TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.
KJV (with Strong's)
And they rose early H7925 in the morning H1242, and went forth H3318 into the wilderness H4057 of Tekoa H8620: and as they went forth H3318, Jehoshaphat H3092 stood H5975 and said H559, Hear H8085 me, O Judah H3063, and ye inhabitants H3427 of Jerusalem H3389; Believe H539 in the LORD H3068 your God H430, so shall ye be established H539; believe H539 his prophets H5030, so shall ye prosper H6743.
Complete Jewish Bible
The next morning, they rose early and went out into the T'koa Desert. As they left, Y'hoshafat stood and said, "Listen to me, Y'hudah and you inhabitants of Yerushalayim! "Trust in ADONAI your God, and you will be safe. Trust in his prophets, and you will succeed."
Berean Standard Bible
Early in the morning they got up and left for the Wilderness of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood up and said, “Hear me, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be upheld; believe in His prophets, and you will succeed.”
American Standard Version
And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem: believe in Jehovah your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.
World English Bible Messianic
They rose early in the morning, and went out into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, Judah, and you inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the LORD your God, so you shall be established! Believe his prophets, so you shall prosper.”
Geneva Bible (1599)
And when they arose early in the morning, they went forth to the wildernesse of Tekoa: and as they departed, Iehoshaphat stoode and sayde, Heare ye me, O Iudah, and ye inhabitants of Ierusalem: put your trust in the Lord your God, and ye shalbe assured: beleeue his Prophets, and ye shall prosper.
Young's Literal Translation
And they rise early in the morning, and go out to the wilderness of Tekoa, and in their going out Jehoshaphat hath stood and saith, `Hear me, O Judah, and inhabitants of Jerusalem, remain stedfast in Jehovah your God, and be stedfast; remain stedfast in His prophets, and prosper.'
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In the KJVVerse 11,608 of 31,102
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Commentary on 2 Chronicles 20 verses 20–30
20 ¶ And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.
21 And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever.
22 And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.
23 For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy them: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one helped to destroy another.
24 And when Judah came toward the watch tower in the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude, and, behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped.
25 And when Jehoshaphat and his people came to take away the spoil of them, they found among them in abundance both riches with the dead bodies, and precious jewels, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away: and they were three days in gathering of the spoil, it was so much.
26 And on the fourth day they assembled themselves in the valley of Berachah; for there they blessed the LORD: therefore the name of the same place was called, The valley of Berachah, unto this day.
27 Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, and Jehoshaphat in the forefront of them, to go again to Jerusalem with joy; for the LORD had made them to rejoice over their enemies.
28 And they came to Jerusalem with psalteries and harps and trumpets unto the house of the LORD.
29 And the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of those countries, when they had heard that the LORD fought against the enemies of Israel.
30 So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet: for his God gave him rest round about.
We have here the foregoing prayer answered and the foregoing promise performed, in the total overthrow of the enemies' forces and the triumph (for so it was rather than a victory) of Jehoshaphat's forces over them.
I. Never was army drawn out to the field of battle as Jehoshaphat's was. He had soldiers ready prepared for war (Ch2 17:18), but here is no notice taken of their military equipment, their swords or spears, their shields or bows. But Jehoshaphat took care, 1. That faith should be their armour. As they went forth, instead of calling them to handle their arms, and stand to them, to keep ranks, observe orders, and fight valiantly, he bade them believe in the Lord God and give credit to his word in the mouth of his prophets, and assured them that they should prosper and be established, Ch2 20:20. That is true courage which faith inspires a man with; nor will any thing contribute more to the establishing of the heart in shaking times than a firm belief of the power, and mercy, and promise of God. The heart is fixed that thus trusteth in the Lord, and is kept in perfect peace. In our spiritual conflicts, this is the victory, this is the prosperity, even our faith. 2. That praise and thanksgiving should be their vanguard, Ch2 20:21. Jehoshaphat called a council of war, and it was resolved to appoint singers to go out before the army, to charge in the front, who had nothing else to do but to praise God, to praise his holiness, which is his beauty, to praise him as they did in the temple (that beauty of holiness) with that ancient and good doxology which eternity itself will not wear thread-bare, Praise the Lord; for his mercy endureth for ever. By this strange advance towards the field of battle, Jehoshaphat intended to express his firm reliance upon the word of God (which enabled him to triumph before the battle), to animate his own soldiers, to confound the enemy, and to engage God on their side; for praise pleases God better than all burnt offering and sacrifice.
