2 Crônicas 20
Bob Utley · You Can Understand the Bible
2 Crônicas 20
NJB (LXX versing) Judah Invaded Ammon, Moab and Mt. Seir Defeated The Great Victory Over Enemies of the True Faith; Jehoshaphat's Final Mistake and Consequent Punishment War Against Edom A Holy War 20:1-4 20:1-4 20:1-4 20:1-9 20:1-2 Jehoshaphat's Prayer 20:3-4 20:5-12 20:5-13 20:5-12 20:5-9 20:10-12 20:10-12 20:13 20:13-17 20:13-17 20:13-17 Jahaziel Answers the Prayer 20:14-17 20:14-19 20:18-19 20:18-19 20:18-19 20:18-19 Enemies Destroy Themselves 20:20-23 20:20-21 (21c) 20:20-23 (21c) 20:20-21 20:20-21 (21c) 20:22-23 20:22-24 20:22-23 20:24-25 20:24-30 20:24-30 20:24-30 Triumphant Return to Jerusalem 20:25-30 20:26-30 The End of Jehoshaphat's Reign The End of Jehoshaphat's Reign The End of the Reign of Jehoshaphat 20:31-33 20:31-34 20:31-33 20:31-33 20:31-34 20:34 20:34 20:34 Alliance Displeases God 20:35-37 20:35-37 20:35-21:1 20:35-21:1 20:35-21:1 Etc.
2 Crônicas 20:1-4
20:1 The MT implies there were two national groups, Moab Ammon but the second use of Ammonites does not make sense in this context. So the LXX has "Minites" (Minaioi), while the Peshitta has "the mighty men of war." The UBS Text Project, p. 465, suggests מהמעונים ‒ Meunites מהעמונים ‒ Amonites It gives option #1 "B" rating (some doubt). The "Meunites" (JPSOA footnote) were Arabian people from the city of "Ma'in." They are mentioned in 1 Chr. 4:41; 2 Chr. 26:7; Ezra 2:50; Neh. 7:52; also Josephus, Antiq. 9.1.2.). inhabitants of the Palestinian city of "Maon," southeast of En-gedi, about 15 miles somehow related to Nabateans or to Edomites (i.e., city of Meon, near Petra, "inhabitants of Mt. Seir," cf. 2 Chr. 20:10,22-23) a people mentioned in Assyrian documents from Tiglath-pileser III's time; a people group living between the northern border of Egypt and the southern border of Judah See AB, vol. 4, pp. 801-802. 20:2 NASB, NKJV, NRSV, NJB, JPSOA "the sea" TEV, REB "the Dead Sea" "the Red Sea" This seems to refer to the Dead Sea. In the OT it is called "the Salt Sea" (cf. Gen. 14:3; Num. 34:3,12; Deut. 3:17; Josh. 3:16; 12:3; 15:2,5; 18:19), also known as "the sea of the Arabah" in Deut. 3:17; Josh. 3:16; 12:3. Josephus, Antiq. 9.1.2., calls it "Lake Asphaltitus." NASB, NKJV, LXX "Syria" NRSV, TEV, NJB, REB "Edom" "Aram" The MT has "from Aram" (BDB 74). This is apparently the common "d" ‒ "r" confusion. from Aram ‒ מארם from Edom ‒ מאדם The UBS Text Project, p. 465, gives option #2 a "C" rating (considerable doubt). Edom fits "beyond the sea" better and makes the alliance regional. SPECIAL TOPIC: EDOM AND ISRAEL 20:3 "turned his attention" This is a Hebrew idiom "set his face." "to seek the Lord" This VERB (BDB 205, KB 233) is used many times in 2 Chronicles as an idiom for a person drawing near to YHWH. In the NIV it is translated inquire (seek information) ‒ from YHWH ‒ 2 Chr. 1:5; 18:4,6,7; 20:3,4; 34:21,26 from priests/Levites ‒ 2 Chr. 24:6; 31:9 seek (seek YHWH Himself) ‒ 2 Chr. 12:14; 14:4,7; 15:2,12,13; 17:4; 22:9; 26:5; 30:19; 31:21; 34:3 seek (seek help) ‒ 2 Chr. 16:12; 20:4 seek (Ba'al) ‒ 2 Chr. 17:3 (negated); 19:3; 25:15,20 A synonymous VERB (BDB 134, KB 152) appears in 2 Chr. 20:4 (twice); 7:14; 11:16; 15:4,15. Both VERBS express a human desire to know, obey, and worship the Holy One of Israel; the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; the God of the Exodus, and Conquest! "proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah" Corporate fasting was a means of spiritual preparation and a way to focus on God (i.e., 1 Sam. 7:6; Ezra 8:21; it even worked for pagans in Jonah 3:5-9; see Dictionary of Biblical Imagery, pp. 272-273). SPECIAL TOPIC: FASTING
2 Crônicas 20:5-12
