Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary2 Chronicles 20

Jehoshaphat's Prayer to GodIn the last chapter, Jehoshaphat worked hard to reform his kingdom and support true worship and justice. We might expect peace as a reward for his faithfulness, but instead, a new trouble appeared. This section shows how even faithful people can face trouble, but God often uses these times to show His kindness and power. Jehoshaphat’s story teaches us to seek God first in times of danger, and to trust Him for deliverance.v. 1: Jehoshaphat’s kingdom was invaded by a great army made up of Moabites, Ammonites, and their allies. The enemy came suddenly and had already entered Judah before Jehoshaphat heard about it . There is no clear reason for their attack, but they came from the area around the Dead Sea. Other nations joined in, especially the descendants of Lot, just as Psalm 83 describes (Psalm 83:6-8 ). Perhaps they thought God was angry with Jehoshaphat because of his earlier alliance with Ahab, so they saw a chance to attack.

v. 2: Jehoshaphat was surprised by the news that the enemy was already in his land . This sudden threat was very serious and required immediate action.

v. 3: Jehoshaphat was afraid. His fear came from being caught off guard and from feeling guilty about past mistakes. But his fear made him seek help from God. He set himself to seek the Lord

v. 4: All the people of Judah gathered together in Jerusalem to pray and ask for help from the Lord

v. 5-6: Jehoshaphat stood before the people and prayed to God. He praised God’s power and rule over all kingdoms. Are you not God in heaven?he asked. He remembered that God has the power and might that no one can withstand (2 Chronicles 20:6 ). Jehoshaphat trusted that God was able to help them against their enemies.

v. 7-9: Jehoshaphat reminded God that He had given this land to Abraham’s descendants, and that the temple was built for God’s name. He said, You drove out the inhabitants of this land and gave it to the descendants of Abraham your friend forever(2 Chronicles 20:7; James 2:23 ). He reminded God of His promise to hear the prayers made in the temple during times of trouble (2 Chronicles 20:8-9 ).

v. 10-11: He explained that the invading nations were repaying Israel’s kindness with evil. Israel had not attacked these nations when they left Egypt because God told them not to (Deuteronomy 2:5, 9, 19 ). Now these nations were trying to take the land God had given Israel. Jehoshaphat asked, O our God, will you not judge them?(2 Chronicles 20:12 ).

v. 12: Jehoshaphat admitted their own weakness. He said, We have no power to face this great army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you(2 Chronicles 20:12 ). His prayer showed true faith, dependence, and hope in God’s mercy and help.

God's Promise of VictoryThis section describes how God quickly answered Jehoshaphat’s prayer when he and all the people were gathered in the temple. God’s answer came through a Levite with the spirit of prophecy. The message was full of encouragement and hope. God promised to fight for His people, showing that He always listens to sincere prayers and can deliver His people in amazing ways. This promise brought worship and praise from Jehoshaphat and all Judah.v. 14: As the people prayed, the spirit of prophecy came upon Jahaziel, a Levite from the sons of Asaph, right in the middle of the congregation . God can use anyone, even those who do not have a special position. Jahaziel was probably a singer in the temple, and God honored his service by using him to deliver this important message.

v. 15: Jahaziel told everyone not to be afraid or discouraged by the large enemy army. He said, Do not be afraid nor dismayed...for the battle is not yours, but God’s. God Himself was taking responsibility for the fight. The people only needed to trust Him and not give in to fear.

v. 16: Jahaziel gave them clear instructions. He told them where to find the enemy and said, Tomorrow go down against them. God not only promised victory but also guided them on what to do next.

v. 17: God promised that the people would not have to fight this battle themselves. You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord

v. 18: Jehoshaphat and all the people bowed their heads and worshipped the Lord

v. 19: Then the Levites stood up and praised the Lord

Ammon or Moab DestroyedThis section tells how God answered Jehoshaphat’s prayer and kept His promise. The armies of Moab and Ammon were completely defeated without Judah even having to fight. Instead of a normal battle, it was really a triumph brought about by faith, praise, and God’s power. The people celebrated with thankfulness and joy, and God gave them peace on every side.v. 20: Early the next morning, Jehoshaphat’s army prepared to face the enemy. Jehoshaphat encouraged the people, saying, Believe in the Lord

v. 21: Instead of putting soldiers in front, Jehoshaphat put singers at the head of the army. They praised God, saying, Praise the Lord

v. 22: As soon as the people started to sing and praise, the Lord

v. 23: The enemy soldiers attacked their own allies. First, Ammon and Moab fought against Edom, then they turned on each other until no one was left . This shows how God can make even the strongest alliances fall apart when He chooses.

v. 24: When Judah came to the lookout point in the wilderness, they saw that the enemy army was completely destroyed. All they found were dead bodies lying on the ground; no one had escaped . God answered their prayers far beyond what they expected.

v. 25: The people of Judah collected rich treasures from the enemy camp. The spoil was so great that it took them three days to gather everything . God not only saved them, but also blessed them with more than they had asked for.

v. 26: On the fourth day, everyone gathered in the Valley of Berachah, which means “valley of blessing.” There they praised and thanked God for His help . This place became a reminder for future generations that God blesses those who trust Him.

v. 27-28: Jehoshaphat and all the people returned to Jerusalem with joy. They went to the temple to thank God, offering praise in the place where they had first prayed for help (2 Chronicles 20:27-28 ). Public thanksgiving was important to show everyone how great God is.

v. 29: News of what God had done spread to the other nations. They feared to attack Judah because they saw that the Lord

v. 30: God gave Jehoshaphat and his people peace on every side . The people were united and their enemies left them alone. When God gives peace, no one can disturb it.

Jehoshaphat's Navy WreckedThis section describes the last events of Jehoshaphat’s reign. Overall, he was a good king who followed the Lord

v. 33: Even though Jehoshaphat was faithful, the people still worshipped at the high places. These were places where people offered sacrifices to the true God, but not in the way God commanded. The people’s hearts were not fully prepared to serve the Lord

v. 34: More details about Jehoshaphat’s reign were written in the records of Jehu the prophet .

v. 35-36: Later, Jehoshaphat made an alliance with Ahaziah, king of Israel, who acted wickedly. They built ships together to go to Ophir for gold, but this partnership was displeasing to God. It was especially disappointing because Jehoshaphat had already seen how dangerous these alliances could be (2 Chronicles 20:35-36 ). After God had given him such a deliverance as this, should he again break God's commandments?(Ezra 9:13-14 ).

v. 37: God sent a prophet to warn Jehoshaphat that his project would fail. Then a storm destroyed the ships before they could set sail. This showed God’s displeasure and was a warning for Jehoshaphat to end his partnership with Ahaziah (2 Chronicles 20:37 ). Later, when Ahaziah asked him to try again, Jehoshaphat refused (1 Kings 22:49 ).