Then all the men of Judah and Jerusalem, with Jehoshaphat at their head, returned joyfully to Jerusalem, for the LORD had made them rejoice over their enemies. Then all the men of Judah and JerusalemThis phrase highlights the unity and collective participation of the people of Judah and Jerusalem. Historically, Judah was the southern kingdom, and Jerusalem was its capital, serving as the religious and political center. The gathering of all the men signifies a communal experience, emphasizing the importance of corporate worship and thanksgiving in Israelite culture. This unity is reminiscent of other biblical instances where the people of God come together, such as during the dedication of Solomon's Temple ( 2 Chronicles 7:8-10). with Jehoshaphat at their head
Jehoshaphat was the fourth king of Judah, known for his reforms and efforts to bring the nation back to the worship of Yahweh. His leadership in this context underscores the role of a godly leader in guiding the people towards spiritual victories. Jehoshaphat's reliance on God during the battle against the Moabites and Ammonites (2 Chronicles 20:1-30) is a testament to his faith, serving as a type of Christ who leads His people to victory over spiritual enemies. returned joyfully to Jerusalem
The return to Jerusalem signifies a homecoming to the place of God's presence, as the city housed the Temple. The joy experienced by the people is a result of divine intervention and victory, reflecting the biblical theme of joy following deliverance. This mirrors the joy of the Israelites after crossing the Red Sea (Exodus 15:1-21) and foreshadows the ultimate joy believers will experience in the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:2-4). for the LORD had made them rejoice over their enemies
This phrase attributes the victory and subsequent joy directly to the LORD, emphasizing His sovereignty and faithfulness. The defeat of their enemies without the need for battle (2 Chronicles 20:22-24) illustrates God's power and the fulfillment of His promises to protect His people. This divine intervention is a recurring theme in Scripture, seen in stories like Gideon's victory over the Midianites (Judges 7) and David's triumph over Goliath (1 Samuel 17), pointing to the ultimate victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ. Persons / Places / Events 1. JehoshaphatThe king of Judah who led the people in seeking the Lord's guidance and deliverance from their enemies. 2. Men of Judah and JerusalemThe people of the southern kingdom who participated in the battle and witnessed God's deliverance. 3. JerusalemThe capital city of Judah, representing the spiritual and political center of the nation. 4. The LORDThe covenant God of Israel who delivered Judah from their enemies, demonstrating His faithfulness and power. 5. Enemies of JudahThe Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites who came to make war against Judah but were defeated by God's intervention. Teaching Points The Power of Praise and WorshipJehoshaphat and the people of Judah sought the Lord through prayer and worship, leading to divine intervention. Believers today are encouraged to prioritize worship and trust in God's power. God's Faithfulness in DeliveranceThe Lord's deliverance of Judah from their enemies is a testament to His faithfulness. Christians can trust that God is faithful to deliver them from spiritual battles. Leadership in FaithJehoshaphat's leadership in seeking God and leading the people in worship is a model for Christian leaders to guide others in faith and reliance on God. Joy as a Response to God's WorkThe joy experienced by Judah is a natural response to witnessing God's mighty works. Believers are called to rejoice in the Lord's goodness and faithfulness. Community in VictoryThe collective return to Jerusalem highlights the importance of community in celebrating God's victories. Christians are encouraged to share in each other's joys and victories. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jehoshaphat's leadership in this passage inspire you to lead others in faith and reliance on God? 2. In what ways can you incorporate praise and worship into your daily life to seek God's guidance and intervention? 3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's deliverance. How did you respond, and how can you cultivate a heart of joy and thanksgiving? 4. How can the joy of the Lord be a source of strength for you in your current circumstances? 5. What role does community play in your spiritual journey, and how can you encourage others to rejoice in God's victories together? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 30This psalm reflects themes of joy and thanksgiving after deliverance, similar to the rejoicing of Judah after their victory. Exodus 15The song of Moses and the Israelites after crossing the Red Sea parallels the celebration of God's deliverance. Philippians 4:4Paul's exhortation to rejoice in the Lord always connects with the joy experienced by Judah after their victory. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18Encourages believers to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances, reflecting the attitude of Judah. Nehemiah 8:10The joy of the Lord as a source of strength is evident in the celebration of Judah's victory. People Ahaziah, Ammonites, Aram, Asa, Asaph, Azubah, Benaiah, Berachah, Dodavah, Eliezer, Geber, Hanani, Jahaziel, Jehoshaphat, Jehu, Jeiel, Kohathites, Korahites, Korhites, Levites, Maonites, Mattaniah, Meunim, Meunites, Moabites, Seir, Shilhi, Tamar, Tarshish, ZechariahPlaces Ammon, Edom, Egypt, Engedi, Ezion-geber, Hazazon-tamar, Jeruel, Jerusalem, Mareshah, Moab, Mount Seir, Seir, Tarshish, Tekoa, ZizTopics Cause, Enemies, Forefront, Front, Glad, Haters, Jehoshaphat, Jehosh'aphat, Jerusalem, Joy, Joyfully, Judah, Rejoice, Returned, Returning, TurnDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Chronicles 20:27-28 5332 harp
