2 Chronicles 20:17

KJV

Ye shall not [need] to fight in this [battle]: set yourselves, stand ye [still], and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD [will be] with you.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye shall not need to fight {H3898} in this {H2063} battle: set {H3320} yourselves, stand {H5975} ye still, and see {H7200} the salvation {H3444} of the LORD {H3068} with you, O Judah {H3063} and Jerusalem {H3389}: fear {H3372} not, nor be dismayed {H2865}; to morrow {H4279} go out {H3318} against {H6440} them: for the LORD {H3068} will be with you.

Complete Jewish Bible

You won't even need to fight this battle! Just take your positions, Y'hudah and Yerushalayim, stand still, and watch how ADONAI will deliver you! Don't be afraid or distressed; tomorrow, go out against them; for ADONAI is with you.'"

Berean Standard Bible

You need not fight this battle. Take up your positions, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out and face them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you.’”

American Standard Version

Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of Jehovah with you, O Judah and Jerusalem; fear not, nor be dismayed: to-morrow go out against them; for Jehovah is with you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 20:17 delivers a profound prophetic word from God to King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah, assuring them of divine intervention and victory against an overwhelming invading army. It is a powerful testament to God's sovereignty, His faithfulness to His covenant people, and a call to unwavering faith, commanding them to stand firm, witness His salvation, and cast off fear, for the Lord Himself would fight on their behalf.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic core of God's direct response to King Jehoshaphat's fervent prayer in 2 Chronicles 20. Following the alarming news of a vast coalition of armies advancing against Judah, Jehoshaphat, demonstrating exemplary spiritual leadership, proclaimed a national fast and gathered the people at the temple. There, he offered a powerful prayer, acknowledging God's supreme power, recalling His covenant promises to Abraham, and confessing Judah's utter helplessness before their enemies, declaring, "we have no might against this great company that comes against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You" ([2 Chronicles 20:12](/2_chronicles/20-12 "2 Chronicles 20:12 - Jehoshaphat's Prayer of Helplessness")). In response, the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel, a Levite, who then delivered this divine oracle of assurance and instruction, setting the stage for a miraculous, bloodless victory that would profoundly impact the nation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah (c. 870-848 BC) and was generally a righteous king who sought to reform the nation and walk in the ways of the Lord. The invading forces comprised the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites (likely from Mount Seir, Edom), formidable enemies from the east and south, representing a significant existential threat to Judah's sovereignty and survival. In ancient Near Eastern warfare, such a coalition would typically necessitate a direct military confrontation, relying on strategic prowess and numerical strength. However, God's instruction to "stand ye still" and "see the salvation of the LORD" directly challenged conventional military wisdom, emphasizing a divine, supernatural intervention over human might. This act of faith would serve as a powerful witness to surrounding nations of Yahweh's unique power and His active involvement in the affairs of His people.
* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully articulates several foundational themes. **Divine Deliverance** is paramount, as God explicitly promises to fight for Judah, negating the need for their own military engagement. This underscores God's active role as a Warrior for His people, a theme echoed in the deliverance at the Red Sea ([Exodus 14:14](/exodus/14-14 "Exodus 14:14 - The Lord Will Fight For You")). **Faith and Trust** are central, as the command to "stand ye still" is not passivity but a profound act of surrendering human control and relying entirely on God's power and timing. This requires a radical trust in God's word, even when circumstances seem dire. Furthermore, the repeated exhortation, "fear not, nor be dismayed," highlights the theme of **Courage and Assurance**, directly addressing the natural human response to overwhelming odds. Finally, the promise "the LORD will be with you" emphasizes **God's Enduring Presence**, a cornerstone of biblical theology, assuring His people of His unfailing support and active involvement in their trials, a promise that resonates throughout scripture, from the call of Moses ([Exodus 3:12](/exodus/3-12 "Exodus 3:12 - God's Promise to Moses")) to the Great Commission ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission and Christ's Presence")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Stand ye still (Hebrew, _hityatzevu, amdu'_):** This phrase combines two imperative verbs. `Hityatzevu` (from `יָצַב`, _yatsav'_) means "to take one's stand, to position oneself firmly." `Amdu` (from `עָמַד`, _amad'_) means "to stand, to remain, to endure." Together, they do not suggest idleness or passivity, but rather a deliberate, firm posture of readiness and expectant waiting. It implies maintaining one's ground, not fleeing, and preparing to observe God's action, rather than engaging in self-effort. It is an act of spiritual discipline and trust.
* **Salvation (Hebrew, _yeshu'ah'_):** This term is rich in meaning, encompassing deliverance, victory, welfare, and rescue. In this context, it refers to a comprehensive, miraculous physical deliverance from the invading armies. It is not merely an escape but a decisive, divinely wrought triumph that demonstrates God's power and faithfulness. This _yeshu'ah_ is entirely God's work, to be "seen" and experienced by His people.
* **Dismayed (Hebrew, _chatat'_):** This verb means "to be shattered, to be broken, to be terrified, to be dismayed." It describes a state of utter hopelessness and despair that can paralyze action. The command "nor be dismayed" is a direct antidote to this emotional and psychological collapse, assuring the people that their fear is unwarranted because God is actively engaged on their behalf.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye shall not [need] to fight in this [battle]:"** This opening declaration immediately removes the burden of military engagement from Judah. It is a direct negation of human effort as the primary means of victory, setting the stage for divine intervention. The bracketed words in KJV indicate they are supplied for clarity, but the meaning is clear: God will render their fighting unnecessary.
* **"set yourselves, stand ye [still],"** This is a dual command for a specific posture. "Set yourselves" implies taking a firm, strategic position, while "stand ye still" (as analyzed above) means to hold one's ground, not to flee or rush into battle, but to remain fixed and expectant. It's a call to disciplined, faith-filled waiting.
* **"and see the salvation of the LORD with you,"** The purpose of their standing still is to be eyewitnesses to God's mighty act of deliverance. The "salvation" (Hebrew _yeshu'ah_) is not something they achieve, but something God performs "with you," meaning on their behalf and in their presence.
* **"O Judah and Jerusalem:"** This direct address personalizes the divine message, specifically naming the people and capital city who are the recipients of this promise and the beneficiaries of God's impending salvation.
* **"fear not, nor be dismayed;"** This is a powerful double negative imperative, directly confronting the natural human emotions of terror and despair in the face of overwhelming odds. It serves as a spiritual antidote, reinforcing the assurance of God's protective presence.
* **"to morrow go out against them:"** Despite the promise that they won't need to fight, they are commanded to physically confront the enemy. This is an act of obedience and faith, demonstrating their trust in God's word even when it seems paradoxical. They are to advance to the battleground, not to fight, but to witness.
* **"for the LORD [will be] with you."** This concluding phrase provides the ultimate reason and assurance for all the preceding commands. God's active, personal, and unfailing presence is the guarantee of their victory and the foundation of their courage. It is the bedrock promise upon which their faith is to rest.

