2 Chronicles 20 19

2 Chronicles 20:19 kjv

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.

2 Chronicles 20:19 nkjv

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.

2 Chronicles 20:19 niv

Then some Levites from the Kohathites and Korahites stood up and praised the LORD, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice.

2 Chronicles 20:19 esv

And the Levites, of the Kohathites and the Korahites, stood up to praise the LORD, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice.

2 Chronicles 20:19 nlt

Then the Levites from the clans of Kohath and Korah stood to praise the LORD, the God of Israel, with a very loud shout.

2 Chronicles 20 verses

2 Chronicles 20 19 Meaning

2 Chronicles 20:19 describes the immediate and resounding response of the Levitical singers from the clans of Kohath and Korah. They rose to their feet and loudly proclaimed praise to the Lord, the God of Israel, with great intensity and elevated voice. This act of corporate worship demonstrated their profound faith and anticipation of God's promised deliverance, even before the victory materialized.

2 Chronicles 20 19 Context

Verse 19 immediately follows a prophetic declaration from Jahaziel, a Levite, who, by the Spirit of the Lord, assured King Jehoshaphat and all Judah that they would not need to fight the immense invading army. Instead, they were instructed to simply "stand firm" and witness God's deliverance (2 Chr 20:17). In response to this astonishing prophecy, King Jehoshaphat and the entire assembly bowed down in worship before the Lord (2 Chr 20:18). Verse 19 specifically highlights the Levitical singers, responsible for leading worship, escalating this posture of humility and faith into powerful, vocal praise. This occurs before the battle is fought, underscoring a deep, anticipatory faith in God's word. The broader chapter context demonstrates King Jehoshaphat's humble reliance on Yahweh in the face of an overwhelming national crisis, contrasting reliance on human strategy or military might with a radical trust in divine intervention, which is manifested through prayer and worship.

2 Chronicles 20 19 Word analysis

• And the Levites (וְהַלְוִיִּם, wəhallaḇîyīm): Refers to the descendants of Levi, consecrated for Temple service. Their specific inclusion underscores the ordered, formal, and Spirit-inspired nature of this corporate worship, emphasizing that their designated role included leading the people in praise, especially in momentous occasions.
• of the children of the Kohathites (מִבְּנֵי הַקְּהָתִים, mibbənê haqqəhāṯîm): One of the three main families descended from Levi through Kohath. Originally, they were responsible for transporting sacred Tabernacle items. By the time of Jehoshaphat, their lineage included skilled Temple musicians and singers. Their presence highlights the specific fulfillment of their calling in leading sacred song.
• and of the children of the Korhites (וּמִבְּנֵי הַקָּרְחִים, ûmibbənê haqqārəḥîm): A branch of the Kohathites, specifically mentioned here. Their ancestors, notably Korah, led a significant rebellion against Moses and Aaron. However, God preserved and blessed descendants of Korah who later became prominent Temple doorkeepers and celebrated psalmists (e.g., Ps 42, 44-49, 84, 85). Their prominent role in this moment of intense faith-praise symbolizes divine restoration, forgiveness, and continued faithfulness in service to God despite past failures within their lineage.
• stood up (וַיָּקֻמוּ, wayyāqūmū): From the Hebrew verb qum, meaning "to rise," "to stand up." This posture is active, purposeful, and denotes respect, readiness for service, and a stance of intercession or worship. It signifies moving from a posture of humility (bowing in v.18) to an active, confident declaration of praise. It’s a deliberate physical manifestation of their spiritual resolve.
• to praise (לְהַלֵּל, ləhallēl): The infinitive form of halal, the root of "hallelujah." It means to celebrate, to boast in, to make a show of, to shine. This isn't mere passive reverence but enthusiastic, exuberant, and demonstrative adoration. It is an expression of deep joy, appreciation, and acclamation for God's character and His works, in anticipation of the victory.
• the Lord God of Israel (לַיהוָה אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, laYahweh ʾĕlōhê yiśrāʾēl): This is a powerful, covenantal title. "Yahweh" (the Lord, translated often as "LORD" in all caps) emphasizes His self-existence, His personal covenant relationship with Israel, and His unchanging faithfulness. "God of Israel" further stresses His unique and powerful identity as the one true God who watches over, fights for, and saves His chosen people, distinct from all other national deities.
• with a loud voice (בְּקוֹל גָּדוֹל, bəqôl gāḏôl): Literally, "in a great voice." This indicates the volume and intensity of their praise. It wasn't whispered but openly proclaimed, powerful enough to be heard by the entire assembly. It denotes the unity, conviction, and emotional fervor behind their worship, expressing a collective heart bursting with faith and trust.
• on high (לְמַעְלָה, ləma‘lāh): Literally "upwards" or "loftily." This refers to the direction and elevated nature of their praise, directed toward God in heaven. It can also imply a high pitch or extreme volume, symbolizing the transcendence and majesty of the One being praised. It points to a profound elevation of worship.

