2 Crônicas 20
Leon Morris · Citado em PreceptAustin
2 Crônicas 20
Morris - The nations may have rejected the true God Who made the heavens, but He still rules over them, whether they know it or not. Believer's Study Bible - 2Ch 20:6-13) Jehoshaphat's prayer contains five basic elements: (1) an invocation to the "God of our fathers" (2Ch 20:6); (2) an acknowledgment that the land now threatened was a divine gift (2Ch 20:7); (3) an assertion that he was turning to God in time of need (2Ch 20:8, 9); (4) an indictment of the enemy for their base ingratitude -- Israel had refrained from attacking them (Ammon, Moab, and Edom) at the time of the Exodus and wilderness wandering (2Ch 20:10, 11; cf. Nu 20:17-21; Deut. 2:4, 5); and (5) an admission of Judah's utter dependence upon God (2Ch 20:12). Life Application Study Bible (borrow) note - Jehoshaphat's prayer had several essential ingredients. (1) He committed the situation to God, acknowledging that only God could save the nation. (2) He sought God's favor because his people were God's people. (3) He acknowledged God's sovereignty over the current situation. (4) He praised God's glory and took comfort in his promises. (5) He professed complete dependence on God, not himself, for deliverance. Joni Eareckson Tada - First-Line Defense (BORROW More precious than silver : 366 daily devotional readings) O LORD, God of our fathers, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you…We have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you. —2 Chronicles 20:6, 12 By all rights it was a battle God’s people should never have won. The odds against King Jehoshaphat and his outnumbered troops were astronomical. The frightened king had no strategy, no chariots, no allies, no time, and no army worth writing home about. But he had a secret weapon. He gathered the people and poured his heart out before God. He didn’t rattle his saber or make a patriotic speech. He just prayed as though his life depended on it—and it did. God answered, “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chron. 20:15). Within days the enemy was completely routed. The secret weapon? Praise! When it comes to a frontline defense against the Devil’s attacks, we often bypass praise and scramble to do something—anything—to remedy, rectify, or resolve the problem. Make lists, set goals, get counseling, go shopping, raid the fridge, read a book on the subject, or talk about it with others. But praise? Yet we learn from Jehoshaphat that praise must always be our first line of defense. Try memorizing, if you haven’t already, the doxology: Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Now say it! Sing it in the shower as you start your day. Think about it while you’re waiting in line…at the fast-food drive-in, the bank window, or the grocery store checkout. Say it at the dinner table to replace your usual blessing for the food. Finally, whisper it as you feel yourself drifting off to sleep at night. Nancy Cretacci - Ruler of All Kingdoms - For His Name's Sake You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. 2Ch 20:6NLT I ESTABLISHED JEHOSHAPHAT’S CONTROL OVER the kingdom of Judah (2 Chronicles 17:5) because he led with prayer. When Jehoshaphat heard the news of vast enemies marching against him (2 Chronicles 20:2), what did he do? Did he don his armor to confront his enemies? No, he did not! Jehoshaphat was terrified by the news (2 Chronicles 20:3). Does this mean that he was a coward? No, he was not! It simply tells you that, as a king, he was just a human being like you. What made him extraordinary is that he gave his fear to fast and prayer—community prayer. His prayer was not about the enemy’s strength but about acknowledging My name: LORD, our God, God in heaven, Ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth, powerful and mighty, and what I have done for My people (2 Chronicles 20:6-12). This is where the power of prayer comes from. By shifting attention from your enemies to who I AM, your fear is transformed to strength. Jehoshaphat found his strength in My answer to his prayer: “Do not be afraid! Do not be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chronicles 20:15). How did My words affect Jehoshaphat? He defeated his enemies with his singing army. How do you deal with your enemies? Remember, as a child of the Ruler of All Kingdoms, you are also an extraordinary king. Kay Arthur - 2 Chronicles 20:6 - Ruler Over All - When you feel overwhelmed because of the forces that are coming against you, remember what Jehoshaphat did (2 Chronicles 20:6-12). He focused on God, His sovereignty, His power; then he made his request according to the promises of God. This was written for your encouragement. It’s an example you can follow today. (BORROW Powerful moments with God) Puritan Daily Readings - The Hand of God And said, O Lord God of our fathers, art not thou God in heaven? and rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in thine hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee? 2 Chronicles 20:6 The church, in all the works of mercy, owns the hand of God: “Lord, thou also hast wrought all our works in (or for) us” (Isa. 26:12). And still it has been the pious and constant practice of the saints in all generations to preserve the memory of the more famous and remarkable providences that have befallen them in their times as a precious treasure. Thus Moses, by divine direction, wrote a memorial of that victory obtained over Amalek as the fruit and returns of prayer, and built there an altar with this inscription, Jehovah-nissi “The Lord my banner” (Exod. 17:14, 15). Thus Mordecai and Esther took all care to perpetuate the memory of that signal deliverance from the plot of Haman, by ordaining the feast of Purim as an anniversary “throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city; that these days of Purim should not fail from among the Jews, nor the memorial of them perish from their seed” (Esther 9:28). For this end you find Psalms indicted, “to bring to remembrance” (Ps. 70, title). You find parents giving