2 Chronicles 20:25

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when Jehoshaphat {H3092} and his people {H5971} came {H935} to take away {H962} the spoil {H7998} of them, they found {H4672} among them in abundance {H7230} both riches {H7399} with the dead bodies {H6297}, and precious {H2532} jewels {H3627}, which they stripped off {H5337} for themselves, more than {H369} they could carry away {H4853}: and they were three {H7969} days {H3117} in gathering {H962} of the spoil {H7998}, it was so much {H7227}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Y'hoshafat and his army came to take the spoil from them and found among them personal property in abundance and corpses with precious jewels, which they stripped off for themselves until they couldn't carry any more. They took three days just to collect the spoil, there was so much.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Jehoshaphat and his people went to carry off the plunder, and they found on the bodies an abundance of goods and valuables—more than they could carry away. They were gathering the plunder for three days because there was so much.

American Standard Version

And when Jehoshaphat and his people came to take the spoil of them, they found among them in abundance both riches and dead bodies, and precious jewels, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away: and they were three days in taking the spoil, it was so much.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 20:25 vividly depicts the astonishing aftermath of God's miraculous intervention on behalf of King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah. Following an overwhelming threat from a coalition of enemy armies, Judah responded with prayer, fasting, and praise, which prompted God to set ambushes that caused the opposing forces to annihilate one another. This verse powerfully illustrates the immense and unprecedented spoil gathered by Judah from the deserted battlefield—an abundance of riches, valuable possessions, and precious jewels, so vast that it took three full days to collect and far exceeded what they could initially carry. It stands as a profound testament to God's faithfulness, His omnipotent power to deliver, and His overflowing generosity to those who place their trust entirely in Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 2 Chronicles 20:25 serves as the climactic conclusion to one of the most remarkable narratives of divine deliverance in the Old Testament. The chapter begins by establishing the dire existential threat Judah faced from the combined forces of Moab, Ammon, and the Meunites (20:1). King Jehoshaphat, renowned for his devotion to the Lord, immediately responded by proclaiming a national fast and earnestly seeking God's help (20:3-4). In response to Jehoshaphat's heartfelt and humble prayer (20:5-12), the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel, who prophesied that the battle was not Judah's, but God's, assuring them they would not need to fight (20:14-17). Obediently, Jehoshaphat and all Judah bowed in worship, and on the day of battle, instead of weapons, they sent out a choir praising the Lord before the army (20:18-21). As the choir began to sing, the Lord set ambushes against the enemy, causing them to turn on one another until none survived (20:22-24). Verse 25, therefore, is the glorious and tangible outcome of this divine victory, detailing the overwhelming fruit of God's intervention and underscoring that Judah's role was merely to witness and collect the spoils of a battle fought entirely by God. This narrative powerfully reinforces the theme of God's sovereignty over human conflict, echoing similar divine interventions found in passages like [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Crossing of the Red Sea").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of 2 Chronicles 20 transpired during the reign of King Jehoshaphat (c. 870-846 BC), a period largely marked by his commitment to religious reform and the strengthening of Judah's kingdom. The coalition of Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites (likely from Mount Seir, Edom) posed a formidable threat, as these nations were traditional adversaries of Israel, frequently engaging in raids and territorial encroachments. In ancient Near Eastern warfare, the collection of spoil (plunder or booty) was a customary and significant outcome of victory. It served not only to enrich the victorious nation but also as a clear demonstration of divine favor and the complete subjugation of the enemy. The sheer volume of spoil described in this verse—"more than they could carry away" and requiring "three days in gathering"—would have been an extraordinary and publicly visible testament to God's power and provision, far exceeding typical battlefield gains. This unprecedented abundance would have served as a powerful deterrent to future aggressors and a substantial source of national security and prosperity, reinforcing Judah's unique covenant relationship with Yahweh, their God. This act of divine provision aligns with the blessings promised for obedience in the Mosaic Covenant, as seen in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").
* **Key Themes:** This passage profoundly highlights several foundational biblical themes. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Deliverance**, demonstrating unequivocally that God is fully capable of fighting for His people and delivering them from impossible odds, often through unconventional means (e.g., through praise, not weapons). It powerfully underscores the **Power of Prayer and Praise**, showing that seeking God's face and offering Him worship can be infinitely more potent than military might, leading to supernatural intervention. The overwhelming abundance of the spoil points to **God's Generous Provision**, revealing that God not only meets needs but often provides "exceedingly abundantly beyond all that we ask or think" ([Ephesians 3:20](/ephesians/3-20 "God's Abundant Power Beyond Measure")). Furthermore, it illustrates the principle of **Reward for Faith and Obedience**, as Judah's trust in God's prophetic word and their radical obedience to His command to march out with praise, rather than fear, resulted in tangible, overflowing blessings. This event also serves as a compelling example of **Spiritual Warfare**, where the ultimate battle belongs to God, and His people are called to stand firm, trust, and praise, rather than relying on their own strength, a principle echoed in [Exodus 14:14](/exodus/14-14 "The Lord Will Fight For You").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jehoshaphat (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôwshâphâṭ'_):** From H3092, meaning "Jehovah-judged." This name is highly significant in the context of 2 Chronicles 20. It points to the king's character as one who sought the Lord's judgment and intervention, rather than relying on his own strength or alliances. The outcome of the battle—God's judgment on the enemies—directly reflects the meaning of his name, affirming that the Lord indeed judged on behalf of His people.
