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Bob Utley · Citado em PreceptAustin
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Utley summarizes the prophetic statements by the Spirit empowered Levite - The Levite makes several emphatic statements in YHWH's name (much like Exod. 14:13-14). listen, 2 Chr. 20:15 ‒ BDB 904, KB 1151, Hiphil IMPERATIVE do not fear, 2 Chr. 20:15,17 ‒ BDB 431, KB 432, Qal IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense do not be dismayed, 2 Chr. 20:15,17 ‒ BDB 369, KB 365, Qal IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense go down against them, 2 Chr. 20:16 ‒ BDB 432, KB 434, Qal IMPERATIVE station yourselves, 2 Chr. 20:17 ‒ BDB426, KB 427, Hithpael IMPERATIVE stand, 2 Chr. 20:17 ‒ BDB 763, KB 840, Qal IMPERATIVE see, 2 Chr. 20:17 ‒ BDB 906, KB 1157, Qal IMPERATIVE go out to face them, 2 Chr. 20:17 ‒ BDB 422, KB 425, Qal IMPERATIVE YHWH's people will clearly see His deliverance (cf. Joshua 8:1; 2 Chr. 32:7). Our God, Our Help in Ages Past by Isaac Watts Our God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come, Our shelter from the stormy blast, And our eternal home. Under the shadow of Thy throne Thy saints have dwelt secure; Sufficient is Thine arm alone, And our defense is sure. Our God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come, Be Thou our guard while troubles last, And our eternal home. Not a Private Fight - Selwyn
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Utley - The king admonishes his people to obey and trust YHWH. (1) listen ‒ Qal IMPERATIVE (different word from 2 Chr. 20:15), (2) put your trust in the Lord your God ‒ Hiphil IMPERATIVE, (3) (if you do) you will be established ‒ this is the same root as #2, but in the Niphal IMPERFECT form, (4) put your trust in His prophets ‒ this is the same root as #2, (5) (if you do) you will succeed ‒ Hiphil IMPERATIVE; this VERB is used often in 2 Chronicles (a) Abijah's message to Jeroboam I, 2 Chr. 13:12, (b) YHWH gave Asa rest, 2 Chr. 14:6, (c) Joash abandons YHWH and goes after the Ba'als; this disobedience causes a lack of success, 2 Chr. 24:20, (d)used of Hezekiah in 2 Chr. 31:21 and 2Ch 32:30, (e) success is dependant on covenant obedience, cf. Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 28 (if you do) you will succeed ‒ BDB 852, KB 1026, Hiphil IMPERATIVE; this VERB is used often in 2 Chronicles Abijah's message to Jeroboam I, 2 Chr. 13:12 YHWH gave Asa rest, 2 Chr. 14:6 Joash abandons YHWH and goes after the Ba'als; this disobedience causes a lack of success, 2 Chr. 24:20 used of Hezekiah in 2 Chr. 31:21 and 32:30 success is dependant on covenant obedience, cf. Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 28 Raymond Dillard: The modern historian may be tempted “to poke fun at Jehoshaphat in Chronicles for sending out the temple choir to meet an invading army; it is still funnier when the choir puts the foe to flight and causes great slaughter with a few well-directed psalms” (W. Stinespring, JBL 80 [1961] 209). Though the role of the musicians may be enlarged or enhanced in the eyes of a modern historian, one must not forget the role of music in warfare ancient and modern; armies through the millennia have gone into battle to musical cadence. Particularly within Israel’s tradition of holy war music has been assigned an important function (13:11–12; Josh 6:4–20; Judg 7:18–20; Job 39:24–25); music accompanies the appearance of the divine warrior to execute judgment (Ps 47; 96; 98). Yahweh marches at the head of the armies of heaven and Israel (Deut 33:2–5, 26–29; Josh 5:13–15; Judg 5; Ps 68:8–13; 2 Kgs 6:15–19; 7:6; Isa 13:1–13; 4:9–12]; Hab 3); his appearance on the Day of Yahweh is marked by a trumpet blast (Exod 19:16, 19; Isa 18:3; 27:13; Amos 2; 2; Zeph 1:14–16; Zech 9:14; Matt 24:31; 1 Cor 15:52; Rev 8–9; 10:7; 11:15).(BORROW 2 Chronicles) August Konkel: It is not normally good military strategy to meet a mighty foe with a choir, yet this is the appropriate method of divine warfare. In this case the prophets were the Levitical musicians, such as Jahaziel; musical praise for the battle march was itself prophetic. Through the millennia music has had a vital role in warfare, but in the context of divine warfare, it was a declaration that God was at the head of the army. As at Jericho, the battle belonged to the Lord; the task of the human army was simply to stand still and wait for the outcome of the battle. The battle cry was replaced by a chorale. The Lord set ambushes against the enemy. The Chronicler is saying that the heavenly army confused the enemy armies so they turned on each other in the rough terrain. The army of Jehoshaphat returned to the temple, confirming the answer to prayer; they ended where they began. (Multipart Video Series on 1-2 Chronicles) Ron Daniel - 20:20 Where Is Your Trust? The next day, they started to head out. But as they did, King Jehoshaphat told everyone, "Put your trust in the LORD your God and you will be established. Put your trust in His prophets and succeed." Why did he do this? I believe it is because it was the next day. Yesterday had been a dynamic worship service, and God had spoken. But we have a tendency to wake up and doubt the spiritual nature of yesterday. - God speaks powerfully on Sunday, but on Monday, we begin to doubt whether it was the Lord. - On a Thursday night, we gather the courage to do what is right because we've been taught the Word of God. But somehow on Friday morning, we've lost that edge. Jehoshaphat reminds the people, "Trust God, and trust his prophets. We're going to win this." Before the Face of God - The question often arises when reading the books of Chronicles, Why are these stories told twice in Scripture? We already read about David, Solomon, and the other kings in the books of Samuel and Kings. It is helpful to know the purpose of the writer of the Chronicles. Many do not realize that these books were written long after Samuel and Kings—in fact, after the exile. They are the last two books in the Hebrew Bible, concluding the third division of literature known as “the writings.” Although telling the same stories, the writer’s perspective differed radically from that found in the earlier historical books. This writer looked with the eye of a historian on the events of the reigns of Israel’s and Judah’s sinful kings and the godless national decline. As the historical account unfolded, the writer knew that in the end Israel had fallen into the depths of degradation. But he also knew that wasn’t the end of God’s work, for even then his nation was finally regrouping after returning from a generation of exile in another land. The writer wanted his people to realize that their heritage was important. Although they no longer had a king and there was no visible reason for national pride, theirs was a wondrous national heritage. The people were still connected, both by a physical and a spiritual lineage, to everlasting promises made by Yahweh the Great King. Further, continuing faith in Yahweh could yet make all the difference. In fact, the difference in perspective could be summarized by saying that, if the books of Kings teach that sin leads to defeat and ultimate downfall, Chronicles teaches that faith can lead to recovery and new victories. For several reasons tradition has held that Ezra was the writer of Chronicles, not the least being the close similarity between the ending of Chronicles (2 Chron. 