2 Chronicles 20:23

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For the children {H1121} of Ammon {H5983} and Moab {H4124} stood up {H5975} against the inhabitants {H3427} of mount {H2022} Seir {H8165}, utterly to slay {H2763} and destroy {H8045} them: and when they had made an end {H3615} of the inhabitants {H3427} of Seir {H8165}, every one {H376} helped {H5826} to destroy {H4889} another {H7453}.

Complete Jewish Bible

What happened was that the people of 'Amon and Mo'av began attacking those people who lived by Mount Se'ir, to kill and destroy them completely; and when they had finished off the people from Se'ir, they set to work slaughtering one another.

Berean Standard Bible

The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, devoting them to destruction. And when they had made an end to the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 20:23 vividly recounts the miraculous and divinely orchestrated self-destruction of the formidable allied armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir (Edom), who had converged with the intent to annihilate Judah. Following King Jehoshaphat's profound prayer of faith and the nation's unified act of worship, God intervened by sowing such profound confusion among the invading forces that they turned violently against one another, leading to their complete and utter annihilation without Judah having to lift a single weapon, powerfully showcasing God's sovereign power to deliver His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse serves as the dramatic culmination and fulfillment of God's explicit promise delivered through the prophet Jahaziel in [2 Chronicles 20:15](/2_chronicles/20-15 "2 Chronicles 20:15 - The Battle is the Lord's"), declaring, "the battle is not yours, but God's." The broader narrative in [2 Chronicles 20](/2_chronicles/20 "2 Chronicles 20 - Jehoshaphat's Prayer and God's Deliverance") meticulously details the overwhelming existential threat faced by King Jehoshaphat and the Kingdom of Judah from a vast and seemingly unstoppable coalition of armies ([2 Chronicles 20:1-2](/2_chronicles/20-1-2 "2 Chronicles 20:1-2 - Invasion of Judah")). Jehoshaphat's exemplary response was not to muster military might, but to humble himself before God, proclaim a nationwide fast, and offer a heartfelt prayer, openly acknowledging Judah's utter helplessness and complete reliance on divine intervention ([2 Chronicles 20:3-13](/2_chronicles/20-3-13 "2 Chronicles 20:3-13 - Jehoshaphat's Prayer of Dependence")). God's subsequent prophetic word through Jahaziel ([2 Chronicles 20:14-17](/2_chronicles/20-14-17 "2 Chronicles 20:14-17 - Jahaziel's Prophecy of Victory")) assured them of a victory that would require no fighting on their part. The people's immediate and profound response was one of worship and unwavering trust ([2 Chronicles 20:18-19](/2_chronicles/20-18-19 "2 Chronicles 20:18-19 - Judah's Worship and Trust")). Crucially, as the Levites began to sing praises to the Lord, the narrative states that the Lord "set ambushments" against the enemy forces ([2 Chronicles 20:22](/2_chronicles/20-22 "2 Chronicles 20:22 - God's Ambush")), directly setting the stage for the chaotic and self-destructive scene described in this verse.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of 2 Chronicles 20:23 unfold during the reign of King Jehoshaphat of Judah, typically dated to approximately 870-845 BC. Ammon, Moab, and Edom (represented by "mount Seir") were neighboring nations situated to Judah's east and southeast. These groups, descendants of Lot (Ammon and Moab) and Esau (Edom), shared a complex, often antagonistic, relationship with the Israelites, marked by deep-seated historical grievances, territorial disputes, and occasional conflicts. While alliances between these nations were not entirely uncommon, they were often opportunistic, fragile, and driven by immediate strategic advantage against a common foe. The concept of divine intervention in warfare was a fundamental and central tenet of Israelite faith, standing in stark contrast to the polytheistic beliefs of surrounding cultures who attributed military success to the power of their various deities. This extraordinary event, therefore, served as an unparalleled and powerful demonstration of Yahweh's unique sovereignty, His active involvement in human history, and His protective power over His covenant people, validating His covenant faithfulness in a tangible way.