2 Chronicles 20:2

Then some men came and told Jehoshaphat, "A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from beyond the Sea; they are already in Hazazon-tamar" (that is, En-gedi).

Study Bible

Then some men came and told Jehoshaphat
Jehoshaphat was the fourth king of the Kingdom of Judah, known for his religious reforms and efforts to bring the people back to the worship of Yahweh. The men who came to him were likely scouts or messengers, a common practice in ancient times to gather intelligence about enemy movements. This reflects the importance of communication and vigilance in leadership.

A vast army is coming against you
The phrase "vast army" indicates a significant threat, suggesting a coalition of forces. This would have been a cause for alarm, as large armies were often devastating in their campaigns. The threat to Judah was not just military but also spiritual, as it tested the nation's faith and reliance on God.

From Edom
Edom was a neighboring nation to the southeast of Judah, often in conflict with Israel and Judah. The Edomites were descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother, which adds a layer of familial tension to their historical conflicts. This reference highlights the ongoing enmity between the descendants of Jacob and Esau.

From beyond the Sea
The "Sea" here refers to the Dead Sea, which lies to the east of Judah. This geographical marker indicates the direction from which the threat is approaching. The Dead Sea region was a natural barrier, making any military movement from that direction noteworthy.

They are already in Hazazon-tamar
Hazazon-tamar is another name for En-gedi, an oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea. This location is significant because it was a strategic point, providing water and shelter in an otherwise arid region. The presence of the enemy here suggests they were well-prepared and advancing quickly.

(that is, En-gedi)
En-gedi is known for its lush vegetation and springs, a stark contrast to the surrounding desert. It was a place of refuge for David when he fled from Saul (1 Samuel 23:29). The mention of En-gedi connects this event to the broader biblical narrative of God's deliverance and protection, as seen in David's life.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jehoshaphat
The King of Judah, known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to bring the people back to the worship of Yahweh. He is the central figure in this account, facing a significant threat.

2. Edom
A region southeast of Judah, often in conflict with Israel and Judah. The Edomites were descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother, and had a long history of enmity with the Israelites.

3. Hazazon-tamar (En Gedi)
A location near the Dead Sea, known for its oasis and strategic importance. It is where the invading army was reported to be, indicating the immediacy of the threat.

4. The Vast Army
Composed of Moabites, Ammonites, and some Meunites, this coalition posed a significant military threat to Judah, highlighting the dire situation Jehoshaphat faced.

5. The Messengers
Unnamed individuals who brought the alarming news to Jehoshaphat, playing a crucial role in prompting his response.

Teaching Points

Trust in God's Sovereignty
Jehoshaphat's immediate response to seek the Lord (as seen in the following verses) teaches us to turn to God first in times of crisis, trusting in His control over all circumstances.

The Power of Prayer and Fasting
The subsequent verses show Jehoshaphat proclaiming a fast and leading the nation in prayer. This underscores the importance of communal prayer and fasting as powerful spiritual disciplines in seeking God's intervention.

Facing Fear with Faith
Despite the fearsome report, Jehoshaphat's actions demonstrate that faith can overcome fear. We are encouraged to face our fears by anchoring our trust in God's promises and past faithfulness.

Community in Crisis
The involvement of the entire nation in seeking God highlights the strength found in community. In times of trouble, believers are called to unite in prayer and support.

God's Deliverance
The account ultimately shows that deliverance comes from the Lord, not through human strength or strategy. This reminds us to rely on God's power rather than our own abilities.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jehoshaphat's response to the threat in 2 Chronicles 20:2 challenge us to respond to crises in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we incorporate prayer and fasting into our spiritual practices when facing overwhelming situations?

3. How does the historical enmity between Edom and Israel/Judah inform our understanding of the challenges Jehoshaphat faced?

4. What parallels can we draw between Jehoshaphat's situation and other biblical accounts of God's deliverance, such as the Exodus?

5. How can we foster a sense of community and collective prayer in our churches or small groups when facing communal challenges?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 83
This psalm speaks of a coalition of nations conspiring against Israel, similar to the alliance against Judah in 2 Chronicles 20. It highlights the recurring theme of surrounding nations threatening God's people.

2 Kings 3
This passage describes another conflict involving Moab, providing context for the ongoing hostilities between these nations and Israel/Judah.

Exodus 14
The Israelites faced an overwhelming threat from the Egyptian army, similar to Jehoshaphat's situation. Both accounts emphasize reliance on God for deliverance.