Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. New Living Translation He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. English Standard Version And he said, “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the LORD to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s. Berean Standard Bible And he said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army, for the battle does not belong to you, but to God. Berean Literal Bible and he said, “Listen, all Judah and dwellers of Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat! Thus says YHWH to you⁺: ‘You⁺ are not to be afraid and not dismayed before this great multitude, for the battle is not unto you⁺, but unto God. King James Bible And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. New King James Version And he said, “Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the LORD to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. New American Standard Bible and he said, “Listen, all you of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat: This is what the LORD says to you: ‘Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s. NASB 1995 and he said, “Listen, all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: thus says the LORD to you, ‘Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s. NASB 1977 and he said, “Listen, all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: thus says the LORD to you, ‘Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s. Legacy Standard Bible and he said, “Pay attention, all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: thus says Yahweh to you, ‘Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s. Amplified Bible He said, “Listen carefully, all [you people of] Judah, and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat. The LORD says this to you: ‘Be not afraid or dismayed at this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Berean Annotated Bible And he said, “Listen, all you⁺ people of Judah (praised) and Jerusalem (city of peace)! Listen, King Jehoshaphat (YHWH has judged)! This is what the LORD {YHWH} says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army, for the battle does not belong to you⁺, but to God {Elohim}. Christian Standard Bible and he said, “Listen carefully, all Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat. This is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast number, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Holman Christian Standard Bible and he said, “Listen carefully, all Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat. This is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast number, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. American Standard Version and he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat: Thus saith Jehovah unto you, Fear not ye, neither be dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. Contemporary English Version Then Jahaziel said: Your Majesty and everyone from Judah and Jerusalem, the LORD says that you don't need to be afraid or let this powerful army discourage you. God will fight on your side! English Revised Version and he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat: thus saith the LORD unto you, Fear not ye, neither be dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. GOD'S WORD® Translation Jahaziel said, "Pay attention to me, everyone from Judah, everyone living in Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat. This is what the LORD says to you: Don't be frightened or terrified by this large crowd. The battle isn't yours. It's God's. Good News Translation Jahaziel said, "Your Majesty and all you people of Judah and Jerusalem, the LORD says that you must not be discouraged or be afraid to face this large army. The battle depends on God, not on you. International Standard Version "Pay attention, everyone in Judah, in Jerusalem, and you, too, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says to you: 'Stop being afraid, and stop being discouraged because of this vast invasion force, because the battle doesn't belong to you, but to God. NET Bible He said: "Pay attention, all you people of Judah, residents of Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says to you: 'Don't be afraid and don't panic because of this huge army! For the battle is not yours, but God's. New Heart English Bible and he said, "Listen, all Judah, and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you king Jehoshaphat. Thus says the LORD to you, 'Do not be afraid, neither be dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. Webster's Bible Translation And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD to you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd he said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army, for the battle does not belong to you, but to God. World English Bible and he said, “Listen, all Judah, and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat. Yahweh says to you, ‘Don’t be afraid, and don’t be dismayed because of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand he says, “Attend, all Judah, and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and O King Jehoshaphat, Thus said