2 Chronicles 20:12

KJV

O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes [are] upon thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

O our God {H430}, wilt thou not judge {H8199} them? for we have no might {H3581} against {H6440} this great {H7227} company {H1995} that cometh {H935} against us; neither know {H3045} we {H587} what to do {H6213}: but our eyes {H5869} are upon thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

Our God! Won't you execute judgment against them? For we haven't strength enough to defeat this huge horde coming against us, and we don't know what to do, but our eyes are on you."

Berean Standard Bible

Our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast army that comes against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”

American Standard Version

O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 20:12 encapsulates King Jehoshaphat's profound prayer of desperation and absolute dependence during a national crisis. Faced with an overwhelming invasion, the king humbly confesses Judah's utter helplessness and lack of human solutions, culminating in a powerful declaration of unwavering trust and expectant focus on God as their sole source of deliverance and wisdom. This verse serves as a timeless model for seeking divine intervention when human resources are exhausted.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This potent verse is the climax of King Jehoshaphat's comprehensive prayer in [2 Chronicles 20:5-12](/2_chronicles/20-5 "2 Chronicles 20:5-12 - Jehoshaphat's Prayer"). The prayer itself is the immediate response to the news of a vast coalition of Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites (inhabitants of Mount Seir) marching against Judah, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 20:1-2](/2_chronicles/20-1 "2 Chronicles 20:1-2 - Invasion of Judah"). Instead of mobilizing armies or seeking political alliances, Jehoshaphat immediately proclaimed a national fast, gathering the people from all the cities of Judah in the temple court in Jerusalem. His prayer begins with a robust affirmation of God's sovereignty and historical faithfulness, recalling God's covenant promises to Abraham and Solomon concerning the temple as a place of prayer in times of distress ([2 Chronicles 20:7-9](/2_chronicles/20-7 "2 Chronicles 20:7-9 - God's Covenant Promises")). The prayer then transitions from theological grounding to a stark, honest confession of Judah's dire situation, culminating in the complete surrender and trust expressed in [2 Chronicles 20:12](/2_chronicles/20-12 "2 Chronicles 20:12 - Jehoshaphat's Prayer of Helplessness and Trust"). This sets the stage for God's miraculous intervention and the subsequent victory described in [2 Chronicles 20:14-30](/2_chronicles/20-14 "2 Chronicles 20:14-30 - God's Deliverance and Judah's Victory").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of 2 Chronicles 20 unfold during the reign of Jehoshaphat, a generally righteous king of Judah (c. 870-848 BC), who largely walked in the ways of his father David, though he faced challenges with idolatry and unwise alliances. The invasion by the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites represented a significant existential threat to the kingdom of Judah. These nations were traditional enemies, often associated with the Transjordan region, and their combined forces would have vastly outnumbered Judah's military. In ancient Near Eastern warfare, such a coalition would typically lead to a swift and brutal conquest. The cultural response of proclaiming a national fast and gathering at the temple was deeply rooted in Israelite tradition, reflecting a communal act of repentance, humility, and desperate appeal to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, in times of national calamity. This practice underscored the belief that divine intervention was the ultimate recourse when human strength and strategy proved insufficient.
* **Key Themes:** The verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **confession of human helplessness**, demonstrating that true dependence on God begins with a humble acknowledgment of one's own limitations and inadequacy in the face of overwhelming odds. Jehoshaphat's candid admission, "we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do," is a prerequisite for experiencing divine power. Secondly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **absolute dependence and unwavering trust in God**. The pivotal phrase, "but our eyes [are] upon thee," signifies a complete turning from human solutions to divine intervention, embodying a posture of expectant faith that God alone can provide the necessary guidance and deliverance. This trust is not passive but an active, hopeful looking to God. Thirdly, the entire narrative underscores the **primacy of prayer as the first resort** in times of overwhelming crisis, particularly corporate prayer. Jehoshaphat's example encourages believers to make God their immediate and ultimate source of help, rather than a last resort, demonstrating that God often waits for His people to acknowledge their need before He acts. Finally, the opening plea, "O our God, wilt thou not judge them?", reflects an **appeal to divine justice and God's covenant faithfulness**, reminding God of His righteous character and His commitment to His people against unjust aggressors, a theme prevalent in prophetic literature and the Psalms (e.g., [Psalm 7:8](/psalms/7-8 "Psalm 7:8 - God Judges the Peoples") or [Isaiah 2:4](/isaiah/2-4 "Isaiah 2:4 - God Judges Among the Nations")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **No might (Hebrew, _'ein banu koach'_):** This phrase, literally "there is no strength in us," conveys an absolute and total lack of power or ability. It is not merely a statement of weakness but of utter incapacity to confront the enemy. This confession of complete human impotence is crucial, as it creates the vacuum into which God's omnipotence can flow. It signifies the end of self-reliance and the beginning of true dependence.
* **Our eyes [are] upon thee (Hebrew, עֵינֵינוּ אֵלֶיךָ, _'eineinu eileicha'_):** This idiomatic expression is far more profound than a simple physical gaze. It denotes an intense, hopeful, and expectant focus, a complete reliance, and a looking to God as the sole source of help, wisdom, and deliverance. It implies an attitude of humble submission, confident anticipation, and unwavering trust that God will act. It is a declaration of faith that, despite the overwhelming circumstances, the only viable solution lies with the Almighty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O our God, wilt thou not judge them?"**: This opening clause is a direct, impassioned appeal to God's character as a righteous judge. It's a rhetorical question expressing both a plea for intervention and an affirmation of God's justice. Jehoshaphat is not questioning God's ability but appealing to His nature and covenant commitment to defend His people against unprovoked aggression. It sets the tone for a prayer rooted in theological understanding.
* **"for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us;"**: This is the first part of Judah's confession of helplessness. It's a stark, realistic assessment of their military inferiority. The "great company" emphasizes the overwhelming numerical and strategic disadvantage, highlighting the human impossibility of the situation. This admission is vital for acknowledging God as the only possible solution.
* **"neither know we what to do:"**: This second part of the confession extends the helplessness from physical might to intellectual and strategic wisdom. It's an admission of complete bewilderment and lack of direction. They have no plan, no strategy, and no human answer to the crisis. This deepens the sense of utter dependence, as it indicates a void in both strength and wisdom.
* **"but our eyes [are] upon thee."**: This is the climactic declaration of the verse and the entire prayer. The conjunction "but" creates a powerful contrast, pivoting from utter despair to absolute hope. Despite all their weakness, ignorance, and fear, their gaze, their hope, their trust, and their entire being are fixed on God alone. It is a statement of defiant faith in the face of impossible odds, a posture of expectant waiting for divine intervention.