suitable names to their children, that every time they looked upon them they might refresh the memory of God’s mercies (1 Sam. 1:20). You find the very places where eminent providences have appeared, given a new name, for no other reason but to perpetuate the memorial of those sweet providences which so refreshed them there. Thus Bethel received its name. And that well of water where Hagar was seasonably refreshed by the angel in her distress, was called Beer-lahai-roi: “the well of him that liveth and looketh on me” (Gen. 16:14). Tony Evans - The Power of Praise O LORD, the God of our fathers…Power and might are in Your hand…We are powerless before this great multitude…nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You. 2 Ch 20:6,12 In 2 Chronicles 20, the nation of Judah received horrible news. A vast army had gathered to destroy them, and King Jehoshaphat had no idea how they could survive such a vicious attack. However, he did know there was only one Person he could turn to, and that was God. God quickly answered his prayer. He told him the battle was not Judah’s but His. Then Jehoshaphat set up the battle plan. Instead of having warriors lead the way, the king placed the choir up front and instructed them to march into battle singing praises to the Lord. I would have loved to have seen the singers’ faces when they heard that plan. No arrows or tar-and-pitch rockets were to fly through the air—only praises to God. Regardless of what he felt inside, the king’s actions demonstrated that he trusted God. Before Judah reached the battlefield, God had thrown the enemy into such confusion that they turned on one another. The army of Judah never lifted a bow because God defeated its enemies. If you’re facing difficulty of any kind or size, begin to sing songs of praise to the Lord, and you will see your enemies defeated. Not only that, but your heart will be lifted, and you will sense a peace inside like nothing you have known. God wants to restore the peace you have lost. If you will let Him, He will give you a fresh touch of His peace, love, and grace when you praise Him. 2 Chronicles 20:7 “Did You not, O our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel and give it to the descendants of Abraham Your friend forever? our God: 2Ch 14:11 Ge 17:7 Ex 6:7 19:5-7 20:2 1Ch 17:21-24 drive out the inhabitants: Ex 33:2 Ps 44:2 give it to: Ge 12:7 13:15 Jos 24:3,13 Ne 9:8 friend: Isa 41:8 Joh 11:11 John 15:15 Jas 2:23 ACKNOWLEDGING GOD'S PAST FAITHFULNESS AND COVENANT Did You not, O our God, drive out (yarash; Lxx - exolethreuo - utterly destroyed) the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel - This is another rhetorical question which expects a positive response. Jehoshaphat remembers God's past mercies to Israel and His power to fight for them. The Canaanites were driven out of the Promised Land by the hand of the Lord (yes, He used Joshua, but the ultimate power was from Yahweh). If You did it before God, You can do it again! THOUGHT- America experienced great outpourings of God in the First and Second Great Awakenings. Lord, You have done it before, so we beseech You to please do it again in our nation. In Jesus' Name. Amen. Spurgeon -“I like to plunge my hand into the promises, and then I find myself able to grasp with a grip of determination the mighty faithfulness of God. An omnipotent plea with God is: ‘Do as thou hast said.’ ” and give it to the descendants of Abraham Your friend (Ge 18:17+; Jas 2:23+) forever (permanently)? - This promise was part of the Abrahamic covenant in Ge 15:18-21+. The Promised Land was given to Israel. Note the important time phrase "forever." Israel as the chosen of God will possess the land forever. This is not a reference to the Church. The Church was never promised this land. The Church (in my opinion) was promised something far better than a everlasting land, for we have been promised an everlasting life in Christ! (cf Eph 1:3+) Israel has not been replaced by the Church as is sadly taught in so many pulpits in America. See What is replacement theology / supersessionism / fulfillment theology? | GotQuestions.org. Abraham Your friend - This is quite an affirmation for a sinful human being to be called the friend of God, a truth repeated in cf. Isa. 41:8; James 2:23+. 🙏 THOUGHT - And with whom are believers friends? Jesus declared "“No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you." (John 15:15+) Do you believe this is true? Are you living as if it is true? Do you speak frequently with your friend who is closer than a brother? Gustafson - The rhetorical questions of 2Ch 20:6–7 reinforce the certainty of what is said. Jehoshaphat appealed to facts from God’s Word, including reference to Abraham 1,000 years before. This appeal to the Word of God in his prayer recalls our Lord’s words in John 15:7+: “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you”. May the Lord help every Christian to love the Word of God and to trust God as Jehoshaphat clearly did. (Digital - What the Bible Teaches: 1 and 2 Chronicles or book - WTBT 1 and 2 Chronicles ) Good Buddy You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. — John 15:14 Today's Scripture: John 15:9-17 The congregation listened intently as the pastor began to pray: “Dear heavenly Father . . .” Suddenly he was interrupted by a voice saying, “Hey there, good buddy!” Everyone began to laugh when they realized the voice was coming from the organ. It was picking up the conversation of a truckdriver on his CB radio! Not much was accomplished in the service that day, because the congregation continued to chuckle about the voice that made them think God was responding to their pastor and calling him His “good buddy.” Moses knew what it was like to be a friend of God—a relationship that went beyond buddies. The Lord often talked with Moses “face to face, as a man speaks to his friend” (Exodus 33:11). The patriarch Abraham was also called God’s friend (2 Chronicles 20:7). But can you and I be a friend of God? In our Bible reading for today, Jesus, the supreme example