* **precious jewels (Hebrew, _kᵉlîy chemdâh'_):** From H3627 (kᵉlîy, "something prepared, i.e. any apparatus") and H2532 (chemdâh, "delight; desire, goodly, pleasant, precious"). This phrase literally translates to "vessels of desire" or "desirable articles." It refers to highly valuable, exquisite, or prized possessions, indicating that the spoil included not just basic provisions or common goods, but luxury items, ornaments, and valuable artifacts. This detail amplifies the extraordinary nature of the wealth, signifying the opulence of the defeated armies and the completeness of their downfall, as they had brought their most valuable possessions for a triumphant return.
* **three days (Hebrew, _shâlôwsh yôwm'_):** From H7969 (shâlôwsh, "three") and H3117 (yôwm, "a day"). This specific temporal detail is crucial. The fact that it took three full days for the entire nation to collect the spoil underscores its immense quantity. It was not merely a significant amount, but an overwhelming, unprecedented accumulation of wealth. This detail serves as a concrete, tangible measure of God's miraculous provision and the fruit of Judah's faith and obedience, emphasizing the superabundance of the blessing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when Jehoshaphat and his people came to take away the spoil of them":** This clause marks the pivotal transition from the miraculous divine intervention to the practical outcome. It highlights that Judah's primary role was not in fighting the battle but in gathering the results of God's victory. They "came to take away," indicating a deliberate, organized effort to collect the immense wealth that God had provided through the enemy's self-destruction.
* **"they found among them in abundance both riches with the dead bodies, and precious jewels":** This specifies the nature and overwhelming quantity of the spoil. The phrase "with the dead bodies" serves as a grim and powerful reminder of the utter destruction of the enemy, emphasizing the completeness of God's judgment. The inclusion of both "riches" (general wealth, property) and "precious jewels" (specific, highly valuable items) underscores the diverse and high-value nature of the plunder. The "abundance" (Hebrew: _rôb_) points to the overwhelming quantity, a direct fulfillment of God's promise of victory and lavish provision.
* **"which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away":** This powerful statement emphasizes the sheer, almost unbelievable, volume of the spoil. It was so vast that it exceeded the physical capacity of the entire nation to transport it in one single attempt. This hyperbole accentuates God's extravagant generosity and the totality of the enemy's defeat, as they had brought all their wealth to the battle, only for it to become the possession of Judah.
* **"and they were three days in gathering of the spoil, it was so much":** This final clause provides a concrete and vivid measure of the spoil's immensity. The fact that it required three full days for the entire nation to collect it speaks volumes about its quantity. It was not just a significant amount, but an overwhelming, unprecedented accumulation of wealth, serving as a tangible sign of God's miraculous provision and the profound fruit of Judah's faith and obedience.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its message with maximum impact. **Hyperbole** is prominently used in phrases such as "more than they could carry away" and "three days in gathering of the spoil, it was so much." These exaggerations are not meant to be taken as literal, precise measurements, but rather to emphasize the extraordinary, almost unbelievable, magnitude of the divine provision and the completeness of the victory. This rhetorical device amplifies the sense of wonder and God's boundless generosity. There is also a strong element of **Narrative Irony**: the enemy armies, confident in their numbers and bringing their valuable possessions for a triumphant return, ultimately brought these very items to their own destruction, becoming the spoil of the seemingly defenseless Judahites who came armed only with praise. This dramatic reversal of fortune highlights God's ability to turn human strength into weakness and human weakness into a spectacular display of divine power. Finally, the "spoil" itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing not only material wealth but also the tangible blessings, divine favor, and complete triumph that accrue to those who trust God fully and allow Him to fight their battles. It symbolizes the overflowing abundance that God bestows upon His faithful people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 20:25 serves as a powerful theological statement about God's character and His interaction with His people. It vividly illustrates that God is not only a mighty deliverer but also a lavish provider, often exceeding human expectations in His generosity. The immense abundance of the spoil underscores the principle that when God fights, the victory is comprehensive, extending beyond mere survival to include immense blessing and prosperity. This passage teaches that true security and wealth come from trusting in God's omnipotent power and sovereignty, rather than relying on human strength or finite resources. It profoundly reinforces the covenant promise that obedience and faithfulness lead to God's favor and provision, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness to those who seek Him wholeheartedly and walk in His ways.

