2 Chronicles 20:16

KJV

To morrow go ye down against them: behold, they come up by the cliff of Ziz; and ye shall find them at the end of the brook, before the wilderness of Jeruel.

KJV (with Strong's)

To morrow {H4279} go ye down {H3381} against them: behold, they come up {H5927} by the cliff {H4608} of Ziz {H6732}; and ye shall find {H4672} them at the end {H5490} of the brook {H5158}, before {H6440} the wilderness {H4057} of Jeruel {H3385}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Tomorrow, go down against them. They will be coming up by the ascent of Tzitz, and you will find them at the end of the vadi, before the Yeru'el Desert.

Berean Standard Bible

Tomorrow you are to march down against them. You will see them coming up the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the valley facing the Wilderness of Jeruel.

American Standard Version

To-morrow go ye down against them: behold, they come up by the ascent of Ziz; and ye shall find them at the end of the valley, before the wilderness of Jeruel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 20:16 delivers God's precise and actionable instructions to King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah, detailing the exact geographical location where they would encounter the vast invading armies. This verse is a pivotal moment in the narrative, following Jehoshaphat's fervent prayer and the divine assurance of victory, serving as a concrete command that demanded obedient faith and set the stage for God's miraculous intervention on behalf of His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the immediate, practical follow-up to the prophetic word delivered by Jahaziel, a Levite, in [2 Chronicles 20:15](/2_chronicles/20-15 "2 Chronicles 20:15 - The Battle is the Lord's"). Having heard King Jehoshaphat's desperate and humble prayer for deliverance, acknowledging Judah's utter helplessness and God's supreme power ([2 Chronicles 20:6-12](/2_chronicles/20-6-12 "2 Chronicles 20:6-12 - Jehoshaphat's Prayer and the Lord's Answer")), the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel, who proclaimed, "Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s." Verse 16 then transitions seamlessly from this overarching divine declaration to specific, actionable intelligence. It provides the crucial details necessary for Judah to position themselves to witness God's promised victory, thereby setting the stage for the miraculous, non-combative defeat of the enemy described in the subsequent verses of [2 Chronicles 20](/2_chronicles/20 "2 Chronicles 20 - Jehoshaphat's Victory").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this juncture, the kingdom of Judah, under King Jehoshaphat (c. 870-846 BC), faced an overwhelming threat from a formidable coalition of Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunim (or Edomites). These nations were traditional adversaries of Israel, frequently launching incursions from the eastern side of the Jordan Valley, often traversing the desolate Judean wilderness. The "cliff of Ziz" and the "wilderness of Jeruel" were not abstract locations but identifiable geographical features—likely a challenging ascent or pass and a specific desolate region, respectively—that constituted common invasion routes from the Dead Sea area towards Jerusalem. Culturally, in times of severe national crisis, it was a deeply ingrained practice for kings to seek divine counsel through prophets or priests, typically accompanied by public fasting and prayer, as Jehoshaphath diligently orchestrated. God's response through Jahaziel, including these remarkably precise geographical details, would have been unequivocally understood as a clear, undeniable sign of divine intervention and active, intimate participation in their defense.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several foundational themes prevalent throughout [2 Chronicles 20](/2_chronicles/20 "2 Chronicles 20 - Jehoshaphat's Victory") and, indeed, the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Guidance and Specificity**, demonstrating that God is not merely sovereign in a general sense but is intimately involved in the granular details of His people's lives, providing precise, actionable instructions when needed. Secondly, it emphasizes **Obedience in Faith**, as Judah was commanded to "go down against them" even though the battle had been explicitly declared to be God's. Their role was not to engage in combat, but simply to show up at a specific place, an act of profound trust in God's revealed word. This beautifully illustrates the dynamic and often paradoxical balance between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. Lastly, the verse powerfully showcases **God's Omniscience and Sovereignty over Circumstances**, as He knew the exact movements and impending location of the enemy, even before Judah moved, reinforcing the profound truth that no earthly force can thwart His divine plans, as vividly demonstrated in the ultimate triumph described in [2 Chronicles 20:22-24](/2_chronicles/20-22-24 "2 Chronicles 20:22-24 - God's Ambush and Judah's Victory").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **yârad (Hebrew, _yârad'_):** This primitive root signifies "to descend," implying movement from a higher elevation to a lower one. In this context, it directs Judah to move from the elevated Judean plateau (where Jerusalem and Tekoa were situated) down towards the Dead Sea region and the wilderness. This was a strategic command, instructing Judah to meet the enemy at a specific point in their ascent, potentially when they were already fatigued or vulnerable from traversing difficult terrain.
