Bible Commentaries
2 Chronicles 20

Introduction

Overview

2 Chronicles 20:1, Jehoshaphat, invaded by Moab, proclaims a fast; 2 Chronicles 20:5, His prayer; 2 Chronicles 20:14, The prophecy of Jahaziel; 2 Chronicles 20:20, Jehoshaphat exhorts the people, and sets singers to praise the Lord; 2 Chronicles 20:22, The great overthrow of his enemies; 2 Chronicles 20:26, The people, having blessed God at Berachah, return in triumph; 2 Chronicles 20:31, Jehoshaphat’s reign; 2 Chronicles 20:35, His convoy of ships, according to the prophecy of Eliezer, unhappily perish.

Verse 1

after this also: 2 Chronicles 19:5, 2 Chronicles 19:11, 2 Chronicles 32:1

the children of Moab: Psalms 83:5-8, Isaiah 7:1, Isaiah 8:9, Isaiah 8:10, Isaiah 16:6

came against: 2 Chronicles 19:2, Jeremiah 10:24, Revelation 3:19

Reciprocal: Joshua 9:2 - gathered Judges 10:9 - passed 2 Chronicles 26:8 - the Ammonites 2 Chronicles 27:5 - the king of the Ammonites Nehemiah 4:7 - the Ammonites Psalms 46:6 - heathen Psalms 48:3 - General Psalms 68:30 - Rebuke Psalms 83:6 - Edom Ecclesiastes 3:8 - a time of war Jeremiah 21:2 - according Jeremiah 49:1 - Ammonites Amos 1:13 - and for

Verse 2

beyond the sea: That is, the Dead or Salt Sea, the western and northern boundary of Edom, which is the reading of one of Dr. Kennicott's manuscripts (89) instead of aram, "Syria." Genesis 14:3, Numbers 34:12, Joshua 3:16

Hazazontamar: Genesis 14:7

Engedi: Joshua 15:62, 1 Samuel 23:29, Song of Solomon 1:14

Reciprocal: Judges 10:9 - passed Judges 14:14 - Out of the eater 2 Chronicles 32:1 - these things Ezekiel 47:10 - Engedi Ezekiel 48:28 - from Tamar

Verse 3

feared: Genesis 32:7-11, Genesis 32:24-28, Psalms 56:3, Psalms 56:4, Isaiah 37:3-6, Jonah 1:16, Matthew 10:28

himself: Heb. his face

seek the Lord: See note on 2 Chronicles 11:16, 2 Chronicles 19:3

proclaimed: Judges 20:26, 1 Samuel 7:6, Ezra 8:21-23, Esther 4:16, Jeremiah 36:9, Daniel 9:3, Joel 1:14, Joel 2:12-18, Jonah 3:5-9

Reciprocal: Deuteronomy 23:9 - General 1 Samuel 7:7 - afraid 1 Kings 22:43 - doing 1 Chronicles 22:19 - set your Nehemiah 9:1 - children Psalms 30:11 - turned Isaiah 58:5 - it such Jeremiah 31:21 - set thine Daniel 11:17 - set Amos 5:4 - Seek Jonah 3:7 - caused

Verse 4

ask help of the Lord: Psalms 34:5, Psalms 34:6, Psalms 50:15, Psalms 60:10-12

the cities: 2 Chronicles 19:5, Psalms 69:35

Reciprocal: 2 Chronicles 6:34 - thy people Joel 1:14 - Sanctify Joel 2:12 - with fasting Zephaniah 2:1 - gather together

Verse 5

Jehoshaphat: 2 Chronicles 6:12, 2 Chronicles 6:13, 2 Chronicles 34:31, 2 Kings 19:15-19

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 8:38 - prayer 2 Chronicles 6:28 - if there be dearth Nehemiah 8:16 - the courts Psalms 48:9 - in the Jeremiah 19:14 - he stood Ezekiel 44:1 - the outward

