King James Version
2 Chronicles 20
37 verses with commentary
Jehoshaphat Defeats Moab and Ammon
It came to pass after this also, that the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon, and with them other beside the Ammonites, came against Jehoshaphat to battle.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>It came to pass after this also, that the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon, and with them other beside the Ammonites, came against Jehoshaphat to battle.</strong><br><br>This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing God fights for those who seek Him in crisis. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retribution—kings w...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(1) **It came to pass after this also.**—Rather, *And it came to pass afterwards, i.e.,* after the battle of Ramoth-Gilead, and Jehoshaphat’s reformation of law and religion.
**And the children of Ammon, and with them other beside the Ammonites.**—This is an attempt to get a reasonable sense out of a corrupted text. What the Heb. says is: *And the sons of Ammon, and with them some of the Ammonites...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 20
David's wars.
--Though the Lord will severely correct the sins of his believing people, he will not leave them in the hands of their enemies. His assistance will overcome all advantages of number and strength of those that defy his Israel. All that trust in Christ, shall be made more than conquerors through him that loveth them.
Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying, There cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea on this side Syria; and, behold, they be in Hazazontamar, which is Engedi.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying, There cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea on this side Syria; and, behold, they be in Hazazon-tamar, which is En-gedi.</strong><br><br>This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing God fights for those who seek Him in crisis. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediat...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **Then there came some that told.**—*And they *(*i.e.,* messengers; Vulg., “nuntii”) *came and told.*
**Cometh.**—*Is come.*
**The Sea.**—The Dead Sea, east of which lay the territories of Ammon and Moab; while to the south of it, not far from Petra, was Maon.
**On this side Syria.**—Heb., *from Aram;* and so LXX. and Vulg. But *Edom* is probably the true reading—a name often confused with Ara...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 20
David's wars.
--Though the Lord will severely correct the sins of his believing people, he will not leave them in the hands of their enemies. His assistance will overcome all advantages of number and strength of those that defy his Israel. All that trust in Christ, shall be made more than conquerors through him that loveth them.
And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. himself: Heb. his face
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.</strong><br><br>This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing God fights for those who seek Him in crisis. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retribution—kings who seek God prosper, while those who forsake Him face judgment....
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **And Jehoshaphat.**—*And he was afraid* (scil., at the news). *And Jehoshaphat set his face,* &c. Literally, *put* his face—a phrase used in Daniel 9:3 (comp. 2Kings 12:18), and implying *resolved,* *determined.*
**To seek the Lord.**—The Hebrew construction is that of 2Chronicles 15:13 (*le* is here a sign of the accusative).
**Proclaimed a fast.**—An act of national self-humiliation, implyi...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 20
David's wars.
--Though the Lord will severely correct the sins of his believing people, he will not leave them in the hands of their enemies. His assistance will overcome all advantages of number and strength of those that defy his Israel. All that trust in Christ, shall be made more than conquerors through him that loveth them.
And Judah gathered themselves together, to ask help of the LORD: even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Judah gathered themselves together, to ask help of the LORD: even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD.</strong><br><br>This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing God fights for those who seek Him in crisis. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retribution—kings who seek God prosper, while those who...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **To ask.**—Literally, *to seek* (*baqqēsh,* a synonym of *dārash.* 2Chronicles 20:2) *from Jehovah;* scil., *help,* which Authorised Version rightly supplies.
**Even out of all the cities of Judah.**—Emphasising the fact that the gathering in the Temple represented the whole nation. Syriac and Arabic, “and even from the distant cities.”
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 20
David's wars.
--Though the Lord will severely correct the sins of his believing people, he will not leave them in the hands of their enemies. His assistance will overcome all advantages of number and strength of those that defy his Israel. All that trust in Christ, shall be made more than conquerors through him that loveth them.
And Jehoshaphat stood in the congregation of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD, before the new court,
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Jehoshaphat stood in the congregation of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD, before the new court,</strong><br><br>This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing God fights for those who seek Him in crisis. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retribution—kings who seek God prosper, while those who forsake Him fa...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **And Jehoshaphat stood.**—Comp. 2Chronicles 6:12-13.
**Judah and Jerusalem.**—So 2Chronicles 20:27. Jerusalem is thus mentioned side by side with the country, as being by far the most important part of it. (See also the headings of Isaiah 1, 2)
**Before the new court.**—This name, “the New Court,” only occurs here. It probably designates the “Great” (2Chronicles 4:9) or outer court of the Tem...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14. Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen--**His passion for horses was greater than that of any Israelitish monarch before or after him. His stud comprised fourteen hundred chariots and twelve thousand horses. This was a prohibited indulgence, whether as an instrument of luxury or power. But it was not merely for his own use that he imported the horses of Egypt. The immense equestrian establis...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 20
David's wars.
--Though the Lord will severely correct the sins of his believing people, he will not leave them in the hands of their enemies. His assistance will overcome all advantages of number and strength of those that defy his Israel. All that trust in Christ, shall be made more than conquerors through him that loveth them.
And said, O LORD God of our fathers, art not thou God in heaven? and rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in thine hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee?