36:22–23) and the beginning of Ezra (1:1–3). The long genealogies he recorded were intended to show the bridge that connected the former times with the latter times. The consistent positive outlook on God’s continuing promises was meant to encourage people to maintain hope for the messianic fulfillment which was finally and fully met in Jesus of Nazareth hundreds of years later. Coram Deo In the same way as at the writing of the Chronicles, it is important for us to look both back in time (remembering the connection we have with our spiritual forerunners) and forward (continuing to look for the ultimate messianic fulfillment promised to us by that same Jesus). Think of your own heritage, where you came from both spiritually and naturally. Thank God for his past faithfulness. What kind of legacy are you leaving for those coming after you? Kay Arthur - 2 Chronicles 20:20 - Trust God - Though King Jehoshaphat was afraid and didn’t know what specific action to take against the coming army, he knew where to look. And it’s the same place you, Beloved, can look today. (BORROW Powerful moments with God) Matthew Henry Notes: Verses: 2Ch 20:20-30 We have here the foregoing prayer answered and the foregoing promise performed, in the total overthrow of the enemies' forces and the triumph (for so it was rather than a victory) of Jehoshaphat's forces over them. I. Never was army drawn out to the field of battle as Jehoshaphat's was. He had soldiers ready prepared for war (2Ch 17:18), but here is no notice taken of their military equipment, their swords or spears, their shields or bows. But Jehoshaphat took care, 1. That faith should be their armour. As they went forth, instead of calling them to handle their arms, and stand to them, to keep ranks, observe orders, and fight valiantly, he bade them believe in the Lord God and give credit to his word in the mouth of his prophets, and assured them that they should prosper and be established, 2Ch 20:20. That is true courage which faith inspires a man with; nor will any thing contribute more to the establishing of the heart in shaking times than a firm belief of the power, and mercy, and promise of God. The heart is fixed that thus trusteth in the Lord, and is kept in perfect peace. In our spiritual conflicts, this is the victory, this is the prosperity, even our faith. 2. That praise and thanksgiving should be their vanguard, 2Ch 20:21. Jehoshaphat called a council of war, and it was resolved to appoint singers to go out before the army, to charge in the front, who had nothing else to do but to praise God, to praise his holiness, which is his beauty, to praise him as they did in the temple (that beauty of holiness) with that ancient and good doxology which eternity itself will not wear thread-bare, Praise the Lord; for his mercy endureth for ever. By this strange advance towards the field of battle, Jehoshaphat intended to express his firm reliance upon the word of God (which enabled him to triumph before the battle), to animate his own soldiers, to confound the enemy, and to engage God on their side; for praise pleases God better than all burnt offering and sacrifice. II. Never was army so unaccountably destroyed as that of the enemy; not by thunder, or hail, or the sword of an angel, not by dint of sword, or strength of arm, or any surprising alarm, like that which Gideon gave the Midianites; but the Lord set ambushments against them, either hosts of angels, or, as bishop Patrick thinks, their own ambushments, whom God struck with such confusion that they fell upon their own friends as if they had been enemies, and every one helped to destroy another, so that none escaped. This God did when his people began to sing and to praise (2Ch 20:22), for he delights to furnish those with matter for praise that have hearts for it. We read of his being angry at the prayers of his people (Ps. 80:4), but never at their praises. When they did but begin the work of praise God perfected the work of their deliverance. What ground there was for their jealousies one of another does not appear, perhaps there was none; but so it was that the Ammonites and the Moabites fell foul upon the Edomites and cut them off, and then they fell out with one another and cut one another off, 2Ch 20:23. Thus God often makes wicked people instruments of destruction to one another; and what alliances can be so firm as to keep those together whom God designs to dash in pieces one against another? See the mischievous consequences of divisions which neither of the contending parties can give any good account of the reason of. Those are wretchedly infatuated, to their ruin, that fall foul upon their friends as if they were enemies. III. Never was spoil so cheerfully divided, for Jehoshaphat's army had nothing to do besides; the rest was done for them. When they came to the view of this vast army, instead of finding living men to fight with, they found them all dead men, and their carcases spread as dung upon the face of the earth, 2Ch 20:24. See how rich God is in mercy to those that call upon him in truth, and how often he out-does him in truth, and how often he out-does the prayers and expectations of his people. Jehoshaphat and his people prayed to be delivered from being spoiled by the enemy; and God not only delivered them, but enriched them with the spoil of the enemy. The plunder of the field was very great and very rich. They found precious jewels with the dead bodies, which yet could not save them from being loathsome carcases. The spoil was more than they could carry away at once, and they were three days in gathering it, 2Ch 20:25. Now it appeared what was God's end in bringing this great army against Judah; it was to humble them and prove them, that he might do them good in their latter end. It seemed at first a disturbance to their reformation, but it proved a recompence of it. IV. Never was victory celebrated with more solemn and enlarged thanksgivings. 1. They kept a day of praise in the camp, before they drew their forces out of the field. Many thanksgivings, no doubt, were offered up to God immediately; but on the fourth day they assembled in a valley, where they blessed God with so much zeal and fervency that that day's work gave a name to the place, the valley of Berachah, that is, of blessing, v. 26. The remembrance of this work of wonder was hereby perpetuated, for the encouragement of succeeding generations to trust in God. 2. Yet they did not think this enough, but came in solemn procession, all in a body, and Jehoshaphat at the head of them, to Jerusalem, that the country, as they passed along, might join with them in their praises, and that they might give thanks for the mercy where they had by prayer obtained it, in the house of the Lord, 2Ch 20:27, 28. Praising God must not be the work of a day only; but our praises, when we have received mercy, must be often repeated, as our prayers were when we were in the pursuit of it. Every day we must bless God; as long as we live, and while we have any being, we must praise him, spending our time in that work in which we hope to spend our eternity. Public mercies call for public acknowledgments in the courts of the Lord's house, Ps. 116:19. V. Never did victory turn to a better account than this; for, 1. Jehoshaphat's kingdom was hereby made to look very great and considerable abroad, 2Ch 20:29. When they heard that God fought thus for Israel, they could not but say, There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun, and Happy art thou, O Israel! It begat in the neighbours a reverence of God and a cautious fear of doing any injury to his people. It is dangerous fighting against those who have God with them. 2. It was made very easy and quiet at home, 2Ch 20:30. (1.) They were quiet among themselves. Those that were displeased at the destroying of the images and groves were now satisfied, and obliged to own that since the God of Israel could deliver after this sort he only is to be worshipped, in that way only which he himself has appointed. (2.) They were quiet from the fear of insults from their neighbours, God having given them rest round about. And, if he give rest, who can give disturbance? Alexander
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Utley - This theme of shared decision-making reappears in 2 Chr. 1:2; 30:2; 32:3. It must be related to the truth of Exod. 19:5-6. Israel was a holy people. The phrase "His lovingkindness is everlasting" is a theological mantra (cf. 1 Chr. 16:34,41; 2 Chr. 5:13; 7:3,6; 20:21; Ezra 3:11; Ps. 100:5; 106:1; 107:1; 118:1; Jer. 33:11).