II. Never was army so unaccountably destroyed as that of the enemy; not by thunder, or hail, or the sword of an angel, not by dint of sword, or strength of arm, or any surprising alarm, like that which Gideon gave the Midianites; but the Lord set ambushments against them, either hosts of angels, or, as bishop Patrick thinks, their own ambushments, whom God struck with such confusion that they fell upon their own friends as if they had been enemies, and every one helped to destroy another, so that none escaped. This God did when his people began to sing and to praise (Ch2 20:22), for he delights to furnish those with matter for praise that have hearts for it. We read of his being angry at the prayers of his people (Psa 80:4), but never at their praises. When they did but begin the work of praise God perfected the work of their deliverance. What ground there was for their jealousies one of another does not appear, perhaps there was none; but so it was that the Ammonites and the Moabites fell foul upon the Edomites and cut them off, and then they fell out with one another and cut one another off, Ch2 20:23. Thus God often makes wicked people instruments of destruction to one another; and what alliances can be so firm as to keep those together whom God designs to dash in pieces one against another? See the mischievous consequences of divisions which neither of the contending parties can give any good account of the reason of. Those are wretchedly infatuated, to their ruin, that fall foul upon their friends as if they were enemies.
III. Never was spoil so cheerfully divided, for Jehoshaphat's army had nothing to do besides; the rest was done for them. When they came to the view of this vast army, instead of finding living men to fight with, they found them all dead men, and their carcases spread as dung upon the face of the earth, Ch2 20:24. See how rich God is in mercy to those that call upon him in truth, and how often he out-does him in truth, and how often he out-does the prayers and expectations of his people. Jehoshaphat and his people prayed to be delivered from being spoiled by the enemy; and God not only delivered them, but enriched them with the spoil of the enemy. The plunder of the field was very great and very rich. They found precious jewels with the dead bodies, which yet could not save them from being loathsome carcases. The spoil was more than they could carry away at once, and they were three days in gathering it, Ch2 20:25. Now it appeared what was God's end in bringing this great army against Judah; it was to humble them and prove them, that he might do them good in their latter end. It seemed at first a disturbance to their reformation, but it proved a recompence of it.
IV. Never was victory celebrated with more solemn and enlarged thanksgivings. 1. They kept a day of praise in the camp, before they drew their forces out of the field. Many thanksgivings, no doubt, were offered up to God immediately; but on the fourth day they assembled in a valley, where they blessed God with so much zeal and fervency that that day's work gave a name to the place, the valley of Berachah, that is, of blessing, Ch2 20:26. The remembrance of this work of wonder was hereby perpetuated, for the encouragement of succeeding generations to trust in God. 2. Yet they did not think this enough, but came in solemn procession, all in a body, and Jehoshaphat at the head of them, to Jerusalem, that the country, as they passed along, might join with them in their praises, and that they might give thanks for the mercy where they had by prayer obtained it, in the house of the Lord, Ch2 20:27, Ch2 20:28. Praising God must not be the work of a day only; but our praises, when we have received mercy, must be often repeated, as our prayers were when we were in the pursuit of it. Every day we must bless God; as long as we live, and while we have any being, we must praise him, spending our time in that work in which we hope to spend our eternity. Public mercies call for public acknowledgments in the courts of the Lord's house, Psa 116:19.