20:5 "the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem" Both the LXX and Peshitta have "in Jerusalem." "the new court" I am uncertain what this means. The New Oxford Annotated Bible, p. 557, suggests it refers to a new addition to the temple in the Chronicler's day. The Jewish Study Bible, p. 1794, suggests it was a third outer court a new division within the second court (cf. 2 Chr. 4:9) Barnes' Notes, p. 398, suggests that Solomon's temple had two courts but Asa remodeled one (cf. 2 Chr. 15:8) and it was now called "the new court." 20:6 "the God of our fathers" This refers to the Patriarchs (i.e., Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob). "are You not God in the heavens" This question expects a "yes" answer. YHWH is the only true God. The term "heaven" (BDB 1029) is used in two related senses. the atmosphere above this planet the abode of Deity SPECIAL TOPIC: MONOTHEISM SPECIAL TOPIC: HEAVEN SPECIAL TOPIC: HEAVEN AND THE THIRD HEAVEN "are You not ruler over all the kingdoms of the nations" This is another rhetorical question which expects a "yes" answer. It seems to relate to Genesis 10 and Deut. 32:8 (LXX). "Power and might. . .hand" These all refer to YHWH's ability to accomplish His will on earth. There are no other gods (elohim) that can do this! 20:7 This refers to YHWH's promise to Abraham and his descendants. SPECIAL TOPIC: COVENANT PROMISES TO THE PATRIARCHS "the inhabitants of this land" This refers to the pre-conquest inhabitants of Canaan. SPECIAL TOPIC: PRE-ISRAELITE INHABITANTS OF PALESTINE "Abraham Your friend" Wow! What a powerful way to characterize Abraham (cf. Isa. 41:8; James 2:23). YHWH is not just a transcendent God but an immanent friend. This probably reflects Gen. 18:17-33 and the comment about this in Exod. 33:11. Jesus used this same phrase for His hearers ‒ Luke 12:4 His Apostles ‒ John 15:14-15 The faith is a family! Heaven is a personal fellowship more than a place! It will be a family reunion! Prayer clearly shows one's belief that YHWH is personal and available. "forever" SPECIAL TOPIC: FOREVER ('olam) 20:9 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). "(for Your Name is in this house)" The "name" stood for the person (cf. 2 Chr. 6:20). SPECIAL TOPIC: "THE NAME" OF YHWH 20:10 "Mount Seir" This is identified with Edom, which supports the emendation of "Edom" in 2 Chr. 20:2; also note vv. 22-23. "whom You did not let Israel invade when they came out of the land of Egypt" This is an allusion to Num. 20:17-21. It heightens the shock and appalling nature of this unprovoked invasion (2 Chr. 20:11). 20:12 This is an acknowledgment of Israel's dependance on YHWH. We are powerless. We do not know what to do. So we look to You (i.e., Ps. 25:15; 121:1-2).
2 Crônicas 20:13
20:13 It would be unusual for the whole family to be before the new court of the temple (2 Chr. 20:5). This illustrates the intensity of the request and need!
2 Crônicas 20:14-17
20:14 YHWH chose and empowered a spokesperson (a Levite) to encourage His people and reveal His plan for victory. Chronicles often highlights the ministry of the Levites. SPECIAL TOPIC: SPIRIT IN THE BIBLE 20:15-17 The Levite makes several emphatic statements in YHWH's name (much like Exod. 14:13-14). listen, 2 Chr. 20:15 ‒ BDB 904, KB 1151, Hiphil IMPERATIVE do not fear, 2 Chr. 20:15,17 ‒ BDB 431, KB 432, Qal IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense do not be dismayed, 2 Chr. 20:15,17 ‒ BDB 369, KB 365, Qal IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense go down against them, 2 Chr. 20:16 ‒ BDB 432, KB 434, Qal IMPERATIVE station yourselves, 2 Chr. 20:17 ‒ BDB426, KB 427, Hithpael IMPERATIVE stand, 2 Chr. 20:17 ‒ BDB 763, KB 840, Qal IMPERATIVE see, 2 Chr. 20:17 ‒ BDB 906, KB 1157, Qal IMPERATIVE go out to face them, 2 Chr. 20:17 ‒ BDB 422, KB 425, Qal IMPERATIVE YHWH's people will clearly see His deliverance (cf. Joshua 8:1; 2 Chr. 32:7).