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7241 Jerusalem, significance Library A Strange Battle
'We have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon Thee.'--2 CHRON xx. 12. A formidable combination of neighbouring nations, of which Moab and Ammon, the ancestral enemies of Judah, were the chief, was threatening Judah. Jehoshaphat, the king, was panic-stricken when he heard of the heavy war-cloud that was rolling on, ready to burst in thunder on his little kingdom. His first act was to muster the nation, not as a military levy …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureHolding Fast and Held Fast
'As they went forth Jehoshaphat stood and said, Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established.'--2 CHRON. xx. 20. Certainly no stronger army ever went forth to victory than these Jews, who poured out of Jerusalem that morning with no weapon in all their ranks, and having for their van, not their picked men, but singers who 'praised the beauty of holiness,' and chanted the old hymn, 'Give thanks unto the Lord, for His mercy endureth for ever.' That was all that men had to do in the battle, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Of the Public Fast.
A public fast is when, by the authority of the magistrate (Jonah iii. 7; 2 Chron. xx. 3; Ezra viii. 21), either the whole church within his dominion, or some special congregation, whom it concerneth, assemble themselves together, to perform the fore-mentioned duties of humiliation; either for the removing of some public calamity threatened or already inflicted upon them, as the sword, invasion, famine, pestilence, or other fearful sickness (1 Sam. vii. 5, 6; Joel ii. 15; 2 Chron. xx.; Jonah iii. …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety The Coast of the Asphaltites, the Essenes. En-Gedi.
"On the western shore" (of the Asphaltites) "dwell the Essenes; whom persons, guilty of any crimes, fly from on every side. A nation it is that lives alone, and of all other nations in the whole world, most to be admired; they are without any woman; all lust banished, &c. Below these, was the town Engadda, the next to Jerusalem for fruitfulness, and groves of palm-trees, now another burying-place. From thence stands Massada, a castle in a rock, and this castle not far from the Asphaltites." Solinus, …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica "Thou Shall Keep Him in Perfect Peace, Whose Mind is Stayed on Thee, Because He Trusteth in Thee. "
Isaiah xxvi. 3.--"Thou shall keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee." Christ hath left us his peace, as the great and comprehensive legacy, "My peace I leave you," John xiv. 27. And this was not peace in the world that he enjoyed; you know what his life was, a continual warfare; but a peace above the world, that passeth understanding. "In the world you shall have trouble, but in me you shall have peace," saith Christ,--a peace that shall make trouble …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning That the Employing Of, and Associating with the Malignant Party, According as is Contained in the Public Resolutions, is Sinful and Unlawful.
That The Employing Of, And Associating With The Malignant Party, According As Is Contained In The Public Resolutions, Is Sinful And Unlawful. If there be in the land a malignant party of power and policy, and the exceptions contained in the Act of Levy do comprehend but few of that party, then there need be no more difficulty to prove, that the present public resolutions and proceedings do import an association and conjunction with a malignant party, than to gather a conclusion from clear premises. …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Commerce
The remarkable change which we have noticed in the views of Jewish authorities, from contempt to almost affectation of manual labour, could certainly not have been arbitrary. But as we fail to discover here any religious motive, we can only account for it on the score of altered political and social circumstances. So long as the people were, at least nominally, independent, and in possession of their own land, constant engagement in a trade would probably mark an inferior social stage, and imply …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Concerning Peaceableness
Blessed are the peacemakers. Matthew 5:9 This is the seventh step of the golden ladder which leads to blessedness. The name of peace is sweet, and the work of peace is a blessed work. Blessed are the peacemakers'. Observe the connection. The Scripture links these two together, pureness of heart and peaceableness of spirit. The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable' (James 3:17). Follow peace and holiness' (Hebrews 12:14). And here Christ joins them together pure in heart, and peacemakers', …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Chronicles 20:27 NIV2 Chronicles 20:27 NLT2 Chronicles 20:27 ESV2 Chronicles 20:27 NASB2 Chronicles 20:27 KJV
2 Chronicles 20:27 Commentaries
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