2 Chronicles 20:20
New International Version
Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the LORD your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.”

New Living Translation
Early the next morning the army of Judah went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. On the way Jehoshaphat stopped and said, “Listen to me, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in his prophets, and you will succeed.”

English Standard Version
And they rose early in the morning and went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. And when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be established; believe his prophets, and you will succeed.”

Berean Standard Bible
Early in the morning they got up and left for the Wilderness of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood up and said, “Hear me, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be upheld; believe in His prophets, and you will succeed.”

King James Bible
And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.

New King James Version
So they rose early in the morning and went out into the Wilderness of Tekoa; and as they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, O Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem: Believe in the LORD your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper.”

New American Standard Bible
They rose early in the morning and went out to the wilderness of Tekoa; and when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: Put your trust in the LORD your God and you will endure. Put your trust in His prophets, and succeed.”

NASB 1995
They rose early in the morning and went out to the wilderness of Tekoa; and when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, O Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, put your trust in the LORD your God and you will be established. Put your trust in His prophets and succeed.”

NASB 1977
And they rose early in the morning and went out to the wilderness of Tekoa; and when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, O Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, put your trust in the LORD your God, and you will be established. Put your trust in His prophets and succeed.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And they rose early in the morning and went out to the wilderness of Tekoa; and when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, O Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, establish your faith in Yahweh your God and you will be established. Establish your faith in His prophets and succeed.”

Amplified Bible
So they got up early in the morning and went out into the Wilderness of Tekoa; and as they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, O Judah, and you inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe and trust in the LORD your God and you will be established (secure). Believe and trust in His prophets and succeed.”

Christian Standard Bible
In the morning they got up early and went out to the wilderness of Tekoa. As they were about to go out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem. Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be established; believe in his prophets, and you will succeed.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
In the morning they got up early and went out to the wilderness of Tekoa. As they were about to go out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem. Believe in Yahweh your God, and you will be established; believe in His prophets, and you will succeed.”

American Standard Version
And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem: believe in Jehovah your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.

Contemporary English Version
Early the next morning, as everyone got ready to leave for the desert near Tekoa, Jehoshaphat stood up and said, "Listen my friends, if we trust the LORD God and believe what these prophets have told us, the LORD will help us, and we will be successful."

English Revised Version
And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They got up early in the morning and went to the desert of Tekoa. As they were leaving, Jehoshaphat stopped and said, "Listen to me, people of Judah and those living in Jerusalem. Trust the LORD your God, and believe. Believe his prophets, and you will succeed."

Good News Translation
Early the next morning the people went out to the wild country near Tekoa. As they were starting out, Jehoshaphat addressed them with these words: "People of Judah and Jerusalem! Put your trust in the LORD your God, and you will stand your ground. Believe what his prophets tell you, and you will succeed."

International Standard Version
The army got up early the next morning and headed out into the wilderness of Tekoa. Jehoshaphat stood up and addressed them. "Listen to me, you inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem," he said. "Have faith in the LORD your God and you'll be established! Have faith in his prophets and you'll succeed!"

Majority Standard Bible
Early in the morning they got up and left for the Wilderness of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood up and said, ?Hear me, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be upheld; believe in His prophets, and you will succeed.?

NET Bible
Early the next morning they marched out to the Desert of Tekoa. When they were ready to march, Jehoshaphat stood up and said: "Listen to me, you people of Judah and residents of Jerusalem! Trust in the LORD your God and you will be safe! Trust in the message of his prophets and you will win."

New Heart English Bible
They rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, "Listen to me, Judah, and you inhabitants of Jerusalem. Believe in the LORD your God, so you will be established. Believe his prophets, and you will prosper."

Webster's Bible Translation
And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.

World English Bible
They rose early in the morning and went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. As they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in Yahweh your God, so you will be established! Believe his prophets, so you will prosper.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And they rise early in the morning, and go out to the wilderness of Tekoa, and in their going out Jehoshaphat has stood and says, “Hear me, O Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, remain steadfast in your God YHWH, and be steadfast; remain steadfast in His prophets and prosper.”

Young's Literal Translation
And they rise early in the morning, and go out to the wilderness of Tekoa, and in their going out Jehoshaphat hath stood and saith, 'Hear me, O Judah, and inhabitants of Jerusalem, remain stedfast in Jehovah your God, and be stedfast; remain stedfast in His prophets, and prosper.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And they will rise early in the morning and go forth to the desert of Tekoa: and in their going forth Jehoshaphat stood, and he will say, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabiting Jerusalem; Believe in Jehovah your God and ye shall be firm; believe in his prophets and prosper.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And they rose early in the morning, and went out through the desert of Thecua: and as they were marching, Josaphat standing in the midst of them, said: Hear me, ye men of Juda, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem: believe in the Lord your God, and you shall be secure: believe his prophets, and all things shall succeed well.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when they had risen up in the morning, they went out through the desert of Tekoa. And as they were setting out, Jehoshaphat, standing in their midst, said: “Listen to me, men of Judah and all inhabitants of Jerusalem. Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be secure. Believe in his prophets, and everything will come to prosperity.”

