2 Chronicles 20:1

KJV

¶ It came to pass after this also, [that] the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon, and with them [other] beside the Ammonites, came against Jehoshaphat to battle.

KJV (with Strong's)

It came to pass after this {H310} also, that the children {H1121} of Moab {H4124}, and the children {H1121} of Ammon {H5983}, and with them other beside the Ammonites {H5984}, came {H935} against Jehoshaphat {H3092} to battle {H4421}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Some time later, the people of Mo'av and the people of 'Amon with other 'Amonim came up to fight Y'hoshafat.

Berean Standard Bible

After this, the Moabites and Ammonites, together with some of the Meunites, came to make war against Jehoshaphat.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass after this, that the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon, and with them some of the Ammonites, came against Jehoshaphat to battle.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 20:1 immediately plunges King Jehoshaphat of Judah into a sudden and formidable national crisis, as a vast coalition of ancient enemies—the children of Moab, the children of Ammon, and other allies—launches an aggressive invasion. This verse sets the stage for one of the most dramatic accounts of divine intervention in the Old Testament, highlighting that even a righteous king, recently engaged in significant spiritual reforms, is not exempt from severe trials. It underscores the unexpected nature of life's challenges and establishes the overwhelming human impossibility of victory, thereby magnifying the subsequent display of God's sovereign power and faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse opens 2 Chronicles chapter 20, directly following Jehoshaphat's significant religious reforms and his efforts to establish justice throughout Judah, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 19](/2_chronicles/19 "2 Chronicles 19 - Jehoshaphat's Reforms and Judges"). The phrase "after this also" (KJV) or "after this" (ESV) is crucial, indicating that this immense threat emerges precisely after a period of spiritual renewal and administrative strengthening. It serves as a stark reminder that faithfulness and obedience do not guarantee an absence of trials; rather, they often prepare one to face them with divine assistance. The narrative immediately shifts from internal reform to an external, existential threat, setting up a dramatic contrast that will highlight God's miraculous deliverance. This crisis also follows Jehoshaphat's controversial, though repented of, alliance with King Ahab of Israel ([2 Chronicles 18](/2_chronicles/18 "2 Chronicles 18 - Jehoshaphat's Alliance with Ahab")), which had drawn divine rebuke but also led to Jehoshaphat's renewed commitment to the Lord.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "children of Moab" and "children of Ammon" were long-standing, often hostile neighbors of Israel, descended from Lot (Genesis 19). Their territories lay east of the Dead Sea, in what is modern-day Jordan. Historically, they had frequently opposed Israel, from the time of the Exodus (Numbers 22-24) through the periods of the Judges and the United Monarchy. The phrase "other beside the Ammonites" is often identified by scholars, based on textual variants and the broader narrative (e.g., [2 Chronicles 20:10](/2_chronicles/20-10 "2 Chronicles 20:10 - The Invading Nations")), as the Meunites (or Meunim) or Edomites, peoples from Mount Seir, further south. The formation of such a multi-ethnic coalition against Judah was a significant military threat, indicating a coordinated effort to overwhelm the kingdom. For Judah, a relatively small nation, facing such a combined force would have been an existential crisis, evoking memories of past conflicts and the ever-present danger from surrounding powers.
* **Key Themes:** 2 Chronicles 20:1 immediately introduces the theme of **External Threat and Crisis**, demonstrating that even righteous nations and leaders face seemingly insurmountable opposition. The phrase "after this also" emphasizes the theme of **Unexpected Challenges**, highlighting that difficulties can arise suddenly, even after periods of peace, reform, or spiritual progress, forcing a re-evaluation of security and trust. Crucially, the overwhelming nature of this enemy coalition—Moabites, Ammonites, and their allies—serves as a powerful **Setting for Divine Intervention**. By presenting a humanly impossible situation, the narrative magnifies the subsequent miraculous deliverance by God, underscoring themes of **Divine Sovereignty** and the necessity of **Human Dependence** on God rather than military might or strategic alliances. This initial verse establishes the desperate need for God's power, foreshadowing His glorious display of faithfulness, as seen in [2 Chronicles 20:15](/2_chronicles/20-15 "2 Chronicles 20:15 - The Battle is Not Yours, But God's").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **"after this also" (Hebrew, _'acharei-khen gam-ken'_):** This precise Hebrew phrase emphasizes a temporal succession, meaning "after these things, also." It is not merely a chronological marker but carries significant thematic weight. It underscores the unexpected and perhaps ironic timing of the attack, occurring after Jehoshaphat's dedicated efforts to reform Judah, strengthen its judiciary, and promote spiritual faithfulness (as detailed in [2 Chronicles 19](/2_chronicles/19 "2 Chronicles 19 - Jehoshaphat's Reforms")). The "also" suggests that despite the positive developments, new challenges would still arise, highlighting that spiritual progress does not exempt one from trials but rather prepares one to face them with God's help.
* **"children of Moab, and the children of Ammon" (Hebrew, _b'nei Mo'av u'v'nei 'Ammon'_):** This refers to the descendants and people groups of Moab and Ammon, two nations with a long and often antagonistic history with Israel. Their origins are traced back to Lot, Abraham's nephew, through incestuous relationships (Genesis 19). Throughout Israel's history, from the wilderness wanderings to the monarchy, these nations frequently posed threats, engaging in warfare and idolatry that corrupted Israel. Their specific mention here immediately signals a grave and historically rooted danger, emphasizing the severity of the threat to Judah.
* **"came against... to battle" (Hebrew, _vayavo'u al-Yehoshaphat lamilchamah'_):** The Hebrew verb _vayavo'u_ (and they came) followed by the preposition _al_ (against) and the noun _milchamah_ (war/battle) clearly denotes an aggressive, intentional, and hostile military invasion. It signifies not merely a border skirmish but a full-scale assault with the explicit purpose of engaging in warfare and conquest. This phrase establishes the immediate and dire nature of the threat, leaving no ambiguity about the enemy's intentions towards King Jehoshaphat and his kingdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ It came to pass after this also,"**: This opening clause establishes the immediate temporal context, linking the impending crisis to the preceding narrative of Jehoshaphat's reforms and renewed commitment to the Lord. The "also" subtly suggests that despite recent spiritual progress and administrative improvements, new and unexpected challenges would arise, demonstrating that faithfulness does not guarantee an easy path but rather prepares one for the trials ahead.
* **"[that] the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon,"**: This identifies the primary aggressors: two ancient, historically hostile nations located east of the Jordan River. Their long-standing animosity towards Israel and their pagan practices mark them as significant and recurring threats to God's people, immediately signaling the gravity of the invasion.
* **"and with them [other] beside the Ammonites,"**: This phrase indicates that the invading force was a coalition, not just Moab and Ammon. While the KJV uses "other," other translations and textual evidence suggest these allies were likely the Meunites (or Meunim) and/or Edomites, peoples from the region of Mount Seir. The inclusion of these additional groups underscores the vastness and formidable nature of the combined force, emphasizing the overwhelming odds faced by Judah.
* **"came against Jehoshaphat to battle."**: This final clause clearly states the aggressive intent of the coalition. They did not merely pass through or make a show of force; they "came against" the king and his kingdom "to battle," signifying a direct, full-scale military invasion aimed at conquest. This declaration sets the stage for a desperate conflict, highlighting the immediate and existential threat to Judah.

