Then Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem in the house of the LORD in front of the new courtyard Then JehoshaphatThe name Jehoshaphat means "Yahweh has judged" or "Yahweh is judge." As the king of Judah, Jehoshaphat was known for his efforts to bring the nation back to the worship of the true God. His leadership is marked by a reliance on God, and his actions in this chapter reflect a deep trust in divine guidance. Historically, Jehoshaphat's reign was characterized by religious reforms and a commitment to the Law of God, which he sought to instill in the hearts of his people. stood up
This phrase indicates a position of authority and readiness to address the people. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, standing was often a posture of respect and attentiveness, especially in a public assembly. Jehoshaphat's standing signifies his role as a leader who is about to make a significant declaration or prayer, demonstrating his responsibility to guide the nation spiritually. in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem
The assembly refers to a gathering of the people, which in this context includes representatives from both Judah and Jerusalem. This highlights the unity of the nation under Jehoshaphat's leadership. The mention of both Judah and Jerusalem emphasizes the centrality of Jerusalem as the spiritual and political heart of the nation, where the temple of the LORD was located. at the house of the LORD
The house of the LORD refers to the temple in Jerusalem, which was the center of worship for the Israelites. It was a place where God's presence was believed to dwell, and where the people came to seek His guidance and offer sacrifices. The temple served as a symbol of God's covenant with Israel and His faithfulness to His promises. in front of the new courtyard
The new courtyard likely refers to an area of the temple complex that had been recently constructed or renovated. This detail suggests ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance the temple as a place of worship. The mention of the new courtyard underscores the importance of the temple as a dynamic and evolving center of religious life, where the people could gather to seek God's intervention in times of crisis. Persons / Places / Events 1. JehoshaphatThe king of Judah, known for his efforts to follow the ways of the Lord and for his reforms to bring the people back to God. He is a central figure in this passage as he leads the nation in seeking God's help. 2. Assembly of Judah and JerusalemThis refers to the gathering of the people of Judah and Jerusalem, indicating a united front in seeking divine intervention. It highlights the communal aspect of worship and prayer. 3. House of the LORDThe temple in Jerusalem, which was the central place of worship for the Israelites. It symbolizes God's presence among His people and is the focal point for seeking His guidance. 4. New CourtyardThis is a specific area within the temple complex, possibly indicating a place of recent renovation or expansion. It signifies a fresh approach or renewed commitment to worship. 5. Event of Seeking GodThis event is a pivotal moment where Jehoshaphat and the people turn to God in a time of crisis, demonstrating their dependence on Him for deliverance. Teaching Points Leadership in CrisisJehoshaphat's leadership is marked by his decision to seek God first in a time of national crisis. Leaders today can learn from his example by prioritizing prayer and seeking divine guidance in decision-making. The Power of Corporate PrayerThe assembly of Judah and Jerusalem demonstrates the power of coming together in prayer. Believers are encouraged to gather in unity to seek God's intervention in challenging times. The Significance of Worship SpacesThe mention of the "house of the LORD" and the "new courtyard" underscores the importance of having dedicated spaces for worship and prayer. These spaces can serve as reminders of God's presence and faithfulness. Renewal and CommitmentThe "new courtyard" symbolizes a fresh start or renewed commitment to God. Believers are encouraged to continually renew their dedication to God, especially in times of need. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jehoshaphat's response to crisis in 2 Chronicles 20:5 inspire you to handle challenges in your own life? 2. In what ways can you incorporate the practice of corporate prayer in your community or church, as seen in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem? 3. Reflect on a time when you sought God's guidance in a difficult situation. How did that experience strengthen your faith? 4. What role do physical spaces of worship play in your spiritual life, and how can they help you draw closer to God? 5. How can the concept of a "new courtyard" be applied to your personal spiritual journey, and what steps can you take to renew your commitment to God? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Chronicles 7:14This verse emphasizes the importance of humility, prayer, and seeking God's face, which aligns with Jehoshaphat's actions in seeking divine help. Psalm 46:1This psalm speaks of God as a refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble, which is the essence of Jehoshaphat's prayer and reliance on God. James 1:5This New Testament verse encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, which is what Jehoshaphat does by seeking God's guidance in the assembly. 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 Assembly, Congregation, Court, Courtyard, Front, Jehoshaphat, Jehosh'aphat, Jerusalem, Judah, Meeting, Open, Space, Standeth, Stood, TempleDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Chronicles 20:1-17 8648 enquiring of God 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 20:5 NIV2 Chronicles 20:5 NLT2 Chronicles 20:5 ESV2 Chronicles 20:5 NASB2 Chronicles 20:5 KJV
2 Chronicles 20:5 Commentaries
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