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KJV Study Commentary
Jehoshaphat's prayer acknowledges God's sovereignty: 'And said, O LORD God of our fathers, art not thou God in heaven? and rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in thine hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee?' The rhetorical questions expect affirmation - God is sovereign over heaven, rules all earthly kingdoms, possesses irresistible power, ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **Art not thou God in heaven.**—So Psalm 115:2-3. Jehovah, the Worship of Israel, is no limited local or tribal deity, but *God over all.* (Comp. also the first clause of the Lord’s Prayer.)
**And rulest not thou over all the kingdoms?**—Comp. 1Chronicles 29:12 (David’s prayer), “and Thou reignest (rulest) over all; and in Thine hand is power and might.” This and next sentence should be render...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 20
David's wars.
--Though the Lord will severely correct the sins of his believing people, he will not leave them in the hands of their enemies. His assistance will overcome all advantages of number and strength of those that defy his Israel. All that trust in Christ, shall be made more than conquerors through him that loveth them.
Art not thou our God, who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for ever? who: Heb. thou
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Art not thou our God, who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for ever?</strong><br><br>This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing God fights for those who seek Him in crisis. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retribution—kings who seek Go...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **Art not thou our God?**—*Didst not Thou, our God, drive out, &c.* (Comp. Joshua 23:5; Joshua 23:9; Deuteronomy 4:38; Deuteronomy 11:23; and for the form of appeal, Isa. Ii. 9, 10. Comp. also Psalm 47:3-4.)
**And gavest it to the seed of Abraham.**—According to the Promise, Genesis 13:15-16; Genesis 15:18.
**For ever.**—Genesis 17:8, “for an everlasting possession.”
**Thy friend.**—Or, *lover...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 20
David's wars.
--Though the Lord will severely correct the sins of his believing people, he will not leave them in the hands of their enemies. His assistance will overcome all advantages of number and strength of those that defy his Israel. All that trust in Christ, shall be made more than conquerors through him that loveth them.
And they dwelt therein, and have built thee a sanctuary therein for thy name, saying,
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And they dwelt therein, and have built thee a sanctuary therein for thy name, saying,</strong><br><br>This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing God fights for those who seek Him in crisis. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retribution—kings who seek God prosper, while those who forsake Him face judgment. This pattern pr...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **And have built thee a sanctuary therein.**—*And built thee therein a sanctuary for thy name.* *“*A sanctuary for thy name” is a single expression. (Comp. 2Chronicles 6:5-8, “that my name might be there.”) The *name* of Jehovah designates all that He is to Israel; His revealed character.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**17. brought ... for all the kings of the Hittites--**A branch of this powerful tribe, when expelled from Palestine, had settled north of Lebanon, where they acquired large possessions contiguous to the Syrians.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 20
David's wars.
--Though the Lord will severely correct the sins of his believing people, he will not leave them in the hands of their enemies. His assistance will overcome all advantages of number and strength of those that defy his Israel. All that trust in Christ, shall be made more than conquerors through him that loveth them.
If, when evil cometh upon us, as the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we stand before this house, and in thy presence, (for thy name is in this house,) and cry unto thee in our affliction, then thou wilt hear and help.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>If, when evil cometh upon us, as the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we stand before this house, and in thy presence, (for thy name is in this house,) and cry unto thee in our affliction, then thou wilt hear and help.</strong><br><br>This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing God fights for those who seek Him in crisis. The Chronicler's theolog...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **If when evil cometh upon us.**—A summary of part of Solomon’s Prayer of Dedication (2Chronicles 6:24-30). The reference to this prayer implies a confidence that it had been accepted in heaven, as the sign that followed it indicated (2Chronicles 7:1-3). Syriac, “*When the sanctuary is amongst us,* there will not come upon us evil, nor sword, nor judgment, &c., and we will come and stand befor...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 20
David's wars.
--Though the Lord will severely correct the sins of his believing people, he will not leave them in the hands of their enemies. His assistance will overcome all advantages of number and strength of those that defy his Israel. All that trust in Christ, shall be made more than conquerors through him that loveth them.
And now, behold, the children of Ammon and Moab and mount Seir, whom thou wouldest not let Israel invade, when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned from them, and destroyed them not;
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And now, behold, the children of Ammon and Moab and mount Seir, whom thou wouldest not let Israel invade, when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned from them, and destroyed them not;</strong><br><br>This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing God fights for those who seek Him in crisis. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes imm...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **And** (the children of) **mount Seir.**—The Maonites are here so called apparently, and thus identified as an Edomite people. (See on 2Chronicles 20:1.)
**Whom thou wouldest not let Israel invade.**—See the respective prohibitions (Deuteronomy 2:4; Deuteronomy 2:9; Deuteronomy 2:19.) Comp. also (Numbers 20:14-21) the king of Edom’s refusal of a passage through his territory (Judges 11:15, *...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 2
2Ch 2:1, 2. Solomon's Laborers for Building the Temple.
**1. Solomon determined to build--**The temple is the grand subject of this narrative, while the palace--here and in other parts of this book--is only incidentally noticed. The duty of building the temple was reserved for Solomon before his birth. As soon as he became king, he addressed himself to the work, and the historian, in...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 20
David's wars.
--Though the Lord will severely correct the sins of his believing people, he will not leave them in the hands of their enemies. His assistance will overcome all advantages of number and strength of those that defy his Israel. All that trust in Christ, shall be made more than conquerors through him that loveth them.
