2 Chronicles 20:14

KJV

¶ Then upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, came the Spirit of the LORD in the midst of the congregation;

KJV (with Strong's)

Then upon Jahaziel {H3166} the son {H1121} of Zechariah {H2148}, the son {H1121} of Benaiah {H1141}, the son {H1121} of Jeiel {H3273}, the son {H1121} of Mattaniah {H4983}, a Levite {H3881} of the sons {H1121} of Asaph {H623}, came the Spirit {H7307} of the LORD {H3068} in the midst {H8432} of the congregation {H6951};

Complete Jewish Bible

Then, in the middle of the assembly, the Spirit of ADONAI came upon Yachzi'el the son of Z'kharyahu, the son of B'nayah, the son of Ye'i'el, the son of Matanyah the Levi, from the descendants of Asaf.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite from Asaph’s descendants, as he stood in the midst of the assembly.

American Standard Version

Then upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, the Levite, of the sons of Asaph, came the Spirit of Jehovah in the midst of the assembly;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 20:14 captures a pivotal moment of divine intervention during a national crisis for the kingdom of Judah. As King Jehoshaphat and all of Judah stood united in desperate prayer before the Lord, the Spirit of the LORD dramatically descended upon Jahaziel, a Levite, empowering him to deliver a direct, prophetic word from God. This divine communication served as God's immediate and unequivocal response to their humble plea, assuring them of victory without battle and reaffirming His active presence and sovereign care for His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climax of Judah's desperate appeal to God. Immediately preceding it, King Jehoshaphat, faced with an overwhelming invasion from the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites, proclaimed a national fast and gathered all the people—men, women, and children—in the temple court. His powerful prayer, recorded in [2 Chronicles 20:5-12](/2_chronicles/20-5 "2 Chronicles 20:5-12 - Jehoshaphat's Prayer to God"), eloquently articulated Judah's helplessness and their absolute dependence on God, reminding Him of His covenant promises. The Spirit's descent upon Jahaziel is God's direct, audible answer to this collective cry, setting the stage for the miraculous deliverance that follows in [2 Chronicles 20:15-24](/2_chronicles/20-15 "2 Chronicles 20:15-24 - God's Prophetic Deliverance").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The invasion described in [2 Chronicles 20](/2_chronicles/20 "2 Chronicles 20 - God Delivers Judah") presented an existential threat to Judah. The coalition of enemies was vast, and Judah's military strength was insufficient to meet them. In ancient Near Eastern warfare, such a united front often meant total annihilation or subjugation. Jehoshaphat's response—a national fast and seeking God in the temple—was a deeply significant act of humility and faith, reflecting a cultural understanding that national crises required divine intervention. The temple was the spiritual and civic center, the place where God's presence was believed to dwell. The identification of Jahaziel as a Levite of the "sons of Asaph" is also culturally significant, as the Asaphites were a prominent family of temple musicians and singers, often associated with prophetic praise and worship, making Jahaziel's anointing consistent with a lineage dedicated to divine service.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several key themes woven throughout 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Revelation and Guidance**, demonstrating God's willingness to directly communicate His will to His people in times of desperate need, often through chosen vessels. Secondly, it exemplifies **Prophetic Empowerment**, showing that the "Spirit of the LORD" supernaturally equips individuals for specific divine tasks, transforming an ordinary Levite into a mouthpiece for God's sovereign word. Thirdly, the event emphasizes **Corporate Dependence and the Power of Prayer**, illustrating that God hears and responds to the sincere, united cry of His gathered people, affirming His active **Presence in the Congregation** and His attentiveness to their pleas, as seen in [2 Chronicles 7:14](/2_chronicles/7-14 "2 Chronicles 7:14 - If My People"). Finally, it foreshadows the theme of **God's Sovereign Deliverance**, assuring Judah that the battle is not theirs, but God's, a truth reiterated throughout the book when God's people trust Him, as in [2 Chronicles 14:11](/2_chronicles/14-11 "2 Chronicles 14:11 - Asa's Prayer and Victory").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spirit of the LORD (Hebrew, רוּחַ יְהוָה, _Ruach Adonai_):** This phrase consistently denotes a supernatural endowment or inspiration from God, enabling individuals to perform specific divine tasks. In the Old Testament, it signifies a temporary, empowering presence of God that equips prophets for divine utterance (e.g., [Numbers 24:2](/numbers/24-2 "Numbers 24:2 - Balaam's Prophecy")), judges for leadership and military prowess (e.g., [Judges 3:10](/judges/3-10 "Judges 3:10 - Othniel Empowered")), and kings for governance. Here, it underscores that Jahaziel's subsequent message was not of human origin or wisdom, but a direct, divinely inspired word from God Himself, carrying divine authority and certainty.