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Utley - "to seek the Lord" This VERB (BDB 205, KB 233) is used many times in 2 Chronicles as an idiom for a person drawing near to YHWH. In the NIV it is translated inquire (seek information) ‒ from YHWH ‒ 2 Chr. 1:5; 18:4,6,7; 20:3,4; 34:21,26 from priests/Levites ‒ 2 Chr. 24:6; 31:9 seek (seek YHWH Himself) ‒ 2 Chr. 12:14; 14:4,7; 15:2,12,13; 17:4; 22:9; 26:5; 30:19; 31:21; 34:3 seek (seek help) ‒ 2 Chr. 16:12; 20:4 seek (Ba'al) ‒ 2 Chr. 17:3 (negated); 19:3; 25:15,20 A synonymous VERB (BDB 134, KB 152) appears in 2 Chr. 20:4 (twice); 7:14; 11:16; 15:4,15. Both VERBS express a human desire to know, obey, and worship the Holy One of Israel; the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; the God of the Exodus, and Conquest! We can expect God to do great things when His people, and especially the leaders of His people, seek the Him. David
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Utley points out that "It would be unusual for the whole family to be before the new court of the temple (2 Chr. 20:5). This illustrates the intensity of the request and need!
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Utley - "When they began singing and praising" Normally this was reserved until the victory but here it precedes the victory (cf. 2 Chr. 20:21). By faith YHWH's covenant people knew He would do what He promised (i.e., vv. 14-19). This is their act of faith! The priests and Levites (1) call on Judah to trust YHWH (2 Chr. 20:20), (2) proclaimed the covenant theology (20:21; v. 6, Jehoshaphat's faith affirmation), (3) sang and praised YHWH for His promised victory (2 Chr. 20:20,22) "the Lord set ambushes" This is "holy war" imagery and YHWH as "the divine warrior" (i.e., Isa. 42:13; 49:24-26; 52:10; 59:16-17; also allusions in Eph. 6:14). As in the exodus, conquest, and judges periods, YHWH causes confusion within the enemy camp and often they destroy themselves (i.e., Jdg 7:22; 1Sa 14:20). Jack Hayford - Victory in Praise July 3 - BORROW Living the spirit filled life Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come out against Judah; and they were defeated. 2 Chronicles 20:22 Here is a great lesson on the power of praise. Judah was confronted by mortal enemies, Moab and Ammon. The people sought God in prayer and with faith in His Word (2 Chr. 20:1–14). Then came the prophet’s word: “Do not be afraid… for the battle is not yours, but God’s” (v. 15). The victory came in a strange but powerful manner. The Levites stood and praised “the Lord God of Israel with voices loud and high” (v. 19). Then some of them were appointed to precede the army as they headed into the battle and, as they went, they were to sing to the Lord and praise Him in the beauty of holiness. The result of this powerful praise was total victory! As they began to sing and to praise God with the expectancy that He would fight for them, the enemies were defeated. This incident is not unique, but has parallels in other Old Testament victories (see Josh. 6:10, 20; Judg. 7:18–22; 2 Kin. 7:3–16; 19:35). Whenever and wherever God’s people praise Him, He reigns among them and does miraculous things on their behalf. Worship—Part 1 September 3 Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir,… and they were defeated. 2 Chronicles 20:22 In this text, Judah is about to be overwhelmed by a confederation of three opposing armies. Its armies are hopelessly outnumbered and face certain defeat, but God has a plan—Worship! Worship puts God in His proper place as Creator of the universe, Redeemer of our life, and Provider of everything we need. Because we know whom we worship, our worship releases the Lord to perform His purpose within us. Worship is not blissful ignorance or vain superstition in the face of present need. It is confirming God’s desire to work in the lives of His people. Spiritual power is released through praise! Here the enemies of Judah (literally “praise” in Hebrew) are confused and begin to slaughter each other as the people of God begin to sing and worship. Jehoshaphat, Judah’s king, never sends the army to fight, only the choir! In the same way, the Lord promises that as we face each challenge with praise, He will confuse and scatter the enemy. Whatever today may bring, no matter how large the obstacle, the beginning point of breakthrough is worship. David Jeremiah - VANGUARD OF VICTORY Now when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushes against the people of Ammon. 2Ch 20:22 When King Jehoshaphat faced the combined armies of Moab, Ammon, and Edom, he proclaimed a national fast and begged for God’s help. “We have no power against this great multitude . . .,” he prayed, “nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You” (2 Chronicles 20:12). A prophet named Jahaziel gave this reply: “Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s” (v. 15). It was then that Jehoshaphat realized he had a secret weapon. He appointed choirs to go before the armies of Judah. With all their hearts, these royal musicians sang and praised God for His assured victory. As this unlikely vanguard neared the battlefront, the Lord threw their enemies into confusion, and Judah won the battle—not with soldiers, but with songs. How often we need to echo Jehoshaphat’s prayer! Sometimes there are problems we can’t solve. Sometimes our pressures are beyond us. “Oh Lord,” you can pray, “I don’t know what to do, but my eyes are on You.” Praise is the Christian’s secret weapon. Satan is allergic to praise; he just can’t remain where God is being glorified. (Morning and Evening Devotions) Jesus’ Ultimate Victory As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes . . . and they were defeated. 