2 Chronicles 20 summary meaning ai explained commentary

2 Chronicles 20 meaning explained in AI Summary

This chapter recounts a time when Jehoshaphat, a king of Judah, faced a seemingly insurmountable threat.

The Threat: A vast army composed of Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites invades Judah (verses 1-2).

Jehoshaphat's Response:

Fear: Jehoshaphat is afraid (verse 3).
Prayer: He calls upon the entire nation to fast and pray, seeking God's guidance and deliverance (verses 3-4).
Remembrance: He recounts God's past faithfulness to His people, reminding them of His power and promises (verses 5-12).

God's Answer:

Prophetic Word: Through a Levite named Jahaziel, God assures Jehoshaphat of victory without even having to fight (verses 14-17).
Instructions: God instructs them to go out to meet the enemy, but not to be afraid, for He will fight for them (verse 17).

The Battle and Victory:

Worship: Jehoshaphat and the people worship God with singing and praise (verses 18-19).
Ambush: The enemy armies turn on each other, completely destroying themselves (verses 22-23).
Plunder: Judah spends three days gathering the vast spoils of war (verse 25).
Celebration: They return to Jerusalem with joy and celebrate God's deliverance (verses 26-28).

The Aftermath:

Peace and Prosperity: Jehoshaphat's reign continues in peace and prosperity (verses 29-30).
Lessons: The chapter highlights the power of prayer, God's faithfulness to His promises, and the importance of trusting in Him, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

This chapter serves as a powerful reminder that God fights for His people and that victory comes through faith and obedience to Him.

2 Chronicles 20 bible study ai commentary

The central theme of 2 Chronicles 20 is God's deliverance of His people in response to their dependent faith, expressed through prayer and worship. It demonstrates that victory in overwhelming circumstances is secured not by human strength or strategy but by seeking God, trusting His word, and positioning oneself to see His salvation. The battle belongs to the Lord, and praise is the potent weapon of faith.

2 Chronicles 20 Context

This chapter is set during the reign of King Jehoshaphat in the Southern Kingdom of Judah (c. 872-848 BC). The author, known as the Chronicler, writes after the Babylonian exile to the returned community in Jerusalem. The historical narrative serves as a theological lesson for this post-exilic audience, encouraging them to trust in God's covenant, the Temple, and prayer when facing their own overwhelming threats, rather than relying on political alliances or military power, which they lacked. The emphasis on Levites, singers, and corporate prayer underscores the Chronicler's focus on the restored temple worship as central to the nation's life and security.

2 Chronicles 20:1-2

Some time later, the Moabites and Ammonites with some of the Meunites came to wage war against Jehoshaphat. Some people came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Dead Sea. It is already in Hazazon-tamar” (that is, En Gedi).

In-depth-analysis

"Some time later": Connects this event to the previous chapter where Jehoshaphat implemented judicial and religious reforms, suggesting this invasion is a test of that renewed national commitment to God.
Coalition of Enemies: The Moabites and Ammonites were relatives of Israel (descendants of Lot) but were perennial adversaries. Their alliance with others signifies a formidable and comprehensive threat.
"Vast army": The Hebrew hāmôn rab emphasizes the overwhelming numerical superiority of the invaders, making Judah's situation seem militarily hopeless from the start.
Hazazon-tamar (En Gedi): The enemy's location is a key detail. En Gedi is a fertile oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea, only about 35 miles southeast of Jerusalem. Their proximity signals an imminent crisis, leaving no time for conventional military preparation.

Bible references

Psa 83:3-5: "With cunning they conspire... 'Come,' they say, 'let us destroy them as a nation...'" (A prayer against a similar confederacy of nations, including Moab and Ammon).
Isa 7:2: "the heart of Ahaz and the hearts of his people were shaken, as the trees of the forest are shaken by the wind." (A contrasting example of a king responding to an invasion with fear and faithlessness).
Deut 2:9: "'Do not harass the Moabites...' because I have given Ar to the descendants of Lot as a possession." (Highlights the irony and treachery of Moab attacking Israel, to whom they were originally to be left alone).

Cross references

Gen 19:36-38 (origin of Moab and Ammon); Judg 11:4-33 (Jephthah and the Ammonites); 1 Sam 14:47 (Saul's battles against Moab and Ammon).

2 Chronicles 20:3-4

Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. The people of Judah came together to seek help from the LORD; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him.