Behold, I say, how they reward us, to come to cast us out of thy possession, which thou hast given us to inherit.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Behold, I say, how they reward us, to come to cast us out of thy possession, which thou hast given us to inherit.</strong><br><br>This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing God fights for those who seek Him in crisis. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retribution—kings who seek God prosper, while those who forsake Him fa...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **Behold, I say, how they reward us.**—Literally, *and behold they are requiting us by coming, *&c. (Comp. Psalm 83:4-9.)
**Cast.**—Drive *out* (Genesis 3:24).
**Thy possession.**—The Promised Land is so called nowhere else in the Old Testament.
**Thou hast given us to inherit.**—*Made us possess.* (Comp. Judges 11:24.)
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 20
David's wars.
--Though the Lord will severely correct the sins of his believing people, he will not leave them in the hands of their enemies. His assistance will overcome all advantages of number and strength of those that defy his Israel. All that trust in Christ, shall be made more than conquerors through him that loveth them.
O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.
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KJV Study Commentary
Jehoshaphat's prayer facing overwhelming military odds contains one of Scripture's most honest confessions: 'O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.' This models prayer's progression: appeal to God's justice, confession of powerlessness, admission of confusion, and finally, ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **Wilt thou not judge them?**—*Exercise judgment in them, i.e., upon them* (here only.) LXX., οὐ κρινεῖς ἐν αὐτοῖς*.*
**This great company.**—*Multitude* (2Chronicles 14:11) Syriac, “for there is not in us might to stand before them: bring the sword of Thy judgment against them.”
**Neither know we.**—*And for our part we know not what to do.*
**But our eyes are upon thee.**—*For our eyes are ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3-6. Solomon sent to Huram--**The correspondence was probably conducted on both sides in writing (2Ch 2:11; also see on 1Ki 5:8).
**As thou didst deal with David my father--**This would seem decisive of the question whether the Huram then reigning in Tyre was David's friend (see on 1Ki 5:1-6). In opening the business, Solomon grounded his request for Tyrian aid on two reasons: 1. The temple he...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 20
David's wars.
--Though the Lord will severely correct the sins of his believing people, he will not leave them in the hands of their enemies. His assistance will overcome all advantages of number and strength of those that defy his Israel. All that trust in Christ, shall be made more than conquerors through him that loveth them.
And all Judah stood before the LORD, with their little ones, their wives, and their children.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And all Judah stood before the LORD, with their little ones, their wives, and their children.</strong><br><br>This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing God fights for those who seek Him in crisis. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retribution—kings who seek God prosper, while those who forsake Him face judgment. This pa...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **Stood.**—*Were standing.*
**Before the Lord**—*i.e.,* praying with their king. (Comp. the apparent reference to this assembly in Psalm 48:9. “We thought upon Thy lovingkindness, O God, in the midst of Thy Temple.”
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3-6. Solomon sent to Huram--**The correspondence was probably conducted on both sides in writing (2Ch 2:11; also see on 1Ki 5:8).
**As thou didst deal with David my father--**This would seem decisive of the question whether the Huram then reigning in Tyre was David's friend (see on 1Ki 5:1-6). In opening the business, Solomon grounded his request for Tyrian aid on two reasons: 1. The temple he...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 20
David's wars.
--Though the Lord will severely correct the sins of his believing people, he will not leave them in the hands of their enemies. His assistance will overcome all advantages of number and strength of those that defy his Israel. All that trust in Christ, shall be made more than conquerors through him that loveth them.
Then upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, came the Spirit of the LORD in the midst of the congregation;
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Then upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, came the Spirit of the LORD in the midst of the congregation;</strong><br><br>This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing God fights for those who seek Him in crisis. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immedia...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **Then upon.**—Literally, *and Jahaziel . . .* *there fell upon him the spirit,* &c, as in 2Chronicles 15:1, “The spirit of courage from the Lord.” This Levitical musician is not mentioned elsewhere. His pedigree is traced back for five generations to Mattaniah, which should probably be Nethaniah, a “son of Asaph,” who was contemporary with David (1Chronicles 25:2; 1Chronicles 25:12).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3-6. Solomon sent to Huram--**The correspondence was probably conducted on both sides in writing (2Ch 2:11; also see on 1Ki 5:8).
**As thou didst deal with David my father--**This would seem decisive of the question whether the Huram then reigning in Tyre was David's friend (see on 1Ki 5:1-6). In opening the business, Solomon grounded his request for Tyrian aid on two reasons: 1. The temple he...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-19**
The Spirit of prophecy came upon a Levite in the midst of the congregation. The Spirit, like the wind, blows where and on whom He listeth. He encouraged them to trust in God. Let the Christian soldier go out against his spiritual enemies, and the God of peace will make him more than a conqueror. Our trials will prove our gain. The advantage will be all our own, but the whole g...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
God's response through Jahaziel 'Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's' transforms crisis into trust. The command against fear and dismay acknowledges natural human response to overwhelming odds. The theological pivot - 'the battle is not yours, but God's' (not 'your battle' but 'God's battle') - relieves pressure while requiring faith...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **Hearken ye.**—So Isaiah 49:1; Isaiah 51:4, &c.
