Then some men came and told Jehoshaphat, "A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from beyond the Sea; they are already in Hazazon-tamar" (that is, En-gedi). Then some men came and told Jehoshaphat,Messengers brought urgent intelligence to Judah’s king as the invading forces moved through the wilderness. Jehoshaphat had sought to lead Judah in covenant faithfulness, yet his reforms did not remove the reality of external danger or the need for daily dependence on the Lord. 1Sa 4:12-17 That same day a Benjamite ran from the battle line… “A vast army is coming against you A large coalition threatened Judah with a force beyond its natural ability to resist. The crisis would reveal whether Judah’s confidence rested in military strength, political alliances, or the God who had given the land to His people. 2Ch 14:9-11 Then Zerah the Cushite came against them… from Edom, The invaders approached from the south and east, through territory associated with Edom, the descendants of Esau. Though Edom was related to Israel through the patriarchs, its history was often marked by hostility toward Judah. 2Ch 28:17-18 The Edomites had again come and attacked Judah… from beyond the Sea; The Sea refers to the Dead Sea, east of Judah. An army coming from that direction had crossed or traveled around a difficult and desolate region, showing purposeful and rapid advance. Deu 30:13 And it is not beyond the sea, that you should need to ask,… they are already in Hazazon-tamar” The enemy had reached a location within striking distance of Judah’s heartland. Hazazon-tamar was an oasis whose springs and vegetation could sustain troops in the wilderness and provide a strategic staging ground. 1Sa 23:29 And David went up from there and lived in the strongholds… (that is, En-gedi). En-gedi stood on the western shore of the Dead Sea and had previously sheltered David during Saul’s pursuit of him. The place associated with David’s preservation now became the setting for another moment when Judah would need to seek the Lord’s protection. 1Sa 24:1-2 After Saul had returned from pursuing the Philistines,… Persons / Places / Events 1. JehoshaphatThe King of Judah, known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to bring the people back to the worship of Yahweh. He is the central figure in this account, facing a significant threat. 2. Edom A region southeast of Judah, often in conflict with Israel and Judah. The Edomites were descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother, and had a long history of enmity with the Israelites. 3. Hazazon-tamar (En Gedi) A location near the Dead Sea, known for its oasis and strategic importance. It is where the invading army was reported to be, indicating the immediacy of the threat. 4. The Vast Army Composed of Moabites, Ammonites, and some Meunites, this coalition posed a significant military threat to Judah, highlighting the dire situation Jehoshaphat faced. 5. The Messengers Unnamed individuals who brought the alarming news to Jehoshaphat, playing a crucial role in prompting his response. Teaching Points Trust in God's SovereigntyJehoshaphat's immediate response to seek the Lord (as seen in the following verses) teaches us to turn to God first in times of crisis, trusting in His control over all circumstances. The Power of Prayer and Fasting The subsequent verses show Jehoshaphat proclaiming a fast and leading the nation in prayer. This underscores the importance of communal prayer and fasting as powerful spiritual disciplines in seeking God's intervention. Facing Fear with Faith Despite the fearsome report, Jehoshaphat's actions demonstrate that faith can overcome fear. We are encouraged to face our fears by anchoring our trust in God's promises and past faithfulness. Community in Crisis The involvement of the entire nation in seeking God highlights the strength found in community. In times of trouble, believers are called to unite in prayer and support. God's Deliverance The account ultimately shows that deliverance comes from the Lord, not through human strength or strategy. This reminds us to rely on God's power rather than our own abilities. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jehoshaphat's response to the threat in 2 Chronicles 20:2 challenge us to respond to crises in our own lives?2. In what ways can we incorporate prayer and fasting into our spiritual practices when facing overwhelming situations? 3. How does the historical enmity between Edom and Israel/Judah inform our understanding of the challenges Jehoshaphat faced? 4. What parallels can we draw between Jehoshaphat's situation and other biblical accounts of God's deliverance, such as the Exodus? 5. How can we foster a sense of community and collective prayer in our churches or small groups when facing communal challenges? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 83This psalm speaks of a coalition of nations conspiring against Israel, similar to the alliance against Judah in 2 Chronicles 20. It highlights the recurring theme of surrounding nations threatening God's people. 2 Kings 3 This passage describes another conflict involving Moab, providing context for the ongoing hostilities between these nations and Israel/Judah. Exodus 14 The Israelites faced an overwhelming threat from the Egyptian army, similar to Jehoshaphat's situation. Both accounts emphasize reliance on God for deliverance.
People Ahaziah, Ammonites, Aram, Asa, Asaph, Azubah, Benaiah, Berachah, Dodavah, Eliezer, Geber, Hanani, Jahaziel, Jehoshaphat, Jehu, Jeiel, Kohathites, Korahites, Korhites, Levites, Maonites, Mattaniah, Meunim, Meunites, Moabites, Seir, Shilhi, Tamar, Tarshish, ZechariahPlaces Ammon, Edom, Egypt, Engedi, Ezion-geber, Hazazon-tamar, Jeruel, Jerusalem, Mareshah, Moab, Mount Seir, Seir, Tarshish, Tekoa, ZizTopics Across, Already, Aram, Army, Behold, Beyond, Declare, Edom, En, Engedi, En-gedi, En-ge'di, Gedi, Hazazon, Hazazontamar, Hazazon-tamar, Haz'azon-ta'mar, Hazezon-tamar, Jehoshaphat, Jehosh'aphat, Moving, Multitude, News, Reported, Saying, Syria, Tamar, VastDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Chronicles 20:1-4Library A Strange Battle'We have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon Thee.'--2 CHRON xx. 12. A formidable combination of neighbouring nations, of which Moab and Ammon, the ancestral enemies of Judah, were the chief, was threatening Judah. Jehoshaphat, the king, was panic-stricken when he heard of the heavy war-cloud that was rolling on, ready to burst in thunder on his little kingdom. His first act was to muster the nation, not as a military levy … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Holding Fast and Held Fast Of the Public Fast. The Coast of the Asphaltites, the Essenes. En-Gedi. "Thou Shall Keep Him in Perfect Peace, Whose Mind is Stayed on Thee, Because He Trusteth in Thee. " That the Employing Of, and Associating with the Malignant Party, According as is Contained in the Public Resolutions, is Sinful and Unlawful. Commerce Concerning Peaceableness Chronicles Links 2 Chronicles 20:2 NIV2 Chronicles 20:2 NLT 2 Chronicles 20:2 ESV 2 Chronicles 20:2 NASB 2 Chronicles 20:2 KJV 2 Chronicles 20:2 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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