In-depth-analysis

"Alarmed": The Hebrew word yārē' (feared) shows an honest, human reaction. His fear, however, does not lead to panic but to faith-filled action.
"Resolved to inquire": Literally, "he set his face" (nāṯan 'eṯ-pānāyw) to seek (lidrōš) the LORD. This signifies a determined, focused turning to God as the primary source of help, not as a last resort.
Proclaimed a Fast: Fasting was an outward expression of humility, repentance, and earnest desperation before God, demonstrating complete dependence.
Corporate Response: The crisis unifies the nation ("all Judah," "from every town"). The Chronicler emphasizes national unity centered on seeking God at the Temple.

Bible references

Jonah 3:5-8: "The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed... From the least to the greatest." (Example of an entire population fasting and seeking God in response to a divine warning).
Ezra 8:21: "There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast... that we might humble ourselves... and ask him for a safe journey..." (Ezra, a post-exilic leader, models the same behavior for the returning community).
Joel 2:15-16: "Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast... Gather the people, consecrate the assembly..." (Prophetic call for national repentance and prayer in the face of judgment).

Cross references

Dan 9:3 (Daniel seeks God with prayer and fasting); Est 4:16 (Esther calls for a fast); Neh 1:4 (Nehemiah's reaction of fasting and prayer).

2 Chronicles 20:5-12

Then Jehoshaphat stood up in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem at the temple of the LORD... and said: “LORD, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations... no one can withstand you... Did you not... give this land... to the descendants of Abraham your friend forever? ... If calamity comes upon us... we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear and save us... For we have no power to face this vast army... We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”

In-depth-analysis

A Model Prayer: Jehoshaphat’s prayer is a masterclass in biblical petition, structured with:
1. Adoration (v. 6): Acknowledging God's absolute sovereignty over heaven and all nations.
2. Remembrance (v. 7): Recalling God’s past covenant promises, specifically the gift of the land to "Abraham your friend."
3. Claiming God's Word (vv. 8-9): Directly quoting the principle of Solomon's dedicatory prayer for the Temple (2 Chron 6:28-30), effectively holding God to His own promise.
4. The Complaint (vv. 10-11): Stating the injustice of the situation—the very people Israel was commanded not to attack are now the aggressors.
5. The Plea & Confession (v. 12): A raw admission of total helplessness ("we have no power," "we do not know what to do") followed by a declaration of complete dependence ("our eyes are on you").
Word: "Abraham your friend" ('ōhăḇeḵā). This is one of only three places in the Bible where Abraham is explicitly called God's friend (see Isa 41:8; Jam 2:23), highlighting the intimate, covenantal relationship upon which Jehoshaphat bases his appeal.

Bible references

2 Chron 6:28-30: "When famine or plague comes... or when an enemy besieges them... whatever disaster... and they pray toward this temple, then hear from heaven..." (The very promise from Solomon's prayer that Jehoshaphat claims).
Psa 123:2: "As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master... so our eyes look to the LORD our God..." (Perfectly mirrors the sentiment "our eyes are on you").
1 Sam 17:47: "It is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s..." (David's similar confession of God's power over human strength).

Cross references

Deut 4:39 (God is God in heaven above); Isa 41:8 (Abraham My friend); Exo 33:12-16 (Moses’ appeal to God's presence and promises); Psa 25:15 (My eyes are ever on the LORD).

Polemics

Jehoshaphat’s prayer is a direct polemic against the worldview of the surrounding nations. While they trusted in their pantheon of gods for military victory, symbolized by their vast army, Jehoshaphat appeals to the one, transcendent God whose power is not limited by earthly forces. The focus on the Temple as the meeting place reinforces the Chronicler’s belief that true power flows from the presence of Yahweh in His chosen place, not from idols or armies.

2 Chronicles 20:13-17

All the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones, stood there before the LORD. Then the Spirit of the LORD came on Jahaziel... He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. ...You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you... Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.’”

In-depth-analysis

Jahaziel son of Zechariah: A Levite of the sons of Asaph, a musician. The prophetic word comes through the worship ministry, not the typical prophetic office, highlighting the Chronicler’s high view of the Levites.
"The Spirit of the LORD came on...": This phrase indicates divine inspiration and empowerment, ensuring the message is from God, not man.
"The battle is not yours, but God’s": The central theological statement of the chapter. It shifts the responsibility for victory entirely from humanity to God.
"Take up your positions; stand firm": This is not a call to passive inactivity. They are to go out, position themselves, and hold their ground. Their action is one of expectant faith, positioning themselves for a front-row seat to witness God's work. It requires courage to march toward a vast army with no intention of fighting.
"See the deliverance": This directly echoes Moses' words at the Red Sea. The victory will be a spectacle of divine power, meant to be watched.