2 Crônicas 20:20-23
20:20 The king admonishes his people to obey and trust YHWH. listen ‒ BDB 1033, KB 1570, Qal IMPERATIVE (different word from 2 Chr. 20:15) put your trust in the Lord your God ‒ BDB 52, KB 63; Hiphil IMPERATIVE (if you do) you will be established ‒ this is the same root as #2, but in the Niphal IMPERFECT form put your trust in His prophets ‒ this is the same root as #2 (if you do) you will succeed ‒ BDB 852, KB 1026, Hiphil IMPERATIVE; this VERB is used often in 2 Chronicles Abijah's message to Jeroboam I, 2 Chr. 13:12 YHWH gave Asa rest, 2 Chr. 14:6 Joash abandons YHWH and goes after the Ba'als; this disobedience causes a lack of success, 2 Chr. 24:20 used of Hezekiah in 2 Chr. 31:21 and 32:30 success is dependant on covenant obedience, cf. Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 28 SPECIAL TOPIC: BELIEVE, TRUST, FAITH, AND FAITHFULNESS (OT) 20:21 "When he had consulted with the people" This theme of shared decision-making reappears in 2 Chr. 1:2; 30:2; 32:3. It must be related to the truth of Exod. 19:5-6. Israel was a holy people. "Him in holy attire" "the beauty of holiness" "him in holy splendor" "in sacred vestments" "the One majestic in holiness" "the splendor of his holiness" "the holy things" "the excellency of his holiness" The MT has "in holy array" (BDB 214 CONSTRUCT BDB 871), which refers to YHWH Himself ‒ NKJV, NRSV, JPSOA, REB, Peshitta, cf. Ps. 96:7-9; this is supported by NIDOTTE, vol. 1, p. 1015 #3 the sacred clothing of the priest in public worship ‒ NASB, NJB the ark of the covenant and the trumpets going before the army into battle ‒ LXX the place of sacrifice/worship ‒ 1 Chr. 16:27-29 "lovingkindness" The phrase "His lovingkindness is everlasting" is a theological mantra (cf. 1 Chr. 16:34,41; 2 Chr. 5:13; 7:3,6; 20:21; Ezra 3:11; Ps. 100:5; 106:1; 107:1; 118:1; Jer. 33:11). SPECIAL TOPIC: LOVINGKINDNESS (hesed) "everlasting" YHWH is faithful; His people are not! Believers give thanks (BDB 392, KB 389, Hiphil IMPERATIVE) because of His unchanging, merciful character. SPECIAL TOPIC: FOREVER ('olam) SPECIAL TOPIC: CHARACTERISTICS OF ISRAEL'S GOD (OT) 20:22 "When they began singing and praising" Normally this was reserved until the victory but here it precedes the victory (cf. 2 Chr. 20:21). By faith YHWH's covenant people knew He would do what He promised (i.e., vv. 14-19). This is their act of faith! The priests and Levites call on Judah to trust YHWH (2 Chr. 20:20) proclaimed the covenant theology (20:21; v. 6, Jehoshaphat's faith affirmation) sang and praised YHWH for His promised victory (2 Chr. 20:20,22) "the Lord set ambushes" This is "holy war" imagery and YHWH as "the divine warrior" (i.e., Isa. 42:13; 49:24-26; 52:10; 59:16-17; also allusions in Eph. 6:14). As in the exodus, conquest, and judges periods, YHWH causes confusion within the enemy camp and often they destroy themselves (i.e., Jdgs. 7:22; 1 Sam. 14:20). C. D. Ginsburg, Introduction to the Masoretic-Critical Edition of the Hebrew Bible, suggested that "Lord" be changed to "Judah," but this is followed by no ancient version. The NET Bible, p. 689, suggests that the VERB "set ambushes" (BDB 70, KB 83, Piel PARTICIPLE) is idiomatic for "a surprise attack." 