#### Literary Devices
2 Chronicles 20:1 masterfully employs several literary devices to establish the narrative's tension and thematic direction. The phrase "**after this also**" functions as a powerful form of **Juxtaposition**, placing a sudden, overwhelming crisis immediately after a period of significant spiritual reform and peace under Jehoshaphat's reign. This creates a dramatic contrast, highlighting that faithfulness does not exempt one from trials. The sheer scale of the invading forces—Moab, Ammon, and their unnamed allies (likely Meunites/Edomites)—serves as **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the seemingly insurmountable odds and the human impossibility of victory. This exaggeration of the threat is a form of **Foreshadowing**, preparing the reader for a miraculous divine intervention that will transcend human capabilities. The verse also utilizes **Irony**, as the very king who diligently sought the Lord and purged idolatry now faces an existential threat, subtly reinforcing the theological message that God's people are tested not for their unfaithfulness, but often to reveal God's power in their weakness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This opening verse powerfully illustrates a profound theological truth: faithfulness to God does not guarantee an absence of trials, but rather provides the context for God to display His power and faithfulness. The sudden and overwhelming nature of the threat "after this also" demonstrates that crises can arise unexpectedly, even for those actively seeking to live righteously. This challenges a simplistic "prosperity gospel" and instead emphasizes that God often uses seemingly insurmountable obstacles to draw His people into deeper dependence on Him. The human impossibility of the situation in [2 Chronicles 20:1](/2_chronicles/20-1 "2 Chronicles 20:1 - The Invasion of Judah") serves as a divine setup, creating a vacuum that only God's miraculous intervention can fill, thereby magnifying His glory and teaching His people to trust in His sovereignty rather than their own strength or wisdom. It underscores that the battle truly belongs to the Lord, a theme that will resonate throughout the chapter.

