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2 Chronicles 20

37 verses

TL;DR

Jehoshaphat faces a coalition of enemies, turns to God, receives prophetic assurance, and experiences a miraculous victory, after which he returns to a reign marked by continued faith but later questionable alliances.

Summary

When armies from Moab, Ammon, and other peoples threaten Judah, Jehoshaphat calls for a fast and gathers the people in prayer. The Levite Jahaziel delivers a prophetic message from the Spirit of the LORD that the battle is not theirs but God's, assuring victory. The people stand still, and the LORD brings ambushes that destroy the enemy, leading to abundant spoils and a name for the valley of Berachah. Joyful praise follows, and Jehoshaphat's reign is recorded as righteous yet later tarnished by an alliance with Israel’s wicked king Ahaziah, resulting in prophetic judgment.

Outline
  1. Jehoshaphat seeks divine help as enemies approach
  2. Prophetic assurance of God’s intervention and victory
  3. Celebration of the triumph and the consequences of later alliances
Themes
faithful reliance on Goddivine intervention in warprophetic guidance and judgment
Keywords
battleJehoshaphatProphecySpirit of the LORDVictoryJerusalemJerusalem's worshipAllyJudaism
People
JehoshaphatJahazielAhaziahEliezerAzubah
Places
JudahJerusalemEngediMount SeirWilderness of TekoaValley of BerachahTarshishEziongaber
Things
fastspirit of the LORDambushmentsspoilsrichesjuwelsnew court
Key Verses
  • 2 Chronicles 20:14: Jahaziel’s prophetic declaration that the battle is God's
  • 2 Chronicles 20:22: God’s ambushes that defeat the enemies
  • 2 Chronicles 20:35: Jehoshaphat’s alliance with Ahaziah leading to prophetic judgment
Questions
  • What does Jehoshaphat’s fast reveal about the nature of his leadership?
  • How does the prophetic assurance shape the people’s actions?
  • In what ways does the chapter warn against political alliances?
  • What does the celebration after the victory say about Israel’s identity?
  • How does the later alliance with Ahaziah contrast with the earlier faithfulness?
Sentiment

positive
Joyful victory tempered by a warning against later political missteps