2 Chronicles 20:22 Today's Scripture & Insight: 2 Chronicles 20:15–22 At some military camps across Europe during World War II, an unusual type of supply was air-dropped for homesick soldiers—upright pianos. They were specially manufactured to contain only 10 percent of the normal amount of metal, and they received special water-resistant glue and anti-insect treatments. The pianos were rugged and simple but provided hours of spirit-lifting entertainment for soldiers who gathered around to sing familiar songs of home. Singing—especially songs of praise—is one way that believers in Jesus can find peace in the battle too. King Jehoshaphat found this to be true when he faced vast invading armies (2 Chronicles 20). Terrified, the king called all the people together for prayer and fasting (vv. 3–4). In response, God told him to lead out soldiers to meet the enemy, promising that they’d “not have to fight this battle” (v. 17). Jehoshaphat believed God and acted in faith. He appointed singers to go ahead of the soldiers and sing praise to God for the victory they believed they would see (v. 21). And as their music began, He miraculously defeated their enemies and saved His people (v. 22). How can you praise God right where you are today? How can you press into the victory that Jesus has won for you? You’re stronger than my enemies, dear God. I lift up Your name in faith today. Streams in the Desert - “When they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushments … and they were smitten.” (2 Chron. 20:22) OH, that we could reason less about our troubles, and sing and praise more! There are thousands of things that we wear as shackles which we might use as instruments with music in them, if we only knew how. Those men that ponder, and meditate, and weigh the affairs of life, and study the mysterious developments of God’s providence, and wonder why they should be burdened and thwarted and hampered—how different and how much more joyful would be their lives, if, instead of forever indulging in self-revolving and inward thinking, they would take their experiences, day by day, and lift them up, and praise God for them. We can sing our cares away easier than we can reason them away. Sing in the morning. The birds are the earliest to sing, and birds are more without care than anything else that I know of. Sing at evening. Singing is the last thing that robins do. When they have done their daily work; when they have flown their last flight, and picked up their last morsel of food, then on a topmost twig, they sing one song of praise. Oh, that we might sing morning and evening, and let song touch song all the way through.—Selected. “Don’t let the song go out of your life Though it chance sometimes to flow In a minor strain; it will blend again With the major tone you know. “What though shadows rise to obscure life’s skies, And hide for a time the sun, The sooner they’ll lift and reveal the rift, If you let the melody run. “Don’t let the song go out of your life; Though the voice may have lost its trill, Though the tremulous note may die in your throat, Let it sing in your spirit still. “Don’t let the song go out of your life; Let it ring in the soul while here; And when you go hence, ’twill follow you thence, And live on in another sphere.” Battle Praise When they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people . . . who had come against Judah. —2 Chronicles 20:22 Today's Scripture: 2 Chronicles 20:1-22 Visitors to the Military Museum in Istanbul, Turkey, can hear stirring music that dates back to the early years of the Ottoman Empire. Whenever their troops marched off to war, bands accompanied them. Centuries earlier, worship singers led the people of Judah into battle, but there was a big difference. Whereas the Ottomans used music to instill self-confidence in their soldiers, the Jews used it to express their confidence in God. Threatened by huge armies, King Jehoshaphat of Judah knew that his people were powerless to defend themselves. So he cried out to God for help (2 Chronicles 20:12). The Lord’s answer came through Jahaziel, who said, “Do not be afraid nor dismayed . . . , for the battle is not yours, but God’s” (v.15). Jehoshaphat responded by worshiping and then by appointing singers to lead the army (vv.18,21). As the people sang, “Praise the Lord, for His mercy endures forever,” God confused the invaders and they killed one another (vv.22-24). Does all the world seem against you And you're in the battle alone? It's often when you are most helpless That God's mighty power is known. —Anon. Praise is the voice of faith. 2 Chronicles 20:23 For the sons of Ammon and Moab rose up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir destroying them completely; and when they had finished with the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another. KJV 2 Chronicles 20:23 For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy them: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one helped to destroy another. BGT 2 Chronicles 20:23 καὶ ἀνέστησαν οἱ υἱοὶ Αμμων καὶ Μωαβ ἐπὶ τοὺς κατοικοῦντας ὄρος Σηιρ ἐξολεθρεῦσαι καὶ ἐκτρῖψαι καὶ ὡς συνετέλεσαν τοὺς κατοικοῦντας Σηιρ ἀνέστησαν εἰς ἀλλήλους τοῦ ἐξολεθρευθῆναι LXE 2 Chronicles 20:23 Then the children of Ammon and Moab rose up against the dwellers in mount Seir, to destroy and consume them; and when they had made an end of destroying the inhabitants of Seir, they rose up against one another so that they were utterly destroyed. NET 2 Chronicles 20:23 The Ammonites and Moabites attacked the men from Mount Seir and annihilated them. When they had finished off the men of Seir, they attacked and destroyed one another. CSB 2 Chronicles 20:23 The Ammonites and Moabites turned against the inhabitants of Mount Seir and completely annihilated them. When they had finished with the inhabitants of Seir, they helped destroy each other. ESV 2 Chronicles 20:23 For the men of Ammon and Moab rose against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, devoting them to destruction, and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, they all helped to destroy one another. NIV 2 Chronicles 20:23 The men of Ammon and Moab rose up against the men from Mount Seir to destroy and annihilate them. After they finished slaughtering the men from Seir, they helped to destroy one another. NLT 2 Chronicles 20:23 The armies of Moab and Ammon turned against their allies from Mount Seir and killed every one of them. After they had destroyed the army of Seir, they began attacking each other. mount Seir: Ge 14:6 36:8,9 De 2:5 Jos 24:4 Eze 35:2,3 THE ENEMY FIGHTS THE ENEMY For - Term of explanation. The writer is explaining how the ambush occurred. The sons of Ammon and Moab rose up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir (Edom) destroying them completely; and when they had finished with the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another - This was self-destruction orchestrated by Jehovah! While God is not a God of confusion for believers, He clearly is able to send confusion on non-believers.