* [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength")
* [Deuteronomy 20:1-4](/deuteronomy/20-1 "Deuteronomy 20:1-4 - Laws for Warfare")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear, For I Am With You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Chronicles 20:1 serves as a potent reminder that life's most formidable challenges often emerge unexpectedly, even—or perhaps especially—after periods of spiritual growth, dedication, or perceived peace. Just as King Jehoshaphat, a righteous monarch who had recently led significant reforms, faced an immediate and overwhelming threat, so too can believers today encounter sudden crises that seem to defy logic and shake their foundations. This verse compels us to consider our initial response when confronted with such "after this also" moments. Do we panic, strategize solely from human wisdom, or, like Jehoshaphat, immediately turn our gaze heavenward? The overwhelming nature of the enemy coalition—Moab, Ammon, and their allies—highlights the futility of relying on our own strength when faced with impossible odds. The practical application is not to despair in the face of adversity, but to recognize that these moments are divine invitations to deepen our trust in God's sovereign power and to seek His intervention above all else. This initial crisis sets the stage for a profound lesson in dependence, prayer, and the miraculous power of God when His people acknowledge their weakness and His omnipotence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "after this also" moments have I experienced in my life, where challenges arose unexpectedly after a period of peace or spiritual progress?**
* **When faced with overwhelming odds, what is my immediate, instinctual response? Do I first turn to human solutions or to God in prayer?**
* **How does the sheer scale of the threat in this verse encourage me to rely more fully on God's power rather than my own capabilities?**

### FAQ

**Who were the "other beside the Ammonites" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: While the King James Version uses the general term "other beside the Ammonites," various ancient manuscripts and other modern translations (like the NIV, ESV, NASB) often identify these allies more specifically as the Meunites (or Meunim) or Edomites. This identification is supported by the broader narrative context, particularly [2 Chronicles 20:10](/2_chronicles/20-10 "2 Chronicles 20:10 - The Invading Nations"), which mentions "the inhabitants of Mount Seir," a region associated with Edom. Regardless of the precise identity of every group, the intent of the text is to convey that a large, multi-ethnic coalition had formed, presenting an overwhelmingly formidable military force against Judah.

**Why did this crisis happen to Jehoshaphat, a king known for his piety and reforms?**

Answer: This crisis occurring "after this also," following Jehoshaphat's significant religious reforms and efforts to lead Judah back to God ([2 Chronicles 19](/2_chronicles/19 "2 Chronicles 19 - Jehoshaphat's Reforms")), highlights a crucial theological principle: faithfulness does not exempt believers from trials. Instead, God often allows such overwhelming challenges to arise for several profound reasons. First, it serves to test and refine the faith of His people, proving its genuineness. Second, it creates a scenario where human strength and wisdom are clearly insufficient, thereby magnifying God's power and glory when He delivers miraculously. Third, it calls His people into deeper dependence and prayer, fostering a more intimate relationship with Him. For Jehoshaphat, this crisis was an opportunity for God to demonstrate that the battle truly belonged to Him, not to human armies or strategies, a lesson that would resonate throughout the chapter.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Chronicles 20:1, with its depiction of an overwhelming, existential threat against God's people, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Jehoshaphat faced a coalition of ancient enemies that humanly seemed insurmountable, humanity itself faced an even greater, utterly insurmountable coalition of spiritual enemies: sin, death, and the devil. This spiritual predicament, far more dire than any earthly invasion, left humanity utterly helpless, with no strength, wisdom, or alliance capable of securing victory. However, in Christ, we see the true King who did not merely face an external threat but entered into the very heart of the enemy's domain. He, the perfect Lamb of God, confronted the powers of darkness directly on the cross, taking upon Himself the full weight of humanity's sin and enduring death itself. His resurrection is the ultimate "battle belongs to the Lord" moment, where He decisively triumphed over every hostile power, disarming them and leading them captive ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Through His sacrifice and victory, Christ delivered His people from the ultimate enemies, freeing those who were held in slavery by the fear of death ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death")). Thus, the seemingly impossible invasion of 2 Chronicles 20:1 foreshadows the even greater, divinely accomplished victory of Christ, who enables His followers to be "more than conquerors through Him who loved us" ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors Through Him")), as He has already overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Christ Has Overcome the World")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 19:11

And, behold, Amariah the chief priest [is] over you in all matters of the LORD; and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, for all the king's matters: also the Levites [shall be] officers before you. Deal courageously, and the LORD shall be with the good.

Isaiah 16:6

¶ We have heard of the pride of Moab; [he is] very proud: [even] of his haughtiness, and his pride, and his wrath: [but] his lies [shall] not [be] so.

Psalms 83:5

For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee:

Psalms 83:8

Assur also is joined with them: they have holpen the children of Lot. Selah.

Isaiah 8:9

¶ Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear, all ye of far countries: gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces.

Isaiah 8:10

Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God [is] with us.

Revelation 3:19

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.