2 Chronicles 20:23

The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, devoting them to destruction. And when they had made an end to the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another.

Study Bible

The Ammonites and Moabites
These two groups were descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew, and often found themselves in conflict with Israel. Historically, the Ammonites and Moabites were known for their idolatry and opposition to the Israelites. Their alliance against Judah in this passage highlights the persistent enmity between these nations and God's chosen people. Theologically, this reflects the ongoing spiritual battle between God's people and the forces of the world.

rose up against
This phrase indicates a sudden and aggressive action. In the Hebrew context, it suggests a rebellion or uprising. The Ammonites and Moabites turning against Mount Seir's inhabitants can be seen as a divinely orchestrated confusion among the enemies of Judah, fulfilling God's promise to fight for His people.

the inhabitants of Mount Seir
Mount Seir was the region inhabited by the Edomites, descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother. The Edomites had a long history of animosity towards Israel. This internal conflict among the enemies of Judah serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to turn the plans of the wicked against themselves.

devoting them to destruction
The Hebrew term here is "herem," which means to utterly destroy or consecrate for destruction. This concept is often associated with God's judgment against those who oppose His will. The destruction of Mount Seir's inhabitants signifies divine retribution and the fulfillment of God's justice.

annihilating them
This emphasizes the totality of the destruction. The complete annihilation of the inhabitants of Mount Seir by their allies underscores the futility of opposing God's people. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's protective hand over Judah and His ability to deliver His people from seemingly insurmountable odds.

And when they had finished with the inhabitants of Seir
This phrase marks the transition from one act of destruction to another. The completion of the attack on Mount Seir's inhabitants signifies a turning point where the focus of destruction shifts inward among the enemies themselves. It highlights the self-destructive nature of sin and rebellion against God.

they helped to destroy one another
This final phrase captures the irony and divine intervention in the narrative. The enemies of Judah, who had come together to destroy God's people, end up destroying each other. This outcome is a testament to God's power to confound the plans of the wicked and protect His people. It serves as an encouragement to believers that God is in control, even when circumstances seem dire, and that He can bring victory out of chaos.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ammonites
A group descended from Lot, often in conflict with Israel. In this passage, they are part of the coalition against Judah.

2. Moabites
Also descendants of Lot, the Moabites frequently opposed Israel. Here, they join forces with the Ammonites and Mount Seir against Judah.

3. Mount Seir
The region inhabited by the Edomites, descendants of Esau. They are initially allies with the Ammonites and Moabites in this battle.

4. Jehoshaphat
The king of Judah at the time, who sought the Lord's guidance and led his people in prayer and worship, resulting in divine intervention.

5. Divine Intervention
The miraculous event where God causes confusion among Judah's enemies, leading them to destroy each other.

Teaching Points

Trust in God's Sovereignty
God is in control, even when circumstances seem dire. Jehoshaphat's reliance on God shows the importance of seeking divine guidance in times of trouble.

Power of Worship and Prayer
The people of Judah worshiped and prayed before the battle, demonstrating that spiritual preparation is crucial in facing life's challenges.

God's Deliverance
God can deliver His people in unexpected ways. The confusion among the enemies shows that God's methods are beyond human understanding.

Unity in Faith
The unity of Judah in seeking God contrasts with the disunity and self-destruction of their enemies, emphasizing the strength found in communal faith.

Divine Justice
The self-destruction of the enemies serves as a reminder of God's justice and the futility of opposing His will.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jehoshaphat's response to the threat from the Ammonites, Moabites, and Mount Seir challenge us to respond to our own crises?

2. In what ways can we incorporate worship and prayer into our daily lives to prepare for spiritual battles?

3. How does the account of God's deliverance in 2 Chronicles 20:23 encourage us to trust in His sovereignty over our circumstances?

4. What lessons can we learn from the disunity and self-destruction of Judah's enemies about the importance of unity in the body of Christ?

5. How can we apply the principle of divine justice seen in this passage to our understanding of God's character and His dealings with humanity?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 83
This psalm lists the same nations conspiring against Israel, highlighting the recurring theme of God's deliverance from enemies.

Judges 7
The account of Gideon, where God causes confusion among the Midianites, leading them to turn on each other, similar to the events in 2 Chronicles 20.

Exodus 14
The parting of the Red Sea, where God delivers Israel from the Egyptians, demonstrating His power to save His people against overwhelming odds.