#### Literary Devices
2 Chronicles 20:12 is rich in literary devices that amplify its theological message. The opening, "**Rhetorical Question**" ("O our God, wilt thou not judge them?"), serves to emphasize God's just character and to implicitly remind Him of His covenant obligations, while simultaneously expressing a fervent plea. There is a strong use of "**Confession**" and "**Lament**," as Jehoshaphat articulates Judah's dire situation and their complete lack of resources. The verse employs powerful "**Contrast**" between human weakness and divine omnipotence: "we have no might... neither know we what to do: but our eyes [are] upon thee." This juxtaposition highlights the absolute chasm between human capability and God's boundless power, making God's subsequent intervention all the more miraculous. The phrase "our eyes [are] upon thee" functions as a potent "**Metaphor**" or "**Idiom**," representing not just physical sight but profound spiritual focus, trust, and expectant reliance. It is a concise yet powerful image of complete surrender and hopeful anticipation. Finally, the description of the enemy as "this great company" could be seen as a form of "**Hyperbole**," underscoring the overwhelming nature of the threat and further emphasizing the human impossibility of the situation, thereby magnifying the need for divine intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 20:12 stands as a profound testament to the biblical principle that human weakness is the fertile ground for divine strength. It encapsulates the essence of true faith, which is not self-reliance but radical God-reliance. This verse teaches that acknowledging our limitations and turning our gaze fully to God is the pathway to experiencing His miraculous power and wisdom. It underscores God's sovereignty over all nations and His faithfulness to His covenant people, even when they face insurmountable odds. The narrative following this prayer vividly demonstrates that God honors such faith, providing deliverance not through human might or strategy, but through His own supernatural intervention, reinforcing the truth that the battle belongs to the Lord.

* [Psalm 121:1-2](/psalms/121-1 "Psalm 121:1-2 - Where Does My Help Come From?")
* [2 Chronicles 20:15](/2_chronicles/20-15 "2 Chronicles 20:15 - The Battle Is Not Yours, But God's")
* [2 Chronicles 20:22](/2_chronicles/20-22 "2 Chronicles 20:22 - God Strikes Down the Enemy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, 2 Chronicles 20:12 offers an enduring blueprint for navigating personal, communal, and even global crises. When we encounter circumstances where our strength, intellect, or resources are utterly insufficient – be it a financial collapse, a health crisis, a relational breakdown, or a spiritual battle – this verse calls us to a posture of humble admission and absolute dependence. It challenges us to resist the urge to panic, resort to self-sufficiency, or seek human solutions as a first resort. Instead, like Jehoshaphat, we are invited to confess our helplessness honestly, to prioritize fervent prayer, and, most importantly, to fix our gaze expectantly upon God. This means cultivating a heart of unwavering trust, believing that God is able to provide wisdom, strength, and deliverance far beyond our comprehension. It is in this place of acknowledged weakness and focused faith that God's power is most perfectly displayed, transforming impossible situations into testimonies of His faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "great company" or overwhelming challenge are you currently facing where you feel you "have no might" and "know not what to do"?**
* **How often do you make prayer your first resort, rather than a last resort, when confronted with overwhelming difficulties?**
* **In what practical ways can you "fix your eyes upon" God in your current situation, moving from anxiety to expectant trust?**
* **What does Jehoshaphat's example teach you about the relationship between confessing weakness and experiencing God's strength?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jehoshaphat pray this way instead of mobilizing his army or seeking alliances?**