Bible references

Exo 14:13-14: "Moses answered... 'Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today... The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.'" (The archetypal biblical example of this theme).
Zech 4:6: "'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty." (The core principle of God's work, especially relevant to the post-exilic community).
Isa 30:15: "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength..." (God’s desired response from His people, which Israel often rejected).

Cross references

Num 11:25-26 (Spirit on the elders); 1 Sam 10:10 (Spirit on Saul); Deut 31:6 (Do not be afraid or discouraged); Isa 41:10 (So do not fear, for I am with you).

2 Chronicles 20:18-21

Jehoshaphat bowed down with his face to the ground, and all the people... fell down in worship before the LORD. Then some Levites... stood up and praised the LORD... with a very loud voice. Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the LORD your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.” After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: “Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever.”

In-depth-analysis

Immediate Worship: The first response to the prophecy is not military planning but worship, demonstrating their acceptance of God's word.
Faith is an Action: Jehoshaphat’s exhortation—"Have faith... and you will be upheld (tē'āmēnû... wə-hē'āmēnû)"—is a brilliant Hebrew wordplay. It essentially says, "Believe and you will be established/confirmed." Faith is the foundation for security.
Worship as Warfare: The masterstroke of faith. Appointing singers to lead the army into battle is strategically insane but theologically profound. They are marching into conflict armed not with swords, but with praise.
"Praise him for the splendor of his holiness": They praise God for who He is, not yet for what He has done. Their praise is based on His character.
"His love endures forever": The song's chorus (ḥeseḏ, often translated lovingkindness, steadfast love, mercy) is a declaration of God's covenant faithfulness, the very foundation of their hope.

Bible references

Isa 7:9: "If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all." (The same Hebrew wordplay ('āman) as in verse 20, reinforcing the link between belief and establishment).
Psa 136:1: "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever." (This refrain is the theme of this psalm, which recounts God's acts of salvation history).
Heb 11:30: "By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the army had marched around them for seven days." (Another instance where a seemingly illogical act of obedience and ritual (shouting/marching) led to miraculous victory).

Cross references

Psa 29:2 (splendor of his holiness); Psa 20:7 (Some trust in chariots... but we trust); Psa 100:4-5 (Enter his gates with thanksgiving); 2 Cor 10:4 (weapons of our warfare).

2 Chronicles 20:22-24

As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against the men from Mount Seir to destroy and annihilate them. After they finished slaughtering the men from Seir, they helped to destroy one another. When the men of Judah came to the place that overlooks the desert and looked at the vast army, they saw only dead bodies lying on the ground; no one had escaped.

In-depth-analysis

The Trigger: "As they began to sing and praise..." The activation of God's power is explicitly linked to the moment of active, vocal faith. Praise was the catalyst for the miracle.
The Method: "the LORD set ambushes". God's direct intervention. The text suggests God sowed confusion, paranoia, and internal strife among the enemy coalition, causing them to self-destruct. They became their own worst enemy.
Total Annihilation: The victory was absolute ("no one had escaped"). God's salvation was complete, leaving no residual threat. Judah's army became mere spectators to a victory already won for them.

Bible references

Judg 7:22: "When the three hundred trumpets sounded, the LORD caused the men throughout the camp to turn on each other with their swords." (The story of Gideon, where God similarly used confusion to defeat the Midianites).
1 Sam 14:20: "Then Saul and all his men assembled and went to the battle. They found the Philistines in total confusion, striking each other with their swords." (Another example of God causing an enemy army to self-destruct).
Isa 37:36: "Then the angel of the LORD went out and put to death a hundred and eighty-five thousand in the Assyrian camp." (Another example of God achieving a massive victory for His people without them fighting).

Cross references

Ezek 38:21 (I will summon a sword against Gog... every man’s sword will be against his brother); Hag 2:22 (I will overturn the chariots... and riders, everyone by the sword of his brother).

2 Chronicles 20:25-30

So Jehoshaphat and his men went to carry off their plunder, and they found among them a great amount of equipment and clothing and also articles of value—more than they could carry away. There was so much plunder that it took three days to collect it. On the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Beracah, where they praised the LORD. This is why it is called the Valley of Beracah to this day. ...Then, led by Jehoshaphat, all the men of Judah and Jerusalem returned joyfully to Jerusalem, for the LORD had given them cause to rejoice over their enemies. They entered Jerusalem and went to the temple of the LORD with harps and lutes and trumpets. The fear of God came on all the surrounding kingdoms when they heard how the LORD had fought against the enemies of Israel. And the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side.