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Utley - "destroying them completely" This is the Hebrew root hrm (BDB 356, KB 353), which is a common element in Holy War, where some land, city, people, thing is given to YHWH and becomes "too holy" for human use. Therefore, it must be destroyed. Sometimes this "given to" is positive (sacrificial system) or negative (destruction). (1) a country ‒ 2 Kgs. 19:1; Isa. 11:15; 34:5; 48:28; Jer. 50:21,26; 51:3 (2) a people (often #1 and #2 are synonymous) ‒ Josh. 6:21; 8:26; 10:28,35,37,39,40; 11:11,12,20,21; Jdgs. 21:11; 1 Chr. 4:41; Isa. 15:3,8,20; 34:2; Jer. 25:9 (3) a city ‒ Num. 21:2,3; Deut. 2:34; 3:6; 13:15; 20:17; Josh. 6:17,18; 7:1,11,12,13,15; 10:1,28; 22:20, (4) things given to YHWH ‒ Lev. 27:21,28,29; Num. 18:14; Deut. 13:17; Josh. 6:18, (5) idols destroyed ‒ Deut. 7:26; 2 Chr. 32:14 SPECIAL TOPIC: CURSE 2 Chronicles 20:24 When Judah came to the lookout of the wilderness, they looked toward the multitude, and behold, they were corpses lying on the ground, and no one had escaped. KJV 2 Chronicles 20:24 And when Judah came toward the watch tower in the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude, and, behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped. BGT 2 Chronicles 20:24 καὶ Ιουδας ἦλθεν ἐπὶ τὴν σκοπιὰν τῆς ἐρήμου καὶ ἐπέβλεψεν καὶ εἶδεν τὸ πλῆθος καὶ ἰδοὺ πάντες νεκροὶ πεπτωκότες ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς οὐκ ἦν σῳζόμενος LXE 2 Chronicles 20:24 And Juda came to the watch-tower of the wilderness, and looked, and saw the multitude, and, behold, they were all fallen dead upon the earth, not one escaped. NET 2 Chronicles 20:24 When the men of Judah arrived at the observation post overlooking the desert and looked at the huge army, they saw dead bodies on the ground; there were no survivors! CSB 2 Chronicles 20:24 When Judah came to a place overlooking the wilderness, they looked for the large army, but there were only corpses lying on the ground; nobody had escaped. ESV 2 Chronicles 20:24 When Judah came to the watchtower of the wilderness, they looked toward the horde, and behold, there were dead bodies lying on the ground; none had escaped. NIV 2 Chronicles 20:24 When the men of Judah came to the place that overlooks the desert and looked toward the vast army, they saw only dead bodies lying on the ground; no one had escaped. NLT 2 Chronicles 20:24 So when the army of Judah arrived at the lookout point in the wilderness, all they saw were dead bodies lying on the ground as far as they could see. Not a single one of the enemy had escaped. they were corpses lying on the ground: Ex 14:30 1Ch 5:22 Ps 110:6 Isa 37:36 Jer 33:5 no one had escaped: Ezr 9:14 COMPLETE ROUTE! NOT ONE SURVIOR! When Judah came to the lookout of the wilderness, they looked toward the multitude, and behold (hinneh; Lxx - idou), they were corpses lying on the ground, and no one had escaped. - Note the word "behold," which is a call for special attention, in this case be amazed and in awe at the power of Jehovah and His faithfulness to perfectly perform His word of promise! There was not a single enemy survivor! This scene recalls Israel’s sight of the dead Egyptians in Ex. 14:30+ ("Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore.") David
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Utley - "take their spoil" Usually in Holy War all the spoils belonged to YHWH, but here it was given to the Judean soldiers who watched YHWH's victory. These spoils included (1) goods, (2) garments (MT, JPSOA "corpses"/"garments" comes from Vulgate [while LXX has "baggage" or "armor") (a) corpses ‒ פגרים (b) garments (3) valuable things (BDB 479 CONSTRUCT BDB 326; probably weights of precious metals and gemstones, since clothes appear in #2) Spoil (07998) shalal is a masculine noun which means spoils, plunder, booty, all referring to what is taken by force or violence usually in the context of war and taking spoils was sometimes one of the principle motivations for going to war. Military raids were sometimes ill-disguised plundering expeditions, such as the ill-fated Amalekite raid against Ziklag described in 1 Samuel 30:16, 19, 20, 22, 26. Sometimes shalal was seized as an act of political aggression (Esther 3:13; 8:11). Taking plunder or spoil was an act of aggression by the wicked on the weak or righteous (Pr 1:13). SHALAL - 65V - booty(11), gain(1), plunder(3), possessions(1), spoil(57), spoiler(1). Gen. 49:27; Exod. 15:9; Num. 31:11; Num. 31:12; Deut. 2:35; Deut. 3:7; Deut. 13:16; Deut. 20:14; Jos. 7:21; Jos. 8:2; Jos. 8:27; Jos. 11:14; Jos. 22:8; Jdg. 5:30; Jdg. 8:24; Jdg. 8:25; 1 Sam. 14:30; 1 Sam. 14:32; 1 Sam. 15:19; 1 Sam. 15:21; 1 Sam. 30:16; 1 Sam. 30:19; 1 Sam. 30:20; 1 Sam. 30:22; 1 Sam. 30:26; 2 Sam. 3:22; 2 Sam. 8:12; 2 Sam. 12:30; 2 Ki. 3:23; 1 Chr. 20:2; 1 Chr. 26:27; 2 Chr. 14:13; 2 Chr. 15:11; 2 Chr. 20:25; 2 Chr. 24:23; 2 Chr. 28:8; 2 Chr. 28:15; Est. 3:13; Est. 8:11; Ps. 68:12; Ps. 119:162; Prov. 1:13; Prov. 16:19; Prov. 31:11; Isa. 8:1; Isa. 8:4; Isa. 9:3; Isa. 10:2; Isa. 10:6; Isa. 33:4; Isa. 33:23; Isa. 53:12; Jer. 21:9; Jer. 38:2; Jer. 39:18; Jer. 45:5; Jer. 49:32; Jer. 50:10; Ezek. 7:21; Ezek. 29:19; Ezek. 38:12; Ezek. 38:13; Dan. 11:24; Zech. 2:9; Zech. 14:1 Charles Stanley - Your Enemy (BORROW On holy ground : a daily devotional) SCRIPTURE READING: 2 Chronicles 20:25–30 KEY VERSE: 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Just as Jehoshaphat faced the enemy, you have a formidable enemy. His name is Satan. He was created full of wisdom and beauty (Ezek. 28:12–17). He was given a place on God’s holy mountain. He was created a holy and righteous being. However, pride was the beginning of his fall; in the end it led him to exalt himself to the position of God. In his vanity he declared, “I will be like God.” He is our fiercest adversary (Zech. 3:1; 1 Peter 5:8); accuser (Rev. 12:10); Lucifer, or light bearer (Isa. 14:12), which means “to deceive”; dragon (Rev. 12:7); slanderer (1 Peter 5:8); murderer and liar (John 8:44); deceiver (Rev. 20:10); prince of this world (John 12:31); prince of the power of the air (Eph. 2:2); destroyer (Rev. 9:11); tempter (Matt. 13:38); and god of this age (2 Cor. 4:4). Never take Satan’s ability or evil intent lightly. He was created with tremendous power. However, the Lord also equipped