of loving friendship, called His disciples friends (John 15:13,15). He put it simply: “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you” (v.14). Friendship with Jesus, Fellowship divine, Oh, what blessed, sweet communion, Jesus is a friend of mine. —Ludgate The dearest friend on earth is but a mere shadow compared to Jesus. —Chambers 2 Chronicles 20:8 “They have lived in it, and have built You a sanctuary there for Your name, saying, KJV 2 Chronicles 20:8 And they dwelt therein, and have built thee a sanctuary therein for thy name, saying, BGT 2 Chronicles 20:8 καὶ κατῴκησαν ἐν αὐτῇ καὶ ᾠκοδόμησαν ἐν αὐτῇ ἁγίασμα τῷ ὀνόματί σου λέγοντες LXE 2 Chronicles 20:8 And they dwelt in it, and built in it a sanctuary to thy name, saying, NET 2 Chronicles 20:8 They settled down in it and built in it a temple to honor you, saying, CSB 2 Chronicles 20:8 They have lived in the land and have built You a sanctuary in it for Your name and have said, ESV 2 Chronicles 20:8 And they have lived in it and have built for you in it a sanctuary for your name, saying, NIV 2 Chronicles 20:8 They have lived in it and have built in it a sanctuary for your Name, saying, NLT 2 Chronicles 20:8 Your people settled here and built this Temple to honor your name. built: 2Ch 2:4 2Ch 6:10 Related Passages: 2 Chronicles 6:20+ that Your eye may be open toward this house day and night, toward the place of which You have said that You would put Your name there, to listen to the prayer which Your servant shall pray toward this place. 2 Chronicles 6:29+ whatever prayer or supplication is made by any man or by all Your people Israel, each knowing his own affliction and his own pain, and spreading his hands toward this house, 2 Chronicles 6:32+ “Also concerning the foreigner who is not from Your people Israel, when he comes from a far country for Your great name’s sake and Your mighty hand and Your outstretched arm, when they come and pray toward this house, A SANCTUARY FOR YAHWEH'S NAME They have lived in it, and have built You a sanctuary there for Your name, saying - Jehoshaphat appeals is to the words of Solomon’s prayer (1 Ki. 8:33-45; 2 Chr. 6:24-35). For Your name signifies "for Your honor (or reputation)." One reason (among man) that the Temple was built was to cause people to honor the Name of God (cf 2Ch 6:32-33). Recall that in Solomon's prayers he had made allusion to prayer "toward this place" (TEMPLE) (2Ch 6:29+) In 2Ch 7:15+ God promised "Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to the prayer offered in this place (TEMPLE) SEE PHRASE TOWARD THIS HOUSE - 6X/6V - 1Ki. 8:29; 1Ki. 8:38; 1Ki. 8:42; 2Chr. 6:20; 2Chr. 6:29; 2Chr. 6:32 Rawlinson - “Jehoshaphat made a threefold appeal: (1) ‘Art thou not the true God who is omnipotent and able to help us in our helplessness?’; (2) ‘Art thou not our God who hast given us this land forever and so art bound to help us against enemy invaders?’; (3) ‘Art thou not the God especially of this temple and promised Solomon that thou wouldest answer prayer from this place?’ 2 Chronicles 20:9 ‘Should evil come upon us, the sword, or judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this house and before You (for Your name is in this house) and cry to You in our distress, and You will hear and deliver us.’ AMPC If evil comes upon us, the sword of judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this house and before You—for Your Name [and the symbol of Your presence] is in this house—and cry to You in our affliction, and You will hear and save. CSB “If disaster comes on us—sword or judgment, pestilence or famine—we will stand before this temple and before you, for your name is in this temple. We will cry out to you because of our distress, and you will hear and deliver.” ERV They said, ‘If trouble comes to us—the sword, punishment, sicknesses, or famine—we will stand in front of this Temple and in front of you. Your name is on this Temple. We will shout to you when we are in trouble. Then you will hear and save us.’ EXB ‘If ·trouble [disaster; evil] comes upon us, or ·war [L the sword], ·punishment [judgment; C this term should perhaps be combined with the previous one to read “the sword of judgment”], ·sickness [plague; pestilence], or ·hunger [famine], we will stand before you and before this ·Temple [L house] ·where you have chosen to be worshiped [for your name is in this house]. We will cry out to you ·when we are in trouble [in our distress]. Then you will hear and ·save [rescue; T deliver] us.’ ICB ‘Trouble may come to us. It may be war, punishment, sickness or a time of hunger. If it comes, we will stand before you and before this Temple where you have chosen to be worshiped. We will cry out to you when we are in trouble. Then you will hear and save us.’ MSG ‘When the worst happens—whether war or flood or disease or famine—and we take our place before this Temple (we know you are personally present in this place!) and pray out our pain and trouble, we know that you will listen and give victory.’ NLT They said, ‘Whenever we are faced with any calamity such as war, plague, or famine, we can come to stand in your presence before this Temple where your name is honored. We can cry out to you to save us, and you will hear us and rescue us.’ evil: 2Ch 6:28-30 1Ki 8:33,37 name: 2Ch 6:20 Ex 20:24 23:21 Related Passages: 2 Chronicles 6:28-30+ If there is famine in the land, if there is pestilence, if there is blight or mildew, if there is locust or grasshopper, if their enemies besiege them in the land of their cities, whatever plague or whatever sickness there is, 29 whatever prayer or supplication is made by any man or by all Your people Israel, each knowing his own affliction and his own pain, and spreading his hands toward this house, 30 then hear from heaven Your dwelling place, and forgive, and render to each according to all his ways, whose heart You know for You alone know the hearts of the sons of men, 2 Chronicles 7:13-15 “If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people, 14 and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 15 “Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to the prayer offered in this place. PRAYING TOWARD THE TEMPLE Should evil come upon us, the sword, or judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this house (see note above) and before You (for Your name is in this house) and cry to You in our distress, and You will hear and deliver us.’ - This verse (especially the afflictions) is a good summary of Solomon's prayer in 2Ch 6:14-42+. Your name stands for the Person, for the attributes, etc of God. (cf. 2Ch 6:20+). See Name of the LORD is a Strong Tower. Thankfulness for the past gives fresh assurance for the future, especially in times of stress. Gustafson - Recalling earlier promises of God is also a feature of other prayers in Chronicles (1 Chr 17:21–22; 29:15, 18; 2 Chr 6:5–17). Using promises of God from His Word in intercessory prayer is a principle of effective prayer. Thankfulness for the past gives fresh assurance for the future, especially in times of stress. (Digital - What the Bible Teaches: 1 and 2 Chronicles or book - WTBT 1 and 2 Chronicles ) Bob Utley on sword, or judgment, or pestilence, or famine - This is a list of the problems caused by covenant disobedience (i.e., Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 28). the sword (i.e., war, invasion; MT, "the sword of judgment"), judgment, usually just #1, 3, 4 summarize YHWH's judgment; the NEB, REB, emend this to "flood"; following the LXX (L)., pestilence, famine (often #1, 3, 4 are used together as a summary of God's judgment (this is one of the specific predictions of "the curses" in Lev. 26:25-26 and also Deut. 28:17,21-24,25-26; it appears often in Jeremiah ‒ Jer. 14:12; 21:9; 24:10; 27:8,13; 29:17-18; 32:24,36; 34:17; 38:2; 42:17,22; 44:13 Ezekiel ‒ Ezek. 5:12; 6:11-12; 7:15; 12:6 Repentance would bring forgiveness and release (i.e., 1 Kings 8; 2 Chronicles 6). Kay Arthur - Talk to God - 2 Chronicles 20:9,12 - In trying times, the best thing we can do is submit to God. Talk aloud to God. Confirm again your desire to serve and follow Him fully. Tell Him that your one and foremost passion is to be found pleasing to Him. (BORROW Powerful moments with God) The Valley of Blessing If calamity comes . . . [we] will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us. 2 Chronicles 20:9 Read: 2 Chronicles 20:1,13–22 French artist Henri Matisse felt his work in the last years of his life best represented him. During that time he experimented with a new style, creating colorful, large-scale pictures with paper instead of paint. He decorated the walls of his room with these bright images. This was important to him because he had been diagnosed with cancer and was often confined to his bed. Becoming ill, losing a job, or enduring heartbreak are examples of what some call “being in the valley,” where dread overshadows everything else. The people of Judah experienced this when they heard an invading army was approaching (2 Chronicles 20:2–3). Their king prayed, “If calamity comes . . . [we] will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us” (2Ch 20:9). God responded, “Go out to face [your enemies] tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you” (2Ch 20:17). When Judah’s army arrived at the battlefield, their enemies had already destroyed each other. God’s people spent three days collecting the abandoned equipment, clothing, and valuables. Before leaving, they assembled to praise God and named the place “The Valley of Berakah,” which means “blessing.” Dear God, help me not to be afraid when I encounter difficulty. Help me to believe that Your goodness and love will follow me. Looking for hope in the middle of difficult circumstances? Read Hope: Choosing Faith Instead of Fear. 2 Chronicles 20:10 “Now behold, the sons of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir, whom You did not let Israel invade when they came out of the land of Egypt (they turned aside from them and did not destroy them), whom You: Nu 20:17-21 De 2:4,5,9,19 Judges 11:15-18 Related Passages: Numbers 20:17-21+ ‘Please let us pass through your land. We will not pass through field or through vineyard; we will not even drink water from a well. We will go along the king’s highway, not turning to the right or left, until we pass through your territory.’” 18 Edom, however, said to him, “You shall not pass through us, or I will come out with the sword against you.” 19 Again, the sons of Israel said to him, “We will go up by the highway, and if I and my livestock do drink any of your water, then I will pay its price. Let me only pass through on my feet, nothing else.” 20 But he said, “You shall not pass through.” And Edom came out against him with a heavy force and with a strong hand. 21 Thus Edom refused to allow Israel to pass through his territory; so Israel turned away from him. Deuteronomy 2:4; 5; 9; 19+ and command the people, saying, “You will pass through the territory of your brothers the sons of Esau who live in Seir; and they will be afraid of you. So be very careful; 5 do not provoke them, for I will not give you any of their land, even as little as a footstep because I have given Mount Seir to Esau as a possession....(2:9) “Then the LORD said to me, ‘Do not harass Moab, nor provoke them to war, for I will not give you any of their land as a possession, because I have given Ar to the sons of Lot as a possession.’...(2:19) ‘When you come opposite the sons of Ammon, do not harass them nor provoke them, for I will not give you any of the land of the sons of Ammon as a possession, because I have given it to the sons of Lot as a possession.’ THE "REWARD" FOR SHOWING GRACE TO THESE NATIONS Now behold (hinneh; Lxx - idou), the sons of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir (EDOM) - This supports the premise that "Aram" in 2Ch 20:2 should in fact be "Edom." Walton on Mount Seir - Mount Seir was in Edom. Seir is generally considered the mountainous central region of Edom (elevations generally over five thousand feet) between Wadi al Ghuwayr on the north and Ras en-Naqb on the south. In this case, the term probably referred to the entire land of Edom itself. Whom You did not let Israel invade when they came out of the land of Egypt (they turned aside from them and did not destroy them) - The point is that Yahweh had instructed Israel not to harm the very nations that were now seeking to do them harm. Ron Daniel - As King Jehoshaphat prays to the Lord, he makes mention that this enemy had previously been shown grace. As Moses was leading the Israelites from the wilderness wandering and towards the Promised Land, they were going north, on the eastern side of the Dead Sea and the Jordan River. They were going right through the territory of these nations. The Lord had said to Moses as they were going through the wilderness of Moab, Deut. 2:9 ..."Do not harass Moab, nor provoke them to war, for I will not give you any of their land as a possession..." Then, as they continued north, right next to the territory of the Ammonites, God told Moses, Deut. 2:19 "When you come opposite the sons of Ammon, do not harass them nor provoke them, for I will not give you any of the land of the sons of Ammon as a possession..." Jehoshaphat says, "Lord, this is the reward, the repayment, that we are receiving from them." 2 Chronicles 20:11 see how they are rewarding us by coming to drive us out from Your possession which You have given us as an inheritance. KJV 2 Chronicles 20:11 Behold, I say, how they reward us, to come to cast us out of thy possession, which thou hast given us to inherit. BGT 2 Chronicles 20:11 καὶ νῦν ἰδοὺ αὐτοὶ ἐπιχειροῦσιν ἐφ᾽ ἡμᾶς ἐξελθεῖν ἐκβαλεῖν ἡμᾶς ἀπὸ τῆς κληρονομίας ἡμῶν ἧς ἔδωκας ἡμῖν LXE 2 Chronicles 20:11 yet now, behold, they make attempts against us, to come forth to cast us out from our inheritance which thou gavest us. NET 2 Chronicles 20:11 Look how they are repaying us! They come to drive us out of our allotted land which you assigned to us! CSB 2 Chronicles 20:11 Look how they repay us by coming to drive us out of Your possession that You gave us as an inheritance. ESV 2 Chronicles 20:11 behold, they reward us by coming to drive us out of your possession, which you have given us to inherit. NIV 2 Chronicles 20:11 See how they are repaying us by coming to drive us out of the possession you gave us as an inheritance. NLT 2 Chronicles 20:11 Now see how they reward us! For they have come to throw us out of your land, which you gave us as an inheritance. NRS 2 Chronicles 20:11 they reward us by coming to drive us out of your possession that you have given us to inherit. NJB 2 Chronicles 20:11 see how they reward us, by coming to drive us out of your possession which you allotted to us! NAB 2 Chronicles 20:11 See how they are now repaying us by coming to drive us out of the possession you have given us. YLT 2 Chronicles 20:11 and lo, they are recompensing to us -- to come in to drive us out of Thy possession, that Thou hast caused us to possess. GWN 2 Chronicles 20:11 They are now paying us back by coming to force us out of your land that you gave to us. BBE 2 Chronicles 20:11 See now, how as our reward they have come to send us out of your land which you have given us as our heritage. RSV 2 Chronicles 20:11 behold, they reward us by coming to drive us out of thy possession, which thou hast given us to inherit. how they are rewarding: Six of Dr. Kennicott's and De Rossi's MSS. and {raah}, "evil:" "Behold they reward us evil:" which is also the reading of the Targum. Ge 44:4 Ps 7:4 35:12 Pr 17:13 Jer 18:20 to drive us out: Judges 11:23,24 Ps 83:3-12 ATTACK IS UNDESERVED See (ESV - behold - hinneh; Lxx - idou) how they are rewarding us by coming to drive us out from Your possession which You have given us as an inheritance - NLT = "Now see how they reward us! For they have come to throw us out of your land, which you gave us as an inheritance." Notice how he emphasizes it is Your possession and Your gift! The implication is that the adversary was in a sense coming against God Himself (unbeknownst of course to their pagan mindset). Jehoshaphat's also is saying that it would not be consistent for God to allow these nations who had been spared by Israel to now ungratefully attack Israel and take the possession He had given them. In other words, in a sense, Jehoshaphat was calling on God to honor Israel’s former obedience. ESV Study Bible (page 768 - borrow) - In the juridical style of the so-called psalms of lament (see Psalms 44; 74), Jehoshaphat then complains to God against the injustice of the invaders. Mackintosh points out that “The prayer is most precious and instructive—full of divine intelligence. They come, says he, ‘to cast us out of thy possession, which thou has given us to inherit’. How simple! They would take what God has given! This was putting it, as it were, upon God to maintain His own covenant." 2 Chronicles 20:12 “O our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” KJV 2 Chronicles 20:12 O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee. BGT 2 Chronicles 20:12 κύριε ὁ θεὸς ἡμῶν οὐ κρινεῖς ἐν αὐτοῖς ὅτι οὐκ ἔστιν ἡμῖν ἰσχὺς τοῦ ἀντιστῆναι πρὸς τὸ πλῆθος τὸ πολὺ τοῦτο τὸ ἐλθὸν ἐφ᾽ ἡμᾶς καὶ οὐκ οἴδαμεν τί ποιήσωμεν αὐτοῖς ἀλλ᾽ ἢ ἐπὶ σοὶ οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ ἡμῶν LXE 2 Chronicles 20:12 O Lord our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no strength to resist this great multitude that is come against us; and we know not what we shall do to them: but our eyes are toward thee. NET 2 Chronicles 20:12 Our God, will you not judge them? For we are powerless against this huge army that attacks us! We don't know what we should do; we look to you for help." CSB 2 Chronicles 20:12 Our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast number that comes to fight against us. We do not know what to do, but we look to You. ESV 2 Chronicles 20:12 O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you." NIV 2 Chronicles 20:12 O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." NLT 2 Chronicles 20:12 O our God, won't you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help." O our God, will: De 32:36 Judges 11:27 1Sa 3:13 Ps 7:6,8 9:19 43:1 Isa 2:4 42:4 Joe 3:12 Rev 19:11 we have: 2Sa 14:11 1Sa 14:6 2Co 1:8,9 neither: 2Ki 6:15 our eyes: Ps 25:15 121:1,2 Ps 123:1,2 Ps 141:8 Jon 2:4 Related Passages: Psalm 25:15+ My eyes are continually toward the LORD, For He will pluck my feet out of the net. Psalm 121:1-2+ A Song of Ascents. I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. Psalms 123:1-2+ A Song of Ascents. To You I lift up my eyes, O You who are enthroned in the heavens! 