Verse 6

O Lord: Exodus 3:6, Exodus 3:15, Exodus 3:16, 1 Chronicles 29:18

God in heaven: Deuteronomy 4:39, Joshua 2:11, 1 Kings 8:23, Psalms 115:3, Isaiah 57:15, Isaiah 57:16, Isaiah 66:1, Matthew 6:9

rulest not: 1 Chronicles 29:11, 1 Chronicles 29:12, Psalms 47:2, Psalms 47:8, Jeremiah 27:5-8, Daniel 4:17, Daniel 4:25, Daniel 4:32-35

in thine hand: 1 Chronicles 29:11, 1 Chronicles 29:12, Psalms 62:11, Matthew 6:13

none is able: Acts 11:17

Reciprocal: Genesis 2:4 - Lord Genesis 32:9 - Jacob 1 Kings 8:44 - shall pray 1 Kings 18:36 - Lord God 2 Kings 19:15 - prayed 2 Chronicles 6:34 - they pray 2 Chronicles 13:8 - a great multitude 2 Chronicles 25:8 - God hath power 2 Chronicles 32:20 - prayed Isaiah 14:27 - his Isaiah 37:15 - General Daniel 2:23 - O thou Luke 11:2 - which Romans 9:19 - Why doth Hebrews 11:34 - turned

Verse 7

our God: 2 Chronicles 14:11, Genesis 17:7, Exodus 6:7, Exodus 19:5-7, Exodus 20:2, 1 Chronicles 17:21-24

who: Heb. thou

drive out: Exodus 33:2, Psalms 44:2

gavest: Genesis 12:7, Genesis 13:15, Joshua 24:3, Joshua 24:13, Nehemiah 9:8

thy friend: Isaiah 41:8, John 11:11, John 15:15, James 2:23

Reciprocal: Genesis 18:17 - General Exodus 33:11 - his friend 1 Kings 18:36 - Lord God John 15:14 - my Acts 13:26 - children 2 Corinthians 11:22 - the seed

Verse 8

built thee: 2 Chronicles 2:4, 2 Chronicles 6:10

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 8:29 - My name 1 Kings 8:30 - when they shall Psalms 20:2 - from

Verse 9

when evil: 2 Chronicles 6:28-30, 1 Kings 8:33, 1 Kings 8:37

and in thy presence: Matthew 18:20

thy name: 2 Chronicles 6:20, Exodus 20:24, Exodus 23:21

is in this house: Several manuscripts with the Syriac, Arabic, and Vulgate, read nikra, "is invoked." "Thy name is invoked in this house.

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 8:30 - when they shall Ezra 10:1 - before the house Psalms 20:2 - from Psalms 30:11 - turned Ezekiel 14:19 - if I

Verse 10

whom thou: Numbers 20:17-21, Deuteronomy 2:4, Deuteronomy 2:5, Deuteronomy 2:9, Deuteronomy 2:19, Judges 11:15-18

Reciprocal: Genesis 33:14 - unto Seir Genesis 36:8 - mount Seir 2 Chronicles 25:12 - broken in pieces Psalms 83:6 - Edom Jeremiah 48:1 - Moab Ezekiel 35:2 - mount Amos 1:13 - and for

Verse 11

how they reward us: Six of Dr. Kennicott's and De Rossi's manuscripts and raah, "evil:" "Behold they reward us evil:" which is also the reading of the Targum. Genesis 44:4, Psalms 7:4, Psalms 35:12, Proverbs 17:13, Jeremiah 18:20

to cast us: Judges 11:23, Judges 11:24, Psalms 83:3-12

Reciprocal: 2 Chronicles 24:24 - delivered Psalms 83:6 - Edom Psalms 83:12 - General

Verse 12

wilt: Deuteronomy 32:36, Judges 11:27, 1 Samuel 3:13, Psalms 7:6, Psalms 7:8, Psalms 9:19, Psalms 43:1, Isaiah 2:4, Isaiah 42:4, Joel 3:12, Revelation 19:11

we have: 2 Samuel 14:11, 1 Samuel 14:6, 2 Corinthians 1:8, 2 Corinthians 1:9

neither: 2 Kings 6:15

our eyes: Psalms 25:15, Psalms 121:1, Psalms 121:2, Psalms 123:1, Psalms 123:2, Psalms 141:8, Jonah 2:4