us with “divinely powerful” spiritual weapons that, when used correctly, can overthrow Satan’s work against us (2 Cor. 10:3–5 NASB). Satan’s future is one of eternal death (Isa. 14:15; Rev. 12:7–10), yet he remains a force that needs to be reckoned with. Our only effective course of action is through the power and blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Never battle the enemy on your own. Even the angels use the mighty name of Jesus when warring against his evil (Jude 9). Lord, Your power is my defense against the adversary. Your blood secures my victory. Let Your name, Your power, and the blood of Jesus reign over the circumstances of my life. 2 Chronicles 20:26 Then on the fourth day they assembled in the valley of Beracah, for there they blessed the LORD. Therefore they have named that place “The Valley of Beracah” until today. blessed: Ex 15:1-19 2Sa 22:1 Ps 103:1,2 107:21,22 Lu 1:68 Rev 19:1-6 the name: Ge 28:19 32:20 Ex 17:15 1Sa 7:12 Isa 62:4 Ac 1:19 to this day: 2Ch 5:9 THREE DAYS OF REAPING CALLS FOR BLESSING THE LORD Then - Marks progression in the narrative. On the fourth day they assembled in the valley of Beracah, for there they blessed the LORD. Therefore (term of conclusion) they have named that place “The Valley of Beracah” until today - Beracah means "blessing" which gives the appropriate name "Valley of Blessing," for here God blessed Judah with victory and spoils and Judah responded with blessing to the LORD, reciprocal blessings so to speak. Of course, it wall begins with the blessing of the LORD! This is the Valley of Blessing: surely an appropriate name worthy of long remembrance. -- C H Spurgeon Berachah: Blessing, Having previously sought deliverance by fasting and prayer, and received the assurance of it with grateful joy, Jehoshaphat and his army returned immediate and fervent thanks and praise to the Lord, who had in so wonderful a manner performed his promise. Scott, who quotes the following from Bp. Patrick: "They did not return every man to his own home; but first went back to Jerusalem, to bless the Lord again for hearing their prayer and making good his promises." Frederick Mabie: Without any action on the part of Jehoshaphat’s army, the eastern coalition is destroyed. The plundering of enemies is one of the ways in which God showed his sovereignty over the nations and favor for his people (cf. Ex 12:35-36; Hag 2:22). It is likely that the location of the valley where the army assembled to praise God for his blessings was renamed Valley of Beracah (= Valley of Blessing) in the light of the victory given by God. (See The Expositor's Bible Commentary: 1 Chronicles-Job - Page 245) Williams - “The assemblage of v. 4 was to ask help of the Lord. The assemblage of v. 26 was to bless the Lord. The ‘fear’ that Moab inspired preceded the prayer meeting of v. 4; the ‘joy’ that God inspired (v. 27) followed the praise meeting of v. 26” Ron Daniel - 20:26 Blessing The Lord. When they were done receiving the blessings that God had provided, they remembered to bless the Lord. That's why the valley was renamed "Ber-aw-KAW," "the Valley of Blessing." I have found that there have been too many times in my life that God gave me blessings, but I failed to bless God in return. That sort of thankless, ungrateful behavior reminds me of Jesus' travels that took Him between Samaria and Galilee. It was there that He found ten lepers, all crying out for mercy. Luke 17:14-17+ When He saw them, He said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they were going, they were cleansed. Now one of them, when he saw that he had been healed, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice, and he fell on his face at His feet, giving thanks to Him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered and said, "Were there not ten cleansed? But the nine—where are they? I wonder if God would use this tonight to remind us of a blessing we've received recently, but failed to bless God in return. 2 Chronicles 20:27 Every man of Judah and Jerusalem returned with Jehoshaphat at their head, returning to Jerusalem with joy, for the LORD had made them to rejoice over their enemies. KJV 2 Chronicles 20:27 Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, and Jehoshaphat in the forefront of them, to go again to Jerusalem with joy; for the LORD had made them to rejoice over their enemies. BGT 2 Chronicles 20:27 καὶ ἐπέστρεψεν πᾶς ἀνὴρ Ιουδα εἰς Ιερουσαλημ καὶ Ιωσαφατ ἡγούμενος αὐτῶν ἐν εὐφροσύνῃ μεγάλῃ ὅτι εὔφρανεν αὐτοὺς κύριος ἀπὸ τῶν ἐχθρῶν αὐτῶν LXE 2 Chronicles 20:27 And all the men of Juda returned to Jerusalem, and Josaphat led them with great joy; for the Lord gave them joy over their enemies. NET 2 Chronicles 20:27 Then all the men of Judah and Jerusalem returned joyfully to Jerusalem with Jehoshaphat leading them; the LORD had given them reason to rejoice over their enemies. CSB 2 Chronicles 20:27 Then all the men of Judah and Jerusalem turned back with Jehoshaphat their leader, returning joyfully to Jerusalem, for the LORD enabled them to rejoice over their enemies. ESV 2 Chronicles 20:27 Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, and Jehoshaphat at their head, returning to Jerusalem with joy, for the LORD had made them rejoice over their enemies. NIV 2 Chronicles 20:27 Then, led by Jehoshaphat, all the men of Judah and Jerusalem returned joyfully to Jerusalem, for the LORD had given them cause to rejoice over their enemies. NLT 2 Chronicles 20:27 Then all the men returned to Jerusalem, with Jehoshaphat leading them, overjoyed that the LORD had given them victory over their enemies. at their head: Heb. head, 2Sa 6:14,15 Mic 2:13 Heb 6:20 the LORD: 1Sa 2:1 Ne 12:43 Ps 20:5 30:1 Isa 35:10 51:11 Rev 18:20 VICTORY FOLLOWED BY REJOICING Every man of Judah and Jerusalem returned with Jehoshaphat at their head, returning to Jerusalem with joy, for (term of explanation - what's writer explaining?) the LORD had made them to rejoice over their enemies - Note that phrase every man signifies there was not even one casualty which is a striking contrast with the enemy which had not one survivor! This passage reminds me of Neh 8:10 that declares the joy of the LORD is our strength. Judah now experienced His joy and a supernatural joy that sustains one, especially in hard or uncertain times.
