2 Chronicles 20:15

KJV

And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle [is] not yours, but God's.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559}, Hearken {H7181} ye, all Judah {H3063}, and ye inhabitants {H3427} of Jerusalem {H3389}, and thou king {H4428} Jehoshaphat {H3092}, Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} unto you, Be not afraid {H3372} nor dismayed {H2865} by reason {H6440} of this great {H7227} multitude {H1995}; for the battle {H4421} is not yours, but God's {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He said, "Listen, all Y'hudah, you who live in Yerushalayim and King Y'hoshafat: here is what ADONAI is saying to you: 'Don't be afraid or distressed by this great horde; for the battle is not yours, but God's.

Berean Standard Bible

And he said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army, for the battle does not belong to you, but to God.

American Standard Version

and he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat: Thus saith Jehovah unto you, Fear not ye, neither be dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 20:15 presents a profound divine declaration delivered through the prophet Jahaziel to King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah, who faced an overwhelming invasion from a vast confederacy of enemy armies. In a moment of national despair and earnest prayer, this verse powerfully assures them that the impending conflict is not theirs to fight but belongs to God, urging them to cast aside fear and dismay and instead place their unwavering trust in His sovereign power and promised intervention. It encapsulates a timeless message of divine assurance in the face of insurmountable odds, shifting the focus from human inadequacy to God's omnipotent capability.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic response to a desperate national crisis. King Jehoshaphat, upon hearing of the massive invading army, immediately [proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah](/2_chronicles/20-3 "2 Chronicles 20:3 - Jehoshaphat Proclaims a Fast"), gathering the people in the temple for a heartfelt prayer of dependence and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty (2 Chronicles 20:5-12). The Spirit of the LORD then came upon Jahaziel, a Levite, who delivered this prophetic word (2 Chronicles 20:14). The immediate narrative following this verse describes the people's worshipful response (2 Chronicles 20:18-19) and their subsequent miraculous victory, where the enemies turned on each other without Judah needing to strike a blow (2 Chronicles 20:20-23). This divine intervention serves as a powerful demonstration of the truth declared in 2 Chronicles 20:15.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah (c. 870-845 BC) and was generally a righteous king, though not without his flaws, such as his alliance with Ahab of Israel. The invasion described in 2 Chronicles 20 involved a formidable coalition of Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites (people from Mount Seir), who were traditional enemies of Israel and Judah. Such a "great multitude" would have been an existential threat to the relatively small kingdom of Judah, evoking natural terror and despair. In ancient Near Eastern warfare, the sheer size of an invading army often dictated the outcome, making divine intervention the only viable hope for a smaller nation. The role of prophets like Jahaziel was crucial in conveying God's will and assurance directly to the king and the people, often in times of national crisis, serving as God's mouthpiece.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme radiating from this verse is **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence**. The declaration "the battle is not yours, but God's" unequivocally asserts that ultimate control and responsibility for the outcome rest solely with the Almighty. This truth directly addresses the human tendency towards **Fear and Dismay**, calling for **Trust and Faith** in God's ability to deliver, even when circumstances seem hopeless. It underscores the biblical principle that **God Fights for His People**, demonstrating His faithfulness to those who humble themselves and rely on Him. This narrative also highlights the power of **Prayer and Humility** as the primary response to overwhelming challenges, echoing the sentiment found in [Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **afraid (Hebrew, _yare'_):** This word carries the sense of being terrified, dreading, or fearing. In this context, it refers to the paralyzing terror that naturally grips a people facing an overwhelming military force. The command "Be not afraid" is not a dismissal of the reality of the threat, but a divine injunction to resist the emotional and psychological surrender to fear, trusting instead in a greater power.
* **dismayed (Hebrew, _chathath'_):** This term signifies being broken, shattered, or utterly disheartened. It describes a state of despair where one's spirit is crushed, and hope is lost. The parallel command "nor dismayed" complements "afraid," addressing the internal collapse of courage and morale. Together, they form a comprehensive prohibition against both external terror and internal despondency.
* **battle (Hebrew, _milchamah'_):** This word refers to war, conflict, or combat. The declaration "the battle is not yours, but God's" is a profound theological statement. It signifies that the responsibility, the means, and ultimately the victory in this specific conflict are appropriated by God Himself. It removes the burden of human capability and places it squarely on divine power, fundamentally altering the nature of the engagement for Judah.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat":** This opening clause establishes the specific and comprehensive audience for the divine message. It is addressed to the entire nation, encompassing both the general populace of Judah, the specific residents of the capital city Jerusalem, and crucially, their leader, King Jehoshaphat. This broad address underscores the universal relevance and authority of the message for everyone involved in the crisis.
* **"Thus saith the LORD unto you":** This is a classic prophetic formula, unequivocally asserting that the words that follow are not Jahaziel's own, but a direct, authoritative utterance from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. It lends immense weight and infallibility to the subsequent command and promise, demanding immediate and reverent attention.
* **"Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude":** This is a direct divine command, addressing the natural human response to the overwhelming odds. The "great multitude" refers to the vast, seemingly invincible coalition of enemy armies. God explicitly forbids both paralyzing fear and spirit-crushing despair, indicating that such reactions are contrary to the faith He expects from His people.
* **"for the battle [is] not yours, but God's":** This is the core theological declaration and the foundational reason for the preceding command. It is a radical reorientation of perspective. It asserts that the ownership, responsibility, and ultimate execution of the conflict belong entirely to God. This phrase removes the burden of human effort and capacity, promising divine intervention and victory that transcends human ability.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Direct Address** is prominent, as God's message is specifically directed to "all Judah," "inhabitants of Jerusalem," and "king Jehoshaphat," creating an immediate and personal connection with the audience. As a **Divine Oracle** or **Prophecy**, the phrase "Thus saith the LORD" establishes the absolute authority and truthfulness of the message, elevating it beyond human counsel. The most impactful device is **Contrast**, particularly in the declaration "the battle is not yours, but God's." This sharp juxtaposition highlights the fundamental shift in agency from human to divine, emphasizing God's complete sovereignty. The description of the enemy as a "great multitude" uses **Hyperbole** to underscore the overwhelming nature of the threat, thereby magnifying the miraculous power of God's promised intervention. Furthermore, the "battle" can be seen as a **Metaphor** for any insurmountable challenge, extending the verse's application beyond literal warfare to life's spiritual and personal struggles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound message of 2 Chronicles 20:15 resonates throughout the biblical narrative, affirming God's consistent character as a divine warrior and faithful deliverer. It underscores the theological truth that God often orchestrates circumstances to demonstrate His power and glory, compelling His people to rely not on their own strength, but solely on His. This principle challenges human self-sufficiency and calls for radical trust in divine sovereignty, particularly when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It teaches that true security and victory are found not in human might or strategic brilliance, but in humble dependence on the God who fights for His own. This foundational truth is a cornerstone of biblical faith, echoing through countless narratives of God's deliverance.

