2 Chronicles 20 28

2 Chronicles 20:28 kjv

And they came to Jerusalem with psalteries and harps and trumpets unto the house of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 20:28 nkjv

So they came to Jerusalem, with stringed instruments and harps and trumpets, to the house of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 20:28 niv

They entered Jerusalem and went to the temple of the LORD with harps and lyres and trumpets.

2 Chronicles 20:28 esv

They came to Jerusalem with harps and lyres and trumpets, to the house of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 20:28 nlt

They marched into Jerusalem to the music of harps, lyres, and trumpets, and they proceeded to the Temple of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 20 verses

2 Chronicles 20 28 Meaning

Then they returned to Jerusalem, with Jehoshaphat at their head, rejoicing, for the LORD had made them rejoice over their enemies. This verse concludes the miraculous narrative of God's deliverance of Judah under King Jehoshaphat. It highlights the joyous return of the people to the capital, led by their faithful king, recognizing that their profound gladness stemmed entirely from the LORD's direct intervention in granting them victory over their enemies. Their rejoicing was a divinely bestowed outcome, not merely a natural emotion.

2 Chronicles 20 28 Context

h22 Chronicles chapter 20 describes King Jehoshaphat facing an immense confederacy of enemy armies (Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites). Overwhelmed, Jehoshaphat proclaims a fast and prays publicly in the Temple, expressing Judah's utter helplessness and appealing to God's past promises and power. In response, the Spirit of the LORD comes upon Jahaziel, who prophesies that the battle is not theirs but God's and instructs them to go out without fighting, as the LORD would fight for them. Jehoshaphat and all Judah believe, worshipping the LORD. The next morning, they march out, not with weapons, but with singers praising the LORD. As they begin to sing, the LORD sets ambushes against the enemies, causing them to destroy one another. Judah arrives at the watchtower, only to find all their enemies dead, allowing them to gather vast spoil for three days. Verse 28 describes their return journey, filled with divinely granted joy, as they make their way back to Jerusalem from the Valley of Beracah (Blessing), acknowledging the LORD as the sole cause of their triumphant relief. Historically, this account served to affirm God's covenant faithfulness and power to the post-exilic community, encouraging trust in Him alone against all threats.

2 Chronicles 20 28 Word analysis

h2

• Then they returned: Indicates the culmination of the events following the miraculous victory and the collection of spoils. The return is deliberate and unified.
• to Jerusalem: The capital city, center of religious and political life in Judah. This was their starting point for prayer and where their covenant with the LORD was most deeply rooted, making it fitting for the joyful conclusion of their journey.
• with Jehoshaphat: The king is present and leads. This signifies good, faithful leadership and its fruits. His presence at their head reaffirms his role as the anointed leader through whom God worked, just as he had led them in prayer and faith (2 Chr 20:3-5).
• at their head: Literally, "before them." This emphasizes his leading role, not just geographically, but as a spiritual example and guide. His faith and actions led them to this victory.
• rejoicing (שִׂמְחָה, simcha): This is not merely happiness but a deep, pervasive joy, often linked to divine deliverance and celebration. It indicates a public, outward expression of elation and gratitude. The type of joy here is often commanded or results from specific acts of God, as seen throughout the Psalms.
• for the LORD: (יְהוָה, YHVH): The covenant name of God, emphasizing His personal involvement, faithfulness to His promises, and supreme authority. This direct attribution to YHVH highlights the unique nature of their God's intervention.
• had made them rejoice (שִׂמְּחָם, simm'cham): This verb is in the Piel (causative) form, meaning "He caused them to rejoice." This is a critical point: their joy was not spontaneous or a simple human reaction, but a divine bestowal, an act of God. The victory itself, being utterly God's doing, brought about this deep, supernatural joy. This implicitly challenges pagan beliefs where joy might come from human military success or the capricious favor of deities; here, it is Yahweh's deliberate act.
• over their enemies (עַל־אֹיְבֵיהֶם, al oyveihem): Clearly identifies the source of their past distress and the specific target of God's deliverance. The joy is explicitly tied to triumph over those who threatened their existence and God's people. This serves as a polemic against reliance on human might to overcome formidable foes; God alone delivered them.

2 Chronicles 20 28 Bonus section

h2

• The Valley of Beracah: Though not explicitly named in this verse, the journey of returning to Jerusalem follows their three-day spoil collection in the "Valley of Beracah" (which means "Valley of Blessing"). This adds another layer to their rejoicing, as the place where God brought them immense victory was consecrated by their blessings and thanksgiving.
• Significance for later generations: For the post-exilic community who read or heard 2 Chronicles, this account was immensely encouraging. They too faced formidable external threats and internal despair. Jehoshaphat's experience reminded them that the same God who delivered Judah supernaturally could deliver them, provided they humbled themselves, sought Him, and trusted His word.
• The absence of human effort: The narrative deliberately highlights the complete lack of human military engagement. This amplified the fact that the battle was entirely God's. Their "rejoicing" was pure and unadulterated by any sense of personal achievement or contribution, making God's glory shine brighter.

2 Chronicles 20 28 Commentary

h22 Chronicles 20:28 culminates the powerful narrative of God's dramatic intervention on behalf of Judah. The return to Jerusalem is not a retreat, but a victorious procession, saturated with an extraordinary "rejoicing." The crucial point is the source of this joy: "for the LORD had made them rejoice." This eliminates any possibility of human pride or self-congratulation. It's a divine joy, born directly from a divinely wrought victory, serving as a testimony to God's sovereign power and faithfulness. This collective gladness serves as an object lesson for generations: when faced with insurmountable odds, faith in God's promises leads to supernatural deliverance and a profound, God-given joy that overcomes fear and despair. Practically, this verse teaches that true, lasting joy often flows from acknowledging God's hand in our deliverances and blessings, encouraging a posture of worship and gratitude. For instance, just as Jehoshaphat led Judah in worship before the battle and in thanksgiving after, believers are called to trust God completely in challenges and celebrate His interventions with Him as the focal point.