2 Chronicles 20 6

2 Chronicles 20:6 kjv

And said, O LORD God of our fathers, art not thou God in heaven? and rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in thine hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee?

2 Chronicles 20:6 nkjv

and said: "O LORD God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations, and in Your hand is there not power and might, so that no one is able to withstand You?

2 Chronicles 20:6 niv

and said: "LORD, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you.

2 Chronicles 20:6 esv

and said, "O LORD, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you.

2 Chronicles 20:6 nlt

He prayed, "O LORD, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you!

2 Chronicles 20 verses

2 Chronicles 20 6 Meaning

2 Chronicles 20:6 encapsulates a profound theological declaration by King Jehoshaphat, initiating his prayer during a time of national crisis. It serves as an emphatic affirmation of God's transcendent and immanent sovereignty, declaring Him as the sole ruler over the heavens and all earthly kingdoms. This verse establishes the fundamental premise of God's absolute power and control, asserting that His might is irresistible and incomparable, laying the groundwork for the ensuing petition for divine intervention. It highlights the divine attributes of omnipotence and universal dominion, emphasizing God's uniqueness and supremacy over all creation and human affairs.

2 Chronicles 20 6 Context

King Jehoshaphat of Judah found himself in a desperate situation. Multiple enemy nations—the Moabites, Ammonites, and some Meunites (or people of Mount Seir)—had formed a formidable coalition army, far outnumbering Judah's forces, and were advancing towards Jerusalem (2 Chron 20:1-2). Jehoshaphat was filled with fear, but his immediate response, outlined in verse 3, was to set himself to seek the LORD and proclaim a fast throughout Judah. This act gathered the people of Judah in Jerusalem, specifically at the Temple, to seek divine help (2 Chron 20:4-5).Verse 6 is the opening declaration of Jehoshaphat's public prayer from the Temple courts, establishing the character and power of the God to whom he appeals. It precedes any specific request, grounding the plea in God's irrefutable supremacy and His covenantal relationship with Israel. The historical context reinforces that this was a crisis threatening the very existence of Judah, underscoring the sincerity and urgency of Jehoshaphat's appeal to God's ultimate sovereignty.