In-depth-analysis

Plunder: The reward for faith. They were enriched by the very threat that sought to destroy them. The three days it took to collect emphasizes the scale of the victory.
Valley of Beracah: They name the place "Beracah," which means "praise" or "blessing." The battlefield is transformed into a place of worship. This permanently memorializes God's act of salvation.
Symmetry: The story begins with a gathering for fasting and prayer and ends with a gathering for praise and blessing. The army marches out with singing and returns to the Temple with joyful music.
The Fear of God: The outcome is evangelistic. Neighboring kingdoms don't credit Judah’s army; they recognize "how the LORD had fought." God’s reputation is magnified.
Rest on Every Side: This is the ultimate outcome of trusting God, a recurring blessing for faithful kings (e.g., 2 Chron 14:7; 15:15).

Bible references

Exo 12:35-36: "The Israelites... asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold... and they plundered the Egyptians." (Receiving wealth from their oppressors as part of God's deliverance).
Rom 8:37: "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." (Not just surviving the threat, but spiritually profiting from it).
Josh 6:27: "So the LORD was with Joshua, and his fame spread throughout the land." (A common outcome of God's miraculous victories is the expansion of His reputation).

Cross references

2 Kin 7:15-16 (plunder of the Aramean camp); 2 Chron 15:15 (rest on every side); Neh 12:43 (rejoiced with great joy); Heb 2:14-15 (Christ destroyed the one who has the power of death).

2 Chronicles 20:31-37

So Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah... he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD... The high places, however, were not removed... Jehoshaphat also made peace with the king of Israel. Later, he allied himself with Ahaziah king of Israel... to build a fleet of trading ships. After these were built at Ezion Geber, Eliezer... prophesied... “Because you have allied yourself with Ahaziah, the LORD will destroy what you have made.” The ships were wrecked and were not able to set sail.

In-depth-analysis

An Imperfect King: The Chronicler provides a balanced summary. Despite the great victory of faith, Jehoshaphat was not perfect. He failed to remove all the "high places," local shrines that competed with Temple worship.
A Repeated Mistake: His greatest weakness was his tendency to form alliances with the apostate Northern Kingdom of Israel. He allied with Ahaziah just as he had with his father Ahab (Ch. 18).
Consequences: The alliance for economic gain (a shipping fleet) is rebuked by a prophet, and the enterprise fails spectacularly. God's judgment is swift and specific. This serves as a concluding warning: faith in God cannot be compartmentalized. Trusting God for military deliverance but then trusting in unholy alliances for economic prosperity is inconsistent and will not be blessed.

Bible references

1 Kin 22:48-49: "...Jehoshaphat built a fleet of trading ships to go to Ophir for gold, but they never set sail; they were wrecked at Ezion Geber." (Parallel account confirming the failed venture).
2 Cor 6:14: "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common?" (The New Testament principle forbidding alliances that compromise faith).
1 Kin 12:28-31: "Jeroboam... made two golden calves... This thing became a sin; the people came to worship... He also built shrines on high places..." (The origin of the sin of the high places and apostasy in the northern kingdom that Jehoshaphat was warned against).

Cross references

2 Chron 17:6 (earlier he had removed high places); 2 Chron 19:2 (rebuked for helping the wicked King Ahab); Psa 1:1 (Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked).

2 Chronicles Chapter 20 Analysis

Literary Structure: The chapter follows a classic crisis-to-resolution pattern: 1) Threat (vv. 1-2), 2) Faithful Response (vv. 3-13), 3) Divine Reassurance (vv. 14-19), 4) Miraculous Deliverance (vv. 20-24), 5) Joyful Result (vv. 25-30). This structure provided a clear and hopeful template for the post-exilic community.
Theology of Praise: This chapter is perhaps the clearest Old Testament narrative on praise as a spiritual weapon. The victory is won at the exact moment praise begins, demonstrating that worship realigns our focus onto God's character and power, inviting His direct intervention. It precedes the victory, it doesn't just celebrate it afterward.
A "Beracah" Principle: The transformation of a battlefield into the "Valley of Blessing" encapsulates a biblical theme. God can take the place of our greatest fear and trial and transform it into a source of our greatest blessing and testimony. What was meant for our destruction becomes the means of our enrichment (cf. Joseph in Gen 50:20).
Prophecy and Action: The people do not act until they have a word from the Lord, but once they have the word, they act decisively upon it before they see the fulfillment. Faith is hearing God's promise and acting as if it were already true.
The Post-Exilic Lesson: For the Chronicler's audience, a small community surrounded by more powerful neighbors, this story was a vital sermon. It taught them that national security and prosperity were not found in political maneuvering or military buildup but in unified, sincere worship and radical trust in Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God who fights for His people.