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Utley on dread - This is also "holy war" terminology (i.e., Ex 15:16; 23:27; Dt. 2:25; 11:25; Josh. 2:9), dread of YHWH ‒ 1Sa 11:7; 2Ch 14:14; 19:7; 20:29, dread of Elohim ‒ Ps. 36:1; Isa. 2:10,19,21. Raymond Dillard: The rhetorical question of Jehoshaphat’s prayer had been answered (2Ch 20:6)—Yahweh does rule over the kingdoms of the nations. Two tokens of divine blessing in the Chronicler’s theology are prominent in these verses. (1) The righteous king enjoys victory over the nations, is held in awe by them, and receives their tribute (1 Chr 14:17; 18:2, 6; 2 Chr 9:22–23; 17:10; 32:23). (2) Rest from enemies and times of peace are rewards for righteousness (14:4, 6 [5, 7]; 15:15; 1 Chr 22:9). (BORROW 2 Chronicles) 2 Chronicles 20:30 So the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God gave him rest on all sides. KJV 2 Chronicles 20:30 So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet: for his God gave him rest round about. BGT 2 Chronicles 20:30 καὶ εἰρήνευσεν ἡ βασιλεία Ιωσαφατ καὶ κατέπαυσεν αὐτῷ ὁ θεὸς αὐτοῦ κυκλόθεν LXE 2 Chronicles 20:30 And the kingdom of Josaphat was at peace; and his God gave him rest round about. NET 2 Chronicles 20:30 Jehoshaphat's kingdom enjoyed peace; his God made him secure on every side. CSB 2 Chronicles 20:30 Then Jehoshaphat's kingdom was quiet, for his God gave him rest on every side. ESV 2 Chronicles 20:30 So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet, for his God gave him rest all around. NIV 2 Chronicles 20:30 And the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side. NLT 2 Chronicles 20:30 So Jehoshaphat's kingdom was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side. his God gave: 2Ch 14:6,7 15:15 Jos 23:1 2Sa 7:1 Job 34:29 Pr 16:7 Joh 14:27 DIVINE REST ON ALL SIDES So the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace (shaqat) for (term of explanation) his God gave him rest on all sides. - This was the blessing of trusting God's promises. God gave them rest from surrounding nations and the result was peace for all in Judah. Peace and rest in a nation are ultimately gifts from the LORD. In this context it was because Judah lived out the old hymn "Trust and obey!" Utley - Jehoshaphat had peace and rest (cf. 2Ch 14:6-7; 15:15) because of YHWH's covenant commitment and Judah's covenant obedience 2 Chronicles 20:31 Now Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah. He was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-five years. And his mother’s name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi. Jehoshaphat: 1Ki 22:41-44 Related Passages: 1 Kings 22:41-44 Now Jehoshaphat the son of Asa became king over Judah in the fourth year of Ahab king of Israel. 42 Jehoshaphat was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned twenty-five years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi. 43 He walked in all the way of Asa his father; he did not turn aside from it, doing right in the sight of the LORD. However, the high places were not taken away; the people still sacrificed and burnt incense on the high places. 44 Jehoshaphat also made peace with the king of Israel. SUMMARY OF THE KING'S LIFE Now Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah. He was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-five years. And his mother’s name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi - This number can be verified by 2Ki 3:1 and 2Ki 8:16 plus a three year co-reign with his father, Asa. Ron Daniel - 20:31-37 Right And Wrong. Lastly, we see the humanity of Jehoshaphat. He had a heart for God, but was not able to accomplish everything he wanted to do. Though he'd rid the land of idols, they were not all removed. He also showed that he could make the same mistake twice. Even after the disastrous alliance with King Ahab of Israel, he again made the same mistake with Ahab's son Akh-az-YAW. This time, it was not an alliance of force, but an alliance of commerce. But God didn't let it happen. The ships were destroyed, and once again, a prophet was sent to rebuke Jehoshaphat. Do we write Jehoshaphat off then, as a bad king. No. Once again, we see a man who makes mistakes, but is quick to repent. 1 Kings 22 tells us that after the ships were broken, 1 Kings 22:49 Then Ahaziah the son of Ahab said to Jehoshaphat, "Let my servants go with your servants in the ships." But Jehoshaphat was not willing. A second ungodly alliance was repented for after God's second rebuke. Saints, remember that nobody's expecting a walk free of stumbling. But God is expecting a a heart that seeks after Him. If and when you do stumble, simply be quick to repent when rebuked by the Lord, and you're going to be all right. Matthew Henry Notes: Verses: 31-37 We are now drawing towards the close of the history of Jehoshaphat's reign, for a further account of which those who lived when this book was published were referred to an authentic history of it, written by Jehu the prophet (2Ch 19:2), which was then extant, 2Ch 20:34. This was the general character of his reign, that he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, kept close to the worship of God himself and did what he could to keep his people close to it. But two things are here to be lamented:- 1. The people still retained a partiality for the high places, 2Ch 20:33. Those that were erected to the honour of strange gods were taken away (2Ch 17:6); but those where the true God was worshipped, being less culpable, were thought allowable, and Jehoshaphat was loth to disoblige the people so far as to take them away, for as yet they had not prepared their hearts to serve the God of their fathers. They complied with Jehoshaphat's reformation because they could not for shame do otherwise, but they were not hearty in it, did not direct their hearts to God in it, did not act in it from any good principle nor with any zeal or resolution: and the best magistrates cannot bring to pass what they would, in reformation, when the people are cool in it. 2. Jehoshaphat himself still retained a partiality for the house of Ahab, because he had married his son to a daughter of that family, though he had been plainly reproved for it and had like to have smarted for it. He saw and knew that Ahaziah, the son of Ahab, did very wickedly, and therefore could not expect to prosper; yet he joined himself with him, not in war, as with his father, but in trade, became his partner in an East India fleet bound for Ophir, 2Ch 20:35, 36. There is an emphasis laid upon the time-after this, after God had done such great things for him, without any such scandalous and pernicious confederacies, given him not only victory, but wealth, yet after this to go and join himself with a wicked king was very ungrateful. After God had given him such a deliverance as this should he again break God's commandments, and join in affinity with the people of these abominations? What could he expect but that God should be angry with him? Ezra 9:13, 14. Yet he sends to him, to show him his error and bring him to repentance, (1.) By a prophet, who foretold the blasting of his project,2Ch 20:37. And, (2.) By a storm, which broke the ships in the port before they set sail, by which he was warned to break off his alliance with Ahaziah; and it seems he took the warning, for, when Ahaziah afterwards pressed him to join with him, he would not, 1 Ki. 22:49. See how pernicious a thing it is to join in friendship and society with evil-doers. It is a hard matter to break off from it. A man may much better keep himself from being taken in the snare than recover himself out of it. 2 Chronicles 20:32 He walked in the way of his father Asa and did not depart from it, doing right in the sight of the LORD. he walked: 2Ch 17:3-6 the way: 2Ch 14:2-5,11-13 1Ki 15:11 did not depart: 2Ch 16:7-12 Ps 18:21 36:3 Related Passages: 2 Chronicles 17:3-6+ The LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the example of his father David’s earlier days and did not seek the Baals, 4 but sought the God of his father, followed His commandments, and did not act as Israel did. 5 So (STRATEGIC TERM OF CONCLUSION) the LORD established the kingdom in his control, and all Judah brought tribute to Jehoshaphat, and he had great riches and honor. 