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching and most prominent theme in this passage is God's **absolute sovereignty and miraculous intervention** on behalf of His people. The narrative powerfully illustrates that God is fully capable of fighting battles for those who place their trust in Him, even to the extent of turning enemies against themselves. This highlights the theme of **divine justice** and the profound **folly of opposing God's chosen people**, for ultimately, they contend with God Himself. The passage also profoundly underscores the **transformative power of faith and worship** as a spiritual weapon, demonstrating that humble obedience and fervent praise can precede and unlock God's supernatural deliverance. Furthermore, the complete and utter destruction of the enemy forces emphasizes the theme of **total victory** when God is at work, leaving no room for partial defeat or lingering threats from this specific coalition. This resonates deeply with the broader biblical theme that God is a divine warrior who actively delivers His people, as vividly portrayed in the [book of Exodus](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Red Sea Crossing") during the Red Sea crossing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"slay" (Hebrew, _châram'_):** From H2763. This verb signifies "to seclude; specifically (by a ban) to devote to religious uses (especially destruction); physical and reflexive, to be blunt as to the nose; make accursed, consecrate, (utterly) destroy, devote, forfeit, have a flat nose, utterly (slay, make away)." In this context, it carries the profound weight of "devoting to destruction" or "putting under the ban," indicating a total, irreversible obliteration. When applied to the Edomites by their former allies, it implies a judgment-like, complete annihilation.
* **"destroy" (Hebrew, _mashchîyth'_):** From H4889. This noun, derived from the root `shâḥath`, means "destructive, i.e. (as noun) destruction, literally (specifically a snare) or figuratively (corruption); corruption, (to) destroy(-ing), destruction, trap, [idiom] utterly." Here, it emphasizes the nature of the internal conflict that consumed the Ammonites and Moabites after the Edomites were gone. It was not merely fighting, but a process of mutual, complete destruction, reinforcing the utter ruin that befell the invaders.
* **"helped" (Hebrew, _ʻâzar'_):** From H5826. This primitive root means "to surround, i.e. protect or aid; help, succour." The use of "helped" in the phrase "every one helped to destroy another" is profoundly ironic. It twists the typical meaning of assistance into a perverse form of cooperation towards mutual ruin. Instead of aiding each other against Judah, they "helped" each other in self-annihilation, highlighting the divine confusion that turned their strength into their ultimate undoing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy [them]:"** This clause details the astonishing initial phase of the enemies' self-destruction. The alliance, originally formed with the singular purpose of attacking Judah, inexplicably turned its collective and overwhelming might against one of its own members, the Edomites (the inhabitants of Mount Seir). The phrase "utterly to slay and destroy" underscores the ferocity, totality, and irreversible nature of this initial assault, indicating that the Edomites were completely wiped out by their former allies. This immediate and illogical shift in target is a clear and undeniable sign of direct divine intervention, sowing profound confusion and misdirection among the invading forces.
* **"and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir,"** This transitional clause confirms the successful and complete execution of the first stage of the internal conflict. The Edomites were entirely eliminated, leaving no survivors. This crucial detail emphasizes the thoroughness of the destruction and meticulously sets the stage for the next, even more astonishing, development. It signifies that the initial, divinely-imposed objective of the Ammonite and Moabite forces against Mount Seir was fully achieved, leaving them as the sole remaining factions of the original coalition.
* **"every one helped to destroy another."** This final clause reveals the ultimate and complete disintegration of the entire enemy forces. After having thoroughly annihilated the Edomites, the Ammonites and Moabites, instead of turning their attention back towards their intended target, Judah, inexplicably turned their weapons and fury against each other. This mutual slaughter, described with profound irony as "every one helped," resulted in the complete and utter self-destruction of the entire invading army. The phrase highlights a cooperative effort not for a common goal against Judah, but for mutual ruin, precisely fulfilling God's promise that Judah would not need to fight a single battle.