2 Chronicles 20 Summary

Faced with an overwhelming enemy invasion, King Jehoshaphat leads the nation of Judah in a desperate appeal to God, confessing their total helplessness. A prophet declares that the battle is God's and instructs them to march out but simply stand and watch His salvation. In a radical act of faith, Jehoshaphat places singers at the head of the army. As they begin to praise God, the enemy alliance turns on itself and is completely destroyed. Judah's army arrives to find the victory won, collecting immense plunder and renaming the site the "Valley of Blessing." The event demonstrates that victory comes not through might but through prayer, faith, and praise.

2 Chronicles 19 AI 2 Chronicles 21 AI

2 Chronicles 20 AI Image Audio and Video

2 Chronicles chapter 20 kjv

¹ It came to pass after this also, that the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon, and with them other beside the Ammonites, came against Jehoshaphat to battle.
² Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying, There cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea on this side Syria; and, behold, they be in Hazazontamar, which is Engedi.
³ And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.
⁴ And Judah gathered themselves together, to ask help of the LORD: even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD.
⁵ And Jehoshaphat stood in the congregation of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD, before the new court,
⁶ 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?
⁷ Art not thou our God, who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for ever?
⁸ And they dwelt therein, and have built thee a sanctuary therein for thy name, saying,
⁹ If, when evil cometh upon us, as the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we stand before this house, and in thy presence, (for thy name is in this house,) and cry unto thee in our affliction, then thou wilt hear and help.
¹⁰ And now, behold, the children of Ammon and Moab and mount Seir, whom thou wouldest not let Israel invade, when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned from them, and destroyed them not;
¹¹ Behold, I say, how they reward us, to come to cast us out of thy possession, which thou hast given us to inherit.
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.
¹³ And all Judah stood before the LORD, with their little ones, their wives, and their children.
¹⁴ Then upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, came the Spirit of the LORD in the midst of the congregation;
¹⁵ And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's.
¹⁶ To morrow go ye down against them: behold, they come up by the cliff of Ziz; and ye shall find them at the end of the brook, before the wilderness of Jeruel.
¹⁷ Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.
¹⁸ And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell before the LORD, worshipping the LORD.
¹⁹ And the Levites, of the children of the Kohathites, and of the children of the Korhites, stood up to praise the LORD God of Israel with a loud voice on high.
²⁰ And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.
²¹ And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever.
²² And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.
²³ For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy them: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one helped to destroy another.
²⁴ And when Judah came toward the watch tower in the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude, and, behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped.
²⁵ And when Jehoshaphat and his people came to take away the spoil of them, they found among them in abundance both riches with the dead bodies, and precious jewels, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away: and they were three days in gathering of the spoil, it was so much.
²⁶ And on the fourth day they assembled themselves in the valley of Berachah; for there they blessed the LORD: therefore the name of the same place was called, The valley of Berachah, unto this day.
²⁷ Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, and Jehoshaphat in the forefront of them, to go again to Jerusalem with joy; for the LORD had made them to rejoice over their enemies.
²⁸ And they came to Jerusalem with psalteries and harps and trumpets unto the house of the LORD.
²⁹ And the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of those countries, when they had heard that the LORD fought against the enemies of Israel.
³⁰ So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet: for his God gave him rest round about.
³¹ And Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah: he was thirty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi.
³² And he walked in the way of Asa his father, and departed not from it, doing that which was right in the sight of the LORD.
³³ Howbeit the high places were not taken away: for as yet the people had not prepared their hearts unto the God of their fathers.
³⁴ Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of Jehu the son of Hanani, who is mentioned in the book of the kings of Israel.
³⁵ And after this did Jehoshaphat king of Judah join himself with Ahaziah king of Israel, who did very wickedly:
³⁶ And he joined himself with him to make ships to go to Tarshish: and they made the ships in Eziongaber.
³⁷ Then Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, Because thou hast joined thyself with Ahaziah, the LORD hath broken thy works. And the ships were broken, that they were not able to go to Tarshish.