New American Bible
Early in the morning they went out to the wilderness of Tekoa. As they were going out, Jehoshaphat halted and said: “Listen to me, Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem! Let your faith in the LORD, your God, be firm, and you will be firm. Have faith in his prophets and you will succeed.”

New Revised Standard Version
They rose early in the morning and went out into the wilderness of Tekoa; and as they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, O Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the LORD your God and you will be established; believe his prophets.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And they rose early in the morning and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa; and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: Believe in the LORD your God, so you shall be established; believe in his prophets, and you shall be delivered.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they arose at dawn, and they went out to the wilderness of Tequua, and when they went out, Yehoshaphat stood up and said: “Hear me, those of the house of Yehuda and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and trust in LORD JEHOVAH your God, and you will be trusted, and trust in his Prophets and you shall be saved!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa; and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said: 'Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe His prophets, so shall ye prosper.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And they rose early in the morning and went out to the wilderness of Thecoe: and as they went out, Josaphat stood and cried, and said, Hear me, Juda, and the dwellers in Jerusalem; put your trust in the Lord God, and your trust shall be honored; trust in his prophet, and ye shall prosper.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Enemies Destroy Themselves
20Early in the morning they got up and left for the Wilderness of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood up and said, “Hear me, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be upheld; believe in His prophets, and you will succeed.” 21Then Jehoshaphat consulted with the people and appointed those who would sing to the LORD and praise the splendor of His holiness. As they went out before the army, they were singing: “Give thanks to the LORD, for His loving devotion endures forever.”…

Cross References
Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God. For anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.

Isaiah 7:9
The head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is the son of Remaliah. If you do not stand firm in your faith, then you will not stand at all.’”

Mark 11:22-24
“Have faith in God,” Jesus said to them. / “Truly I tell you that if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and has no doubt in his heart but believes that it will happen, it will be done for him. / Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Romans 4:20-21
Yet he did not waver through disbelief in the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, / being fully persuaded that God was able to do what He had promised.

James 1:6
But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

Matthew 21:21-22
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “if you have faith and do not doubt, not only will you do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. / If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”

John 14:1
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe in Me as well.

Romans 10:17
Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.

Psalm 37:3-5
Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. / Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart. / Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; / in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Isaiah 26:3-4
You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast of mind, because he trusts in You. / Trust in the LORD forever, because GOD the LORD is the Rock eternal.

Jeremiah 17:7-8
But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him. / He is like a tree planted by the waters that sends out its roots toward the stream. It does not fear when the heat comes, and its leaves are always green. It does not worry in a year of drought, nor does it cease to produce fruit.

Matthew 9:28-29
After Jesus had entered the house, the blind men came to Him. “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” He asked. “Yes, Lord,” they answered. / Then He touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith will it be done to you.”

Luke 8:50
But Jesus overheard them and said to Jairus, “Do not be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.”

John 11:40
Jesus replied, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?”


Treasury of Scripture

And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and you inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall you be established; believe his prophets, so shall you prosper.

Tekoa

2 Chronicles 11:6
He built even Bethlehem, and Etam, and Tekoa,

2 Samuel 14:2
And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched thence a wise woman, and said unto her, I pray thee, feign thyself to be a mourner, and put on now mourning apparel, and anoint not thyself with oil, but be as a woman that had a long time mourned for the dead:

1 Chronicles 4:5
And Ashur the father of Tekoa had two wives, Helah and Naarah.

Hear ye

2 Chronicles 20:15
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.

Believe in the Lord

Isaiah 7:9
And the head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is Remaliah's son. If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established.

Isaiah 26:3
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

John 11:40
Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?

believe his

Exodus 14:31
And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses.

Luke 16:31
And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

John 5:46,47
For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me…

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Believe Early Established Forth Hear Inhabitants Jehoshaphat Jerusalem Judah Morning Prophets Prosper Rose Stood Tekoa Wilderness
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Believe Early Established Forth Hear Inhabitants Jehoshaphat Jerusalem Judah Morning Prophets Prosper Rose Stood Tekoa Wilderness
2 Chronicles 20
1. Jehoshaphat, invaded by Moab, proclaims a fast
5. 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.














Early in the morning
This phrase indicates a sense of urgency and readiness. In the Hebrew context, rising early often signifies diligence and commitment to a task. The people of Judah, led by Jehoshaphat, demonstrate their faith and determination by setting out at dawn. This reflects a spiritual principle of seeking God and His will with eagerness and priority, as seen throughout Scripture where early rising is associated with seeking God (e.g., Psalm 5:3).

they got up and left
The act of getting up and leaving signifies obedience and action. The Hebrew root for "got up" (קוּם, qum) implies rising to a challenge or occasion. This movement towards the Wilderness of Tekoa is not just physical but also spiritual, as it represents stepping out in faith, trusting in God's guidance and protection.

for the Wilderness of Tekoa
Tekoa was a town in Judah, known for its strategic location and its wilderness. The wilderness often symbolizes a place of testing and reliance on God. Historically, Tekoa was the home of the prophet Amos, adding a layer of prophetic significance to this journey. The wilderness setting underscores the theme of dependence on God rather than human strength or resources.

