and said, "O LORD, God of our fathers, are You not the God who is in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand, and no one can stand against You. and said, “O LORD, God of our fathers,Jehoshaphat begins his prayer by appealing to the covenant God worshiped by Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Israel’s present crisis stands within the history of God’s faithful dealings with His people. The God who called the patriarchs, gave the land, and preserved their descendants remains the God to whom Judah can turn. 1Ch 29:18 O LORD, God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Israel,… are You not the God who is in heaven, God’s dwelling in heaven declares His exaltation above the turmoil and limitations of earth. Though enemy armies had gathered against Judah, the Lord was not threatened by their strength or confined by the circumstances facing His people. His heavenly throne establishes His absolute authority. Psa 115:3 Our God is in heaven; He does as He pleases. and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations? Jehoshaphat recognizes that the nations advancing against Judah are also under God’s rule. Moab, Ammon, and the inhabitants of Mount Seir may act with hostile intent, but they cannot operate beyond the Lord’s government. The God of Israel is not merely a national deity; He directs the course of every kingdom and fulfills His purposes among all peoples. 2Ki 19:15 And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD: “O LORD, God of Israel… Power and might are in Your hand, The king confesses that victory does not depend on Judah’s military ability. God possesses the power to save, judge, restrain enemies, and accomplish what His people cannot. This confidence prepares the way for Judah to seek the Lord rather than trust human resources. 1Ch 29:12 Both riches and honor come from You, and You… and no one can stand against You. No army, ruler, or spiritual power can overturn God’s decree. Judah’s hope rests in the Lord’s invincible strength, not in its own numbers. The prayer anticipates the deliverance God would provide when His people obeyed Him in faith. Job 9:4 God is wise in heart and mighty in strength.… Persons / Places / Events 1. JehoshaphatThe king of Judah who led the nation in seeking God's help against a vast enemy coalition. His leadership and faith are central to this chapter. 2. Judah The southern kingdom of Israel, facing a formidable threat from neighboring nations. The people of Judah gathered to seek the Lord's guidance and deliverance. 3. The Temple in Jerusalem The place where Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah gathered to pray and seek God's intervention. It symbolizes God's presence among His people. 4. The Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites The coalition of enemy nations that came to make war against Judah, prompting Jehoshaphat's prayer. 5. The Assembly of Judah and Jerusalem The collective gathering of the people, demonstrating unity in seeking God's help and acknowledging His sovereignty. Teaching Points Acknowledging God's SovereigntyRecognize that God is supreme over all earthly powers. In times of trouble, we should turn to Him, acknowledging His ultimate authority and control. Prayer as a First Response Jehoshaphat's immediate reaction to the threat was to seek the Lord in prayer. This teaches us to prioritize prayer in our own lives, especially when facing challenges. Unity in Seeking God The people of Judah came together to seek God's help. This unity in prayer and purpose is a powerful example for the church today. Trust in God's Power The acknowledgment that "no one can stand against You" reminds us to trust in God's power and might, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. Historical Faithfulness Jehoshaphat refers to God as the "God of our fathers," reminding us to remember and recount God's past faithfulness as a foundation for present trust. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jehoshaphat's prayer in 2 Chronicles 20:6 reflect his understanding of God's character and sovereignty?2. In what ways can we apply the principle of seeking God first in our own lives when faced with challenges? 3. How does the unity of the people of Judah in seeking God serve as a model for the church today? 4. What are some specific examples from your life where you have seen God's power and might at work? 5. How can remembering God's past faithfulness help us trust Him in current and future situations? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 115:3This verse echoes the theme of God's sovereignty and His rule over all nations, reinforcing the idea that God is in control and His plans cannot be thwarted. Daniel 4:35 Highlights God's dominion over the kingdoms of men, similar to Jehoshaphat's acknowledgment of God's power and might. Ephesians 1:21 Connects to the New Testament understanding of Christ's authority over all powers and dominions, reflecting the same divine sovereignty.
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 Able, Alone, Aren't, Fathers, Hands, Heathen, Heaven, Heavens, Kingdoms, Nations, None, O, Power, Rule, Ruler, Rulest, Ruling, Stand, Station, Strength, Withstand, YeaDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Chronicles 20:6 1060 God, greatness 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 Scripture Holding Fast and Held Fast Of the Public Fast. The Coast of the Asphaltites, the Essenes. En-Gedi. "Thou Shall Keep Him in Perfect Peace, Whose Mind is Stayed on Thee, Because He Trusteth in Thee. " That the Employing Of, and Associating with the Malignant Party, According as is Contained in the Public Resolutions, is Sinful and Unlawful. Commerce Concerning Peaceableness Chronicles Links 2 Chronicles 20:6 NIV2 Chronicles 20:6 NLT 2 Chronicles 20:6 ESV 2 Chronicles 20:6 NASB 2 Chronicles 20:6 KJV 2 Chronicles 20:6 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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