2 Chronicles 20 14

2 Chronicles 20:14 kjv

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;

2 Chronicles 20:14 nkjv

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.

2 Chronicles 20:14 niv

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.

2 Chronicles 20:14 esv

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.

2 Chronicles 20:14 nlt

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.

2 Chronicles 20 verses

2 Chronicles 20 14 Meaning

"Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel..." This signifies a direct, unsolicited, and empowering divine intervention. God's Spirit descended upon a specific individual, Jahaziel, identifying him through his comprehensive lineage to underscore his legitimacy and connection to the Levitical family of Asaph, known for prophetic and musical service. This occurred "in the midst of the assembly," publicly confirming God's presence and providing a divine response to King Jehoshaphat's earnest prayer and the people's collective humility and seeking the Lord.

2 Chronicles 20 14 Context

Chapter 20 of 2 Chronicles details a pivotal moment for King Jehoshaphat and the nation of Judah. They are faced with a massive confederacy of armies from Moab, Ammon, and Mount Seir, an overwhelming threat that humanly seemed insurmountable. Jehoshaphat, instead of mustering his military might, immediately calls for a national fast and assembly at the temple in Jerusalem. There, he offers a profound prayer, acknowledging God's sovereignty, recalling His covenant promises, and confessing their complete helplessness. It is at this critical juncture, with the entire nation standing in earnest prayer, that the divine response, through the prophecy of Jahaziel, occurs, providing not only assurance of victory but also the specific strategy for deliverance, fundamentally altering the course of events.

2 Chronicles 20 14 Word analysis

• Then (וַיְהִי / va·ye·hi): This Hebrew connective introduces an immediate, direct consequence or a crucial turning point. It emphasizes that God's intervention through the Spirit was a direct and prompt response to Jehoshaphat's earnest prayer and the people's collective humility and seeking.
• the Spirit (רוּחַ / ruach): A rich Hebrew term. In this context, when connected with "the LORD," it unmistakably refers to the divine essence, the Holy Spirit of God. It signifies the empowering presence of God actively descending and indwelling an individual for a specific, often supernatural, task like prophecy.
• of the LORD (יְהֹוָה / YHWH): The covenant name of God, frequently translated "LORD" in English Bibles (the Tetragrammaton). Its use underscores that the Spirit's anointing originates from the sovereign, unchanging God of Israel, authenticating the message and demonstrating God's active engagement with His covenant people.
• came upon (הָיְתָה עָלָיו / hayetah alav): Literally "was upon him." This phrasing denotes a dynamic, empowering experience, an anointing where God's Spirit rests upon a person for a specific purpose, such as delivering a divine message or granting extraordinary ability. It implies God's initiation and active participation through His chosen vessel.
• Jahaziel (יַחֲזִיאֵל / Yachazi'el): A Hebrew name meaning "God sees" or "God reveals." The meaning of his name resonates with his prophetic function, as he is the one through whom God's vision and message are revealed to the assembly.
• the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah: This extensive four-generational lineage is critical for establishing Jahaziel's authenticity and authority. In ancient Israel, such detailed genealogies for a public figure confirmed his identity and established his credibility, ensuring that his message was taken seriously by the entire congregation.
• a Levite (לֵוִי / Levi): This identification places Jahaziel within the tribe specially chosen for spiritual service, including duties within the Temple. Levites, while not always priests, were often involved in roles that brought them into close proximity to the divine, including leading worship and, sometimes, prophecy.
• of the sons of Asaph (בְּנֵי אָסָף / Bnei Asaph): Asaph was a prominent Levitical chief of music and prophecy appointed by King David (1 Chr 25). The "sons of Asaph" were a well-known family line among the Levites, famed for their musical skills and, crucially, for their prophetic insights. Jahaziel's connection to this revered lineage further validated his sudden emergence as a divine mouthpiece, confirming the message's inspired origin.
• in the midst of the assembly (בְּתוֹךְ הַקָּהָל / b'toch haQahal): This phrase highlights the public and official nature of the revelation. The message was not whispered in private but declared openly to the entire congregation, leaving no room for doubt or questioning the message's legitimacy or intended recipients. It emphasized the immediacy and directness of God's response to the collective plea of His people.

2 Chronicles 20 14 Bonus section

The mention of Jahaziel's lineage connecting him to Asaph is not incidental; it strengthens his credibility. Asaph, along with Heman and Jeduthun, were musical leaders who also functioned as "seers" or prophets, and their descendants inherited some of these prophetic qualities. This suggests a pattern of divine communication flowing through designated individuals, sometimes within particular families, for specific times. The "midst of the assembly" detail not only confirms public authenticity but also demonstrates God's care to speak directly to His whole people when they are gathered in humble repentance and faith. This episode serves as an archetype of divine intervention in moments of collective helplessness and genuine reliance on God.

2 Chronicles 20 14 Commentary

2 Chronicles 20:14 presents a dramatic turning point in a national crisis, powerfully illustrating God's sovereign and responsive nature. In a moment of dire peril, after Jehoshaphat's earnest prayer and Judah's unified seeking, God does not remain silent. His "Spirit" immediately "came upon" Jahaziel, a Levite of distinguished lineage from the prophetic and musical family of Asaph, in the full sight of the gathered nation. This highlights several profound truths: God initiates the revelation; He uses human instruments, empowering them directly for specific divine purposes; He confirms the authenticity of His message through clear lineage and public declaration; and His answer comes precisely when His people have utterly depended on Him. This prophetic word from Jahaziel provided not only the divine strategy for victory but also deep assurance and comfort, setting the stage for a miraculous deliverance without human bloodshed. It serves as a timeless testament to the power of prayer and the immediate, authoritative response of the living God.