20:23 "destroying them completely" This is the Hebrew root hrm (BDB 356, KB 353), which is a common element in Holy War, where some land, city, people, thing is given to YHWH and becomes "too holy" for human use. Therefore, it must be destroyed. Sometimes this "given to" is positive (sacrificial system) or negative (destruction). a country ‒ 2 Kgs. 19:1; Isa. 11:15; 34:5; 48:28; Jer. 50:21,26; 51:3 a people (often #1 and #2 are synonymous) ‒ Josh. 6:21; 8:26; 10:28,35,37,39,40; 11:11,12,20,21; Jdgs. 21:11; 1 Chr. 4:41; Isa. 15:3,8,20; 34:2; Jer. 25:9 a city ‒ Num. 21:2,3; Deut. 2:34; 3:6; 13:15; 20:17; Josh. 6:17,18; 7:1,11,12,13,15; 10:1,28; 22:20 things given to YHWH ‒ Lev. 27:21,28,29; Num. 18:14; Deut. 13:17; Josh. 6:18 idols destroyed ‒ Deut. 7:26; 2 Chr. 32:14 SPECIAL TOPIC: CURSE NASB, NKJV, NRSV, JPSOA "they helped" TEV, LXX "they turned on each other" "set to work" "they savagely attacked" "every one helped" This VERB (BDB 740, KB 810, Qal PERFECT) normally means "to help" or "to aid." But this does not fit this context, so a second root (KB 811 II) is supposed. The same root is used in Ugaritic for a "warrior" and, therefore, may denote not "help" but "an attack" (REB).
2 Crônicas 20:24-25
20:25 "take their spoil" Usually in Holy War all the spoils belonged to YHWH, but here it was given to the Judean soldiers who watched YHWH's victory. These spoils included goods (BDB 940) garments (MT, JPSOA "corpses" (BDB 803)/"garments" comes from Vulgate [BDB 93 II], while LXX has "baggage" or "armor") corpses ‒ פגרים garments ‒ בגרים valuable things (BDB 479 CONSTRUCT BDB 326; probably weights of precious metals and gemstones, since clothes appear in #2) the UBS Text Project, p. 466, suggests that "among them" of the MT should be emended to "live stock" בהם ‒ "among them" (NASB, NKJV, JPSOA, Peshitta) בהמה ‒ beasts (BDB 96, KB 111, NRSV, TEV, NJB, REB, LXX) It gives option "b" a "C" rating (considerable doubt).
2 Crônicas 20:26-30
20:26 Often, place names were labeled because of historical events that occurred there. "until today" This shows the presence of a later editor or compiler, probably Ezra. See note at 2 Chr. 5:9. 20:28 YHWH's people worship with singing (cf. 2 Chr. 20:27; Exod. 15:1; Jdgs. 5:3; Ps. 66:2,4; 71:22-23) with musical instruments (cf. Exod. 15:20; Jdgs. 11:34; 21:21; Ps. 71:22; 98:4-6; 150:3-5) with dancing (cf. 1 Sam. 21:11; 29:5; 2 Sam. 6:14; 1 Chr. 15:29; Ps. 149:3; 150:4) The OT worship was a combination of joy and exuberance praise, 2 Chr. 20:21 singing, 2 Chr. 20:22 blessing, 2 Chr. 20:26 joy, 2 Chr. 20:27 instruments, 2 Chr. 20:28 awe and respect a called fast, 2 Chr. 20:3 prayer and affirmation, 2 Chr. 20:6-7 whole families standing in His presence, 2 Chr. 20:13 bowing to the ground, 2 Chr. 20:18 All of Israel's worship days and feasts were joyous occasions, except the Day of Atonement. SPECIAL TOPIC: THE FEASTS OF ISRAEL 20:29 "the dread of God was on all the kingdoms of the lands" This is also "holy war" terminology (i.e., Exod. 15:16; 23:27; Deut. 2:25; 11:25; Josh. 2:9). dread of YHWH ‒ 1 San. 11:7; 2 Chr. 14:14; 19:7; 20:29 dread of Elohim ‒ Ps. 36:1; Isa. 2:10,19,21 20:30 Jehoshaphat had peace and rest (cf. 2 Chr. 14:6-7; 15:15) because of YHWH's covenant commitment Judah's covenant obedience SPECIAL TOPIC: COVENANT
2 Crônicas 20:31-33
