2 Chronicles 20:1-15

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Chronicles 20:1-13

We left Jehoshaphat, in the foregoing chapter, well employed in reforming his kingdom and providing for the due administration of justice and support of religion in it, and expected nothing but to hear of the peace and prosperity of his reign; but here we have him in distress, which distress, however, was followed by such a glorious deliverance as was an abundant recompence for his piety. If we meet with trouble in the way of duty, we may believe it is that God may have an opportunity of... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Chronicles 20:14-19

We have here God's gracious answer to Jehoshaphat's prayer; and it was a speedy answer. While he was yet speaking God heard: before the congregation was dismissed they had assurance given them that they should be victorious; for it is never in vain to seek God. 1. The spirit of prophecy came upon a Levite that was present, not in any place of eminency, but in the midst of the congregation, 2 Chron. 20:14. The Spirit, like the wind, blows where and on whom he listeth. He was of the sons of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Chronicles 20:1

It came to pass after this also ,.... After Jehoshaphat's return from Ramothgilead, and putting the civil and religious affairs of his people on a better footing, when he might have expected much peace and prosperity: that the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon ; both the descendants of Lot, see Psalm 83:8 , and with them other besides the Ammonites ; a great company of Arabians, according to Josephus F18 Antiqu. l. 9. c. 1. sect. 2. ; or "with the Meamonites", which... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Chronicles 20:2

Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat ,.... Deserters or spies, or some of the inhabitants of those parts where they had entered, who rode post haste to acquaint him with it: saying, there cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea on this side Syria ; that is, beyond the Dead or Salt sea, the sea of Sodom; the Targum is,"beyond the west of Syria,'that sea being the western boundary of it: and, behold, they be in Hazazontamar, which is Engedi ; See Gill on ... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Chronicles 20:3

And Jehoshaphat feared ,.... Exceedingly, as the Targum adds, not merely because of the number of his enemies, for he had forces enough to go forth against them, see 2 Chronicles 17:14 , but chiefly because the Lord had told him that wrath was upon him from him, 2 Chronicles 19:2 and he might fear that this was the time for the execution of it: and set himself to seek the Lord ; by prayer and supplication, with all seriousness, fervour, and constancy: and proclaimed a fast... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Chronicles 20:4

And Judah gathered themselves together to ask help of the Lord ,.... To implore his assistance against their enemies, and his protection of them; and they met not in their several cities, but at Jerusalem, as appears by what follows: even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord ; at the temple, where was the ark, the symbol of his presence. read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Chronicles 20:5

And Jehoshaphat stood in the congregation of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord ,.... In the temple, in the court of the people, where the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem were assembled, in the midst of which he stood very probably on the brasen scaffold erected by Solomon, 2 Chronicles 6:13 , before the new court : which must be the court of the priests, for he stood in the great court, or court of the people, and before this, which might be so called, because renewed or... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Chronicles 20:6

And said, O Lord God of our fathers ,.... Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, whose covenant God he was: art not thou God in heaven ? that dwellest and rulest there, and dost whatever thou pleasest in the armies of it: and rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the Heathens ? being King of kings, and Lord of lords, all the world over: and in thine hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee ? his power being infinite, unlimited, and uncontrollable, and so... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Chronicles 20:7

Art not thou our God ,.... In a peculiar sense, not merely as the Creator and Governor of men, but in a covenant relation their covenant God and Father: who didst drive out the inhabitants of the land before thy people Israel ; the seven nations of Canaan, to make way and room for Israel: and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for ever ? made a deed of gift of it to them, and settled it on them till the coming of the Messiah, and that as an instance of love and friendship to... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Chronicles 20:8

And they dwelt therein ,.... From ages past, hitherto, since it was first given them, and they were put into the possession of it: and have built thee a sanctuary therein for thy name ; a temple for his worship, honour, and glory, and for him to dwell in; and is a reason why it might be hoped he would protect them, especially when they prayed to him: saying ; and he promised to hear and help them, as follows. read more

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