* **Jahaziel (Hebrew, יַחֲזִיאֵל, _Yaḥăziʼēl_):** Meaning "God sees" or "God beholds," Jahaziel's name itself is fitting for one through whom God reveals His perspective and plan. His detailed lineage ("the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph") emphasizes his specific identity within the priestly and musical class. The sons of Asaph were renowned for their roles in temple worship, often incorporating prophetic elements into their music (e.g., [1 Chronicles 25:1](/1_chronicles/25-1 "1 Chronicles 25:1 - Prophetic Music of Asaph's Sons")). This background lends credibility to his sudden prophetic anointing, demonstrating that God often chooses those already dedicated to His service to deliver His messages.
* **in the midst of the congregation (Hebrew, בְּתוֹךְ הַקָּהָל, _bəṯōḵ haqqāhāl_):** This phrase highlights the public and corporate nature of this divine manifestation. The Spirit's descent and Jahaziel's subsequent prophecy were not private revelations but occurred before the entire assembled nation. This public setting served to validate the message, to confirm God's active presence among His people, and to provide corporate assurance and encouragement, dispelling any doubt about the divine origin of the forthcoming word. It underscores God's desire to communicate clearly and openly with His covenant community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph":** This detailed identification establishes the specific individual chosen by God. Jahaziel is not a king, a military leader, or a well-known prophet, but a Levite from a lineage known for temple music and service. This emphasizes God's sovereign choice, often working through unexpected channels to demonstrate that the power and message originate solely from Him, not from human status or prominence.
* **"came the Spirit of the LORD":** This is the core action of the verse, signifying a direct, supernatural intervention by God. The "coming" of the Spirit indicates a divine empowerment, a temporary anointing for a specific, immediate purpose—in this case, to deliver a prophetic message. It marks Jahaziel as God's chosen mouthpiece for this critical moment, validating the words he is about to speak as divinely inspired.
* **"in the midst of the congregation":** This crucial detail underscores the public and communal nature of God's revelation. The Spirit's descent and the subsequent prophecy were not a private communication but occurred before the entire assembled nation of Judah. This public display served to authenticate the message, to assure all present of God's active presence among them, and to foster corporate faith and unity in the face of overwhelming odds. It demonstrated that God was truly with His people.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Divine Intervention** is central, as God directly intercedes in the human crisis through the supernatural empowerment of Jahaziel. This is a classic example of a **Theophany** or divine manifestation, though through an intermediary, where the Spirit of the LORD visibly and undeniably "comes upon" an individual. The detailed genealogy of Jahaziel serves as a form of **Authentication** or **Validation**, grounding the extraordinary event in a known, albeit not prominent, lineage within the community, lending credibility to the unexpected prophet. Furthermore, the setting "in the midst of the congregation" creates a sense of **Public Witness** and **Communal Experience**, emphasizing that God's message is for all His people, not just a select few. The suddenness and specificity of the Spirit's arrival create a moment of **Dramatic Tension Release**, as the nation's desperate prayer is immediately answered by a clear, divine word, setting the stage for the narrative's resolution.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a profound testament to God's faithfulness, His attentiveness to the prayers of His people, and His sovereign power to intervene in human affairs. It highlights that God is not a distant deity but actively engages with His covenant community, especially in times of crisis. The "Spirit of the LORD" empowering Jahaziel connects to a broader biblical theme where God's Spirit equips individuals for specific tasks, whether for leadership, craftsmanship, or prophetic utterance. This divine anointing validates the message as God's own, instilling confidence and obedience in the hearers. It underscores the principle that God often chooses unexpected vessels to deliver His most vital messages, demonstrating that the power resides in Him, not in the messenger. The public nature of this event also reinforces the importance of corporate prayer and God's desire to reveal Himself to His gathered people, fostering communal faith and unity.