#### Literary Devices
The passage masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. **Irony** is exceptionally prominent, as the very alliance formed with the malevolent intent to destroy Judah ultimately becomes the instrument of its own destruction, representing a stark and dramatic reversal of their original purpose. This divine subversion of their meticulously laid plans powerfully underscores God's absolute **sovereignty**. **Divine Intervention** is the overarching and explicit device, as the text unequivocally attributes the chaos and self-annihilation to God's "ambushments" ([2 Chronicles 20:22](/2_chronicles/20-22 "2 Chronicles 20:22 - God's Ambush")). The vivid description of the armies turning on each other is a powerful example of **poetic justice**, where the aggressors meet a fate precisely mirroring what they intended for Judah. The phrase "utterly to slay and destroy" functions as **hyperbole** or **emphasis**, stressing the absolute totality and completeness of the destruction, leaving no doubt about the comprehensiveness of God's victory. The vivid imagery of "every one helped to destroy another" creates a powerful and disturbing picture of **chaos** and **internal strife**, making the divine intervention tangible, awe-inspiring, and terrifying for the enemies of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage profoundly illustrates God's active, direct, and often unconventional involvement in human affairs, particularly in defending and delivering His covenant people. It showcases His unique and unparalleled ability to bring about victory through means that defy human logic and military strategy. The self-destruction of the enemy forces serves as an undeniable and powerful testament to God's absolute sovereignty over nations and His infinite capacity to sow confusion, division, and ultimate defeat among those who defiantly oppose His divine will and His chosen people. It powerfully reinforces the theological truth that when God fights, the victory is not only assured but also absolute and complete, often achieved without any human effort or struggle. This extraordinary event teaches a timeless lesson: true security, lasting peace, and ultimate deliverance come solely from trusting in God's omnipotent power rather than relying on human strength, strategic alliances, or military might.

* [Exodus 14:14](/exodus/14-14 "Exodus 14:14 - The Lord Will Fight For You")
* [Judges 7:22](/judges/7-22 "Judges 7:22 - Gideon's Victory")
* [Psalm 35:7-8](/psalms/35-7-8 "Psalm 35:7-8 - The Lord's Vengeance Against the Wicked")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Chronicles 20:23 offers timeless encouragement and profound, actionable lessons for believers facing overwhelming challenges in any era. It serves as a powerful reminder that our battles, whether they are spiritual conflicts, relational struggles, professional hurdles, or circumstantial adversities, are not ultimately ours to fight alone. Just as King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah stood in unwavering faith and worship, we are called to bring our helplessness, our fears, and our impossible situations before God, trusting implicitly in His sovereign power to intervene. This passage profoundly challenges us to shift our focus from the daunting size and complexity of our problems to the immeasurable greatness and omnipotence of our God. It teaches us that God can miraculously turn the most formidable opposition into an instrument of its own undoing, often in ways we could never possibly anticipate or orchestrate. Our vital role is to remain faithful, to engage in heartfelt worship, and to stand firm in our position of trust, allowing God to be our ultimate defender, deliverer, and victor. This narrative is a powerful antidote to anxiety, fear, and despair, inviting us to rest securely in the unshakeable assurance that the Lord is our warrior, perfectly capable of bringing complete and decisive victory even when circumstances appear utterly dire and hopeless.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "impossible" situations in your life are you currently trying to fight in your own strength, rather than fully trusting God to intervene on your behalf?**
* **How does the example of Judah's audacious praise before victory challenge your typical, often fear-driven, response to overwhelming challenges and seemingly insurmountable obstacles?**
* **In what specific ways might God be calling you to "stand firm and see the salvation of the Lord" ([2 Chronicles 20:17](/2_chronicles/20-17 "2 Chronicles 20:17 - Stand Firm and See the Salvation of the Lord")) in a current struggle or difficult season?**
* **How can intentionally remembering God's past interventions (both from the grand narratives of Scripture and from your own personal life experiences) strengthen your faith for present and future battles?**