**Be not afraid nor dismayed.**—Isaiah 51:7; Deuteronomy 1:21; Chron. 22:3; 2Chronicles 20:17, *infr.*
**Great multitude**—i.e., “great company” (2Chronicles 20:12)
**The battle is not your’s, but God’s.**—Comp. David’s words to Goliath, “The battle is Jehovah’s” (1Samuel 17:47); and the Divine title Jehovah Sabaoth, *i.e.,* Jehovah, the leader...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3-6. Solomon sent to Huram--**The correspondence was probably conducted on both sides in writing (2Ch 2:11; also see on 1Ki 5:8).
**As thou didst deal with David my father--**This would seem decisive of the question whether the Huram then reigning in Tyre was David's friend (see on 1Ki 5:1-6). In opening the business, Solomon grounded his request for Tyrian aid on two reasons: 1. The temple he...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-19**
The Spirit of prophecy came upon a Levite in the midst of the congregation. The Spirit, like the wind, blows where and on whom He listeth. He encouraged them to trust in God. Let the Christian soldier go out against his spiritual enemies, and the God of peace will make him more than a conqueror. Our trials will prove our gain. The advantage will be all our own, but the whole g...
Read full commentary →To morrow go ye down against them: behold, they come up by the cliff of Ziz; and ye shall find them at the end of the brook, before the wilderness of Jeruel. cliff: Heb. ascent brook: or, valley
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>To morrow go ye down against them: behold, they come up by the cliff of Ziz; and ye shall find them at the end of the brook, before the wilderness of Jeruel.</strong><br><br>This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing God fights for those who seek Him in crisis. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retribution—kings who seek...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **Against them.**—Or, *unto them.*
**They come up by the cliff of Ziz.**—*They* *are about ascending by the ascent of Hazziz. V*ulg., “ascensuri enim sunt per clivum,” &c.
**The brook.**—*The wâdy, ravine, or water-course.*
**The wilderness of Jeruel.**—The name is unknown, but comparing 2Chronicles 20:2; 2Chronicles 20:16; 2Chronicles 20:20, it appears that the great stretch of waste, now ca...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7. Send me now therefore a man cunning to work--**Masons and carpenters were not asked for. Those whom David had obtained (1Ch 14:1) were probably still remaining in Jerusalem, and had instructed others. But he required a master of works; a person capable, like Bezaleel (Ex 35:31), of superintending and directing every department; for, as the division of labor was at that time little known or ob...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-19**
The Spirit of prophecy came upon a Levite in the midst of the congregation. The Spirit, like the wind, blows where and on whom He listeth. He encouraged them to trust in God. Let the Christian soldier go out against his spiritual enemies, and the God of peace will make him more than a conqueror. Our trials will prove our gain. The advantage will be all our own, but the whole g...
Read full commentary →Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.
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KJV Study Commentary
The prophetic word continues: 'Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.' The command combines apparent contradictions - 'go out' (active) yet 'not fight' (passive), 'set yourselves' (prepare) yet 'stand still' ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **Ye shall not need to fight.**—*It is not for you to fight.* (Comp. 1Chronicles 5:1; 1Chronicles 15:2.)
**In this.**—*Herein, in this instance.* (Comp. for the phrase, 2Chronicles 19:2.)
**Set yourselves** (*i.e.,* “withstand,” 2Chronicles 20:6).—*Station yourselves, take your stand.* Here the next verb, *stand ye still,* seems added as an explanation, and is, perhaps, a marginal gloss. “Fea...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8. Send me ... cedar trees, &c.--**The cedar and cypress were valued as being both rare and durable; the algum or almug trees (likewise a foreign wood), though not found on Lebanon, are mentioned as being procured through Huram (see on 1Ki 10:11).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-19**
The Spirit of prophecy came upon a Levite in the midst of the congregation. The Spirit, like the wind, blows where and on whom He listeth. He encouraged them to trust in God. Let the Christian soldier go out against his spiritual enemies, and the God of peace will make him more than a conqueror. Our trials will prove our gain. The advantage will be all our own, but the whole g...
Read full commentary →And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell before the LORD, worshipping the LORD.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell before the LORD, worshipping the LORD.</strong><br><br>This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing God fights for those who seek Him in crisis. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retribution—kings who seek God pr...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **Bowed his head.**—The king “bowed, face earthward,” and the people prostrated themselves upon their faces, both “to do worship to Jehovah.” (Comp. Leviticus 9:24; Joshua 5:14; 1Chronicles 21:16; Exodus 34:8.)
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-19**
The Spirit of prophecy came upon a Levite in the midst of the congregation. The Spirit, like the wind, blows where and on whom He listeth. He encouraged them to trust in God. Let the Christian soldier go out against his spiritual enemies, and the God of peace will make him more than a conqueror. Our trials will prove our gain. The advantage will be all our own, but the whole g...
Read full commentary →And the Levites, of the children of the Kohathites, and of the children of the Korhites, stood up to praise the LORD God of Israel with a loud voice on high.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the Levites, of the children of the Kohathites, and of the children of the Korhites, stood up to praise the LORD God of Israel with a loud voice on high.</strong><br><br>This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing God fights for those who seek Him in crisis. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retribution—kings who seek...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **And the Levites.**—The Levites are the first to rise up, in order to break forth into a hymn of thanksgiving.