* [Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "Deuteronomy 20:4 - God Fights for Israel")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Fear Not, I Am With You")
* [Psalm 46:10](/psalms/46-10 "Psalm 46:10 - Be Still, and Know That I Am God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, 2 Chronicles 20:15 offers immense encouragement and a vital paradigm for navigating the "battles" of life—whether they are personal struggles with sin, spiritual warfare against unseen forces, relational conflicts, financial crises, or societal injustices. The verse calls us to adopt Jehoshaphat's posture of immediate and earnest prayer, acknowledging our own limitations and God's boundless power. It challenges the natural human inclination to panic or despair in the face of overwhelming odds, instead urging us to surrender control and allow God to fight on our behalf. This doesn't imply passivity, but rather a profound shift in reliance: we are called to obey God's leading and step out in faith, knowing that the ultimate victory belongs to Him. Embracing this truth liberates us from anxiety and empowers us to face challenges with courage, confident that our God is able to deliver us, transforming moments of fear into opportunities for His glory to be revealed.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "great multitudes" or overwhelming challenges are you currently facing in your life that feel beyond your capacity to overcome?**
* **How does the command "Be not afraid nor dismayed" challenge your natural reactions to fear and uncertainty?**
* **In what specific ways can you practically surrender the "battle" to God and trust Him to fight on your behalf?**
* **What does it mean to truly "hearken" to the Lord's voice in your circumstances, as Jehoshaphat and Judah were called to do?**

### FAQ

**What was the immediate outcome of Jehoshaphat's obedience to this prophecy?**

Answer: The immediate outcome was a miraculous and decisive victory for Judah, achieved without them needing to fight. After hearing Jahaziel's prophecy, Jehoshaphat and all Judah bowed down and worshipped the LORD (2 Chronicles 20:18). The next morning, they rose early and went out to face the enemy. Before engaging, Jehoshaphat appointed singers to praise the LORD as they marched, putting worship at the forefront of their strategy (2 Chronicles 20:21). As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the Ammonites, Moabites, and those from Mount Seir who had come against Judah, causing them to turn on each other and destroy themselves (2 Chronicles 20:22-23). By the time Judah arrived at the battlefield, they found only dead bodies, and spent three days gathering immense spoil (2 Chronicles 20:24-25). This spectacular victory perfectly demonstrated that "the battle [was] not yours, but God's."

**Does "the battle is not yours, but God's" mean believers should do nothing in the face of challenges?**

Answer: No, this verse does not advocate for passivity or inaction. Rather, it emphasizes that the *ultimate source of victory* and the *power to overcome* belong to God, not to human strength or strategy. While God fights the battle, He often calls His people to participate in ways that demonstrate their faith and obedience. In Jehoshaphat's case, they still had to gather, pray, listen to the prophet, and then march out to the battlefield. Their action was one of faith-filled obedience, not self-reliance. Similarly, believers are called to pray, seek God's wisdom, take responsible action, and walk in obedience, but always with the understanding that true deliverance and success come from God's power working through them, not from their own inherent capabilities. It's about reliance, not resignation, and active trust, not passive waiting.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The declaration "the battle is not yours, but God's" finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Humanity faced an overwhelming "multitude" of spiritual enemies: sin, death, and the power of Satan, a battle utterly beyond our capacity to win. Yet, in Christ, the "battle" for our salvation was fought and won by God Himself. Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), entered the fray, not as a general leading an army, but as the suffering servant who bore the full weight of our spiritual adversaries. His death on the cross was the decisive victory over sin's dominion, and His resurrection was the triumph over death and the grave, [disarming the powers and authorities](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities"). We are called to "be not afraid nor dismayed" in the face of our spiritual struggles, knowing that Christ has already secured the victory (cf. [John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")). Our participation in this "battle" is one of faith, resting in His finished work, and living out the victory He has already achieved for us, knowing that [in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors"). He is our peace and our ultimate deliverer, the one who truly fights for us and secures our eternal triumph.

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 32:7

Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that [is] with him: for [there be] more with us than with him:

2 Chronicles 32:8

With him [is] an arm of flesh; but with us [is] the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.

Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he [it is] that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Exodus 14:13

And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.

Exodus 14:14

The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.

1 Samuel 17:47

And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle [is] the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands.

Deuteronomy 31:8

And the LORD, he [it is] that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.