2 Chronicles 20:1

¶ 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.

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}.

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

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

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

Context

This verse opens 2 Chronicles chapter 20, setting the stage for one of the most remarkable accounts of divine intervention in ancient Israel's history. It places us in the reign of King Jehoshaphat of Judah, a monarch generally praised for his piety and efforts to lead his people back to God. The phrase "after this also" refers to the period following Jehoshaphat's significant religious reforms and his controversial, yet learning, alliance with King Ahab of Israel, detailed in previous chapters. Despite Jehoshaphat's recent commitment to justice and righteousness (2 Chronicles 19:4-7), a new and formidable threat emerges, highlighting that faithfulness does not exempt believers from challenges. The invading forces – the children of Moab, the children of Ammon, and others (often identified as Meunim or Edomites) – were ancient enemies of Israel, with a long history of animosity towards God's people.

Key Themes

  • External Threat and Crisis: The verse immediately introduces themes of overwhelming external threat and national crisis. It underscores that even righteous leaders and nations can face seemingly insurmountable opposition.
  • Unexpected Challenges: The phrase "after this also" emphasizes that challenges can arise unexpectedly, even after periods of peace, reform, or spiritual progress.
  • Setting the Stage for Divine Intervention: The overwhelming nature of the enemy coalition—Moabites, Ammonites, and their allies—highlights the human impossibility of victory, thereby magnifying the subsequent divine deliverance and God's power.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "other beside the Ammonites" is a less specific rendering of the Hebrew. Other translations often identify these allies more precisely, such as "some of the Meunites" (NIV) or "Edomites" (based on Septuagint manuscripts and the broader narrative context, particularly 2 Chronicles 20:10). This reinforces the scale and diversity of the invading force, indicating a large, multi-ethnic coalition. The Hebrew verb for "came against... to battle" (וַיָּבֹאוּ עַל־יְהוֹשָׁפָט לַמִּלְחָמָה, vayavo'u al-Yehoshaphat lamilchamah) clearly signifies an aggressive military invasion with the intent of war.

Practical Application

This opening verse serves as a powerful reminder that life's challenges can arise unexpectedly, even for those who are seeking God faithfully. Just as King Jehoshaphat faced an immense threat "after this also," we too can encounter sudden difficulties following periods of spiritual growth or peace. The immediate lesson is not to despair but to recognize the reality of opposition. It sets the stage for the subsequent verses, which will reveal Jehoshaphat's exemplary response: turning to God in prayer and trusting in divine intervention. This initial moment of crisis in 2 Chronicles 20:1 compels us to consider our own readiness for unexpected trials and where we place our ultimate trust when faced with overwhelming odds, pointing us towards the power of prayer and faith in God's sovereignty.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 19:11 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

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

  • Psalms 83:8 (2 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 8:9 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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