2 Chronicles chapter 20 nkjv

¹ It happened after this that the people of Moab with the people of Ammon, and others with them besides the Ammonites, came to battle against Jehoshaphat.
² Then some came and told Jehoshaphat, saying, "A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea, from Syria; and they are in Hazazon Tamar" (which is En Gedi).
³ And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.
⁴ So Judah gathered together to ask help from the LORD; and from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD.
⁵ Then Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD, before the new court,
⁶ and said: "O LORD God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations, and in Your hand is there not power and might, so that no one is able to withstand You?
⁷ Are You not our God, who drove out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel, and gave it to the descendants of Abraham Your friend forever?
⁸ And they dwell in it, and have built You a sanctuary in it for Your name, saying,
⁹ 'If disaster comes upon us?sword, judgment, pestilence, or famine?we will stand before this temple and in Your presence (for Your name is in this temple), and cry out to You in our affliction, and You will hear and save.'
¹⁰ And now, here are the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir?whom You would not let Israel invade when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned from them and did not destroy them?
¹¹ here they are, rewarding us by coming to throw us out of Your possession which You have given us to inherit.
¹² O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You."
¹³ Now all Judah, with their little ones, their wives, and their children, stood before the LORD.
¹⁴ Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, in the midst of the assembly.
¹⁵ And he said, "Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the LORD to you: 'Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's.
¹⁶ Tomorrow go down against them. They will surely come up by the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the brook before the Wilderness of Jeruel.
¹⁷ You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the LORD, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!' Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the LORD is with you."
¹⁸ And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem bowed before the LORD, worshiping the LORD.
¹⁹ Then the Levites of the children of the Kohathites and of the children of the Korahites stood up to praise the LORD God of Israel with voices loud and high.
²⁰ So they rose early in the morning and went out into the Wilderness of Tekoa; and as they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, "Hear me, O Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem: Believe in the LORD your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper."
²¹ And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who should sing to the LORD, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying: "Praise the LORD, For His mercy endures forever."
²² Now when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated.
²³ For the people of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir to utterly kill and destroy them. And when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another.
²⁴ So when Judah came to a place overlooking the wilderness, they looked toward the multitude; and there were their dead bodies, fallen on the earth. No one had escaped.
²⁵ When Jehoshaphat and his people came to take away their spoil, they found among them an abundance of valuables on the dead bodies, and precious jewelry, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away; and they were three days gathering the spoil because there was so much.
²⁶ And on the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Berachah, for there they blessed the LORD; therefore the name of that place was called The Valley of Berachah until this day.
²⁷ Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, with Jehoshaphat in front of them, to go back to Jerusalem with joy, for the LORD had made them rejoice over their enemies.
²⁸ So they came to Jerusalem, with stringed instruments and harps and trumpets, to the house of the LORD.
²⁹ And the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of those countries when they heard that the LORD had fought against the enemies of Israel.
³⁰ Then the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet, for his God gave him rest all around.
³¹ So Jehoshaphat was king over Judah. He was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned twenty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi.
³² And he walked in the way of his father Asa, and did not turn aside from it, doing what was right in the sight of the LORD.
³³ Nevertheless the high places were not taken away, for as yet the people had not directed their hearts to the God of their fathers.
³⁴ Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, first and last, indeed they are written in the book of Jehu the son of Hanani, which is mentioned in the book of the kings of Israel.
³⁵ After this Jehoshaphat king of Judah allied himself with Ahaziah king of Israel, who acted very wickedly.
³⁶ And he allied himself with him to make ships to go to Tarshish, and they made the ships in Ezion Geber.
³⁷ But Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, "Because you have allied yourself with Ahaziah, the LORD has destroyed your works." Then the ships were wrecked, so that they were not able to go to Tarshish.