2 Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, As the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, So our eyes look to the LORD our God, Until He is gracious to us. Psalms 141:8+ For my eyes are toward You, O GOD, the Lord; In You I take refuge; do not leave me defenseless. Psalm 107:27-28 They reeled and staggered like a drunken man, And were at their wits’ end. 28 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, And He brought them out of their distresses. 2 Chronicles 14:11+ Then Asa called to the LORD his God and said, “LORD, there is no one besides You to help in the battle between the powerful and those who have no strength; so help us, O LORD our God, for we trust in You, and in Your name have come against this multitude. O LORD, You are our God; let not man prevail against You.” Hebrews 12:1-2+ Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of faith, Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. POWERLESS AND UNCERTAIN, OUR EYES ARE ON YOU! “O our God, will You not judge them? Jehoshaphat is calling on the Judge of all mankind to make a righteous judgment. What is the basis for his plea? In 2Ch 20:6 he acknowledges God rules over all the kingdoms of the nations and thus has the right and the might to judge. God had made His covenant with Abraham as an everlasting covenant to give Israel the land which is now in danger of being lost to the invaders. God had said he would hear their prayers when they cried out in trouble (2Ch 6:34-35). Jehoshaphat is saying, in effect “These enemies are invading the land You gave us. You promised to hear us from this sanctuary which we prayer toward — will You not now act?” In 2Ch 20:10–11, Jehoshaphat reminds God that these specific nations (Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir) had been spared by Israel during the wilderness journey (see Dt 2:4; 5; 9; 19+). In so doing Jehoshaphat is pointing out “We showed them mercy — now they’re attacking us unjustly and without provocation.” In other words, Jehoshaphat's plea for Yahweh to judge the invading hordes is grounded in the moral imbalance of the situation of an undeserved attack from nations Israel had previously honored. In summary, in their powerlessness, Jehoshaphat is appealing to God's justice, trusting God to make wrong things right. For (term of explanation) we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” - They confessed their weakness and as so often happens, in their weakness, they set their eyes on the Lord! See the great truth of Vertical Vision that empowers horizontal living. 🙏 THOUGHT - This is a powerful principle. Humbling ourselves before Yahweh and confessing our utter weakness opens the door to experiencing His power. As Paul discovered in 2Co 12:9-10+ "And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong." Are you (am I) willing to acknowledge your (my) powerlessness so that His powerfulness might hold sway in the midst of the adversity, affliction or trial? (See Spiritual Paradoxes in the Christian Life) OUR EYES ARE YOU....to which we respond with.... AMEN (Sing this to HIm) Behold, Jehovah, seated on the throne Abba, Father, the Well that overflows The God Who was and is and shall be forevermore Holy is the Lord CHORUS: Amen, Amen Blessing and honor and glory and power amen Amen, amen Blessing and honor and glory and power amen But - What a great term of contrast! Judah powerless and confused as to what to do, this term of contrast marks the turning point between walking by sight (eyes on the great multitude) and walking by sight (eyes of their heart on their Great God!) What changes after “but”? Not the circumstances — the multitude is still there! Not the resources — they still have no strategy! What changes is their focus. The BUT marks their choice to change from despair to dependence, from confusion to clarity and from fear to faith. 🙏 THOUGHT - You are either in a trial, coming out of one, or getting ready to go into one (the Christian life!). The question is where (or where will be) your focus in the trial (affliction)? Where are your eyes? On the circumstances or on the LORD? The former will lead to anxiety, the latter to peace that passes all human understanding. And one addendum point, are you being thankful in your trial? (Php 4:6-7+) Our eyes are on You - Here Jehoshaphat is expressing the OT parallel of walking by faith and not by sight (2Co 5:7+) because clearly he could not see Yahweh (although possibly the Shekinah glory cloud was present - that's speculative as no specific text states that it was there). Here he expresses a faith like that of his father Asa Then Asa called to the LORD his God and said, “LORD, there is no one besides You to help in the battle between the powerful and those who have no strength; so help us, O LORD our God, for we trust in You, and in Your name have come against this multitude. O LORD, You are our God; let not man prevail against You.” (2Chr 14:11+). John Olley - The current situation, however, was one of injustice: the Israelites had obeyed God and not invaded the territories of Moab, Ammon, and Edom (Dt 2:1– 19; Jdg 11:15–18), but now these peoples were seeking to “drive us out,” the language again focusing on what God had said and done in the past. This prayer in an emergency is not penitential but exudes confidence in God, appealing to him to “execute judgment.” The pairings are explicit: at one level a “great horde” was facing a “powerless” people, but the prayer affirms the reality that treacherous invaders had come against a just God who “rules over all the kingdoms of the nations.” There was thus expectancy: “our eyes are on you” to see what God would do. (ESV Expository Commentary: 1 Samuel–2 Chronicles) When the trial comes keep your eyes on God not the trial