20:31-34 This is a typical summary of a king of Judah's life. Most of this information would come from prophetic writings (cf. 2 Chr. 20:34). It is surprising that the written document is called "the Book of the Kings of Israel" instead of "Judah" (cf. 1 Kgs. 22:45). Several times in 2 Chronicles "Israel" is used of Judah (i.e., 2 Chr. 11:13,16; 12:6; 21:2; 23:2). The Chronicler saw Judah as the only legitimate line of David. 20:31 This number can be verified by 2 Kgs. 3:1 and 8:16 plus a three year co-reign with his father, Asa. See Edwin R. Thiele, The Mysterious Numbers of the Hebrew Kings, pp. 35,38. SPECIAL TOPIC: KINGS OF THE DIVIDED KINGDOM 20:32 This is a surprising overstatement. Asa was not always faithful and Jehoshaphat, although the author of Chronicles uses him as an example of a godly king, also had his problems. alliance with Ahab, king of Israel (2 Chronicles 18) alliance with Ahaziah, king of Israel (cf. 2 Chr. 20:35-37); this is very different from the parallel in 1 Kgs. 22:48-49 "doing right in the sight of the Lord" NIDOTTE, vol. 2, p. 566, mentions that this is a standard phrase referring to godly kings who acted like David (i.e., 1 Kgs. 11:13,38; 14:8; 15:15), as one who kept and revered YHWH's law (cf. Deut. 6:18; 12:8,25,28; 13:18; 21:9; 1 Kgs. 11:38). Asa ‒ 1 Kgs. 15:11; 2 Chr. 14:2 Jehoshaphat ‒ 1 Kgs. 22:43; 2 Chr. 20:32 Jehu ‒ 2 Kgs. 10:30 Jehoash ‒ 2 Kgs. 12:2; 2 Chr. 24:2 Joash ‒ 2 Kgs. 14:3; 2 Chr. 24:2 Amaziah ‒ 2 Chr. 25:2 Azariah ‒ 2 Kgs. 15:3; 2 Chr. 26:4 (Uzziah) Jotham ‒ 2 Kgs. 15:34; 2 Chr. 27:2 Hezekiah ‒ 2 Kgs. 18:3; 2 Chr. 29:2; 31:20 Josiah ‒ 2 Kgs. 22:2; 2 Chr. 34:2 20:33 Several kings of Judah tried to remove/outlaw the local worship of Ba'al and Asherah, but the people of Judah would not let it happen (cf. 1 Kgs. 22:43).
2 Crônicas 20:35-37
20:35 "Ahaziah king of Israel" See the record of his reign in 1 Kgs. 22:51 ‒ 2 Kgs. 1:16. 20:36 NASB, NKJV, REB "allied" NRSV, NJB, JPSOA, Peshitta "joined" "made an alliance" "he acted and went to" The VERB (BDB 287, KB 287, Piel IMPERFECT with waw) is used of joining sacred things in the tabernacle/temple. This union is condemned either because it was an alliance with an idolatrous king because the term has idolatrous implications (BDB suggests it denotes "tie a magic knot" or "spell/charm") This is used only here in the Piel stem of an agreement between nations. "Tarshish" This is both a type of ocean going ship a far away port (literal) a far away port (of myth and legend) SPECIAL TOPIC: TARSHISH "Ezion-geber" This is also known as Elath. It was on the northern most part of the Red Sea. Earlier it was the headquarters for Solomon's fleet (cf. 2 Chr. 8:17). Since this is not the Mediterranean "Tarshish" (above), it may refer to a type of ocean going command ship. "Eliezer" This prophet is mentioned only here. What a contrast occurs in this chapter between the encouraging words of Jahaziel, the Levite, in vv. 14-19 and the discouraging words of Eliezer here. Sin has an effect on leaders and their nations! 20:37 "the Lord had destroyed your works" The method of this destruction of the finished ships is not stated. It could have been a violent storm an attack by other traders an attack by a local group The OT gives all causality to God. It was a way to express His sovereignty (i.e., Eccl. 7:14; Isa. 14:24-27; 45:7; Amos 3:6b).