2 Chronicles 20 1

2 Chronicles 20:1 kjv

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 Chronicles 20:1 nkjv

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 Chronicles 20:1 niv

After this, the Moabites and Ammonites with some of the Meunites came to wage war against Jehoshaphat.

2 Chronicles 20:1 esv

After this the Moabites and Ammonites, and with them some of the Meunites, came against Jehoshaphat for battle.

2 Chronicles 20:1 nlt

After this, the armies of the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites declared war on Jehoshaphat.

2 Chronicles 20 verses

2 Chronicles 20 1 Meaning

This verse sets the stage for a significant invasion against the kingdom of Judah during the reign of King Jehoshaphat. It notes that "after this" period of reform and spiritual strengthening, a formidable alliance of Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites suddenly launched a full-scale war. This unprovoked aggression represented a dire threat to Judah's peace and existence, necessitating an immediate and profound response from Jehoshaphat and the nation.

2 Chronicles 20 1 Context

Chapter 20 of 2 Chronicles opens abruptly with a major crisis for King Jehoshaphat and the kingdom of Judah. This severe military threat follows immediately after Jehoshaphat had invested significant effort into strengthening his kingdom through a series of internal reforms (2 Chr 17-19). He fortified cities, amassed wealth, and critically, reinstituted the teaching of the Law of the Lord throughout Judah (2 Chr 17:7-9) and established a sound judiciary system (2 Chr 19:4-11), ensuring justice and piety in the land. The phrase "after this" in 20:1 is therefore significant, indicating that spiritual obedience and faithful leadership do not preclude challenges, but rather can sometimes precede opportunities for God to demonstrate His power. The alliance of Moab, Ammon, and the Meunites represented an ancient and potent adversary for Israel, descending from Lot and frequently engaging in hostilities with the Abrahamic lineage, posing a formidable and seemingly insurmountable threat to Judah.

2 Chronicles 20 1 Word analysis

• It happened after this:
  • Significance: Links the unprovoked invasion directly to Jehoshaphat's recent period of profound religious and judicial reforms (2 Chr 19), which brought order and spiritual renewal to Judah. This temporal connection suggests that blessings and obedience, while beneficial, do not exempt one from trials; often, significant tests follow periods of spiritual growth or renewed commitment, providing a platform for God to display His faithfulness.
• that the people of Moab and the people of Ammon:
  • Original Language: Hebrew: Mo'av (מוֹאָב) and Ammon (עַמּוֹן).
  • Meaning: Two neighboring kingdoms located east of the Dead Sea and Jordan River, traditionally hostile towards Israel. They are descendants of Lot (Gen 19:30-38), establishing a kin-relationship to Israel but also a history of antagonism (e.g., denying passage, hiring Balaam, oppressing judges).
  • Significance: These are not random aggressors but historic enemies of God's people. Their combined force implies a strong and intentional coalition formed to overthrow Judah.
• with some of the Meunites:
  • Original Language: Hebrew: Me'unim (הַמְּעוּנִים) or Maonites.
  • Meaning: A desert-dwelling tribe, often associated with the Edomites or the regions of Mount Seir in the southern Transjordan (cf. 2 Chr 26:7).
  • Significance: Their inclusion indicates a wider alliance of forces from the southern and eastern borders, signifying a larger, multi-ethnic, and therefore even more overwhelming attacking multitude, designed to depict the sheer magnitude of the threat.
• came to make war:
  • Original Language: Hebrew: la'asot milchamah (לַעֲשׂוֹת מִלְחָמָה) – literally, "to do war" or "to make war".
  • Meaning: An aggressive and deliberate act of hostility. It indicates not a skirmish or border dispute, but a full-scale invasion aimed at conquering Judah.
  • Significance: This phrase clearly defines the hostile intent. The invasion was a premeditated and coordinated assault on the very sovereignty and existence of the kingdom of Judah.
• against Jehoshaphat:
  • Original Language: Hebrew: 'al Yehoshaphat (עַל־יְהוֹשָׁפָט).
  • Meaning: The reigning king of Judah. His name means "Yahweh has judged" or "Yahweh has judged right/well."
  • Significance: The attack is primarily directed at the leader, symbolizing a challenge to God's chosen king and, by extension, God's protection over His people and the Davidic line. It tests the king's faith and leadership in a crisis.

2 Chronicles 20 1 Bonus section

• The Chronicler's specific mention of "Meunites" (הַמְּעוּנִים) instead of possibly just generalizing them as Ammonites or other regional peoples, may indicate an emphasis on the distinct geographical reach of the hostile coalition, signifying that enemies were converging from different directions. Some textual variants actually read "Ammonites" instead of "Meunites" in some ancient versions, reflecting a scribal awareness of the unusual nature of this specific group being listed alongside Moab and Ammon. However, the Hebrew Masoretic Text points to Meunites.
• The surprise element of this invasion, "It happened after this," without any prior provocation, amplifies the divine message. It's not a consequence of Judah's sin, but an unexpected trial meant to reveal God's unfailing ability to defend His chosen king and nation, thereby strengthening their dependence on Him alone.

2 Chronicles 20 1 Commentary

2 Chronicles 20:1 launches the narrative into a dramatic moment of crisis for King Jehoshaphat, placing Judah under direct and immense military threat from a coalition of ancient enemies: the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites. The precise timing, "after this," underscores that even faithful kings and obedient nations are not immune to adversity; in fact, times of spiritual vibrancy can often become platforms for tests of faith. The Chronicler highlights the specific nations involved, reminding the audience of their deep-seated animosity toward God's people, portraying them not just as a physical threat but also as an embodiment of opposition to the divine order. This initial verse establishes the overwhelming nature of the human challenge, thereby setting the indispensable stage for the divine intervention that will powerfully unfold throughout the remainder of the chapter. The vulnerability presented here lays the groundwork for God to display His power and solidify His people's trust in His sovereignty and miraculous deliverance, even when confronted with humanly insurmountable odds.