2 Chronicles 20 6 Word analysis

• And he said: Refers to King Jehoshaphat, emphasizing his personal initiative and public leadership in prayer. This was not a private thought but an audible, fervent declaration before the gathered assembly at the Temple, underscoring its instructional and inspirational role for the people.
• O Lord: Translates the Hebrew word YHWH (the personal, covenant name of God) or Adonai (Lord, Master). Here, the Hebrew text specifically uses יְהֹוָה (YHWH), highlighting God's self-revelation, covenant faithfulness, and enduring presence. Jehoshaphat appeals to God by His sacred name, acknowledging His unique identity and relational bond with His people.
• God of our fathers: (אֱלֹהֵי אֲבֹתֵינוּ, Elohei Avoteinu). This phrase is a powerful appeal to God's historical faithfulness and His covenant relationship with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (the "fathers"). It grounds the present appeal in a rich theological heritage, reminding God of His past promises and interventions on behalf of Israel. It serves as a reminder of God's character and His ongoing commitment to His people across generations, asserting His unwavering nature.
• Are You not God in heaven?: (הֲלֹא־אַתָּה־הוּא אֱלֹהִים בַּשָּׁמַיִם, halo ata-hu Elohim bashamayim). A rhetorical question serving as an emphatic affirmation. "Elohim" signifies God as the powerful Creator. "In heaven" signifies God's transcendence, His supreme dwelling place, and His cosmic authority. It asserts His elevation above all earthly powers and His oversight of all creation. This highlights His majestic distance from human limitations, yet implies His omnipresent awareness.
• and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations?: (וּבְיָדְךָ כֹּחַ וּגְבוּרָה, uveyadeka koach ugevurah). Another rhetorical question affirming God's active, immanent sovereignty over earthly politics and national destinies. "Kingdoms of the nations" encompasses every human government and empire, asserting God's universal dominion. It contrasts God's ultimate rule with the limited power of human rulers and military might, which are ultimately subject to His will.
• In Your hand: (וּבְיָדְךָ, uveyadeka). Signifies direct control, authority, and ability. It implies God's personal agency in managing all things.
• are power and might: (כֹּחַ וּגְבוּרָה, koach ugevurah).
  • Power (כֹּחַ, koach): Refers to inherent strength, vigor, and capacity to act.
  • Might (גְּבוּרָה, gevurah): Refers to victorious strength, overwhelming force, and effective strength that achieves purpose, often associated with divine warrior imagery.These terms emphasize God's absolute omnipotence, an inexhaustible capacity for action. They form the basis for confidence in God's ability to deliver.
• and no one can stand against You: (וְאֵין עִמְּךָ לְהִתְיַצֵּב, ve'ein immeka lehityatzetz). This phrase underscores the irresistible nature of God's power. It asserts His unchallengeable authority and sovereignty. No opposition, human or spiritual, can thwart His plans or overcome His will. This statement directly addresses Jehoshaphat's present fear, highlighting that despite the enemy's numbers, they are powerless against God.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "O Lord, God of our fathers": This opening sets a deeply relational and historical tone for the prayer. It acknowledges God's personal identity (YHWH), His authority (God), and His covenant faithfulness demonstrated through generations ("of our fathers"). This immediately taps into the wellspring of Israelite theology—the God who remembers His promises and acts on behalf of His people.
• "Are You not God in heaven? and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations?": These two rhetorical questions collectively establish God's dual aspect: His transcendence (being in heaven) and His immanence (actively ruling over earthly kingdoms). This combination portrays God not as a distant, abstract deity, but as the supreme authority who governs the affairs of men and nations from His exalted throne. This phrasing serves as a polemic against polytheistic beliefs or the idea that any national deity could rival Judah's God, underscoring Yahweh's unique and universal sovereignty.
• "In Your hand are power and might, and no one can stand against You": This clause serves as a powerful declaration of God's absolute omnipotence. The presence of "power" and "might" in His hand indicates direct control and overwhelming strength, making any resistance utterly futile. It signifies not just potential ability, but actual, decisive capability, assuring Jehoshaphat and the people that their desperate situation is no match for their God. This absolute assertion provides the theological underpinning for the faith needed to overcome such a crisis.

2 Chronicles 20 6 Bonus section

The structure of Jehoshaphat's prayer in 2 Chronicles 20, beginning with this verse, provides a model for engaging God in crisis. It prioritizes the acknowledgment of God's character and sovereignty before presenting the problem or asking for specific intervention. This theological grounding helps the supplicant align their perspective with God's limitless power. This verse's emphasis on God's universal rule serves to distinguish the God of Israel from regional deities, presenting Yahweh as the one true, all-encompassing sovereign. The very public nature of this prayer, offered in the Temple courts before all Judah, indicates its intent not just to petition God but also to instruct and strengthen the faith of the assembled community during a terrifying period.

2 Chronicles 20 6 Commentary

2 Chronicles 20:6 forms the foundational theological confession of King Jehoshaphat's pivotal prayer. Before making any requests, he articulates a clear and robust understanding of who God is. This verse portrays God as utterly sovereign: residing transcendentally in heaven, yet actively governing every earthly nation and ruler. His dominion is absolute, and His power, both inherent (koach) and manifest (gevurah), is without parallel. No opposing force can withstand Him. This confession serves not just as a declaration but also as an act of faith and remembrance—recalling God's historical fidelity to Israel's ancestors and His cosmic authority. It shifts the focus from the overwhelming enemy threat to the invincible nature of the Almighty, thereby building confidence and courage for the supplicants. It highlights a vital principle for prayer: establishing who God is precedes asking what God can do, reminding the one praying of the divine capacity to act in accordance with His sovereign nature.