* [Numbers 11:25](/numbers/11-25 "Numbers 11:25 - The Spirit on the Elders")
* [Joel 2:28](/joel/2-28 "Joel 2:28 - Prophecy of the Spirit's Outpouring")
* [Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - The Spirit of the Lord on the Anointed One")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in 2 Chronicles 20:14 offers timeless lessons for believers facing overwhelming circumstances. Like Jehoshaphat, our first and most crucial response to crisis should be to humble ourselves, acknowledge our helplessness, and collectively seek God's face through prayer and worship. This passage reminds us that God is not silent; He hears the cries of His people and desires to provide clear guidance and assurance. We are encouraged to remain attentive and open to His voice, which may come through unexpected channels or individuals, just as it did through Jahaziel, a Levite known for music, not necessarily prophecy. The public nature of this divine encounter also emphasizes the power and importance of corporate prayer and seeking God together as a community, fostering shared faith and encouraging one another to trust in God's sovereign plan, even when the path ahead seems impossible from a human perspective.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jehoshaphat's immediate response to crisis—seeking God through prayer and fasting—challenge my own typical reactions to overwhelming problems?**
* **In what ways do I actively seek God's guidance and presence in my personal or communal challenges, and am I open to His voice coming through unexpected individuals?**
* **How does the corporate nature of this divine encounter in the "midst of the congregation" encourage my participation in the gathered body of believers for prayer and seeking God's will?**

### FAQ
**Who was Jahaziel and why was he chosen?**

Answer: Jahaziel was a Levite, specifically identified as being "of the sons of Asaph." The sons of Asaph were a prominent family of Levites known for their roles as temple musicians, singers, and often involved in prophetic worship (e.g., [1 Chronicles 25:1](/1_chronicles/25-1 "1 Chronicles 25:1 - Asaph's Prophetic Music")). He was not a king or a military commander, but God sovereignly chose him, a dedicated servant in the temple, to deliver His message. This choice underscores that God can use anyone from within His covenant community, often those dedicated to worship and service, to deliver His vital messages, demonstrating that the power and authority reside in God alone.

**What is the significance of the "Spirit of the LORD" coming upon him?**

Answer: The "Spirit of the LORD" coming upon Jahaziel signifies a divine anointing and supernatural empowerment for a specific task—in this case, prophetic utterance. This phrase in the Old Testament consistently denotes God's direct intervention, equipping individuals with divine wisdom, courage, or prophetic insight. It means that Jahaziel's subsequent message was not his own human wisdom or opinion, but a direct, divinely inspired word from God Himself, carrying absolute authority and certainty for King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah. It validated his message as truly from God.

**Why did this happen "in the midst of the congregation"?**

Answer: The Spirit's descent and Jahaziel's prophecy occurring "in the midst of the congregation" was crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it publicly validated the message, ensuring that all present witnessed the divine authentication of Jahaziel's words. Secondly, it demonstrated God's active presence among His gathered people, reaffirming His closeness and attentiveness to their collective cries. Thirdly, it provided corporate assurance and encouragement, uniting the entire nation in faith and trust in God's forthcoming deliverance, dispelling any doubt about the divine origin of the message and fostering communal reliance on God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The anointing of Jahaziel by the "Spirit of the LORD" in 2 Chronicles 20:14 foreshadows the ultimate and permanent anointing of Jesus Christ. While the Spirit came upon Old Testament figures for specific tasks and temporary periods, Jesus was uniquely and fully indwelt by the Spirit without measure (e.g., [John 3:34](/john/3-34 "John 3:34 - Spirit Without Measure")). The Spirit descended upon Jesus at His baptism, empowering Him for His earthly ministry, as He declared in [Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus Anointed by the Spirit"), "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor." Furthermore, Jahaziel's role as a messenger of divine hope and deliverance points to Christ as the ultimate Prophet, who not only delivers God's word but *is* the Word made flesh ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")). The temporary outpouring of the Spirit on Jahaziel also anticipates the permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit in all believers after Christ's ascension, fulfilling the promise of [Joel 2:28](/joel/2-28 "Joel 2:28 - Outpouring of the Spirit") on the Day of Pentecost ([Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1 "Acts 2:1-4 - Pentecost and the Spirit's Outpouring")). Now, the Spirit empowers God's people not just for specific prophetic moments, but for ongoing witness, service, and life in Christ ([Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - Sealed with the Holy Spirit")), making every believer a vessel through whom God's presence and truth can be manifested.

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 15:1

¶ And the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded:

2 Chronicles 24:20

And the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, which stood above the people, and said unto them, Thus saith God, Why transgress ye the commandments of the LORD, that ye cannot prosper? because ye have forsaken the LORD, he hath also forsaken you.

Daniel 9:20

¶ And whiles I [was] speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God;

Daniel 9:21

Yea, whiles I [was] speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.

Acts 10:4

And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.

Acts 10:31

And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

Isaiah 65:24

And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.