**Of the children of the Kohathites, and of the children of the Korhites.**—*Sons of the Kohathites* specifies the clan, and *sons of the Korhites* the *house* of the musicians who rose up on this occasion. The Korhites were the leading division of Kohath (1Chronicles 6:22). *And* i...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10. behold, I will give to thy servants ... beaten wheat--**Wheat, stripped of the husk, boiled, and saturated with butter, forms a frequent meal with the laboring people in the East (compare 1Ki 5:11). There is no discrepancy between that passage and this. The yearly supplies of wine and oil, mentioned in the former, were intended for Huram's court in return for the cedars sent him; while the a...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-19**
The Spirit of prophecy came upon a Levite in the midst of the congregation. The Spirit, like the wind, blows where and on whom He listeth. He encouraged them to trust in God. Let the Christian soldier go out against his spiritual enemies, and the God of peace will make him more than a conqueror. Our trials will prove our gain. The advantage will be all our own, but the whole g...
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Jehoshaphat's exhortation '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' links faith with stability and prosperity. The dual command to believe God and His prophets (God's Word) shows that faith must align with revelation. The Hebrew construction 'believe in the LORD your God' (ha'aminu b'YHWH...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(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 Husâsoh.*
**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 puttin...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**11. Because the Lord hath loved his people, &c.--**This pious language creates a presumption that Huram might have attained some knowledge of the true religion from his long familiar intercourse with David. But the presumption, however pleasing, may be delusive (see on 1Ki 5:7).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 20-30**
Jehoshaphat exhorted his troops to firm faith in God. Faith inspires a man with true courage; nor will any thing help more to the establishing of the heart in shaking times, than a firm belief of the power, and mercy, and promise of God. In all our trust in the Lord, and our praises of him, let us especially look at his everlasting mercy to sinners through Jesus Christ. Never ...
Read full commentary →And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever. that: Heb. praisers
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KJV Study Commentary
The extraordinary battle strategy 'he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army' demonstrates worship as warfare. Sending singers ahead of soldiers seems militarily foolish but theologically profound. Praising 'the beauty of holiness' (hadrat qodesh) focuses on God's character rather than the threat. This act of faith - worship...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) **And when he had consulted with.**—Or, *advised, given counsel to, warned.* (Comp. 2Kings 6:8.) Vulg., “deditque consilium populo, et statuit cantores domini.”
**And that should praise the beauty of holiness.**—Rather, *and men praising, in holy apparel. i.e.,* Levitical vestments (1Chronicles 16:29; Psalm 29:2).
**And to say.**—*And saying.*
**Praise the Lord.**—*Give thanks unto Jehovah* T...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 20-30**
Jehoshaphat exhorted his troops to firm faith in God. Faith inspires a man with true courage; nor will any thing help more to the establishing of the heart in shaking times, than a firm belief of the power, and mercy, and promise of God. In all our trust in the Lord, and our praises of him, let us especially look at his everlasting mercy to sinners through Jesus Christ. Never ...
Read full commentary →And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten. And when: Heb. And in the time that they, etc to sing: Heb. in singing and praise they were: or, they smote one another
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.</strong><br><br>This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing God fights for those who seek Him in crisis. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retributi...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(22) **And when they began.**—Literally, *And at the. time when they began with shouting and praise.* (Comp. Deuteronomy 16:9, *to begin with.*) They had now reached the neighbourhood of the enemy; and their joyful pæan was the signal for a Divine interposition. (Comp. Joshua 6:16; Joshua 6:20, and Psalm 46:6.)
**The Lord set ambushments.**—*Jehovah placed liers in wait* (Judges 9:25). (*nāthan* h...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-14. I have sent a cunning man--**(See on 1Ki 7:13-51).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 20-30**
Jehoshaphat exhorted his troops to firm faith in God. Faith inspires a man with true courage; nor will any thing help more to the establishing of the heart in shaking times, than a firm belief of the power, and mercy, and promise of God. In all our trust in the Lord, and our praises of him, let us especially look at his everlasting mercy to sinners through Jesus Christ. Never ...
Read full commentary →For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy them: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one helped to destroy another. to destroy: Heb. for the destruction
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy them: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one helped to destroy another.</strong><br><br>This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing God fights for those who seek Him in crisis. The Chronicler's theological perspective ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23) **Stood up against.**—‘*Amad ‘al,* a late usage. (So 1Chronicles 21:1.)
**Utterly to slay.**—*To exterminate* (*hacharîm*)*, devote to destruction.*
**Made an end of.**—*Finished with.* (See on 2Chronicles 20:22, “begin with,” and compare Genesis 44:12.)
**Every one helped** **. . .** **another.**—Literally, *they helped, each against* (or, *in the case of*)* his fellow, for destruction* (*ma...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-14. I have sent a cunning man--**(See on 1Ki 7:13-51).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 20-30**
Jehoshaphat exhorted his troops to firm faith in God. Faith inspires a man with true courage; nor will any thing help more to the establishing of the heart in shaking times, than a firm belief of the power, and mercy, and promise of God. In all our trust in the Lord, and our praises of him, let us especially look at his everlasting mercy to sinners through Jesus Christ. Never ...
Read full commentary →And when Judah came toward the watch tower in the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude, and, behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped. none: Heb. there was not an escaping
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And when Judah came toward the watch tower in the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude, and, behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped.</strong><br><br>This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing God fights for those who seek Him in crisis. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retribution—king...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(24) **And when Judah came.**—N*ow Judah had come;* by the time the slaughter was complete.
