As for the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, from beginning to end, they are indeed written in the Chronicles of Jehu son of Hanani, which are recorded in the Book of the Kings of Israel. As for the rest of the acts of JehoshaphatThis phrase introduces a summary of Jehoshaphat's reign, indicating that his deeds were numerous and significant. The Hebrew word for "acts" (מַעֲשִׂים, ma'asim) often refers to deeds or works, emphasizing the importance of actions in the biblical narrative. Jehoshaphat was a king of Judah known for his faithfulness to God, and his acts included religious reforms and military campaigns. His reign is a testament to the importance of aligning one's actions with divine will, a principle that resonates throughout Scripture. from beginning to end
This phrase underscores the comprehensive nature of the record of Jehoshaphat's reign. The Hebrew words "from beginning to end" (מִרֵּאשִׁית וְעַד אַחֲרִית, mireishit ve'ad acharit) suggest a complete account, highlighting the biblical theme of God's sovereignty over the entirety of one's life. It reminds believers that God is interested in the full scope of our lives, from start to finish, and that our faith journey is a continuous process. they are written in the Chronicles of Jehu son of Hanani
This reference to the "Chronicles of Jehu" indicates that there were other historical records outside of the biblical text that documented the history of Israel and Judah. Jehu, the son of Hanani, was a prophet, and his chronicles likely contained prophetic insights and historical accounts. This highlights the role of prophets in recording and interpreting history, serving as a reminder of the importance of divine revelation in understanding the past. which is recorded in the Book of the Kings of Israel
The "Book of the Kings of Israel" is a historical source that chronicled the reigns of the kings of Israel and Judah. This phrase points to the existence of other historical documents that were used as sources for the biblical narrative. It emphasizes the meticulous nature of biblical historiography and the importance of preserving history. For conservative Christians, this serves as a reminder of the reliability and divine inspiration of Scripture, as it draws from well-documented historical records. Persons / Places / Events 1. JehoshaphatThe king of Judah who is known for his faithfulness to God and his reforms to bring the people back to the worship of Yahweh. His reign is marked by both spiritual and military achievements. 2. Jehu son of HananiA prophet and chronicler who recorded the acts of Jehoshaphat. He is also known for rebuking King Jehoshaphat for his alliance with King Ahab of Israel. 3. The Book of the Kings of IsraelA historical record that chronicled the reigns of the kings of Israel and Judah. It is a source of historical and spiritual insights into the leadership and events of the time. Teaching Points The Importance of Godly LeadershipJehoshaphat's reign exemplifies the impact of a leader who seeks to honor God. His reforms and dedication to Godly principles brought spiritual renewal to Judah. The Role of Prophets and ChroniclersJehu's role as a prophet and chronicler highlights the importance of accountability and the recording of history for future generations. It reminds us of the value of learning from the past. Consequences of AlliancesJehoshaphat's alliance with Ahab serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of forming partnerships that compromise one's values and faith. Faithfulness in DocumentationThe mention of the annals and the Book of the Kings underscores the importance of preserving history and God's work among His people. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jehoshaphat's leadership style compare to other kings of Judah, and what can we learn from his example about leading with integrity? 2. In what ways do the actions and writings of prophets like Jehu influence our understanding of biblical history and God's expectations for His people? 3. Reflect on a time when an alliance or partnership in your life led to unforeseen consequences. How can Jehoshaphat's account guide you in making future decisions? 4. How does the preservation of historical records in the Bible, such as the annals mentioned in this verse, enhance our understanding of God's faithfulness throughout generations? 5. Considering Jehoshaphat's reforms and dedication to God, what steps can you take to bring about spiritual renewal in your own community or sphere of influence? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 22Provides a parallel account of Jehoshaphat's reign, including his alliance with Ahab and his military campaigns. 2 Chronicles 17-19Details Jehoshaphat's reforms, his judicial appointments, and his efforts to lead the people back to God, emphasizing his commitment to righteousness. 2 Chronicles 21Describes the consequences of Jehoshaphat's alliances, particularly the negative impact on his son Jehoram's reign. 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 Acts, Annals, Beginning, Behold, Book, Chronicles, Hanani, Hana'ni, History, Inserted, Jehoshaphat, Jehosh'aphat, Jehoshaphat's, Jehu, Kings, Matters, Mentioned, Recorded, Reign, Rest, WrittenDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Chronicles 20:33 5810 complacency 2 Chronicles 20:31-33 7241 Jerusalem, significance 2 Chronicles 20:32-33 7374 high places 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 20:34 NIV2 Chronicles 20:34 NLT2 Chronicles 20:34 ESV2 Chronicles 20:34 NASB2 Chronicles 20:34 KJV
2 Chronicles 20:34 Commentaries
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