Reciprocal: Genesis 32:9 - Jacob Deuteronomy 20:1 - horses Judges 16:28 - called 1 Samuel 23:26 - away 1 Kings 1:20 - the eyes 1 Chronicles 5:20 - for they cried 2 Chronicles 13:8 - a great multitude 2 Chronicles 14:11 - them that 2 Chronicles 24:24 - delivered Psalms 20:7 - but we Psalms 30:11 - turned Psalms 33:16 - no king Psalms 108:13 - Through Isaiah 45:22 - Look Isaiah 50:10 - let Zechariah 9:1 - when Matthew 8:25 - save

Verse 13

all Judah: Deuteronomy 29:10, Ezra 10:1, Jonah 3:5, Acts 21:5

Reciprocal: Nehemiah 9:5 - Stand up Nehemiah 12:43 - the wives also Joel 1:14 - the elders Joel 2:16 - assemble Luke 18:16 - Suffer

Verse 14

Then upon: Isaiah 58:9, Isaiah 65:24, Daniel 9:20, Daniel 9:21, Acts 10:4, Acts 10:31

came the Spirit: 2 Chronicles 15:1, 2 Chronicles 24:20, Numbers 11:25, Numbers 11:26, Numbers 24:2

Reciprocal: Judges 3:10 - the Spirit 1 Kings 20:28 - there came 1 Chronicles 6:39 - Asaph

Verse 15

Be not afraid: 2 Chronicles 32:7, 2 Chronicles 32:8, Exodus 14:13, Exodus 14:14, Deuteronomy 1:29, Deuteronomy 1:30, Deuteronomy 20:1, Deuteronomy 20:4, Deuteronomy 31:6, Deuteronomy 31:8, Joshua 11:6, Nehemiah 4:14, Psalms 17:1, Psalms 17:2, Isaiah 41:10-16, Isaiah 43:1, Isaiah 43:2

the battle: 2 Chronicles 32:8, 1 Samuel 17:47

Reciprocal: Judges 7:18 - the sword 1 Samuel 25:28 - fighteth 2 Kings 19:6 - Be not afraid 2 Chronicles 15:2 - Hear ye me 2 Chronicles 20:20 - Hear me Psalms 27:3 - host Psalms 108:11 - go forth Isaiah 31:4 - so shall Isaiah 37:6 - Be not Amos 3:1 - Hear Zechariah 14:3 - as Romans 4:20 - staggered

Verse 16

cliff: Heb. ascent

Ziz: The cliff of Ziz was probably near Ziza, which Ptolemy places in Arabia Petrae, long. 69, 11/24 degrees lat. 31 degrees.

brook: or, valley

the wilderness: The wilderness of Jeruel seems, from 2 Chronicles 20:20, to have been a part of the wilderness of Tekoa.

Reciprocal: Joshua 11:6 - morrow

Verse 17

not need: 2 Chronicles 20:22, 2 Chronicles 20:23, Exodus 14:13, Exodus 14:14, Exodus 14:25

stand ye still: Psalms 46:10, Psalms 46:11, Isaiah 30:7, Isaiah 30:15, Lamentations 3:26, Lamentations 3:26

for the Lord: 2 Chronicles 15:2, 2 Chronicles 32:8, Numbers 14:9, Psalms 46:7, Psalms 46:11, Isaiah 8:9, Isaiah 8:10, Isaiah 41:10, Amos 5:14, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:20, Romans 8:31, 2 Timothy 4:22

Reciprocal: Exodus 6:1 - Now shalt Numbers 9:8 - Stand Deuteronomy 3:2 - Fear Deuteronomy 3:22 - for the Lord Joshua 6:4 - trumpets of rams' Judges 7:9 - I have delivered Judges 7:21 - stood Judges 20:28 - Go up 1 Kings 17:13 - Fear not 2 Kings 19:6 - Be not afraid 1 Chronicles 22:16 - Arise Psalms 118:12 - in the name Isaiah 7:4 - Take heed Haggai 1:13 - I am Haggai 2:5 - fear

Verse 18

bowed his head: 2 Chronicles 7:3, Genesis 24:26, Exodus 4:31

fell before: Job 1:20, Psalms 95:6

Reciprocal: Genesis 24:52 - worshipped Exodus 12:27 - bowed Exodus 34:8 - General Judges 7:15 - worshipped 2 Chronicles 29:29 - bowed themselves Nehemiah 8:6 - bowed