V. Never did victory turn to a better account than this; for, 1. Jehoshaphat's kingdom was hereby made to look very great and considerable abroad, Ch2 20:29. When they heard that God fought thus for Israel, they could not but say, There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun, and Happy art thou, O Israel! It begat in the neighbours a reverence of God and a cautious fear of doing any injury to his people. It is dangerous fighting against those who have God with them. 2. It was made very easy and quiet at home, Ch2 20:30. (1.) They were quiet among themselves. Those that were displeased at the destroying of the images and groves were now satisfied, and obliged to own that since the God of Israel could deliver after this sort he only is to be worshipped, in that way only which he himself has appointed. (2.) They were quiet from the fear of insults from their neighbours, God having given them rest round about. And, if he give rest, who can give disturbance?
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 20–30. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 20:20 records King Jehoshaphat's pivotal exhortation to the people of Judah as they confronted an overwhelming enemy coalition. Following a divine prophetic assurance of victory, Jehoshaphat calls his nation to an active and unwavering faith. His words articulate a profound and timeless principle: steadfast trust in the Lord God brings divine establishment and security, while heeding His divinely appointed messengers leads to true flourishing and comprehensive prosperity in fulfilling God's purposes. This moment underscores the essential connection between God's sovereign promise, humanity's obedient faith, and tangible divine deliverance.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse serves as the climactic human response to a divine revelation within the narrative of 2 Chronicles 20. The chapter begins with the shocking news of a vast coalition of enemies advancing against Judah (2 Chronicles 20:1-2). King Jehoshaphat's immediate, Spirit-led reaction is to seek the Lord, proclaiming a national fast and gathering all Judah for prayer (2 Chronicles 20:3-4). His profound prayer (2 Chronicles 20:5-12) is answered by Jahaziel, a Levite, who delivers a powerful prophetic word: "Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's" (2 Chronicles 20:15). The people respond with worship and praise (2 Chronicles 20:18-19). It is on the morning they are to go out, not to fight, but to witness God's deliverance, that Jehoshaphat delivers this crucial exhortation, setting the stage for the miraculous, bloodless victory that immediately follows (2 Chronicles 20:21-25).
Historical & Cultural Context: King Jehoshaphat, who reigned approximately from 870-848 BC, was the fourth king of Judah after the kingdom divided. He is largely remembered as a righteous king who sought to restore true worship and justice in Judah, as detailed in 2 Chronicles 17. Despite his generally commendable reign, he made some politically motivated, yet questionable, alliances, notably with the idolatrous King Ahab of Israel (2 Chronicles 18). The invasion described in this chapter, by the Ammonites, Moabites, and Meunites (likely from Mount Seir, Edom), represented a significant existential threat to the kingdom of Judah. The "wilderness of Tekoa" was a desolate, rugged area southeast of Jerusalem, bordering the Judean Desert, a strategic choke point where invading armies would naturally pass. In ancient Near Eastern warfare, a king's address to his troops before battle was a standard practice, serving to boost morale and outline strategy. Jehoshaphat's address, however, is profoundly unique in its singular focus on faith in God and His prophetic word, rather than military tactics, highlighting the divine nature of the promised victory and the unprecedented strategy God provided.
Key Themes: The overarching theme in 2 Chronicles 20 is divine intervention in response to faithful prayer and obedience. Jehoshaphat's initial fear is swiftly transformed into a profound act of seeking God, demonstrating the theme of absolute dependence on God in times of crisis. The prophetic word delivered by Jahaziel powerfully highlights the theme of God speaking through His chosen messengers, emphasizing that true wisdom, guidance, and strategic direction come from divine revelation. The people's response of worship and Jehoshaphat's exhortation to "believe" underscore the theme of active faith—not a passive waiting, but a confident, obedient trust that leads to courageous action (going out to the wilderness without weapons). The promised outcomes of "establishment" and "prosperity" connect to broader biblical themes of blessing for obedience and God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people. This narrative powerfully illustrates that God fights for His people when they place their trust fully in Him, echoing principles found in passages like Psalm 20:7 and Proverbs 3:5-6.