#### Literary Devices
2 Chronicles 20:17 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message. The primary device is a **Divine Oracle**, delivered through the prophet Jahaziel, which carries the absolute authority of God's direct word, leaving no room for doubt. The use of **Imperative Mood** is prominent ("set yourselves," "stand ye still," "see," "fear not," "be not dismayed," "go out"), creating a series of direct commands that demand immediate and unwavering obedience from the people. There is striking **Contrast** between human inability ("Ye shall not need to fight") and divine omnipotence ("see the salvation of the LORD"). The phrase "fear not, nor be dismayed" employs **Parallelism** and **Repetition**, emphasizing the critical importance of overcoming anxiety through faith. Finally, the recurring phrase "the LORD will be with you" functions as a **Leitmotif** or **Thematic Repetition**, serving as the foundational promise that undergirds all the instructions and assurances, reinforcing God's constant, active presence as the ultimate source of strength and victory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal verse profoundly shapes our understanding of God's character and His relationship with His people. It reveals a God who is not distant but intimately involved in the affairs of humanity, a God who hears prayer and actively intervenes on behalf of those who trust Him. The emphasis on God fighting for His people underscores His sovereignty and omnipotence, reminding us that true victory belongs to Him, not to human strength or strategy. It teaches that faith is not passive resignation but an active posture of reliance and obedience, even when the path forward seems counter-intuitive. The narrative serves as a powerful illustration of divine grace and faithfulness, demonstrating that God's promises are trustworthy and His presence is the ultimate antidote to fear and despair.

