King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 20:2 Mean?

2 Chronicles 20:2 in the King James Version says “Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying, There cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea on t...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Chronicles 20:2 · KJV

Context

1

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.

2

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.

3

And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. himself: Heb. his face

4

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.

Read 2 Chronicles 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 instruction for the post-exilic community on the conditions for God's blessing.

The account demonstrates God's covenant faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. Even in judgment, God preserves a remnant and offers restoration through repentance. The repeated cycle of apostasy, judgment, and restoration reveals both human sinfulness and divine mercy. References to the temple, proper worship, and priestly service emphasize the Chronicler's concern for correct religious observance.

Theologically, these accounts point beyond immediate history to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line. Despite repeated failures, God preserves David's dynasty, anticipating the perfect King who will reign in righteousness. The pattern of judgment for sin and restoration through repentance prefigures the gospel message of salvation through Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This passage occurs during the divided monarchy period when Judah existed separately from northern Israel. The Chronicler writes from a post-exilic perspective, addressing the restored community in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile (539 BCE onward). His emphasis on temple worship, proper religious observance, and God's covenant faithfulness speaks directly to the needs of his audience who had just rebuilt the temple and were reestablishing their identity as God's people.

The historical context demonstrates both God's judgment on persistent sin and His readiness to restore those who genuinely repent. The Chronicler omits most northern kingdom material, focusing on Judah and the Davidic line to emphasize God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Lachish, Beersheba, and Jerusalem corroborate the biblical accounts of various kings' reigns and building projects.

Understanding the Chronicler's post-exilic perspective is crucial—he's not merely recording history but applying past lessons to his contemporary audience, showing that the same principles of seeking God, maintaining proper worship, and covenant faithfulness that determined blessing or judgment in the past still apply.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse illustrate the principle of divine retribution (blessing for obedience, judgment for sin)?
  2. What specific applications does this passage have for maintaining spiritual faithfulness in contemporary Christian life?
  3. How does this account point to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line and the coming Messiah?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
בָּ֣א1 of 17

“Then there came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

וַיַּגִּ֤ידוּ2 of 17

“some that told”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לִיהֽוֹשָׁפָט֙3 of 17

“Jehoshaphat”

H3092

jehoshaphat, the name of six israelites; also of a valley near jerusalem

לֵאמֹ֔ר4 of 17

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

בָּ֣א5 of 17

“Then there came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

עָלֶ֜יךָ6 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָמ֥וֹן7 of 17

“multitude”

H1995

a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth

רָ֛ב8 of 17

“a great”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

מֵעֵ֥בֶר9 of 17

“against thee from beyond”

H5676

properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning

לַיָּ֖ם10 of 17

“the sea”

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

מֵֽאֲרָ֑ם11 of 17

“on this side Syria”

H758

aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite

וְהִנָּם֙12 of 17
H2009

lo!

בְּחַֽצְצ֣וֹן13 of 17
H0
תָּמָ֔ר14 of 17

“and behold they be in Hazazontamar”

H2688

chatsetson-tamar, a place in palestine

הִ֖יא15 of 17
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

עֵ֥ין16 of 17
H0
גֶּֽדִי׃17 of 17

“which is Engedi”

H5872

en-gedi, a place in palestine

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 20:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Chronicles 20:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 14:71 Samuel 23:29Genesis 14:3Song of Solomon 1:14Numbers 34:12Joshua 15:62

Places in This Verse

EdomRegion · Modern: Buseira · 30.75°N, 35.60°E111 verses across 21 books
EngediRegion · Modern: Ein Gedi · 31.45°N, 35.38°E6 verses across 5 books
Hazazon-tamar 2Region · Modern: Ein Gedi · 31.45°N, 35.38°E1 verse across 1 book
Salt SeaBody of Water · Modern: Dead Sea · 31.50°N, 35.50°E21 verses across 11 books
View all places in 2 Chronicles 20 →

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