As they set out
This phrase captures the moment of transition from preparation to action. The Hebrew verb used here conveys a sense of embarking on a journey with purpose. It reflects the spiritual journey of faith, where believers must move from hearing God's word to acting upon it, trusting in His promises.

Jehoshaphat stood up and said
Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, takes a leadership role, both physically and spiritually. His standing up is an act of authority and responsibility. In the biblical narrative, leaders often stand to address the people, signifying the importance of the message. Jehoshaphat's words are not just royal commands but spiritual exhortations, emphasizing his role as both a political and spiritual leader.

Listen to me, O people of Judah and Jerusalem!
The call to listen is a common biblical exhortation, urging the audience to pay attention and heed the message. The Hebrew word for "listen" (שָׁמַע, shama) implies not just hearing but obeying. Jehoshaphat addresses both Judah and Jerusalem, uniting the people in a common purpose and reminding them of their shared identity and covenant with God.

Believe in the LORD your God
Faith in God is the central theme of this exhortation. The Hebrew word for "believe" (אָמַן, aman) conveys trust, reliability, and firmness. Jehoshaphat calls the people to place their confidence in Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God, who has proven Himself faithful throughout their history. This belief is foundational for their stability and success.

and you will be upheld
The promise of being upheld is a reassurance of God's sustaining power. The Hebrew root (אָמַן, aman) is the same as for "believe," indicating that faith in God results in being established and supported. This reflects the biblical principle that trust in God leads to security and strength, even in the face of adversity.

believe in His prophets
The prophets were God's messengers, conveying His will and guidance. Believing in the prophets means accepting their messages as divinely inspired and authoritative. In the context of 2 Chronicles, this refers to the prophetic word given to Jehoshaphat regarding the battle. Trusting in God's prophets is an extension of trusting in God Himself.

and you will succeed
Success, in this context, is not merely military victory but fulfilling God's purposes. The Hebrew word for "succeed" (צָלַח, tsalach) implies prospering or advancing. This success is contingent upon faith in God and His word through the prophets. It underscores the biblical truth that true success is found in alignment with God's will and purposes.

(20) Went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa.--Part of the wilderness of Jeruel (2Chronicles 20:16). Tekoa (Thekua) is about ten miles south of Jerusalem, and commands a view over the table-land of el Husasoh.

Jehoshaphat stood.--Or, came forward. The king probably stood in the gate at Jerusalem.

Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established.--An affirmative way of putting the words of Isaiah to Ahaz: "If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established" (Isaiah 7:9).

Believe his prophets.--Believe in, as before, i.e., put confidence in their advice and leading.

So shall ye prosper.--And prosper ye. (Comp. 2Chronicles 18:11.)

Verse 20. - The wilderness of Tekoa. The king and people, army and prophet and Levite singers, start early for the wilderness of Tekoa, not less than ten miles' distance south of Jerusalem, and from it a waddy running to the Dead Sea. So shall ye be established. (So Isaiah 7:9.) Jehoshaphat's own faith and zeal make him nervously anxious that his people should not fall behind him, and fall short of their duty and the grandeur of the occasion.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Early in the morning
בַבֹּ֔קֶר (ḇab·bō·qer)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1242: Dawn, morning

they got up
וַיַּשְׁכִּ֣ימוּ (way·yaš·kî·mū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7925: To load up, to start early in the morning

and left
וַיֵּצְא֖וּ (way·yê·ṣə·’ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

for the Wilderness
לְמִדְבַּ֣ר (lə·miḏ·bar)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4057: A pasture, a desert, speech

of Tekoa.
תְּק֑וֹעַ (tə·qō·w·a‘)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 8620: Tekoa -- a city in Judah

As they set out,
וּבְצֵאתָ֞ם (ū·ḇə·ṣê·ṯām)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

Jehoshaphat
יְהוֹשָׁפָ֗ט (yə·hō·wō·šā·p̄āṭ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3092: Jehoshaphat -- 'the LORD has judged', the name of a number of Israelites

stood up
עָמַ֣ד (‘ā·maḏ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations

and said,
וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Hear me,
שְׁמָע֗וּנִי (šə·mā·‘ū·nî)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural | first person common singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

O 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

Believe
הַאֲמִ֜ינוּ (ha·’ă·mî·nū)
Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 539: To confirm, support

in the LORD
בַּיהוָ֤ה (Yah·weh)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

your God,
אֱלֹהֵיכֶם֙ (’ĕ·lō·hê·ḵem)
Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

and you will be upheld;
וְתֵ֣אָמֵ֔נוּ (wə·ṯê·’ā·mê·nū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 539: To confirm, support

believe
הַאֲמִ֥ינוּ (ha·’ă·mî·nū)
Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 539: To confirm, support

in His prophets,
בִנְבִיאָ֖יו (ḇin·ḇî·’āw)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5030: A spokesman, speaker, prophet

and you will succeed.?
וְהַצְלִֽיחוּ׃ (wə·haṣ·lî·ḥū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 6743: To push forward


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OT History: 2 Chronicles 20:20 They rose early in the morning (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)
2 Chronicles 20:19
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