**Toward the watch tower.**—*The look-out of the desert.* A height overlooking the wilderness of Jeruel (2Chronicles 20:16). The word *mizpeh* means *watch-tower* in Isaiah 21:8.
**They looked.**—*And they looked.*
**Behold, they were dead bodies.**—Comp. 2Kings 19:35.
**None escaped.**—No survivors were an...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 20-30**
Jehoshaphat exhorted his troops to firm faith in God. Faith inspires a man with true courage; nor will any thing help more to the establishing of the heart in shaking times, than a firm belief of the power, and mercy, and promise of God. In all our trust in the Lord, and our praises of him, let us especially look at his everlasting mercy to sinners through Jesus Christ. Never ...
Read full commentary →And when Jehoshaphat and his people came to take away the spoil of them, they found among them in abundance both riches with the dead bodies, and precious jewels, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away: and they were three days in gathering of the spoil, it was so much.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And when Jehoshaphat and his people came to take away the spoil of them, they found among them in abundance both riches with the dead bodies, and precious jewels, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away: and they were three days in gathering of the spoil, it was so much.</strong><br><br>This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addre...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(25) **When.**—Omit.
**They found.**—*And found.*
**Among them in abundance both riches.**—Instead of *bāhèm,* “among them,” the LXX. reads *bĕhēmâh,* “cattle,” which seems preferable. “And found cattle in abundance and substance” (*rĕkûsh,* movable goods of all sorts, including flocks and herds; Genesis 12:5).
**With the dead bodies.**—*And corpses,* which they stripped of their ornaments and clo...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 20-30**
Jehoshaphat exhorted his troops to firm faith in God. Faith inspires a man with true courage; nor will any thing help more to the establishing of the heart in shaking times, than a firm belief of the power, and mercy, and promise of God. In all our trust in the Lord, and our praises of him, let us especially look at his everlasting mercy to sinners through Jesus Christ. Never ...
Read full commentary →And on the fourth day they assembled themselves in the valley of Berachah; for there they blessed the LORD: therefore the name of the same place was called, The valley of Berachah, unto this day. Berachah: that is, blessing
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And on the fourth day they assembled themselves in the valley of Berachah; for there they blessed the LORD: therefore the name of the same place was called, The valley of Berachah, unto this day.</strong><br><br>This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing God fights for those who seek Him in crisis. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immed...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(26) **Valley of Berachah**—*i.e., blessing.* The place is still called *Wady Beraikut,* a wide, open valley west of Tekoa, near the road from Hebron to Jerusalem. St. Jerome speaks of a *Caphar Barucha, “*village of blessing,” in the same neighbourhood.
**For there . . . unto this day.**—A notice after the manner of the ancient historians (Genesis 11:9; Genesis 28:19; Exodus 17:7; 2Samuel 5:20).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**17-18. Solomon numbered all the strangers, &c.--**(See on 1Ki 5:13; 1Ki 5:18).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 20-30**
Jehoshaphat exhorted his troops to firm faith in God. Faith inspires a man with true courage; nor will any thing help more to the establishing of the heart in shaking times, than a firm belief of the power, and mercy, and promise of God. In all our trust in the Lord, and our praises of him, let us especially look at his everlasting mercy to sinners through Jesus Christ. Never ...
Read full commentary →Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, and Jehoshaphat in the forefront of them, to go again to Jerusalem with joy; for the LORD had made them to rejoice over their enemies. forefront: Heb. head
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, and Jehoshaphat in the forefront of them, to go again to Jerusalem with joy; for the LORD had made them to rejoice over their enemies.</strong><br><br>This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing God fights for those who seek Him in crisis. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate di...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(27) **Then.**—*And.*
**Every man.**—*All the men* (collective).
**In the forefront of them.**—*At their head.* LXX., ἡγούμενος αὐτῶν*.*
**To go again . . . with joy.**—They returned, as they came, in festal procession.
**The Lord had made them to rejoice.**—See the same phrase, Ezra 6:22; Nehemiah 12:43. (Comp. Psalm 30:2.) LXX., well, ἐν εὐφροσύνῃ μεγάλῃ, ὅτι εὔφρανεν αὐτοὺς κύριος ἀπὸ τῶν ἐχθρῶ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**17-18. Solomon numbered all the strangers, &c.--**(See on 1Ki 5:13; 1Ki 5:18).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 20-30**
Jehoshaphat exhorted his troops to firm faith in God. Faith inspires a man with true courage; nor will any thing help more to the establishing of the heart in shaking times, than a firm belief of the power, and mercy, and promise of God. In all our trust in the Lord, and our praises of him, let us especially look at his everlasting mercy to sinners through Jesus Christ. Never ...
Read full commentary →And they came to Jerusalem with psalteries and harps and trumpets unto the house of the LORD.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And they came to Jerusalem with psalteries and harps and trumpets unto the house of the LORD.</strong><br><br>This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing God fights for those who seek Him in crisis. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retribution—kings who seek God prosper, while those who forsake Him face judgment. This pa...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(28) **With psalteries.**—So Vulg. Rather, *with harps, guitars, and clarions.* (Comp. Psalm 47:5-6, which may be supposed to commemorate this procession to the Temple.)