YHWH to you: You do not fear, nor be afraid of the face of this great multitude, for the battle [is] not for you, but for God. Berean Literal Bible and he said, “Listen, all Judah and dwellers of Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat! Thus says YHWH to you⁺: ‘You⁺ are not to be afraid and not dismayed before this great multitude, for the battle is not unto you⁺, but unto God. Young's Literal Translation and he saith, 'Attend, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and O king Jehoshaphat, Thus said Jehovah to you, Ye fear not, nor are afraid of the face of this great multitude, for not for you is the battle, but for God. Smith's Literal Translation And he will say, Attend all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou, king Jehoshaphat. Thus said Jehovah to you, Ye shall not fear, and ye shall not be terrified from the face of this great multitude; for not to you the battle but to God. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he said: Attend ye, all Juda, and you that dwell in Jerusalem, and thou king Josaphat: Thus saith the Lord to you: Fear ye not, and be not dismayed at this multitude: for the battle is not yours, but God's. Catholic Public Domain Version And he said: “Pay attention, all of Judah, and you who live in Jerusalem, and you, king Jehoshaphat. Thus says the Lord to you: Do not be afraid. Neither should you be dismayed by this multitude. For the fight is not yours, but God’s. New American Bible and he said: “Pay attention, all of Judah, inhabitants of Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat! The LORD says to you: Do not fear or be dismayed at the sight of this vast multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s. New Revised Standard Version He said, “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the LORD to you: ‘Do not fear or be dismayed at this great multitude; for the battle is not yours but God’s. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he said, Hearken, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat, thus says the LORD your God: Be not afraid nor dismayed because of this great army; for the battle is not yours, but God's. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he said: “Hear, all Yehuda and inhabitants of Jerusalem, and King Yehoshaphat: thus says LORD JEHOVAH your God, ‘You shall not be afraid and you shall not tremble from before this great army, because the battle is not yours, for the battle is LORD JEHOVAH’S! OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917and he said: 'Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat: thus saith the LORD unto you: Fear not ye, neither be dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. Brenton Septuagint Translation and he said, Hear ye, all Juda, and the dwellers in Jerusalem, and king Josaphat: Thus saith the Lord to you, even you, Fear not, neither be alarmed, before all this great multitude; for the battle is not years, but God's. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Prophecy of Jahaziel14Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite from Asaph’s descendants, as he stood in the midst of the assembly. 15And he said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army, for the battle does not belong to you, but to God. 16Tomorrow you are to march down against them. You will see them coming up the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the valley facing the Wilderness of Jeruel.… Cross References And he said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Jeremiah 7:2 “Stand in the gate of the house of the LORD and proclaim this message: Hear the word of the LORD, all you people of Judah who enter through these gates to worship the LORD. 2 Chronicles 15:2 So he went out to meet Asa and said to him, “Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The LORD is with you when you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you. Isaiah 1:10 Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom; listen to the instruction of our God, you people of Gomorrah! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! Jeremiah 22:2 saying, ‘Hear the word of the LORD, O king of Judah, who sits on the throne of David—you and your officials and your people who enter these gates. 2 Kings 20:16 Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of the LORD: 1 Kings 22:19 Micaiah continued, “Therefore hear the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing by Him on His right and on His left. This is what the LORD says: Ezekiel 2:4 They are obstinate and stubborn children. I am sending you to them, and you are to say to them, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says.’ Amos 1:3 This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Damascus, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they threshed Gilead with sledges of iron. Isaiah 7:7 But this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘It will not arise; it will not happen. ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged Deuteronomy 31:8 The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.” Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. because of this vast army, Deuteronomy 20:1 When you go out to war against your enemies and see horses, chariots, and an army larger than yours, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you. Judges 7:2 Then the LORD said to Gideon, “You have too many men for Me to deliver Midian into their hands, lest Israel glorify themselves over Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’ 1 Samuel 14:6 Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.” for the battle does not belong to you, 1 Samuel 17:47 And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.” Treasury of Scripture And he said, Listen you, all Judah, and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you king Jehoshaphat, Thus said the LORD to you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. Be not afraid 2 Chronicles 32:7,8 Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him: … Exodus 14:13,14 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever… Deuteronomy 1:29,30 Then I said unto you, Dread not, neither be afraid of them… the battle 2 Chronicles 32:8 With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah. 1 Samuel 17:47 And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands. Jump to Previous Afraid Battle Dismayed Fear God's Great Hearken Inhabitants Jehoshaphat Jerusalem Judah Multitude ReasonJump to Next Afraid Battle Dismayed Fear God's Great Hearken Inhabitants Jehoshaphat Jerusalem Judah Multitude Reason2 Chronicles 20 1. Jehoshaphat, invaded by Moab, proclaims a fast5. His prayer 14. The prophecy of Jahaziel 20. Jehoshaphat exhorts the people, and sets singers to praise the Lord 22. The great overthrow of his enemies 26. The people, having blessed God at Berachah, return in triumph 31. Jehoshaphat's reign 35. His convoy of ships, according to the prophecy of Eliezer, unhappily perishes. And he said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! This phrase is a call to attention, emphasizing the importance of the message. Judah and Jerusalem were the southern kingdom and its capital, respectively, during the divided monarchy in Israel. The speaker is addressing the entire community, highlighting the collective nature of the impending challenge. This reflects the communal aspect of faith in ancient Israel, where the fate of the nation was often seen as intertwined with the spiritual state of its people. Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army, for the battle does not belong to you, but to God. Persons / Places / Events 1. JehoshaphatThe King of Judah who sought the Lord's guidance when faced with a formidable enemy alliance. 2. Judah and Jerusalem The southern kingdom and its capital, representing God's chosen people who were under threat. 3. The Vast Army A coalition of Moabites, Ammonites, and others who came to wage war against Judah. 4. The Prophet Jahaziel A Levite who delivered God's message of assurance to Jehoshaphat and the people. 5. The Valley of Berakah The place where the people of Judah later gathered to praise God for their victory. Teaching Points Trust in God's SovereigntyRecognize that God is in control, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. Do Not Fear Fear can paralyze us, but faith in God's promises empowers us to face challenges with confidence. God's Battle, Not Ours Understand that spiritual battles are fought by God on our behalf; our role is to trust and obey. Seek God's Guidance Like Jehoshaphat, seek God's direction through prayer and His Word when facing life's battles. Praise and Worship as Warfare Use praise and worship as tools to shift focus from the problem to the Problem-Solver. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 20:15?2. How does 2 Chronicles 20:15 encourage reliance on God's strength in battles? 3. What does "the battle is not yours, but God's" teach about divine intervention? 4. How can we apply Jehoshaphat's faith in God's promise to our daily struggles? 5. Which other Bible stories illustrate God fighting for His people? 6. How can trusting God in battles strengthen our personal relationship with Him? 7. How does 2 Chronicles 20:15 demonstrate God's sovereignty in battles? 8. What historical context surrounds the events of 2 Chronicles 20:15? 9. How does 2 Chronicles 20:15 challenge personal reliance on human strength? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 20? 11. Could the dramatic defeat of multiple enemies be a later exaggeration or symbolic story rather than a literal event (2 Chronicles 20)? 12. Can the claim that “God is our refuge and strength” (Psalm 46:1) be historically validated via archeological or extra-biblical evidence? 13. What does "God fights our battles" mean? 14. What does "The battle is the Lord's" mean? What Does 2 Chronicles 20:15 Mean And he said- The speaker is Jahaziel, a Levite upon whom “the Spirit of the LORD came” (2 Chronicles 20:14). - His words carry prophetic weight; God often used appointed messengers to break fear’s grip on His people (2 Chronicles 15:1-2; Acts 11:27-28). - As in 2 Peter 1:21, the origin of the message is divine, not human opinion. Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! - “Listen” invites every citizen to active, faith-filled hearing, echoing the call of Deuteronomy 6:4. - God addresses the whole community because collective obedience and unity matter (Joel 2:15-16). - When the entire body listens together, God’s deliverance becomes a shared testimony (Acts 4:24). Listen, King Jehoshaphat! - Even the king must submit to God’s word; position never exempts anyone from obedience (2 Samuel 12:7). - Jehoshaphat had sought the LORD before (2 Chronicles 17:3-4); now he must keep doing so under pressure. - Leadership that models humility strengthens the faith of the people (Hebrews 13:7). This is what the LORD says - The authority behind the message is unmistakable; it carries the weight of the covenant-keeping God (Isaiah 55:11). - Divine revelation cuts through panic, providing clarity no human strategy can match (Jeremiah 23:29). - Trusting God’s spoken promise releases believers from paralysis (Psalm 119:50). Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army - God acknowledges the reality of the threat yet forbids fear, just as in Deuteronomy 20:1 and Joshua 1:9. - “Afraid” targets inner dread; “discouraged” targets the slow drain of hope. Both are disarmed by God’s presence (Psalm 27:1-3). - New-covenant believers receive the same assurance in Christ: “God gave us a spirit not of fear” (2 Timothy 1:7). For the battle does not belong to you, but to God - Ownership determines outcome; because the battle is God’s, victory is certain (Exodus 14:13-14 at the Red Sea). - David voiced the same truth to Goliath: “The battle is the LORD’s” (1 Samuel 17:47). - Our role: • Seek the Lord (2 Chronicles 20:3-4). • Stand firm and watch (2 Chronicles 20:17). • Worship in advance (2 Chronicles 20:21-22). - God’s role: confront the enemy, cause confusion, secure deliverance (2 Chronicles 20:23-24). summary 2 Chronicles 20:15 assures God’s people that when overwhelming odds loom, fear and discouragement are out of place because God Himself claims the battle. The verse calls every believer—leaders and followers alike—to attentive listening, confident trust, and worshipful expectancy, knowing the victory rests in the Lord’s mighty hands. (15) Hearken ye.--So Isaiah 49:1; Isaiah 51:4, &c.Be not afraid nor dismayed.--Isaiah 51:7; Deuteronomy 1:21; Chron. 22:3; 2Chronicles 20:17, infr. . . . Verse 15. - The battle is not yours, but God's; i.e. God will do the fighting (see ver. 17, first and third clauses); so also 1 Samuel 17:47.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew And he said,וַיֹּ֗אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “Listen, הַקְשִׁ֤יבוּ (haq·šî·ḇū) Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 7181: To prick up the ears, hearken all כָל־ (ḵāl) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every you people וְיֹשְׁבֵ֣י (wə·yō·šə·ḇê) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry of Judah יְהוּדָה֙ (yə·hū·ḏāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites and Jerusalem! יְרוּשָׁלִַ֔ם (yə·rū·šā·lim) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel Listen, King וְהַמֶּ֖לֶךְ (wə·ham·me·leḵ) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king Jehoshaphat! יְהוֹשָׁפָ֑ט (yə·hō·wō·šā·p̄āṭ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3092: Jehoshaphat -- 'the LORD has judged', the name of a number of Israelites This is what כֹּֽה־ (kōh-) Adverb Strong's 3541: Like this, thus, here, now the LORD יְהוָ֜ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel says: אָמַ֨ר (’ā·mar) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say ‘Do not אַל־ (’al-) Adverb Strong's 408: Not be afraid תִּֽירְא֤וּ (tî·rə·’ū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 3372: To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten or discouraged תֵּחַ֙תּוּ֙ (tê·ḥat·tū) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 2865: To prostrate, to break down, either, by violence, by confusion and fear because of מִפְּנֵ֨י (mip·pə·nê) Preposition-m | Noun - common plural construct Strong's 6440: The face this הַזֶּ֔ה (haz·zeh) Article | Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 2088: This, that vast הָרָב֙ (hā·rāḇ) Article | Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 7227: Much, many, great army, הֶהָמ֤וֹן (he·hā·mō·wn) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1995: A noise, tumult, crowd, disquietude, wealth for כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction the battle הַמִּלְחָמָ֖ה (ham·mil·ḥā·māh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4421: A battle, war does not belong לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no to you, לָכֶ֛ם (lā·ḵem) Preposition | second person masculine plural Strong's 0: 0 but כִּ֥י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction to God. לֵאלֹהִֽים׃ (lê·lō·hîm) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative Links 2 Chronicles 20:15 NIV2 Chronicles 20:15 NLT 2 Chronicles 20:15 ESV 2 Chronicles 20:15 NASB 2 Chronicles 20:15 KJV 2 Chronicles 20:15 BibleApps.com 2 Chronicles 20:15 Biblia Paralela 2 Chronicles 20:15 Chinese Bible 2 Chronicles 20:15 French Bible 2 Chronicles 20:15 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Chronicles 20:15 And he said Listen you all Judah (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr) |
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