2 Chronicles 20:23

The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, devoting them to destruction. And when they had made an end to the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another.

Study Bible

The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir
The Ammonites and Moabites were descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew, and often found themselves in conflict with Israel. Mount Seir was the region inhabited by the Edomites, descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother. This internal conflict among these groups highlights the longstanding tensions between the descendants of Abraham and Lot. The rising up against Mount Seir can be seen as a fulfillment of divine judgment, as the Edomites had historically opposed Israel (see Obadiah 1:10-14). This event also demonstrates God's sovereignty in using the enemies of Israel to bring about His purposes.

devoting them to destruction
The phrase "devoting them to destruction" is reminiscent of the Hebrew concept of "herem," which means to devote something to God by completely destroying it. This was often commanded by God in the context of holy war, as seen in the conquest of Canaan (Joshua 6:17). The destruction of the inhabitants of Mount Seir by their allies can be seen as a divine act of judgment, where God uses the enemies of His people to execute His justice.

And when they had finished off the inhabitants of Seir
The complete destruction of the inhabitants of Seir signifies the thoroughness of the judgment executed. This phrase underscores the totality of the defeat, leaving no survivors, which is a common theme in biblical narratives where God intervenes on behalf of His people. The historical enmity between Edom and Israel (Numbers 20:14-21) is resolved through divine intervention, showcasing God's ability to protect and deliver His people from their adversaries.

they helped to destroy one another
This self-destruction among the enemies of Israel is a recurring biblical motif, where God causes confusion among opposing forces (Judges 7:22, 1 Samuel 14:20). It serves as a testament to God's power to save His people without them having to engage in battle. This miraculous deliverance prefigures the ultimate victory of Christ over sin and death, where the forces of evil are defeated through divine intervention rather than human effort. The self-destruction of these nations also foreshadows the eventual downfall of all who oppose God's kingdom.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ammonites
A group descended from Lot, often in conflict with Israel. In this passage, they are part of the coalition against Judah.

2. Moabites
Also descendants of Lot, the Moabites frequently opposed Israel. Here, they join forces with the Ammonites and Mount Seir against Judah.

3. Mount Seir
The region inhabited by the Edomites, descendants of Esau. They are initially allies with the Ammonites and Moabites in this battle.

4. Jehoshaphat
The king of Judah at the time, who sought the Lord's guidance and led his people in prayer and worship, resulting in divine intervention.

5. Divine Intervention
The miraculous event where God causes confusion among Judah's enemies, leading them to destroy each other.

Teaching Points

Trust in God's Sovereignty
God is in control, even when circumstances seem dire. Jehoshaphat's reliance on God shows the importance of seeking divine guidance in times of trouble.

Power of Worship and Prayer
The people of Judah worshiped and prayed before the battle, demonstrating that spiritual preparation is crucial in facing life's challenges.

God's Deliverance
God can deliver His people in unexpected ways. The confusion among the enemies shows that God's methods are beyond human understanding.

Unity in Faith
The unity of Judah in seeking God contrasts with the disunity and self-destruction of their enemies, emphasizing the strength found in communal faith.

Divine Justice
The self-destruction of the enemies serves as a reminder of God's justice and the futility of opposing His will.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jehoshaphat's response to the threat from the Ammonites, Moabites, and Mount Seir challenge us to respond to our own crises?

2. In what ways can we incorporate worship and prayer into our daily lives to prepare for spiritual battles?

3. How does the account of God's deliverance in 2 Chronicles 20:23 encourage us to trust in His sovereignty over our circumstances?

4. What lessons can we learn from the disunity and self-destruction of Judah's enemies about the importance of unity in the body of Christ?

5. How can we apply the principle of divine justice seen in this passage to our understanding of God's character and His dealings with humanity?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 83
This psalm lists the same nations conspiring against Israel, highlighting the recurring theme of God's deliverance from enemies.

Judges 7
The account of Gideon, where God causes confusion among the Midianites, leading them to turn on each other, similar to the events in 2 Chronicles 20.

Exodus 14
The parting of the Red Sea, where God delivers Israel from the Egyptians, demonstrating His power to save His people against overwhelming odds.