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 20-30**
Jehoshaphat exhorted his troops to firm faith in God. Faith inspires a man with true courage; nor will any thing help more to the establishing of the heart in shaking times, than a firm belief of the power, and mercy, and promise of God. In all our trust in the Lord, and our praises of him, let us especially look at his everlasting mercy to sinners through Jesus Christ. Never ...
Read full commentary →And the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of those countries, when they had heard that the LORD fought against the enemies of Israel.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of those countries, when they had heard that the LORD fought against the enemies of Israel.</strong><br><br>This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing God fights for those who seek Him in crisis. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retribution—kings who seek God prosper, while th...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(29) **And the fear of God was.**—*And a divine dread fell upon all the kingdoms of the countries* (scil.) around Judah. (See 2Chronicles 17:10, and Psalm 48:7, “Fear took hold upon them there, and pain as of a woman in travail.”)
**The Lord fought.**—Joshua 10:14; Joshua 10:42; Psalm 46:6. That Jehovah had fought for His people was evident from the catastrophe which had befallen their enemies. Th...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 3
2Ch 3:1, 2. Place and Time of Building the Temple.
**1. Mount Moriah, where the Lord appeared unto David--**These words seem to intimate that the region where the temple was built was previously known by the name of Moriah (Ge 22:2), and do not afford sufficient evidence for affirming, as has been done [Stanley], that the name was first given to the mount, in consequence of the visio...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 20-30**
Jehoshaphat exhorted his troops to firm faith in God. Faith inspires a man with true courage; nor will any thing help more to the establishing of the heart in shaking times, than a firm belief of the power, and mercy, and promise of God. In all our trust in the Lord, and our praises of him, let us especially look at his everlasting mercy to sinners through Jesus Christ. Never ...
Read full commentary →So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet: for his God gave him rest round about.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet: for his God gave him rest round about.</strong><br><br>This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing God fights for those who seek Him in crisis. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retribution—kings who seek God prosper, while those who forsake Him face judgment. This pattern provides i...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(30) **So the realm of Jehoshaphat.**—The same is said of Asa’s kingdom (2Chronicles 14:5-6; 2Chronicles 15:15). (Comp. the similar notices in Judges of the rest which followed upon the overthrow of a national enemy, *e.g.,* Judges 3:30.)
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 20-30**
Jehoshaphat exhorted his troops to firm faith in God. Faith inspires a man with true courage; nor will any thing help more to the establishing of the heart in shaking times, than a firm belief of the power, and mercy, and promise of God. In all our trust in the Lord, and our praises of him, let us especially look at his everlasting mercy to sinners through Jesus Christ. Never ...
Read full commentary →The End of Jehoshaphat's Reign
And Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah: he was thirty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah: he was thirty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi.</strong><br><br>This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing God fights for those who seek Him in crisis. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
**CONCLUDING NOTICES. END OF THE REIGN**
(2Ch 20:31 -2Ch_21:1).
Comp. 1Kings 22:41-50. A brief section, which constitutes the whole account of the reign of Jehoshaphat in the older narrative.
(31) **And Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah.**—Kings adds: “In the fourth year of Ahab king of Israel.” With this omission, our verse coincides with 1Kings 22:41-42.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. these are the things wherein Solomon was instructed for the building of the house of God--**by the written plan and specifications given him by his father. The measurements are reckoned by cubits, "after the first measure," that is, the old Mosaic standard. But there is great difference of opinion about this, some making the cubit eighteen, others twenty-one inches. The temple, which embodied...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 20
David's wars.
--Though the Lord will severely correct the sins of his believing people, he will not leave them in the hands of their enemies. His assistance will overcome all advantages of number and strength of those that defy his Israel. All that trust in Christ, shall be made more than conquerors through him that loveth them.
And he walked in the way of Asa his father, and departed not from it, doing that which was right in the sight of the LORD.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he walked in the way of Asa his father, and departed not from it, doing that which was right in the sight of the LORD.</strong><br><br>This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing God fights for those who seek Him in crisis. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retribution—kings who seek God prosper, while those who forsa...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(32) **And he walked in the way.**—Kings: *“All* the way.”
**From it.**—Here the pronoun is fern., in Kings masc., as in 2Chronicles 17:3 *supra.*
**Doing.**—So as *to do.*
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4. the porch--**The breadth of the house, whose length ran from east to west, is here given as the measure of the length of the piazza. The portico would thus be from thirty to thirty-five feet long, and from fifteen to seventeen and a half feet broad.
**the height was an hundred and twenty cubits--**This, taking the cubit at eighteen inches, would be one hundred eighty feet; at twenty-one inc...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 20
David's wars.
--Though the Lord will severely correct the sins of his believing people, he will not leave them in the hands of their enemies. His assistance will overcome all advantages of number and strength of those that defy his Israel. All that trust in Christ, shall be made more than conquerors through him that loveth them.