Answer: Jehoshaphat's prayer in [2 Chronicles 20:12](/2_chronicles/20-12 "2 Chronicles 20:12 - Jehoshaphat's Prayer") demonstrates a profound theological understanding and spiritual maturity. While he did have an army (as seen in [2 Chronicles 17:12-19](/2_chronicles/17-12 "2 Chronicles 17:12-19 - Jehoshaphat's Military Might")), he recognized that the sheer scale of the invading forces made a conventional military response futile. His immediate proclamation of a national fast and gathering at the temple (as described in [2 Chronicles 20:3-4](/2_chronicles/20-3 "2 Chronicles 20:3-4 - Jehoshaphat Proclaims a Fast")) was a deliberate act of faith, acknowledging God's sovereignty and seeking His intervention as the ultimate solution. This approach was rooted in Israel's covenant relationship with God, where in times of national crisis, the people were to turn to Yahweh for deliverance, rather than relying on human strength or foreign alliances. Jehoshaphat's actions exemplify the principle that when human resources are exhausted, divine power is the only hope, and it is accessed through humble, desperate prayer.

**What does "our eyes are upon thee" truly mean for us today?**

Answer: The phrase "our eyes are upon thee" (from [2 Chronicles 20:12](/2_chronicles/20-12 "2 Chronicles 20:12 - Jehoshaphat's Prayer")) is a powerful declaration of absolute dependence and expectant trust in God. For us today, it means consciously shifting our focus from our problems, our limitations, or potential human solutions, and fixing it entirely on God. It implies:
1. **Intentional Focus:** Actively choosing to look to God, rather than being consumed by fear or despair.
2. **Expectant Hope:** Believing that God is not only able but willing to intervene on our behalf.
3. **Humble Submission:** Acknowledging that His wisdom and power far surpass our own, and submitting to His will and timing.
4. **Active Waiting:** It's not passive resignation, but an active, hopeful posture of waiting for God's direction and deliverance. It means seeking His face in prayer, studying His Word for guidance, and trusting in His character, even when the path forward is unclear. This posture is echoed throughout Scripture, such as in [Psalm 25:15](/psalms/25-15 "Psalm 25:15 - My Eyes Are Ever Toward the Lord") and [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus, the Founder and Perfecter of Our Faith").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Chronicles 20:12, with its raw confession of human helplessness and its unwavering gaze upon God for deliverance, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jehoshaphat's "eyes upon thee" foreshadows the believer's complete reliance on Christ as the sole source of salvation, wisdom, and strength. In our greatest "company" of enemies—sin, death, and the power of darkness—humanity truly has "no might" and "knows not what to do." It is precisely in this state of utter spiritual destitution that the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") steps in. Jesus, who is God incarnate, becomes our judge and our deliverer, taking upon Himself the judgment we deserve. He is the one upon whom we fix our eyes, not merely for physical deliverance from earthly foes, but for eternal salvation and spiritual victory over all the powers of evil. As [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus") exhorts us to "look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith," He is the ultimate answer to our helplessness, the wisdom when we "know not what to do," and the perfect fulfillment of Jehoshaphat's desperate, faithful cry. Through His crucifixion and resurrection, Christ has decisively conquered the "great company" of our spiritual adversaries, ensuring that in Him, the battle is truly the Lord's, and our victory is secured by His finished work ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumphing Over Principalities and Powers")).

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

Psalms 121:1

¶ A Song of degrees. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

Psalms 121:2

My help [cometh] from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

Psalms 25:15

¶ Mine eyes [are] ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.

Psalms 141:8

But mine eyes [are] unto thee, O GOD the Lord: in thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute.

Psalms 123:1

¶ A Song of degrees. Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens.

Psalms 123:2

Behold, as the eyes of servants [look] unto the hand of their masters, [and] as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes [wait] upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us.

Deuteronomy 32:36

For the LORD shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that [their] power is gone, and [there is] none shut up, or left.