2 Chronicles 20 20

2 Chronicles 20:20 kjv

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.

2 Chronicles 20:20 nkjv

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."

2 Chronicles 20:20 niv

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."

2 Chronicles 20:20 esv

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."

2 Chronicles 20:20 nlt

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."

2 Chronicles 20 verses

2 Chronicles 20 20 Meaning

2 Chronicles 20:20 is a profound exhortation delivered by King Jehoshaphat to the people of Judah before a massive battle. It reveals the fundamental principles of divine security and success: establishment is found by believing in the LORD God Himself, and prosperity is granted through trusting in His prophets who convey His word. This verse underscores that true stability and success do not come from human might or strategies alone, but from unwavering faith and obedience to God's revealed will.

2 Chronicles 20 20 Context

Chapter 20 of 2 Chronicles details the national crisis faced by King Jehoshaphat and Judah. They are confronted by an overwhelming alliance of Ammonites, Moabites, and others from Mount Seir, vastly outnumbering their forces. In response, Jehoshaphat proclaimed a national fast and sought the LORD in the temple, leading the people in prayer (2 Chr 20:3-12). The spirit of the LORD then came upon Jahaziel, a Levite, who delivered a prophetic word assuring Judah that the battle was not theirs but God's (2 Chr 20:14-17). This divine assurance shifts the focus from human strategy to divine intervention. Verse 20 captures Jehoshaphat's subsequent leadership: a courageous act of faith where he commands the people to believe in God and His prophetic word before they engage in battle, while they are on their way to face the enemy in the wilderness of Tekoa. Historically, the kingdom of Judah relied heavily on covenant promises with Yahweh; their stability was always contingent upon their faithfulness. This event occurred during Jehoshaphat's reign (c. 870–845 BC), a period largely characterized by his efforts to restore the worship of Yahweh and implement righteous governance. This passage sets a clear polemic against any reliance on military might, human wisdom, or idolatrous practices, firmly placing ultimate power and salvation in God's hands alone.

2 Chronicles 20 20 Word analysis

• And they rose early in the morning: Signifies immediate obedience and eager anticipation. It points to a prompt and resolute action based on faith, not procrastination or doubt. This contrasts with waiting until the last moment, demonstrating active reliance on God's word.
• and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: This geographical detail is significant. Tekoa was a desolate, challenging area, a wilderness, a place often associated with testing or a place for direct encounter with God. It was strategically located on Judah's southern border, where they would intercept the invading forces. Facing the enemy in such a harsh, vulnerable landscape underscores the magnitude of their faith – going out weaponless, only with faith, to face an overwhelming army.
• and as they went forth: Emphasizes that this crucial moment of instruction happened during their act of obedience and movement towards the enemy, reinforcing the idea of "faith in action."
• Jehoshaphat stood: A posture of authority and earnestness, signifying a solemn address. Standing demonstrates readiness and conviction, reflecting the weight of his declaration.
• and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem: A direct, unified address to the whole nation, including those residing in the capital and beyond. It highlights the collective responsibility and necessity of national belief and obedience to God. "Hear" (שמע - shema) implies not just auditory reception but heed and obedience, deeply significant in Old Testament commands.
• Believe in the LORD your God: This is the foundational command. "Believe" is from the Hebrew root ʾāman (אמן), which means to be firm, steady, trustworthy, established, or to have faith and trust. It implies reliance, stability, and enduring faithfulness. "LORD" (Yahweh) emphasizes God's covenant name, signifying His unchanging, personal, and redemptive nature. "Your God" stresses the intimate and exclusive relationship Israel has with Yahweh.
• so shall ye be established: The direct consequence of believing in the LORD. "Established" is from the Hebrew kun (כּוּן), meaning to be firm, secure, endure, set right, or prepare. This speaks to spiritual and national security, stability, permanence, and internal strength in the face of external threats. It's an internal steadfastness that leads to external stability. This contrasts sharply with nations that rely on unstable political alliances or shifting human power.
• believe his prophets: This second, equally crucial command builds upon the first. It's not enough to believe in God in a general sense; one must also believe in His revealed word spoken through His chosen messengers. "His prophets" (נְבִיאִים - neviʾim) refers to those authorized by God to speak His truth and declare His will. It underlines that God mediates His specific guidance and instructions through human agents. This underscores the authority and necessity of God's Word delivered through proper channels.
• so shall ye prosper: The consequence of believing His prophets. "Prosper" is from the Hebrew tsālakh (צָלַח), meaning to advance, succeed, make good speed, be profitable. This signifies practical success, military victory, flourishing, and achieving desired outcomes in their endeavors, as God leads. It's a comprehensive well-being that includes material and strategic victory, contrasting with defeat or failure.
• Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.: This chiastic-like structure (A-B-A'-B') presents a layered, escalating challenge: foundational belief in God for internal stability, followed by active belief in His specific instructions (through prophets) for external success. The order emphasizes that stability in character and nation (being established) must precede or enable outward victory and success (prosperity). Without a firm foundation in God, external prosperity may not endure or be truly meaningful. It teaches a principle of discerning and applying God's revealed will to secure victory in specific situations, while the broader trust in God provides overall stability.

2 Chronicles 20 20 Bonus section

This verse implies an active and visible display of faith, not a passive one. The fact that Judah went forth before the battle was won demonstrates radical obedience. The command to "believe his prophets" is vital because it establishes a critical chain of divine authority: God speaks, the prophets convey, and the people obey. This echoes the warning in Jeremiah 23 against false prophets who offered comfort without demanding obedience, and highlights the authenticity of the prophetic word from Jahaziel (2 Chr 20:14-17) that Jehoshaphat affirms. The dual promise of "establishment" and "prosperity" encompasses both internal security and external success, teaching that foundational faith and practical obedience are intertwined. Furthermore, this narrative illustrates that divine prosperity is often found not through traditional means of strength but through unexpected pathways of faith, prayer, and worship, as seen in the subsequent chapter when the choir leads the army.

2 Chronicles 20 20 Commentary

King Jehoshaphat’s powerful declaration in 2 Chronicles 20:20 serves as a timeless biblical principle: unwavering faith in God leads to divine establishment, while diligent adherence to His revealed word through His appointed messengers brings about true prosperity. Faced with an insurmountable foe, Jehoshaphat redirects the people’s focus from their dire circumstances to God's sovereignty and faithfulness. This isn't mere intellectual assent but a proactive trust that undergirds national security and individual well-being. The twofold command — believing in the LORD (His person, power, and promises) for inner and national stability, and believing His prophets (His specific instructions and guidance) for external success and victory — reveals God's structured way of operating with humanity. The establishment derived from trusting God provides an enduring foundation, while the prosperity stemming from obedience to His word manifests in tangible breakthroughs, even against overwhelming odds, as proven in the subsequent verses of 2 Chronicles 20 where God brings victory without human effort.

Practical usage:

• When facing a seemingly impossible situation, actively put your trust in God's character for inner peace and stability (be established).
• For specific guidance or breakthroughs, diligently seek and obey God's Word and His Spirit's direction through His true messengers, leading to practical success (prosper).