Howbeit the high places were not taken away: for as yet the people had not prepared their hearts unto the God of their fathers.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Howbeit the high places were not taken away: for as yet the people had not prepared their hearts unto the God of their fathers.</strong><br><br>This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing God fights for those who seek Him in crisis. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retribution—kings who seek God prosper, while those who ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(33) **For . . . hearts.**—*And the people had not yet directed their heart.* This language is the chronicler’s own (see 2Chronicles 12:14; 2Chronicles 19:3), and is substituted for the statement, “The people were still wont to sacrifice and burn incense on the high places” (Kings). They had not yet accepted the principle of *the one Temple.*
(33) **Howbeit the high places were not taken away.**—T...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5. the greater house--**that is, the holy places, the front or outer chamber (see 1Ki 6:17).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 20
David's wars.
--Though the Lord will severely correct the sins of his believing people, he will not leave them in the hands of their enemies. His assistance will overcome all advantages of number and strength of those that defy his Israel. All that trust in Christ, shall be made more than conquerors through him that loveth them.
Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of Jehu the son of Hanani, who is mentioned in the book of the kings of Israel. book of Jehu: Heb. words, etc is mentioned: Heb. was made to ascend
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of Jehu the son of Hanani, who is mentioned in the book of the kings of Israel.</strong><br><br>This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing God fights for those who seek Him in crisis. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retributio...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(34) **Now the rest of the acts.**—1Kings 22:45 : “Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, and his might that he shewed, and how he warred, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? “The expression *how he warred* hints at his victory over the three allies. “As to the historical foundation of this victory there can be no doubt, after what has been noted by Hitzig o...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6. he garnished the house with precious stones for beauty--**better, he paved the house with precious and beautiful marble [Kitto]. It may be, after all, that these were stones with veins of different colors for decorating the walls. This was an ancient and thoroughly Oriental kind of embellishment. There was an under pavement of marble, which was covered with planks of fir. The whole interior w...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 20
David's wars.
--Though the Lord will severely correct the sins of his believing people, he will not leave them in the hands of their enemies. His assistance will overcome all advantages of number and strength of those that defy his Israel. All that trust in Christ, shall be made more than conquerors through him that loveth them.
And after this did Jehoshaphat king of Judah join himself with Ahaziah king of Israel, who did very wickedly:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And after this did Jehoshaphat king of Judah join himself with Ahaziah king of Israel, who did very wickedly:</strong><br><br>This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing God fights for those who seek Him in crisis. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retribution—kings who seek God prosper, while those who forsake Him face j...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(35) **And after this.**—The chronicler has omitted the notice that “Jehoshaphat made peace with the king of Israel” (1Kings 22:44), and now he omits two other short verses of the parallel account, viz., 1Kings 22:46-47 : “And the remnant of the sodomites, which had remained in the days of his father Asa, he consumed out of the land. There was then no king in Edom: a deputy was king.” The former o...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 20
David's wars.
--Though the Lord will severely correct the sins of his believing people, he will not leave them in the hands of their enemies. His assistance will overcome all advantages of number and strength of those that defy his Israel. All that trust in Christ, shall be made more than conquerors through him that loveth them.
And he joined himself with him to make ships to go to Tarshish: and they made the ships in Eziongeber.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he joined himself with him to make ships to go to Tarshish: and they made the ships in Ezion-geber.</strong><br><br>This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing God fights for those who seek Him in crisis. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retribution—kings who seek God prosper, while those who forsake Him face judgmen...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(36) **And he joined himself with him.**—Literally, *and he joined him with himself,* an expression only occurring here.
**To make ships to go to Tarshish.**—In 1Kings 22:48-49, we read: “Jehoshaphat made *ships* (*i.e.,* a fleet) *of Tarshish, to go to Ophir for gold;* and it went not; for the ships were broken (i.e., wrecked) in Ezion-geber. Then said Ahaziah the son of Ahab unto Jehoshaphat, Le...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8. the most holy house--**It was a perfect cube (compare 1Ki 6:20).
**overlaid it with ... gold, amounting to six hundred talents--**at £4 per ounce, equal to £3,600,000.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 20
David's wars.
--Though the Lord will severely correct the sins of his believing people, he will not leave them in the hands of their enemies. His assistance will overcome all advantages of number and strength of those that defy his Israel. All that trust in Christ, shall be made more than conquerors through him that loveth them.
Then Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, Because thou hast joined thyself with Ahaziah, the LORD hath broken thy works. And the ships were broken, that they were not able to go to Tarshish.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Then Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, Because thou hast joined thyself with Ahaziah, the LORD hath broken thy works. And the ships were broken, that they were not able to go to Tarshish.</strong><br><br>This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing God fights for those who seek Him in crisis. The Chronicler's the...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(37) **Then.***—And.*
**Eliezer the son of Dodavah.**—A prophet who is otherwise unknown.
**Dodavah.**—Heb. *Dôdāvāhû.* (Comp. *Hôdavyāhû.* 1Chronicles 3:24; LXX., Δωδία, as if the Heb. were *Dôdîyāh; V*ulg., “Dodau.”
**Mareshah.**—See 2Chronicles 11:8.
**Because thou hast joined thyself**.—Comp. Jehu the son of Hanani’s similar rebuke of Jenoshaphat for his alliance with Ahab (2Chronicles 19:2).
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Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 20
David's wars.
--Though the Lord will severely correct the sins of his believing people, he will not leave them in the hands of their enemies. His assistance will overcome all advantages of number and strength of those that defy his Israel. All that trust in Christ, shall be made more than conquerors through him that loveth them.