The present Hebrew (and English) text mentions the Ammonites twice over. Hence, some adopt a different reading and translate “the children of Ammon, and with them certain of the Maonites,” etc. Compare 2 Chronicles 20:10, note; Judges 10:12, note; 1 Chronicles 4:41, note. read more
Translate, “from beyond the sea, from Edom.” The “sea” intended is, of course, the Dead Sea. “Syria” (Aram) is probably a mistake of a copyist for “Edom” (compare2 Samuel 8:12; 2 Samuel 8:12 note).On Engedi, see 1 Samuel 23:29 note. read more
2 Chronicles 20:1. It came to pass after this also, &c. After Jehoshaphat had been so very well and zealously employed in reforming his kingdom, and providing for the due administration of justice, and the support of religion in it, and when one would have expected to hear of nothing but the peace and prosperity of his reign, he is interrupted in his good work, and brought into great perplexity, through a formidable invasion of his kingdom by several neighbouring nations: this, however,... read more
2 Chronicles 20:2. Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat That brought him the surprising intelligence of this invasion, when his enemies had already entered his kingdom. Saying, There cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea The Dead sea, beyond which mount Seir lay; and from this side Syria Largely so called, and so it includes the Moabites and Ammonites. And it may be thus expressed, to intimate that they came by the instigation of the Syrians, to revenge... read more
The reign of Jehoshaphat (17:1-20:37)Jehoshaphat carried on the reform that Asa began, by destroying all the Baal shrines that remained in Judah (17:1-6; cf. 15:17). Positively, he educated the people in the law of God by forming an official group of instructors whom he sent around Judah’s towns and villages. The group consisted of civil leaders, priests and Levites (7-9). He also fortified Judah’s defences and enlarged its army, so that neighbouring countries feared to attack it... read more
after this: i.e. after Ahab's death (2 Kings 3:5 ). children = sons. read more
behold. Figure of speech Asterismos, App-6 . read more
GOD DELIVERED JEHOSHAPHAT AND ISRAEL FROM AN INVASION;A COALITION OF ENEMIES CAME AGAINST ISRAEL"And it came to pass after this, that the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon, and with them some of the Ammonites, came against Jehoshaphat to battle. Then there came some and told Jehoshaphat, saying, There cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea from Syria; and, behold, they are in Hazazon-tamor, (the same is Engedi), And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek... read more
2 Chronicles 20:1. And with them other beside the Ammonites— And the Edomites. Houbigant. See 2 Chronicles 20:10; 2 Chronicles 20:22-23. In the second verse, instead of Syria, he reads Edom, agreeable to a correction of Calmet's. read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Chronicles 20:2
Beyond the sea on this aide Aram ( Syria ); i.e. south-east of the Salt Sea, and something west of Edom (the right reading in place of Aram, where a resh had turned out a daleth ) , Hazon-tamar … Engedi ; i.e. the place Engedi ( Ain-jiddy ) , a living "spring of water" from a lime-cliff, half-way up the west coast of the Salt Sea, "in the midst of palms" ( interpalmas ) , the compound word "Hazazon-tamar" meaning literally, "the division of the palm." read more