* **maʻăleh (Hebrew, _ma'aleh'_):** Derived from the root `ʻâlâh` (to ascend), this noun means "an elevation," "acclivity," or "ascent." When paired with "Ziz" (Tsîyts, H6732), it specifically refers to "the ascent of Ziz" or "cliff of Ziz." This denotes a particular, identifiable pass or steep path, which was a critical geographical choke point—a natural invasion route for armies approaching Judah from the east after crossing the Jordan Valley or traversing the wilderness. God's naming of this precise location demonstrates His intimate knowledge of the terrain and the enemy's movements, providing Judah with exact, actionable intelligence.
* **midbâr (Hebrew, _midbâr'_):** This term, often translated "wilderness" or "desert," refers to an uncultivated, sparsely populated, often arid or semi-arid region, primarily suitable for grazing rather than agriculture. When combined with "Jeruel" (Yᵉrûwʼêl, H3385), it refers to a specific desolate area within the Judean desert. The enemy would be found "before" or "facing" this wilderness, suggesting a point where they might be preparing to enter or emerge from the more challenging terrain, making them identifiable and potentially vulnerable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To morrow go ye down against them:"** This opening clause conveys the immediacy and directness of God's command. "To morrow" indicates a specific, impending action, leaving no room for delay or doubt. The instruction to "go down against them" is a call to active, obedient positioning, even though the subsequent narrative reveals they were not to engage in combat themselves, but simply to position themselves as witnesses to God's intervention.
* **"behold, they come up by the cliff of Ziz;"** This clause reveals God's perfect omniscience and foresight. He not only knows the enemy's current location but also their precise movement and intended route. The imperative "behold" (or "look!") draws immediate attention to this divine insight, confirming the accuracy of the intelligence and reinforcing the certainty of the impending encounter. The "cliff of Ziz" is identified as their specific and challenging ascent route.
* **"and ye shall find them at the end of the brook, before the wilderness of Jeruel."** This provides the exact rendezvous point, pinpointing the enemy's anticipated location with remarkable precision. The "brook" (likely a wadi or dry riverbed, nachal H5158) and the "wilderness of Jeruel" (midbâr Yᵉrûwʼêl) serve as further geographical markers. This detailed instruction ensures that Judah would not miss the enemy, allowing them to fulfill their part in God's plan by being present at the designated place, ready to witness His miraculous deliverance.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **literary devices**. Foremost is **Divine Omniscience**, as God reveals the enemy's exact location and trajectory, demonstrating His absolute knowledge and sovereign control over all circumstances. There is a strong element of **Foreshadowing**, as these precise instructions set the stage for the miraculous, bloodless victory that follows, building anticipation for how God will fulfill His promise to fight for Judah. The use of specific, real-world **Geographical Precision** ("cliff of Ziz," "brook," "wilderness of Jeruel") lends a compelling sense of realism and historical verifiability to the narrative, underscoring that God's intervention is not vague but grounded in the tangible world. Furthermore, there's a subtle **Irony** in the command to "go down against them" when Judah's actual role is to stand still and watch God fight, highlighting the paradoxical nature of faith and divine warfare.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a profound testament to God's active and meticulously detailed involvement in the affairs of His people. It teaches us that divine sovereignty does not negate human responsibility; rather, it often calls for an obedient response, even if that response is simply to "show up" in faith. God's specific instructions underscore His unwavering faithfulness to those who seek Him, demonstrating that He is not a distant, abstract deity but one who provides precise, actionable guidance in times of crisis. The narrative of Jehoshaphat's victory, initiated by this divine directive, serves as a powerful illustration that when God fights, victory is assured, regardless of the overwhelming odds. It cultivates a deep trust that God knows the path through our wildernesses and the exact location of our adversaries, guiding us to the very place where He will reveal His power and secure our deliverance.