2 Crônicas 20
Morris - Both Jehoshaphat and his father Asa were good kings of Judah, men who never ceased to worship the true God. But both Asa (2 Chronicles 16:2,3) and Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 18:1) hindered God's full blessing on their lives and reigns because they compromised by joining up with pagans and apostates. The Biblical norm has always been: "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers" (2 Corinthians 6:14). Jehoshaphat’s devout life did not sanctify this venture; rather, Ahaziah’s corrupt life defiled it. J.A. Thompson: Ahaziah, king of Israel, offered help in a joint venture, which Jehoshaphat at first refused (1 Kgs 22:48-49). Yet once again Jehoshaphat was drawn into an alliance with the king of Israel. He sought a human ally and not God. There is no mention of the Lord’s help. Jehoshaphat agreed on an alliance to make ships to go to Tarshish (a fleet of trading ships). Jehoshaphat’s devout life did not sanctify this venture; rather, Ahaziah’s corrupt life defiled it. (See 1, 2 Chronicles: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition) Gleason Archer - Is there not a contradiction between 1 Kings 22 and 2 Chronicles 20, as to Jehoshaphat’s ill-fated fleet at Ezion-geber? 1 Kings 22:48 agrees with 2 Chronicles 20:35–36 that a fleet of ocean-going merchantmen (“ships of Tarshish”) was constructed at the Red Sea port of Ezion-geber, for the purpose of engaging in trade with Ophir—a trade that Solomon had found very profitable back in the previous century (1 Kings 9:28). They also agree that Ahaziah the son of Ahab, king of Israel, was somehow involved in this venture. Apparently the plan originally agreed on by both rulers (2 Chron. 20:35–36) was that this would be a joint commercial venture, with both the costs and the profits to be shared by both governments. 1 Kings 22:49 says: “Then Ahaziah the son of Ahab said to Jehoshaphat, ‘Let my servants go with your servants in the ships.’ But Jehoshaphat was not willing” (NASB). But 2 Chronicles 20:35–36 contributes the interesting information that Jehoshaphat actually was at first quite willing for Ahaziah to join with him in this undertaking, even though it was wrong for him to act in partnership with a degenerate Baal-worshiper like the son of Ahab and Jezebel. It was only under the pressure of the prophet Eliezer son of Dodavahu, who denounced the alliance as highly displeasing to God, that Jehoshaphat finally backed away from the agreement. 2 Chronicles 20:37 tells us that Eliezer predicted that Yahweh would destroy all the ships that Jehoshaphat had built, and then the Lord apparently proceeded to do so by sending a violent storm on the harbor of Ezion-geber. There is really no basic contradiction between the two accounts, even though there is perhaps a difference in emphasis. But we still cannot be quite certain whether Jehoshaphat notified Ahaziah that the deal was off at some time before the storm struck or whether it was after it had smashed up the ships. In the latter case, the only thing that Jehoshaphat could have vetoed, so far as Ahaziah was concerned, was a project to attempt a rebuilding of the ruined fleet as a joint venture for a second time. (Encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties) The Discipline of Destruction By Dr. Denis Lyle Scripture: 1 Kings 22:41–53; 2 Chronicles 20:35–37, especially 1 Kings 22:48: Jehoshaphat made merchant ships to go to Ophir for gold; but they never sailed, for the ships were wrecked at Ezion Geber. Introduction: What particular object occupies most of your thinking, planning, and energy? Chances are, we’re like most people and spend our time thinking about a house, a car, furniture, a bank account, an investment, property, land, and so on. We are creatures committed to things. Things are marvelous servants but terrible masters. Yes, often we get all wrapped up in things, and sometimes God has to employ drastic methods to teach us invaluable lessons. He dashes our hopes to the ground, using the discipline of destruction. Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, experienced this, as we will see in this study. 1. Do Not Initiate Selfish Schemes (1 Kin. 22:48). Geographically, Ophir was probably located in southwest Arabia. Evidently gold reserves in Judah were low, and Jehoshaphat decided to build ships in order to send them to Ophir for gold. By importing more gold, Jehoshaphat thought he would strengthen his position financially and economically. Perhaps he desired to restore the glory of Judah as it was in the days of Solomon (see 1 Kin. 9:26–28). Jehoshaphat was generally steadfast (see 1 Kin. 22:43, 2 Chron. 17:3–6). In this case he got sidetracked. He began building ships right away (20:36) and initiated an alliance with Ahaziah (22:40), proving his ambition was materialistic (22:48). However, God had already laid down the law that the king should not “… greatly multiply silver and gold for himself” (Deut. 17:17). What schemes have you initiated in your heart? multiplying your wealth? attaining worldly possessions or power? Wealth and possessions are not wrong, but when they become master over you, the Lord may very well destroy what you put your faith in to redirect you to Himself, the only true treasure. 2. The Message We Must Heed (2 Chron. 20:37). Eliezer was God’s “man on the spot.” What a man and what a message! Commissioned by the Lord, he came into the palace of Jehoshaphat and confronted the erring king. He was no crank or coward. Faithfully and fearlessly he delivered the divine message to Jehoshaphat. We notice that: a ruin is predicted, “… the Lord has destroyed your works.” Secondly, a reason is provided, “Because you have allied yourself with Ahaziah …” This was the son of the notorious Ahab, Ahaziah “who did evil in the sight of the Lord” (1 Kin. 22:52–53). How often we lay aside our convictions for our comfort; we trade our morality for materialism! Is the Lord speaking to you this morning? Do you hear, and will you heed the message? Do not scheme with evil men for selfish gain! 3. The Loss We Will Sustain (1 Kin. 22:48; 2 Chron. 