### FAQ
**How did God cause the Ammonites, Moabites, and Edomites to turn on each other?**

Answer: The biblical text states in [2 Chronicles 20:22](/2_chronicles/20-22 "2 Chronicles 20:22 - God's Ambush") that "the Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten." While the precise mechanism of these "ambushments" is not explicitly detailed, it implies a direct, supernatural act of divine intervention that sowed profound confusion, irrational fear, and catastrophic misdirection within the enemy ranks. This could have manifested as internal strife, where long-standing rivalries or suspicions flared up; a complete misidentification of allies as enemies in the chaos of battle; a sudden, overwhelming panic that led to friendly fire; or even supernatural phenomena that caused them to believe they were being attacked by their own forces or by unseen, terrifying adversaries. The ultimate result was a complete and irreversible breakdown of their alliance, leading to a furious, self-destructive battle among themselves, culminating in their mutual annihilation. This event stands as a powerful and awe-inspiring demonstration of God's sovereign ability to manipulate circumstances, human perceptions, and even the natural order to achieve His divine purposes without requiring any direct human intervention or military engagement.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miraculous and utterly decisive deliverance of Judah in [2 Chronicles 20:23](/2_chronicles/20-23 "2 Chronicles 20:23 - The Enemies Destroy Each Other"), where God supernaturally caused the invading enemies to destroy themselves, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate, definitive, and eternal victory achieved by Jesus Christ. Just as Judah did not have to lift a single sword or engage in combat, humanity, in its fallen state, was utterly incapable of achieving victory over the formidable spiritual enemies of sin, death, and the principalities and powers of darkness through its own futile efforts. Instead, God, in His sovereign and perfect plan, "set ambushments" against the true spiritual enemies of humanity through the sacrificial death and glorious resurrection of His beloved Son. On the cross, Jesus decisively disarmed the principalities and powers, making a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). He became not only the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), but also the conquering Lion of Judah who crushed the head of the serpent, fulfilling the ancient promise of [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium"). The internal chaos and self-destruction witnessed among Jehoshaphat's enemies powerfully point to the profound spiritual reality that the kingdom of darkness is ultimately divided against itself and is irrevocably destined for complete and utter defeat ([Matthew 12:26](/matthew/12-26 "Matthew 12:26 - Satan's Divided Kingdom")). Through Christ's finished work and triumphant victory, believers are now called to stand firm, not fighting in their own strength or relying on their own wisdom, but resting securely in the finished work of the One who has already definitively overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Overcoming the World")) and who will ultimately cast every last enemy, including death and Hades, into the lake of fire ([Revelation 20:10](/revelation/20-10 "Revelation 20:10 - Final Judgment of Satan and Death")).

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

1 Samuel 14:20

And Saul and all the people that [were] with him assembled themselves, and they came to the battle: and, behold, every man's sword was against his fellow, [and there was] a very great discomfiture.

Judges 7:22

And the three hundred blew the trumpets, and the LORD set every man's sword against his fellow, even throughout all the host: and the host fled to Bethshittah in Zererath, [and] to the border of Abelmeholah, unto Tabbath.

Genesis 36:8

Thus dwelt Esau in mount Seir: Esau [is] Edom.

Genesis 36:9

¶ And these [are] the generations of Esau the father of the Edomites in mount Seir:

Joshua 24:4

And I gave unto Isaac Jacob and Esau: and I gave unto Esau mount Seir, to possess it; but Jacob and his children went down into Egypt.

Ezekiel 35:2

Son of man, set thy face against mount Seir, and prophesy against it,

Ezekiel 35:3

And say unto it, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O mount Seir, I [am] against thee, and I will stretch out mine hand against thee, and I will make thee most desolate.