Verse 19

Levites: 1 Chronicles 15:16-22, 1 Chronicles 16:5, 1 Chronicles 16:42, 1 Chronicles 23:5, 1 Chronicles 25:1-7

Korhites: Psalms 44:1, Psalms 49:1, *titles

a loud: 2 Chronicles 5:13, Ezra 3:12, Ezra 3:13, Nehemiah 12:42, Nehemiah 12:43, Psalms 81:1, Psalms 95:1, Psalms 95:2

Reciprocal: Joshua 6:4 - trumpets of rams' Judges 7:15 - worshipped Nehemiah 9:4 - cried Nehemiah 9:5 - Stand up

Verse 20

Tekoa: 2 Chronicles 11:6, 2 Samuel 14:2, 1 Chronicles 4:5, Jeremiah 6:1

Hear me: 2 Chronicles 20:15

Believe in the Lord: Isaiah 7:9, Isaiah 26:3, John 11:40, John 14:1, Romans 8:31, Hebrews 11:6

believe his: Exodus 14:31, Luke 16:31, John 5:46, John 5:47, John 13:20

Reciprocal: Exodus 4:5 - That they Exodus 19:9 - believe Numbers 20:12 - Because ye believed Deuteronomy 1:32 - General Deuteronomy 32:20 - children 2 Samuel 24:19 - as the Lord 1 Kings 12:26 - Now shall 1 Kings 17:15 - did according 2 Kings 5:14 - according to 2 Kings 6:10 - saved 2 Kings 7:2 - thou shalt see it 2 Kings 7:20 - General 2 Kings 18:5 - after him 1 Chronicles 22:13 - Then shalt 2 Chronicles 13:18 - relied 2 Chronicles 15:2 - Hear ye me 2 Chronicles 20:16 - the wilderness 2 Chronicles 32:8 - rested Psalms 46:6 - heathen Isaiah 26:4 - Trust Isaiah 37:2 - General Isaiah 50:10 - let Jeremiah 38:20 - Obey Ezekiel 17:9 - Shall it Daniel 3:28 - that trusted Daniel 6:23 - because Amos 1:1 - Tekoa Mark 5:36 - only Mark 9:23 - If Mark 11:22 - Have Luke 1:45 - blessed Acts 16:5 - so Acts 27:25 - I believe Romans 1:11 - to the Romans 11:20 - and

Verse 21

consulted: 1 Chronicles 13:1, 1 Chronicles 13:2, Proverbs 11:14

appointed: 2 Chronicles 29:25-30, 2 Chronicles 30:21, Ezra 3:10, Ezra 3:11, Nehemiah 12:27

that should praise: Heb. praisers of

the beauty: 1 Chronicles 16:29, Psalms 29:2, Psalms 50:2, Psalms 90:17, Psalms 96:9

Praise the Lord: 2 Chronicles 5:13, 2 Chronicles 7:3, 2 Chronicles 7:6, 1 Chronicles 16:34, 1 Chronicles 16:41, Ezra 3:11, Psalms 106:1, Psalms 107:1, Psalms 136:1-26, Jeremiah 33:11

Reciprocal: Joshua 6:4 - trumpets of rams' Joshua 6:5 - make a long Judges 5:1 - Sang Deborah 1 Chronicles 29:20 - Now bless 2 Chronicles 13:15 - as the men 2 Chronicles 29:27 - the song Daniel 2:20 - Blessed

Verse 22

when they: Heb. in the time that they, etc

to sing and to: Heb. in singing and. The Lord set ambushments. Houbigant's version is, "the Lord set against the children of Amon and Moab ambushments of those who came from mount Seir against Judah; and the children of Ammon and Moab were smitten, but they afterwards rose up against the inhabitants of mount Seir, and utterly destroyed them; who being destroyed, they rose up one against one another, and mutually destroyed each other." Judges 7:22, 1 Samuel 14:16, 1 Samuel 14:20, 2 Kings 6:17, Psalms 35:5, Psalms 35:6, Isaiah 19:2, Ezekiel 38:21

were smitten: or, smote one another

Reciprocal: Deuteronomy 28:7 - flee before Joshua 6:5 - make a long Joshua 6:16 - Shout Joshua 8:2 - lay thee Judges 9:20 - let fire come out 2 Chronicles 13:13 - an ambushment 2 Chronicles 14:12 - General 2 Chronicles 20:17 - not need Ezekiel 35:2 - mount Haggai 2:22 - every Zechariah 14:13 - a great