* [Exodus 14:14](/exodus/14-14 "The Lord Will Fight for You")
* [Psalm 46:10](/psalms/46-10 "Be Still, and Know That I Am God")
* [Isaiah 30:15](/isaiah/30-15 "In Quietness and Trust Shall Be Your Strength")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, 2 Chronicles 20:16 offers profound and enduring lessons on navigating life's most overwhelming challenges. When confronted with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, our first and most crucial response, mirroring Jehoshaphat's, should be fervent prayer and a humble acknowledgment of our helplessness coupled with an unwavering recognition of God's omnipotence. This verse then powerfully reminds us that God often provides specific, actionable guidance, even if those instructions seem counterintuitive, demand radical faith, or appear to place us directly in the path of our adversaries. Our role is not always to "fight" in our own strength or devise our own strategies, but rather to obey His precise directions, to "go down" to the appointed place, and to stand firm, trusting implicitly that the battle truly belongs to Him. We can find immense comfort and peace in God's meticulous knowledge of our circumstances, knowing that He sees every "cliff of Ziz" and every "wilderness of Jeruel" in our lives, and He has a precise, perfect plan for our deliverance and His ultimate glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's specificity in this verse encourage you to seek His detailed guidance in your own challenges, rather than relying solely on your own understanding or strength?**
* **What "cliff of Ziz" or "wilderness of Jeruel"—metaphorical or literal—might God be directing you towards today, not to fight in your own strength, but to witness His intervention?**
* **In what areas of your life are you called to "go down" in obedience, trusting God to fight the battle, even when the outcome is unclear or appears impossible to you?**

### FAQ
**Why did God give such specific geographical instructions instead of just promising victory?**

Answer: God's specific geographical instructions served multiple crucial purposes. Firstly, they profoundly demonstrated His absolute omniscience and sovereignty, proving beyond doubt that He knew the enemy's exact location, movements, and vulnerabilities. This precise, verifiable knowledge would have immeasurably built the faith of Jehoshaphat and all Judah, confirming that the message was truly from God and not a mere human guess or strategic estimation. Secondly, it provided clear, actionable steps for Judah's obedience, removing any ambiguity about where they needed to go. This act of obedient positioning was essential for them to witness God's unique, miraculous deliverance, which would redound to His glory and serve as a powerful testimony to surrounding nations. It also strategically placed Judah to observe the enemy's self-destruction, rather than engaging in direct combat, reinforcing the truth that [the battle is the Lord's](/2_chronicles/20-15 "2 Chronicles 20:15 - The Battle is the Lord's").

**What is the significance of the "cliff of Ziz" and "wilderness of Jeruel" in this narrative?**

Answer: The "cliff of Ziz" and the "wilderness of Jeruel" are not merely arbitrary names but identifiable geographical features in the Judean wilderness, east of Jerusalem. The "cliff of Ziz" (Ma'aleh ha-Tzitz) was likely a steep ascent or pass, a common and strategic route for invaders coming from the Dead Sea region towards the heart of Judah. The "wilderness of Jeruel" (Midbar Yeruel) was a desolate, uncultivated area within this desert landscape. God's mention of these specific locations underscored His detailed control over the situation. It meant that the invaders, having traversed difficult terrain, would be found at a precise point, perhaps exhausted or disoriented, making them vulnerable to God's divine ambush. This geographical precision highlights the reality of God's intervention in the physical world and His meticulous planning for His people's deliverance, ensuring Judah was positioned to witness His power, as seen in [2 Chronicles 20:22-24](/2_chronicles/20-22-24 "2 Chronicles 20:22-24 - God's Ambush and Judah's Victory").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divine command in 2 Chronicles 20:16, where God gives precise instructions for His people to position themselves to witness His victory, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as God directed Judah to a specific place to see His power, so too does God, in Christ, direct humanity to the ultimate battlefield where He secured victory: the cross. There, the true "battle" against sin, death, and the powers of darkness was fought, not by human might or strategic positioning, but by the perfect obedience and sacrificial death of the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Believers are called not to fight for their salvation, but to "go down" in faith and repentance, to stand in Christ's finished work, and to witness His triumph. The Lord Jesus, our ultimate General and Victor, has already triumphed over all principalities and powers, disarming them and making a public spectacle of them on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumphing over Principalities and Powers")). Our role, like Judah's, is to stand firm in the victory already won, putting on the full armor of God not to earn salvation, but to stand against the schemes of the devil, knowing that the spiritual battle is the Lord's ([Ephesians 6:10-18](/ephesians/6-10-18 "Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Armor of God")). Christ's specific instructions to His disciples, such as the Great Commission to "go and make disciples of all nations" ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")), mirror God's precise guidance to Jehoshaphat, calling us to obedient action based on His sovereign authority and assured victory.

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.