in the lives of His people. He can set ambushes against our spiritual enemies when we rely on Him. Community in WorshipThe collective praise of Judah shows the strength and unity found in communal worship. Gathering together to seek God can lead to powerful outcomes. Trust in God's PromisesThe account encourages believers to trust in God's promises and His ability to deliver, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the account of Jehoshaphat and Judah's victory through praise challenge your current approach to difficult situations? 2. In what ways can you incorporate more praise into your daily life, especially during challenging times? 3. How does the concept of God setting ambushes against our enemies encourage you in your spiritual battles? 4. What are some other biblical examples where praise led to divine intervention, and how can these accounts inspire your faith journey? 5. How can you foster a sense of community and collective worship in your church or small group, similar to the people of Judah? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 14:14This verse highlights the theme of God fighting for His people, as seen when the Israelites were delivered from the Egyptians. Psalm 22:3This verse speaks of God inhabiting the praises of His people, which is relevant to how praise played a role in the victory. Acts 16:25-26Paul and Silas's praise in prison leading to divine intervention mirrors the power of praise seen in 2 Chronicles 20:22. Isaiah 54:17The promise that no weapon formed against God's people will prosper, reflecting the protection and victory given to Judah. 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 Ambush, Ambushers, Ambushes, Ambushments, Ammon, Attack, Begun, Defeated, Invading, Judah, Liers-in-wait, Moab, Mount, Notes, Overcome, Praise, Praising, Routed, Seir, Se'ir, Sing, Singing, Smitten, Song, Sons, Struck, Surprise, TriumphDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Chronicles 20:22 5205 alliance 2 Chronicles 20:15-24 5607 warfare, examples 2 Chronicles 20:20-24 5612 weapons 2 Chronicles 20:21-22 7960 singing 2 Chronicles 20:22-23 1305 God, activity of
4045 chaos
5815 confusion 2 Chronicles 20:22-26 1416 miracles, nature of 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 20:22 NIV2 Chronicles 20:22 NLT2 Chronicles 20:22 ESV2 Chronicles 20:22 NASB2 Chronicles 20:22 KJV
2 Chronicles 20:22 Commentaries
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