Verse 23

mount Seir: Genesis 14:6, Genesis 36:8, Genesis 36:9, Deuteronomy 2:5, Joshua 24:4, Ezekiel 35:2, Ezekiel 35:3

to destroy another: Heb. for the destruction

Reciprocal: Joshua 6:16 - Shout Judges 7:22 - the Lord Judges 9:20 - let fire come out 1 Samuel 14:20 - every man's 1 Kings 20:29 - an hundred thousand 2 Chronicles 20:17 - not need Psalms 33:16 - no king Psalms 46:8 - desolations Isaiah 19:2 - I will Jeremiah 13:14 - I will dash Jeremiah 49:1 - Ammonites Jeremiah 51:46 - ruler against Ezekiel 38:21 - every

Verse 24

they were dead: Exodus 14:30, 1 Chronicles 5:22, Psalms 110:6, Isaiah 37:36, Jeremiah 33:5

none escaped: Heb. there was not an escaping, Ezra 9:14

Reciprocal: Exodus 14:28 - remained Psalms 46:8 - desolations

Verse 25

they found: Exodus 12:35-36, 1 Samuel 30:19-20, 2 Kings 7:9-16, Psalms 68:12, Romans 8:37

dead bodies: Instead of pegarim, "dead bodies," eight manuscripts and several ancient editions read begadim, "garments." None of the ancient versions, except the Chaldee, have dead bodies: garments would therefore appear to be the true reading; and the succeeding clause should be rendered, "which they seized for themselves."

precious jewels: Exodus 3:22, Numbers 31:15, Judges 8:24-26, Proverbs 3:15

it was so much: Ezekiel 39:8-9,

Reciprocal: Deuteronomy 20:14 - the women Judges 14:14 - Out of the eater 1 Samuel 31:8 - to strip 2 Kings 3:23 - now therefore 2 Kings 7:16 - spoiled the tents 1 Chronicles 10:8 - to strip 2 Chronicles 14:14 - exceeding Psalms 76:3 - There Isaiah 9:3 - and as men Isaiah 33:4 - your spoil Isaiah 33:23 - then Zechariah 14:14 - and the

Verse 26

Berachah: that is, Blessing, Having previously sought deliverance by fasting and prayer, and received the assurance of it with grateful joy, Jehoshaphat and his army returned immediate and fervent thanks and praise to the Lord, who had in so wonderful a manner performed his promise. Scott, who quotes the following from Bp. Patrick: "They did not return every man to his own home; but first went back to Jerusalem, to bless the Lord again for hearing their prayer and making good his promises."

blessed: Exodus 15:1-19, 2 Samuel 22:1, Psalms 103:1, Psalms 103:2, Psalms 107:21, Psalms 107:22, Luke 1:68, Revelation 19:1-6

the name: Genesis 28:19, Genesis 32:20, Exodus 17:15, 1 Samuel 7:12, Isaiah 62:4, Acts 1:19

unto this day: 2 Chronicles 5:9

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 18:28 - Blessed 1 Kings 8:15 - Blessed 1 Chronicles 29:10 - David blessed 2 Chronicles 31:21 - prospered Psalms 26:7 - That Psalms 48:11 - because Psalms 111:1 - assembly Psalms 118:24 - we will Joel 3:2 - the valley Joel 3:12 - valley

Verse 27

forefront: Heb. head, 2 Samuel 6:14, 2 Samuel 6:15, Micah 2:13, Hebrews 6:20

the Lord: 1 Samuel 2:1, Nehemiah 12:43, Psalms 20:5, Psalms 30:1, Isaiah 35:10, Isaiah 51:11, Revelation 18:20

Reciprocal: Judges 5:1 - Sang Deborah 1 Chronicles 15:25 - with joy Psalms 30:11 - turned Psalms 48:11 - because Psalms 100:2 - come Isaiah 30:29 - Ye shall Ezekiel 46:10 - General

