2 Chronicles 20:26

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And on the fourth {H7243} day {H3117} they assembled {H6950} themselves in the valley {H6010} of Berachah {H1294}; for there they blessed {H1288} the LORD {H3068}: therefore the name {H8034} of the same place {H4725} was called {H7121}, The valley {H6010} of Berachah {H1294}, unto this day {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On the fourth day, they assembled in the Valley of B'rakhah [blessing], where they blessed ADONAI; hence that place is called the Valley of B'rakhah to this day.

Berean Standard Bible

On the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Beracah, where they blessed the LORD. Therefore that place is called the Valley of Beracah to this day.

American Standard Version

And on the fourth day they assembled themselves in the valley of Beracah; for there they blessed Jehovah: therefore the name of that place was called The valley of Beracah unto this day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Following a miraculous, God-orchestrated victory over the Moabite, Ammonite, and Meunite armies, 2 Chronicles 20:26 describes the climactic assembly of King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah on the fourth day in a specific valley. This gathering was not for battle or plunder, but for a corporate act of profound gratitude and worship, where they "blessed the LORD." This pivotal moment of thanksgiving was so significant that the valley itself was permanently named "The Valley of Berachah," meaning "blessing" or "praise," serving as an enduring memorial to God's faithfulness and their response of heartfelt praise.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the triumphant crescendo of the narrative in [2 Chronicles chapter 20](/2_chronicles/20 "2 Chronicles 20 - Jehoshaphat's Prayer and God's Deliverance"). The preceding verses detail Judah's dire predicament, facing an overwhelming coalition of armies (20:1-2). King Jehoshaphat's response was not military mobilization but a national fast and prayer, seeking divine intervention ([2 Chronicles 20:3-4](/2_chronicles/20-3 "2 Chronicles 20:3-4 - Jehoshaphat's Call for a Fast")). God's prophetic word through Jahaziel assured them that the battle was not theirs but God's, and they would not need to fight ([2 Chronicles 20:15-17](/2_chronicles/20-15 "2 Chronicles 20:15-17 - God's Promise of Victory")). True to this promise, God caused the invading armies to turn on each other, resulting in their complete self-destruction before Judah even engaged in combat ([2 Chronicles 20:22-24](/2_chronicles/20-22 "2 Chronicles 20:22-24 - The Miraculous Rout of the Enemy")). The people then spent three days gathering immense spoils from the fallen enemies (20:25). Verse 26 marks the culmination of this divine deliverance, shifting from the spoils of victory to the spiritual response of praise, before they returned to Jerusalem with joy ([2 Chronicles 20:27](/2_chronicles/20-27 "2 Chronicles 20:27 - Return to Jerusalem with Joy")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events unfold during the reign of King Jehoshaphat (c. 870-846 BC) in the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Judah, though smaller than the northern kingdom of Israel, often maintained a stronger theological identity rooted in the Davidic covenant. The threat from Moab, Ammon, and Mount Seir (Edom) was significant, as these were traditional enemies located to Judah's east and southeast, often clashing over territory and influence. The cultural practice of naming places after significant events was common in the ancient Near East, serving as a mnemonic device and a permanent testimony to what transpired there. The act of a national fast and assembly for prayer was a recognized means of seeking divine favor and expressing communal dependence on God in times of crisis, as seen in other biblical accounts (e.g., [Jonah 3:5-9](/jonah/3-5 "Jonah 3:5-9 - The Fast of Nineveh")). The subsequent gathering for praise in a specific location after a victory was also a form of corporate worship and thanksgiving, reinforcing communal identity and faith.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to [2 Chronicles](/2_chronicles/1 "The Book of 2 Chronicles") and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is **Divine Deliverance and Sovereignty**, showcasing God's active intervention on behalf of His people, proving that salvation truly belongs to the Lord ([Psalm 3:8](/psalm/3-8 "Psalm 3:8 - Salvation Belongs to the Lord")). The immediate response of Judah highlights the theme of **Gratitude and Praise**, demonstrating that the appropriate human response to God's mighty acts is not only relief but heartfelt, corporate thanksgiving, acknowledging Him as the source of all blessings. The naming of the valley emphasizes **Memorialization and Remembrance**, ensuring that future generations would recall God's faithfulness and power, serving as a perpetual reminder of His covenant loyalty. Finally, the collective assembly underscores the theme of **Corporate Worship and Unity**, illustrating the power and significance of a community coming together to glorify God, transforming a place of potential defeat into a valley of blessing and praise.