2 Chronicles 20:9

If disaster comes upon us--whether sword or judgment, plague or famine--we will stand before this temple and before You, for Your Name is in this temple. We will cry out to You in our distress, and You will hear us and save us.'

Study Bible

If disaster comes upon us—whether sword or judgment, plague or famine—
This phrase reflects the various calamities that could befall the people of Israel, reminiscent of the curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28. The "sword" signifies warfare and invasion, common threats in the ancient Near East. "Judgment" may refer to divine retribution for sin, while "plague" and "famine" are natural disasters often seen as acts of God. These calamities were understood as both physical and spiritual challenges, testing the faith and obedience of the Israelites.

we will stand before this temple and before You,
The temple in Jerusalem was the central place of worship and the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. Standing before the temple signifies seeking God's presence and favor. This reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where the temple serves as a physical reminder of God's promises and the people's commitment to Him. The act of standing before God indicates humility, reverence, and a plea for divine intervention.

for Your Name is in this temple.
The "Name" of God represents His character, authority, and presence. In ancient Israel, the temple was not just a building but a symbol of God's covenant and His dwelling among His people. The invocation of God's Name implies trust in His power and faithfulness. This phrase underscores the belief that God is intimately connected to the temple, making it a sacred place for seeking His help.

We will cry out to You in our distress,
Crying out to God in distress is a recurring theme in the Psalms and other biblical texts, illustrating a deep reliance on divine assistance. This act of crying out is both a personal and communal expression of faith, acknowledging human helplessness and God's sovereignty. It reflects the biblical principle that God hears the prayers of those who earnestly seek Him, as seen in passages like Psalm 34:17.

and You will hear us and save us.
This statement is a declaration of faith in God's responsiveness and deliverance. It echoes the promises found in scriptures such as 2 Chronicles 7:14, where God assures His people that He will hear from heaven and heal their land if they humble themselves and pray. The assurance of being heard and saved is rooted in the covenant relationship, where God is portrayed as a faithful deliverer, foreshadowing the ultimate salvation through Jesus Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jehoshaphat
The king of Judah who led the nation in seeking God's help during a time of crisis.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, facing a coalition of enemies.

3. The Temple
The physical place in Jerusalem where God's presence dwelt, symbolizing His covenant with Israel.

4. Enemies
The Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites who threatened Judah with war.

5. God's Deliverance
The central theme of the passage, highlighting God's faithfulness to hear and save His people.

Teaching Points

God's Presence in Crisis
The temple symbolizes God's presence. In times of crisis, believers are reminded to turn to God, who is always present and attentive to our cries.

Faith in God's Deliverance
Jehoshaphat's prayer reflects a deep trust in God's ability to deliver. Believers are encouraged to have faith that God hears and acts on behalf of His people.

The Power of Corporate Prayer
The nation of Judah gathered to seek God's help. This emphasizes the importance of communal prayer and unity in seeking God's intervention.

God's Faithfulness to His Promises
The assurance that God will hear and deliver is rooted in His covenant promises. Believers can trust in God's unchanging nature and His commitment to His word.

Responding to Fear with Faith
When faced with overwhelming circumstances, the response should be to stand firm in faith, trusting in God's power and provision.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jehoshaphat's response to crisis in 2 Chronicles 20:9 inspire you to handle your own challenges?

2. In what ways can the concept of the temple as God's dwelling place be applied to the New Testament understanding of believers as the temple of the Holy Spirit?

3. How can the practice of corporate prayer strengthen a community of believers facing difficult situations?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's deliverance. How does this passage encourage you to trust Him in future trials?

5. How can the assurance of God's faithfulness in 2 Chronicles 20:9 be a source of comfort and strength in your daily walk with Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 8:33-34
Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the temple, asking God to hear and forgive His people when they pray toward the temple.

Psalm 46:1
God as a refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble, reinforcing the theme of divine deliverance.

Philippians 4:6-7
Encouragement to present requests to God with thanksgiving, promising peace that guards hearts and minds.

Hebrews 4:16
The invitation to approach God's throne of grace with confidence to receive mercy and find grace in times of need.