So Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah. He was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-five years. His mother's name was Azubah daughter of Shilhi. So Jehoshaphat reigned over JudahThe name "Jehoshaphat" means "Yahweh has judged" in Hebrew, reflecting a divine endorsement and a sense of justice that characterized his reign. Jehoshaphat's rule over Judah signifies a period of relative stability and religious reform. Historically, his reign is marked by efforts to strengthen the kingdom both spiritually and militarily, aligning with God's covenantal promises to David's lineage. The phrase underscores the continuity of the Davidic line, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises. He was thirty-five years old when he became king
The age of thirty-five suggests a mature and seasoned individual assuming leadership, likely with experience and wisdom gained from observing his father Asa's reign. In the biblical context, age often correlates with readiness and divine timing. Jehoshaphat's ascension at this age indicates a period of preparation and divine orchestration, ensuring he was equipped to lead Judah in accordance with God's will. and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-five years
Jerusalem, the city of David, holds profound theological significance as the center of worship and the political heart of Judah. Jehoshaphat's twenty-five-year reign in this sacred city highlights a sustained period of governance aimed at religious reform and national security. This duration reflects a stable and enduring leadership, allowing for the implementation of policies that sought to align the nation with God's laws and purposes. His mother’s name was Azubah daughter of Shilhi
The mention of Azubah, Jehoshaphat's mother, underscores the importance of maternal lineage in the biblical narrative. Her name, meaning "forsaken" or "desolate," may seem paradoxical, yet it serves as a reminder of God's ability to bring forth leaders from humble or unexpected beginnings. The reference to Shilhi, though less known, situates Jehoshaphat within a broader familial and tribal context, emphasizing the interconnectedness of God's people and the significance of heritage in shaping a leader's identity and values. Persons / Places / Events 1. JehoshaphatThe king of Judah who is noted for his efforts to follow the ways of the Lord, strengthen the kingdom, and seek God’s guidance in times of trouble. 2. JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, over which Jehoshaphat reigned. It was known for its capital, Jerusalem, and its lineage from King David. 3. JerusalemThe capital city of Judah, a central place of worship and governance for the Israelites, and the location of the Temple. 4. AzubahThe mother of Jehoshaphat, mentioned here to provide genealogical context and emphasize the Davidic lineage. 5. ShilhiThe father of Azubah, included to complete the genealogical reference. Teaching Points Faithful LeadershipJehoshaphat’s reign exemplifies the importance of seeking God’s guidance in leadership. His commitment to God’s ways brought stability and blessing to Judah. Generational InfluenceThe mention of Jehoshaphat’s mother, Azubah, reminds us of the impact of family and upbringing on a leader’s values and decisions. The Importance of PlaceJerusalem, as the center of worship and governance, underscores the significance of having a spiritual and physical center in our lives where we seek God’s presence. Legacy and InfluenceJehoshaphat’s reign is a reminder of the lasting impact a leader can have on their nation and the importance of leaving a godly legacy. Bible Study Questions 1. How did Jehoshaphat’s faith in God influence his leadership decisions, and what can we learn from this for our own leadership roles? 2. In what ways does the mention of Jehoshaphat’s mother, Azubah, highlight the role of family in shaping our spiritual journey? 3. How does Jehoshaphat’s reign in Jerusalem reflect the importance of having a spiritual center in our lives today? 4. What lessons can we draw from Jehoshaphat’s alliances and their outcomes, and how can these lessons apply to our relationships and partnerships? 5. How can we ensure that our legacy, like Jehoshaphat’s, reflects a commitment to God and positively influences future generations? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 22:41-50This passage provides a parallel account of Jehoshaphat’s reign, offering additional details about his alliances and actions as king. 2 Chronicles 17:3-6These verses describe Jehoshaphat’s early reign, highlighting his devotion to God and the reforms he implemented to strengthen Judah spiritually and militarily. 2 Chronicles 18:1-3This passage discusses Jehoshaphat’s alliance with Ahab, king of Israel, which had significant implications for his reign and Judah’s political landscape. 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 Azubah, Azu'bah, Daughter, Jehoshaphat, Jehosh'aphat, Jerusalem, Judah, Mother's, Reign, Reigned, Reigneth, Reigning, Ruling, Shilhi, Thirty, Thirty-five, Thus, Twenty, Twenty-fiveDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Chronicles 20:31 5716 middle age
7240 Jerusalem, history 2 Chronicles 20:31-21:1 5366 king 2 Chronicles 20:31-32 5302 education 2 Chronicles 20:31-33 7241 Jerusalem, significance 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 20:31 NIV2 Chronicles 20:31 NLT2 Chronicles 20:31 ESV2 Chronicles 20:31 NASB2 Chronicles 20:31 KJV
2 Chronicles 20:31 Commentaries
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