Verse 28

with psalteries: Instead of celebrating his own heroism or the valour of his troops on this memorable occasion, this excellent prince sung with his whole army the praises of Jehovah, the God of hosts, who disposes of the victory according to his pleasure. This conduct was becoming the descendant and successor of David, the man after God's own heart, and of a religious people, the peculiar inheritance of Jehovah. 2 Samuel 6:5, 1 Chronicles 13:8, 1 Chronicles 23:5, 1 Chronicles 25:6, Psalms 57:8, Psalms 92:3, Psalms 149:3, Psalms 150:3-5, Revelation 14:2, Revelation 14:3

Reciprocal: 1 Chronicles 15:25 - with joy Psalms 30:11 - turned Psalms 100:2 - come Isaiah 30:29 - Ye shall Ezekiel 46:10 - General

Verse 29

the fear: 2 Chronicles 17:10, Genesis 35:5, Exodus 23:27, Joshua 5:1, 2 Kings 7:6

they had heard: Exodus 15:14-16, Joshua 2:9-11, Joshua 9:9-11

Reciprocal: Exodus 14:14 - the Lord Deuteronomy 3:22 - for the Lord 2 Chronicles 14:14 - the fear Psalms 76:8 - still Jeremiah 33:9 - fear

Verse 30

his God: 2 Chronicles 14:6, 2 Chronicles 14:7, 2 Chronicles 15:15, Joshua 23:1, 2 Samuel 7:1, Job 34:29, Proverbs 16:7, John 14:27

Reciprocal: Psalms 76:8 - still Ecclesiastes 3:8 - a time of war

Verse 31

am 3090-3115, bc 914-889

Jehoshaphat: 1 Kings 22:41-44

Verse 32

he walked: 2 Chronicles 17:3-6

the way: 2 Chronicles 14:2-5, 2 Chronicles 14:11-13, 1 Kings 15:11

departed not: 2 Chronicles 16:7-12, Psalms 18:21, Psalms 36:3

Verse 33

the high places: 2 Chronicles 14:3, 2 Chronicles 17:6

had not: 2 Chronicles 12:14, 2 Chronicles 19:3, 2 Chronicles 30:19, Deuteronomy 29:4, 1 Samuel 7:3

Reciprocal: Psalms 78:8 - set not

Verse 34

the rest: 2 Chronicles 12:15, 2 Chronicles 13:22, 2 Chronicles 16:11

book: Heb. words

Jehu the son of Hanani: 2 Chronicles 19:2, 1 Kings 16:1, 1 Kings 16:7

is mentioned: Heb. was made to ascend

Reciprocal: 2 Chronicles 16:7 - Hanani 2 Chronicles 24:27 - story 2 Chronicles 25:26 - rest of the acts 2 Chronicles 27:7 - Now the rest 2 Chronicles 28:26 - the rest 2 Chronicles 33:18 - the rest 2 Chronicles 35:27 - deeds Amos 7:14 - neither

Verse 35

am 3108, bc 896

did Jehoshaphat: 1 Kings 22:48, 1 Kings 22:49

who did very: 2 Kings 1:2-16

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 22:40 - Ahaziah 2 Kings 18:5 - after him

Verse 36

And he joined: "At first Jehoshaphat was unwilling, 1 Kings 22:28, 1 Kings 22:49."

Tarshish: "Tarsos in the great sea," says the Targumist, by which is meant a a place in the Mediterranean, called the Great Sea by the Hebrews. See note on 1 Kings 10:22, Tharshish

Eziongaber: 1 Kings 9:26, Ezion-geber

Reciprocal: Numbers 33:35 - Eziongaber 1 Kings 9:27 - his servants 2 Chronicles 8:17 - Eziongeber Ezekiel 27:12 - General

Verse 37

Because: 2 Chronicles 19:2, Joshua 7:11, Joshua 7:12, Proverbs 13:20

the Lord: 2 Chronicles 16:9, Proverbs 9:6, Proverbs 13:20, Hebrews 12:6, Revelation 3:19

And the ships: 1 Kings 22:48

to Tarshish: 2 Chronicles 9:21

Reciprocal: Genesis 20:2 - said 1 Kings 9:27 - his servants 1 Kings 10:22 - Tharshish 2 Chronicles 25:15 - a prophet Ezekiel 27:12 - General Matthew 1:8 - Josaphat Acts 27:41 - broken