* [Exodus 14:13](/exodus/14-13 "Exodus 14:13-14 - Stand Still and See the Salvation of the Lord")
* [Exodus 14:14](/exodus/14-14 "Exodus 14:13-14 - Stand Still and See the Salvation of the Lord")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear, For I Am With You")
* [Psalm 46:10](/psalm/46-10 "Psalm 46:10 - Be Still, and Know That I Am God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Chronicles 20:17 offers timeless wisdom for believers navigating the "battles" of life today. It reminds us that our first response to overwhelming challenges should be to seek God's face in prayer, acknowledging our helplessness and fully entrusting our circumstances to His sovereign hand, just as Jehoshaphat did. There are moments when God calls us not to strive harder in our own strength, but to "stand still" – to cease our anxious efforts, to quiet our fears, and to position ourselves to witness His supernatural intervention. This doesn't mean idleness, but rather a profound act of spiritual surrender and expectant faith, allowing God to work in ways far beyond our comprehension. When we truly grasp that "the LORD will be with you," the power of fear and dismay diminishes, replaced by a deep assurance that our ultimate victory is secured in Him. Our role is to obey His instructions, even if they seem paradoxical, and then to observe and glorify Him for His mighty acts of deliverance, knowing that He delights in revealing His salvation to those who trust Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "battles" in your life are you currently trying to fight in your own strength, rather than entrusting them fully to the Lord?**
* **In what specific ways can you "stand still" and position yourself to "see the salvation of the LORD" in your current circumstances?**
* **How does the promise "the LORD will be with you" practically diminish your fears and anxieties today?**
* **What act of faith, however small or counter-intuitive, might God be calling you to take tomorrow, even if you don't fully understand how He will work?**

### FAQ
**Does "stand ye still" mean I should do nothing in the face of challenges?**

Answer: No, "stand ye still" (Hebrew: _hityatzevu, amdu'_) does not imply passivity or inaction in the face of danger. Instead, it conveys taking a firm, fixed position – a posture of readiness and waiting for God's intervention. It means establishing oneself firmly to observe what God is about to do, rather than rushing into battle or fleeing. In this specific context, it was followed by the command to "to morrow go out against them," indicating an act of obedient presence, not idleness. It's about discerning when God calls for human effort and when He calls for faith-filled waiting for His supernatural work, as seen in [Exodus 14:14](/exodus/14-14 "Exodus 14:14 - The Lord Fights for Israel").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Chronicles 20:17 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The promise that "the LORD will be with you" culminates in the incarnation of God Himself, Emmanuel, "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - The Birth of Jesus Foretold")). While Jehoshaphat and Judah were called to "stand still" and witness God's physical salvation from earthly enemies, Christ's work provides eternal "salvation" (Greek: _soteria_, mirroring _yeshu'ah_) from the ultimate enemies: sin, death, and the power of the devil. The "battle" that we "need not fight" is the spiritual warfare for our souls, for Christ has already fought and won the decisive victory on the cross. He is the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and through His resurrection, He triumphed over death, disarming principalities and powers ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Believers are called to "stand firm" in the faith ([1 Corinthians 16:13](/1_corinthians/16-13 "1 Corinthians 16:13 - Stand Firm in the Faith")), not in their own strength, but in the finished work of Christ, knowing that the Spirit of God dwells within them, ensuring His abiding presence "always, even to the end of the age" ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission")). Our victory is not in our fighting, but in resting in the One who has already secured the 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

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.

2 Chronicles 15:2

And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The LORD [is] with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.

Isaiah 41:10

¶ Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Psalms 46:10

Be still, and know that I [am] God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

Psalms 46:11

The LORD of hosts [is] with us; the God of Jacob [is] our refuge. Selah.

Matthew 28:20

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.