2 Chronicles chapter 20 niv

¹ After this, the Moabites and Ammonites with some of the Meunites came to wage war against Jehoshaphat.
² Some people came and told Jehoshaphat, "A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Dead Sea. It is already in Hazezon Tamar" (that is, En Gedi).
³ Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.
⁴ The people of Judah came together to seek help from the LORD; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him.
⁵ Then Jehoshaphat stood up in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem at the temple of the LORD in the front of the new courtyard
⁶ and said: "LORD, the God of our ancestors, 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.
⁷ Our God, did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend?
⁸ They have lived in it and have built in it a sanctuary for your Name, saying,
⁹ 'If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.'
¹⁰ "But now here are men from Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir, whose territory you would not allow Israel to invade when they came from Egypt; so they turned away from them and did not destroy them.
¹¹ See how they are repaying us by coming to drive us out of the possession you gave us as an inheritance.
¹² 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 on you."
¹³ All the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones, stood there before the LORD.
¹⁴ Then the Spirit of the LORD came on Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite and descendant of Asaph, as he stood in the assembly.
¹⁵ He said: "Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's.
¹⁶ Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel.
¹⁷ You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.'?"
¹⁸ Jehoshaphat bowed down with his face to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the LORD.
¹⁹ Then some Levites from the Kohathites and Korahites stood up and praised the LORD, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice.
²⁰ Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, "Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the LORD your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful."
²¹ After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: "Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever."
²² As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.
²³ The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against the men from Mount Seir to destroy and annihilate them. After they finished slaughtering the men from Seir, they helped to destroy one another.
²⁴ When the men of Judah came to the place that overlooks the desert and looked toward the vast army, they saw only dead bodies lying on the ground; no one had escaped.
²⁵ So Jehoshaphat and his men went to carry off their plunder, and they found among them a great amount of equipment and clothing and also articles of value?more than they could take away. There was so much plunder that it took three days to collect it.
²⁶ On the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Berakah, where they praised the LORD. This is why it is called the Valley of Berakah to this day.
²⁷ Then, led by Jehoshaphat, all the men of Judah and Jerusalem returned joyfully to Jerusalem, for the LORD had given them cause to rejoice over their enemies.
²⁸ They entered Jerusalem and went to the temple of the LORD with harps and lyres and trumpets.
²⁹ The fear of God came on all the surrounding kingdoms when they heard how the LORD had fought against the enemies of Israel.
³⁰ And the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side.
³¹ So Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah. He was thirty-five years old when he became king of Judah, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-five years. His mother's name was Azubah daughter of Shilhi.
³² He followed the ways of his father Asa and did not stray from them; he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD.
³³ The high places, however, were not removed, and the people still had not set their hearts on the God of their ancestors.
³⁴ The other events of Jehoshaphat's reign, from beginning to end, are written in the annals of Jehu son of Hanani, which are recorded in the book of the kings of Israel.
³⁵ Later, Jehoshaphat king of Judah made an alliance with Ahaziah king of Israel, whose ways were wicked.
³⁶ He agreed with him to construct a fleet of trading ships. After these were built at Ezion Geber,
³⁷ Eliezer son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, "Because you have made an alliance with Ahaziah, the LORD will destroy what you have made." The ships were wrecked and were not able to set sail to trade.

2 Chronicles chapter 20 esv

¹ After this the Moabites and Ammonites, and with them some of the Meunites, came against Jehoshaphat for battle.
² Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, "A great multitude is coming against you from Edom, from beyond the sea; and, behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar" (that is, Engedi).
³ Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.
⁴ And Judah assembled to seek help from the LORD; from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD.
⁵ And Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD, before the new court,
⁶ and said, "O LORD, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you.
⁷ Did you not, our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel, and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend?
⁸ And they have lived in it and have built for you in it a sanctuary for your name, saying,
⁹ 'If disaster comes upon us, the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this house and before you ? for your name is in this house ? and cry out to you in our affliction, and you will hear and save.'
¹⁰ And now behold, the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir, whom you would not let Israel invade when they came from the land of Egypt, and whom they avoided and did not destroy ?
¹¹ behold, they reward us by coming to drive us out of your possession, which you have given us to inherit.
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."
¹³ Meanwhile all Judah stood before the LORD, with their little ones, their wives, and their children.
¹⁴ And the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, in the midst of the assembly.
¹⁵ And he said, "Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the LORD to you, 'Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's.
¹⁶ Tomorrow go down against them. Behold, they will come up by the ascent of Ziz. You will find them at the end of the valley, east of the wilderness of Jeruel.
¹⁷ You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.' Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the LORD will be with you."
¹⁸ Then Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the LORD, worshiping the LORD.
¹⁹ And the Levites, of the Kohathites and the Korahites, stood up to praise the LORD, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice.
²⁰ And they rose early in the morning and went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. And when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, "Hear me, Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be established; believe his prophets, and you will succeed."
²¹ And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the LORD and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, "Give thanks to the LORD, for his steadfast love endures forever."
²² And when they began to sing and praise, the LORD set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed.
²³ For the men of Ammon and Moab rose against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, devoting them to destruction, and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, they all helped to destroy one another.
²⁴ When Judah came to the watchtower of the wilderness, they looked toward the horde, and behold, there were dead bodies lying on the ground; none had escaped.
²⁵ When Jehoshaphat and his people came to take their spoil, they found among them, in great numbers, goods, clothing, and precious things, which they took for themselves until they could carry no more. They were three days in taking the spoil, it was so much.
²⁶ On the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Beracah, for there they blessed the LORD. Therefore the name of that place has been called the Valley of Beracah to this day.
²⁷ Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, and Jehoshaphat at their head, returning to Jerusalem with joy, for the LORD had made them rejoice over their enemies.
²⁸ They came to Jerusalem with harps and lyres and trumpets, to the house of the LORD.
²⁹ And the fear of God came on all the kingdoms of the countries when they heard that the LORD had fought against the enemies of Israel.
³⁰ So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet, for his God gave him rest all around.
³¹ Thus Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah. He was thirty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi.
³² He walked in the way of Asa his father and did not turn aside from it, doing what was right in the sight of the LORD.
³³ The high places, however, were not taken away; the people had not yet set their hearts upon the God of their fathers.
³⁴ Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, from first to last, are written in the chronicles of Jehu the son of Hanani, which are recorded in the Book of the Kings of Israel.
³⁵ After this Jehoshaphat king of Judah joined with Ahaziah king of Israel, who acted wickedly.
³⁶ He joined him in building ships to go to Tarshish, and they built the ships in Ezion-geber.
³⁷ Then Eliezer the son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, "Because you have joined with Ahaziah, the LORD will destroy what you have made." And the ships were wrecked and were not able to go to Tarshish.