Words-group analysis:

• "The Levites, of the children of the Kohathites, and of the children of the Korhites": This specific detailing underscores the formal, divinely appointed, and ordered nature of the worship. It emphasizes that this praise was led by those consecrated to the task, including descendants of Korah who showed redemption in their devoted service. This precision highlights the significant role of the Temple ministry.
• "stood up to praise": This phrase signifies an active, conscious, and public commitment to worship. It's not passive, but a deliberate change in posture, from prostration to an energetic stance, signaling profound faith translating into action, confidently anticipating God's intervention.
• "the Lord God of Israel": This full and solemn divine title focuses the praise specifically on Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God who is uniquely Israel's defender. It implicitly contrasts His power with the seemingly overwhelming human enemies and with false gods, asserting His supreme sovereignty and capacity to deliver.
• "with a loud voice on high": This collective phrase conveys the exuberant, earnest, and intense nature of their worship. It reflects an unreserved outpouring of their faith, publicly and powerfully directed heavenward, filling the atmosphere with conviction rather than fear.

2 Chronicles 20 19 Bonus section

• The specificity of the Levite families, especially the Korhites (descendants of Korah, who rebelled), highlights themes of redemption and restoration. Despite a scandalous past, God graciously uses subsequent generations of the family in prominent, anointed service, demonstrating His covenant faithfulness and grace.
• This scene beautifully illustrates how spiritual leadership in worship can empower an entire community. The Levites' proactive praise served as a catalyst for the faith of all Judah, transitioning them from a posture of fear to one of hopeful expectation.
• The placement of this verse is critical. It is before any military engagement. This reinforces the theological message of Chronicles: Judah's strength and victory depend not on military might but on sincere worship and trust in God's covenant promises. True victory is God's, accessed through His people's faith and worship.

2 Chronicles 20 19 Commentary

2 Chronicles 20:19 offers a profound glimpse into faith's active response to a divine promise. Following Jahaziel's prophecy, the entire nation worshiped in humility (v.18), but this verse zooms in on the Levites, especially the musicians from the Kohathite and Korhite families, highlighting their unique and leading role. Their decision to "stand up" and "praise" was not a casual act but a decisive, public declaration of trust in Yahweh. This intense, loud praise directed "on high" for the "Lord God of Israel" was a manifestation of anticipatory faith – glorifying God for a victory not yet seen.

This Levite-led worship was crucial for several reasons: it demonstrated collective trust, provided spiritual leadership, and strengthened the resolve of the entire assembly before an impending battle. The intensity of their worship with "a loud voice" indicates not only profound belief but also an act of spiritual warfare, where praise replaces panic. Their worship essentially affirmed God's truthfulness and omnipotence, setting the spiritual atmosphere for the miraculous deliverance that was to follow, underscoring that God's power is released through the faith-filled response of His people.

• Practical usage: When facing circumstances beyond human control, we are called not only to pray for deliverance but also to actively praise God for the victory and resolution, trusting His word even when the outcome is unseen. This posture shifts our focus from the problem to God's unfailing ability, just as the Levites did. It’s faith-in-action.