6 He took great pride in the ways of the LORD and again removed the high places and the Asherim from Judah. 1 Kings 15:14+ But the high places were not taken away; nevertheless the heart of Asa was wholly devoted to the LORD all his days. LIKE FATHER LIKE SON He walked in the way of his father Asa and did not depart from it, doing right in the sight of the LORD - This is a gracious statement of Jehoshaphat's life for two reasons. First, Asa himself was not a paragon of virtue in his last 5 years so God's mercifully did not focus on his failures (1Ki 15:14+). Second, Jehoshaphat chose to make ungodly alliances with idol worshipers (Ahab in 2Ch 18:1-34 and Ahaziah in 2Ch 20:35-37). Bob Utley on "doing right in the sight of the Lord" NIDOTTE, vol. 2, p. 566, mentions that this is a standard phrase referring to godly kings who acted like David (i.e., 1 Kgs. 11:13,38; 14:8; 15:15), as one who kept and revered YHWH's law (cf. Deut. 6:18; 12:8,25,28; 13:18; 21:9; 1 Kgs. 11:38). Asa ‒ 1 Kgs. 15:11; 2 Chr. 14:2 Jehoshaphat ‒ 1 Kgs. 22:43; 2 Chr. 20:32 Jehu ‒ 2 Kgs. 10:30 Jehoash ‒ 2 Kgs. 12:2; 2 Chr. 24:2 Joash ‒ 2 Kgs. 14:3; 2 Chr. 24:2 Amaziah ‒ 2 Chr. 25:2 Azariah ‒ 2 Kgs. 15:3; 2 Chr. 26:4 (Uzziah) Jotham ‒ 2 Kgs. 15:34; 2 Chr. 27:2 Hezekiah ‒ 2 Kgs. 18:3; 2 Chr. 29:2; 31:20 Josiah ‒ 2 Kgs. 22:2; 2 Chr. 34:2 A Devoted Heart He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. —2 Chronicles 20:32 Today's Scripture & Insight: 2 Chronicles 17:1-11 A successful Christian businessman shared his story with us at church. He was candid about his struggles with faith and abundant wealth. He declared, “Wealth scares me!” He quoted Jesus’ statement, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God” (Luke 18:25 niv). He cited Luke 16:19-31 about the rich man and Lazarus and how in this story it was the rich man who went to hell. The parable of the “rich fool” (Luke 12:16-21) disturbed him. “But,” the businessman stated, “I’ve learned a lesson from Solomon’s verdict on the abundance of wealth. It’s all ‘meaningless’ ” (Eccl. 2:11 niv). He determined not to let wealth get in the way of his devotion to God. Rather, he wanted to serve God with his assets and help the needy. Throughout the centuries, God has blessed some people materially. We read of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 17:5, “The Lord established the kingdom . . . so that he had great wealth and honor.” He did not become proud or bully others with his wealth. Instead, “his heart was devoted to the ways of the Lord” (v. 6). Also, “he followed the ways of his father Asa and did not stray from them; he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord” (20:32). Giving thanks to God often helps us learn contentment with what we do have. What are you thankful for? Wealth or no wealth, devoted hearts please the Lord. 2 Chronicles 20:33 The high places, however, were not removed; the people had not yet directed their hearts to the God of their fathers. GW But the illegal worship sites on the hills were not torn down. The people still didn’t have their hearts set on the God of their ancestors. GNT but the pagan places of worship were not destroyed. The people still did not turn wholeheartedly to the worship of the God of their ancestors. ICB But the places where false gods were worshiped were not removed. And the people did not strongly desire to follow the God their ancestors had followed. MSG he failed to get rid of the neighborhood sex-and-religion shrines—people continued to pray and worship at these idolatrous god shops. NLT During his reign, however, he failed to remove all the pagan shrines, and the people never fully committed themselves to follow the God of their ancestors. the high places: 2Ch 14:3 17:6 had not: 2Ch 12:14 19:3 30:19 De 29:4 1Sa 7:3 Related Passages: Deuteronomy 29:4+ “Yet to this day the LORD has not given you a heart to know, nor eyes to see, nor ears to hear. 2 Chronicles 17:6 He took great pride in the ways of the LORD and again removed the high places and the Asherim from Judah. The high places (bamah), however, were not removed - Both Asa and Jehoshaphat had sought to remove the high places. Life Application Study Bible (borrow) note on high places - This summary says that Jehoshaphat did not remove the pagan shrines, while 2Ch 17:6 and 2Ch 19:3 say he did remove them. Jehoshaphat destroyed most of the Baal and Asherah idols, but since he did not succeed in wiping out the corrupt religions practiced at the shrines, they were probably rebuilt each time he had them removed. ESV Study Bible (page 770 - borrow) - Some have claimed that 2 Chron. 20:33 is inconsistent with 2Ch 17:6, which says that Jehoshaphat “took the high places... out of Judah,” but both statements can be true if 2Ch 17:6 refers to Jehoshaphat’s official actions and 2Ch 20:33 indicates that the people’s commitment to Jehoshaphat’s reforms was not wholehearted in every place (cf. 1 Kings 22:43). The Chronicler explains why: the people had not yet set their hearts upon the God of their fathers (2 Chron. 20:33). The people had not yet directed their hearts to the God of their fathers (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob) - The high places seem to have reappeared after they were removed (2Ch 17:6). In context this seems to be because of the people of Judah had a heart problem. They had a commitment problem! They had a faith problem! So while the people had followed Jehoshaphat's example in the defeat of the enemies, they did not "agree" with his destroying their high places (bamah). 🙏 THOUGHT - This shows just how powerful are the lusts of the flesh and how sin resists our attempts to kill it (Col 3:5+). Unfortunately Sin is powerful and resilient. The only force that can kill it is the Holy Spirit (Ro 8:13+)! Even then, it crawls back from the dead (so to speak) and will do so until the day we die. In the meantime, we must daily, continually walk by the Spirit and when we do we will not carry out the desires of the flesh! (Gal 5:16, 17+). Paul does not say we won't have the desires of the flesh, but that we will not act on those desires! That's the fine line between temptation to sin and committing the sin (cf Jas 1:13-16+). Take that tempting thought captive immediately in obedience to Christ (2Co 10:5+). John