20:37). Notice the phrase, “… the ships were wrecked, so that they were not able to go” (2 Chron. 20:37). God was disciplining his wayward servant! The ships were built; their keels were laid; their hulls were formed; the masts were placed in position; the ships were fitted out; they were manned by the men of Judah. Before they could set sail for Ophir, they were destroyed on the rocks that lay in jagged ranges on each side of the port of Ezion-Geber. God’s Word was fulfilled. What God did in the life of Jehoshaphat He has done and continues to do in the life of His children. He intervenes to break our pet schemes and our cherished intentions. He breaks them on the rocks of judgment. He permits storms to arise that wreak havoc with our selfish ambitions. 4. The Profit We Can Derive (1 Kin. 22:49). After the ships were broken at Ezion-Geber, Ahaziah approached his partner in the shipbuilding enterprise and urged Jehoshaphat to permit Ahaziah’s servants to go with Jehoshaphat’s servants in the ships. Apparently, Ahaziah wanted a new fleet built, but this one would be manned by Israelites. We read, “… Jehoshaphat would not” (1 Kin. 22:49). It seems that the king of Judah had learned his lesson. Perhaps some are here today who have been through this experience, or maybe you’re being disciplined through destruction right now. The Lord offers His mercy to you. Conclusion: Has God wrecked your ships? Broken your plans? Ruined your projects? Won’t you step down off the throne of your life? Let’s lay down our materialism and selfish ambition on the altar today and crown Jesus as our Lord, our Savior, and our treasure (Matt. 6:19–21). 2 Chronicles 20:36 So he allied himself with him to make ships to go to Tarshish, and they made the ships in Ezion-geber. So he allied himself : "At first Jehoshaphat was unwilling, 1 Ki 22:48-49." Ezion geber: 1Ki 9:26 Related Passages: 1 Kings 22:48-49+ Jehoshaphat made ships of Tarshish to go to Ophir for gold, but they did not go for the ships were broken at Ezion-geber. 49 Then Ahaziah the son of Ahab said to Jehoshaphat, “Let my servants go with your servants in the ships.” But Jehoshaphat was not willing. AN UNHOLY SHIP BUILDING VENTURE So he allied himself with him to make ships to go to Tarshish, and they made the ships in Ezion-geber - Ezion-geber is also known as Elath and was on the north end of the Gulf of Aqaba (picture). In 2Ch 8:17 it was the location of Solomon's fleet. Note that it is somewhat difficult to explain how 2Ch 20:36-37 fit with 1Ki 22:48-49. See Gleason Archer's explanation above. How often we lay aside our convictions for our comfort; we trade our morality for materialism! -- Denis Lyle 2 Chronicles 20:37 Then Eliezer the son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat saying, “Because you have allied yourself with Ahaziah, the LORD has destroyed your works.” So the ships were broken and could not go to Tarshish. Because: 2Ch 19:2 Jos 7:11,12 Pr 13:20 the LORD has destroyed your works: 2Ch 16:9 Pr 9:6 13:20 Heb 12:6 Rev 3:19 the ships: 1Ki 22:48 to Tarshish: 2Ch 9:21 A SHIPWRECKED VENTURE Then Eliezer the son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat saying, “Because you have allied yourself with Ahaziah, the LORD has destroyed your works.” - What a dramatic contrast with the prophecy of Jahaziel who prophesied victory because Jehoshaphat was obedient but now Eliezer prophesies destruction because of disobedience. In effect Yahweh "shipwrecked" this alliance and all the work they had done building the ships. Oh, the wages of sin! And don't miss the boldness of Eliezer to confront a king with a reproof! After all Jehoshaphat's father did not take kindly to Hanani's rebuke (2Ch 16:7-10+) So - Dramatic, definitive term of conclusion which would bring the unholy ship building venture to a divinely ordained shipwreck! The ships were broken and could not go to Tarshish - Wrecking the ships was a way for God to break up an unholy alliance! There is no evidence they made it out of the harbor! This verse is somewhat confusing for 1Ki 22:48 says "Jehoshaphat made ships of Tarshish to go to Ophir for gold." Here it says they "could not go to Tarshish" which was west and not toward Ophir. One writer suggests the idea is that "ships of Tarshish" was descriptive of ships that had the ability to make the longer sea journey to Tarshish (cf 2Ch 9:21). Ultimately, we cannot be dogmatic (in my opinion) about the meaning of "go to Tarshish." Frederick Mabie: Previous lucrative maritime trade from this port during the time of Solomon no doubt prompted Jehoshaphat’s ill-fated attempt to restart maritime trade from this port through yet another ill-advised alliance with an ungodly northern kingdom king. In short, this episode amounts to another example of faith compromise on the part of Jehoshaphat that reveals a heart not fully aligned with the ways of God. This prompts a prophetic rebuke from an otherwise unknown prophet (Eliezer), who announces God’s coming judgment on this upstart maritime alliance. The connection with the time of Ahaziah of Israel places this maritime project in ca. 853 or 852 BC (cf. Thiele, 98-99). (See The Expositor's Bible Commentary: 1 Chronicles-Job - Page 247) 2 Chronicles 21:1-3 gives the conclusion to reign of Jehoshaphat. Then Jehoshaphat slept with his fathers and was buried with his fathers in the city of David, and Jehoram his son became king in his place. 2 He had brothers, the sons of Jehoshaphat: Azariah, Jehiel, Zechariah, Azaryahu, Michael and Shephatiah. All these were the sons of Jehoshaphat king of Israel. 3 Their father gave them many gifts of silver, gold and precious things, with fortified cities in Judah, but he gave the kingdom to Jehoram because he was the firstborn. C H