* [Deuteronomy 28:12](/deuteronomy/28-12 "God's Blessing of Abundance and Provision")
* [Psalm 23:5](/psalms/23-5 "God's Provision in the Presence of Enemies")
* [Ephesians 3:20](/ephesians/3-20 "God's Abundant Power Beyond All We Ask or Imagine")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The extraordinary account of Jehoshaphat's victory and the subsequent collection of immense spoil offers profound encouragement and practical lessons for believers today. It reminds us that when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges—whether personal, relational, financial, or spiritual—our first and most effective response should be to turn to God in earnest prayer, humble fasting, and heartfelt praise. Like Judah, we are called to trust implicitly that the battle is the Lord's, and He is supremely capable of delivering us in ways we could never imagine, often without our direct intervention in the struggle itself. Furthermore, this passage challenges us to cultivate an expectation of God's abundant provision. His blessings often extend far beyond mere deliverance, demonstrating His limitless resources and His profound desire to bless His faithful children generously. The "three days in gathering" of the spoil signifies that God's blessings can be so vast that they require time to fully appreciate, integrate, and manage, transforming our circumstances in profound and lasting ways. It encourages us to cultivate a posture of worship and unwavering faith, knowing that our obedience and trust are never in vain, and God delights in pouring out His goodness upon those who honor Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jehoshaphat's response to overwhelming odds challenge my typical reaction to crises and fears in my own life, prompting me to prioritize prayer and praise?**
* **In what specific areas of my life am I called to trust God for a "spoil" or blessing that I cannot achieve through my own limited efforts or strategies?**
* **What does the "three days in gathering" of the spoil teach me about the nature and extent of God's blessings, and how might this impact my expectations of His provision and timing?**
* **How can I more consistently cultivate a heart of praise and worship, even in the face of daunting challenges, believing that God will fight for me?**

### FAQ

**Was it ethical for Judah to take the spoil from the dead enemies?**

Answer: From a historical and cultural perspective of the ancient Near East, it was entirely ethical and customary for the victorious army to take spoil from the defeated. This was a standard practice of warfare and a recognized right of the conqueror. More importantly, in this specific biblical narrative, the spoil was presented as a direct, miraculous provision from God. It was not taken through human violence or conquest, but found as a result of God's own intervention and judgment on the enemy. Therefore, for Judah, it was a legitimate and divinely sanctioned blessing, a tangible sign of God's favor and reward for their faith and obedience, demonstrating His comprehensive victory over their adversaries, as seen in [Deuteronomy 20:14](/deuteronomy/20-14 "Deuteronomy 20:14 - Taking Spoil in Warfare").

