Bible Commentaries
2 Chronicles 20

Introduction

2 Chronicles 17:1 to 2 Chronicles 20:37 . The Reign of Jehoshaphat.— This section is, in the main, from the hand of the Chronicler, whose spirit and aim are visible throughout; he has utilised all the information concerning Jehoshaphat to be got from 1 K. viz. in 1 Kings 15:24; 1 Kings 22:1-35; 1 Kings 22:41-50 (see notes).

Verses 1-37

2 Chronicles 20:1-30 . Jehoshaphat’ s victory over the Ammonites and Moabites. This story of a miraculous battle is perhaps a midrash on the war described in 1 Kings 3:4 ff., and has, in so far, some historical basis; but the details are purely imaginary.

2 Chronicles 20:5 . before the new court: perhaps the same as “ the great court” in 2 Chronicles 4:9; the Chronicler has in his mind’ s eye the Temple as he knew it.

2 Chronicles 20:7 . Abraham thy friend: cf. Isaiah 41:8, James 2:23.

2 Chronicles 20:10 . Cf. Numbers 20:21.

2 Chronicles 20:14 . By speaking of Jahaziel as one upon whom “ the spirit of the Lord” came, the Chronicler puts him in the same category as the prophets; see note on 1 Chronicles 25:1.

2 Chronicles 20:16 . the ascent of Ziz. . . the wilderness of Jeruel: both in the neighbourhood of Engedi in all probability; neither name occurs elsewhere ( Genesis 22:14 *).

2 Chronicles 20:31-37 . see notes on 1 Kings 22:41-43; 1 Kings 22:48 f.

2 Chronicles 20:37 . This account is quite different from what is said in 1 Kings 22:48; the destruction of the ships at Ezion-geber is explained by the Chronicler as being Yahweh’ s punishment on Jehoshaphat for having allied himself with the king of Israel, the reprobate kingdom in the eyes of the Chronicler.