2 Chronicles chapter 20 nlt

¹ After this, the armies of the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites declared war on Jehoshaphat.
² Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat, "A vast army from Edom is marching against you from beyond the Dead Sea. They are already at Hazazon-tamar." (This was another name for En-gedi.)
³ Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and begged the LORD for guidance. He also ordered everyone in Judah to begin fasting.
⁴ So people from all the towns of Judah came to Jerusalem to seek the LORD's help.
⁵ Jehoshaphat stood before the community of Judah and Jerusalem in front of the new courtyard at the Temple of the LORD.
⁶ He prayed, "O LORD, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you!
⁷ O our God, did you not drive out those who lived in this land when your people Israel arrived? And did you not give this land forever to the descendants of your friend Abraham?
⁸ Your people settled here and built this Temple to honor your name.
⁹ 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.'
¹⁰ "And now see what the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir are doing. You would not let our ancestors invade those nations when Israel left Egypt, so they went around them and did not destroy them.
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.
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."
¹³ As all the men of Judah stood before the LORD with their little ones, wives, and children,
¹⁴ the Spirit of the LORD came upon one of the men standing there. His name was Jahaziel son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite who was a descendant of Asaph.
¹⁵ He said, "Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid! Don't be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God's.
¹⁶ Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel.
¹⁷ But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the LORD's victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you!"
¹⁸ Then King Jehoshaphat bowed low with his face to the ground. And all the people of Judah and Jerusalem did the same, worshiping the LORD.
¹⁹ Then the Levites from the clans of Kohath and Korah stood to praise the LORD, the God of Israel, with a very loud shout.
²⁰ Early the next morning the army of Judah went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. On the way Jehoshaphat stopped and said, "Listen to me, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in his prophets, and you will succeed."
²¹ After consulting the people, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the LORD and praising him for his holy splendor. This is what they sang: "Give thanks to the LORD;
his faithful love endures forever!"
²² At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the LORD caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves.
²³ The armies of Moab and Ammon turned against their allies from Mount Seir and killed every one of them. After they had destroyed the army of Seir, they began attacking each other.
²⁴ So when the army of Judah arrived at the lookout point in the wilderness, all they saw were dead bodies lying on the ground as far as they could see. Not a single one of the enemy had escaped.
²⁵ King Jehoshaphat and his men went out to gather the plunder. They found vast amounts of equipment, clothing, and other valuables ? more than they could carry. There was so much plunder that it took them three days just to collect it all!
²⁶ On the fourth day they gathered in the Valley of Blessing, which got its name that day because the people praised and thanked the LORD there. It is still called the Valley of Blessing today.
²⁷ Then all the men returned to Jerusalem, with Jehoshaphat leading them, overjoyed that the LORD had given them victory over their enemies.
²⁸ They marched into Jerusalem to the music of harps, lyres, and trumpets, and they proceeded to the Temple of the LORD.
²⁹ When all the surrounding kingdoms heard that the LORD himself had fought against the enemies of Israel, the fear of God came over them.
³⁰ So Jehoshaphat's kingdom was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side.
³¹ So Jehoshaphat ruled over the land of Judah. He was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-five years. His mother was Azubah, the daughter of Shilhi.
³² Jehoshaphat was a good king, following the ways of his father, Asa. He did what was pleasing in the LORD's sight.
³³ During his reign, however, he failed to remove all the pagan shrines, and the people never fully committed themselves to follow the God of their ancestors.
³⁴ The rest of the events of Jehoshaphat's reign, from beginning to end, are recorded in The Record of Jehu Son of Hanani, which is included in The Book of the Kings of Israel.
³⁵ Some time later King Jehoshaphat of Judah made an alliance with King Ahaziah of Israel, who was very wicked.
³⁶ Together they built a fleet of trading ships at the port of Ezion-geber.
³⁷ Then Eliezer son of Dodavahu from Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat. He said, "Because you have allied yourself with King Ahaziah, the LORD will destroy your work." So the ships met with disaster and never put out to sea.