**Does this passage promise material wealth to all believers who trust God?**

Answer: While 2 Chronicles 20:25 certainly demonstrates God's ability and willingness to provide abundant material blessings, it is crucial to interpret this passage within the broader context of biblical theology. It does not guarantee material wealth for every believer in every situation, nor does it establish a formula for automatic riches. Instead, it highlights God's character as a generous provider and a rewarder of faith. The primary "spoil" for believers today is often spiritual—peace, joy, righteousness, the indwelling Holy Spirit, and eternal life in Christ. However, it does affirm that God cares for the holistic well-being of His people and can provide for their needs, and sometimes their desires, in extraordinary ways, whether materially or otherwise, according to His perfect will and wisdom, as He promises to meet "all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus" ([Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")). The emphasis is on God's power and generosity, not a formula for guaranteed riches.

**How does this victory relate to the concept of spiritual warfare today?**

Answer: This account provides a powerful paradigm for spiritual warfare. Just as Jehoshaphat and Judah faced an overwhelming physical enemy, believers today face spiritual adversaries (e.g., [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces")). The passage teaches that our primary weapon is not human strength or strategy, but seeking God through prayer, fasting, and praise. When we surrender our battles to the Lord and trust in His power, He fights for us, often in ways we cannot anticipate, leading to victory. The "spoil" in spiritual warfare is not material wealth but the spiritual blessings that flow from Christ's victory—freedom from sin, peace, joy, breakthrough in difficult circumstances, and the advancement of God's kingdom. It reminds us that our role is to stand firm in faith, worship, and obedience, allowing God to be the ultimate victor, as we are called to "stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist" ([Ephesians 6:14](/ephesians/6-14 "Ephesians 6:14 - Stand Firm in the Armor of God")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miraculous victory and abundant spoil in 2 Chronicles 20:25 find their ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as Jehoshaphat’s army gained victory not by fighting but by praising God, so Christ achieved the decisive and eternal victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness not through physical might but through His perfect obedience and sacrificial death on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers and Authorities")). He disarmed the spiritual enemies that held humanity captive, triumphing over them publicly and decisively. The "spoil" of Christ's victory is infinitely greater than any earthly riches; it is the spiritual abundance and eternal blessings freely given to all who believe in Him. Through Christ, we receive reconciliation with God ([2 Corinthians 5:18](/2_corinthians/5-18 "2 Corinthians 5:18 - Ministry of Reconciliation")), complete forgiveness of sins ([Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood")), eternal life ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")), the indwelling of the Holy Spirit ([Romans 8:9](/romans/8-9 "Romans 8:9 - Spirit of God Dwells in You")), and "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). We, like Judah, are invited to enter into this victory, not by our own efforts or strength, but by faith in the One who has already fought and won the decisive battle on our behalf. We become "more than conquerors through him who loved us" ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors Through Christ")), inheriting the immeasurable riches of His grace ([Ephesians 2:7](/ephesians/2-7 "Ephesians 2:7 - Riches of God's Grace in Kindness Towards Us")).

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 30:19

And there was nothing lacking to them, neither small nor great, neither sons nor daughters, neither spoil, nor any [thing] that they had taken to them: David recovered all.

1 Samuel 30:20

And David took all the flocks and the herds, [which] they drave before those [other] cattle, and said, This [is] David's spoil.

Numbers 31:15

And Moses said unto them, Have ye saved all the women alive?

2 Kings 7:9

Then they said one to another, We do not well: this day [is] a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace: if we tarry till the morning light, some mischief will come upon us: now therefore come, that we may go and tell the king's household.

2 Kings 7:16

And the people went out, and spoiled the tents of the Syrians. So a measure of fine flour was [sold] for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, according to the word of the LORD.

Proverbs 3:15

She [is] more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.

Psalms 68:12

Kings of armies did flee apace: and she that tarried at home divided the spoil.