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The passage is rich with Exhortation, as Jehoshaphat directly commands his people to "Believe." This is coupled with a powerful use of Parallelism, specifically Synonymous Parallelism, in the two distinct yet complementary clauses: "Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper." While the objects of belief (God vs. prophets) are distinct, the structure and the underlying principle (faith leading to positive outcomes) are parallel, reinforcing the central message through repetition and emphasis. There is also an element of Cause and Effect, where belief is presented as the direct cause for establishment and prosperity. The verse functions as a profound Call to Faith, a rallying cry that transcends mere military strategy, transforming a fearful situation into an opportunity for divine demonstration. The entire narrative of 2 Chronicles 20 serves as a powerful Illustrative Narrative of the principles articulated in this verse, demonstrating the direct, tangible relationship between faith and divine deliverance.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jehoshaphat's exhortation encapsulates a foundational biblical truth: the security, stability, and flourishing of God's people are directly proportional to their faith and obedience to His revealed will. It teaches that faith is not a passive intellectual assent to theological propositions, but an active, dynamic trust that leads to decisive action, even when that action seems counter-intuitive or illogical from a human perspective. The inclusion of "believe his prophets" underscores the vital role of divine revelation and the authoritative nature of God's word, whether directly from Him or conveyed through His chosen messengers. This passage affirms God's absolute sovereignty over all circumstances and His unwavering faithfulness to deliver those who genuinely rely on Him, providing a timeless model for how believers should respond to overwhelming challenges. It moves beyond a transactional view of faith to one that emphasizes a deep, relational trust in a God who is both powerful to save and faithful to guide His people through every trial.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world constantly assailed by uncertainties—be they economic instability, social unrest, global crises, or deeply personal trials—Jehoshaphat's words in 2 Chronicles 20:20 offer an enduring and profoundly relevant anchor. We, like Judah, often face "vast armies" in our lives—challenges that seem insurmountable, threatening our peace, security, and future. This verse reminds us that our primary response should not be panic, despair, or reliance on our own limited resources, but a radical, unwavering trust in the Lord, our God. When we truly believe in His character, His omnipotence, and His unfailing promises, we find a stability that transcends circumstances, an inner "establishment" that no external storm can shake. Furthermore, the call to "believe His prophets" extends to our reception of God's revealed Word in Scripture and the godly counsel aligned with it, which serves as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Our "prosperity"—our true flourishing, success in our divine callings, and holistic well-being in every dimension of life—is intricately tied to our obedience and responsiveness to divine guidance. This passage challenges us to move from fear to faith, from human strategizing to divine reliance, understanding that God often calls us to step out in belief before we see the full manifestation of His deliverance.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Jehoshaphat emphasize believing in prophets alongside believing in God?
Answer: Jehoshaphat's dual exhortation highlights the profound interconnectedness of trusting God and actively heeding His revealed word. While foundational faith in God Himself is paramount, God frequently communicates His specific will, promises, and instructions through His chosen messengers, the prophets. In this immediate context, Jahaziel, a Levite, had just delivered a precise, divine message guaranteeing victory without battle (2 Chronicles 20:15-17). Therefore, for the people to believe God fully meant also believing the specific word He had just spoken through His prophet. This emphasizes that genuine faith in God includes a readiness to receive, discern, and obey His specific instructions, which often come through human channels. It underscores the authority of divine revelation and the critical importance of listening to and responding to God's voice, whether directly or through His appointed means, for true establishment and prosperity.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jehoshaphat's profound call to "Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper" finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of the "LORD our God" in whom we are to believe, and simultaneously the supreme "Prophet" through whom God has spoken His final and complete word to humanity (Hebrews 1:1-2). Our establishment, our true and eternal security, is found not in our own efforts, human wisdom, or favorable circumstances, but solely in being built upon Christ, the solid rock and unshakeable cornerstone (Matthew 7:24-27; Ephesians 2:20). He is the foundational truth upon which the church is built, and against which the gates of hell cannot prevail (Matthew 16:18). Furthermore, the "prosperity" or flourishing promised through believing the prophets is realized in the abundant life that Christ offers to all who believe in Him (John 10:10) and the immeasurable spiritual blessings that are ours in Him (Ephesians 1:3). By believing in Jesus, the ultimate prophet and the very revelation of God, we are not only established in an unshakeable kingdom but also prosper in every spiritual sense, experiencing true life, peace, and purpose that transcends any earthly crisis or enemy.