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Berachah (Hebrew, _bĕrākāh'_):** This is the most significant word in the verse, literally meaning "blessing," "praise," or "a benediction." Its repetition and direct application to the valley's name underscore the central action and theme of the passage. The valley became a living testament to the praise offered there and the blessing received from God. It signifies not merely a verbal act of praise but a state of being blessed by God and responding with a blessing *to* God.
* **Blessed (Hebrew, _bārak'_):** The verb form of "Berachah," meaning "to bless" or "to praise." In this context, it describes the people's active response to God's deliverance. It's a reciprocal relationship: God had blessed them with victory, and they, in turn, blessed Him with their praise and thanksgiving. This act of blessing is a core component of worship, acknowledging God's worthiness and sovereignty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And on the fourth day they assembled themselves in the valley of Berachah;":** This clause establishes the specific time and location of the assembly. The "fourth day" follows three days of gathering spoils, indicating a deliberate, dedicated time set aside for spiritual reflection and communal action after the material benefits of victory had been secured. The "valley of Berachah" is identified as the chosen site, a place that would forever bear the name of the event that transpired there. The act of "assembling themselves" highlights the corporate and intentional nature of their gathering, signifying unity in purpose.
* **"for there they blessed the LORD:":** This is the core action and purpose of the assembly. The conjunction "for" (or "because") directly links the assembly to the act of blessing God. Their gathering was not accidental but driven by an overwhelming desire to express gratitude and adoration to the One who had delivered them so miraculously. This blessing involved offering praise, thanksgiving, and acknowledging God's supreme power and faithfulness.
* **"therefore the name of the same place was called, The valley of Berachah, unto this day.":** This final clause explains the lasting consequence and memorialization of the event. Because of the profound act of blessing and the experience of God's blessing, the valley received its permanent name, "The Valley of Blessing/Praise." The phrase "unto this day" is a common biblical idiom, affirming the enduring truth and historical reality of the event for the original audience and subsequent generations, emphasizing its perpetual significance as a testament to God's intervention and Judah's response.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Etymological Significance** is paramount, as the name of the valley, "Berachah," directly reflects the action ("they blessed the LORD") that occurred there, creating a powerful and unforgettable link between place, event, and meaning. This is reinforced by **Repetition**, as the name "Berachah" is stated multiple times, cementing its importance and ensuring its remembrance. The narrative also exhibits a clear **Narrative Arc**, moving from a state of intense fear and impending doom (20:1-4) to one of miraculous deliverance (20:22-24) and culminating in overwhelming joy and corporate praise (20:26-28). This transformation of a potential battlefield into a "valley of blessing" is a form of **Symbolism**, where the physical location becomes a symbol of God's power to turn adversity into triumph and sorrow into joy. The entire account serves as an **Exemplum**, providing a clear example of faith, divine intervention, and the appropriate response of thanksgiving for future generations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The account of the Valley of Berachah profoundly illustrates the biblical principle that God often delivers His people through unconventional means, not requiring their strength but their faith and obedience, thereby ensuring that all glory redounds to Him. This narrative underscores the indispensable role of corporate worship and thanksgiving as the proper response to divine grace and intervention. It teaches that true blessing is found not merely in the absence of struggle or the accumulation of spoils, but in the acknowledgment and praise of the Giver of all good things. The naming of the valley serves as a powerful reminder of God's enduring faithfulness and the importance of remembering His past acts of deliverance to bolster faith for future challenges.

* [Psalm 100:4](/psalm/100-4 "Psalm 100:4 - Enter His gates with thanksgiving")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Do not be anxious, but pray with thanksgiving")
* [Psalm 77:11](/psalm/77-11 "Psalm 77:11 - I will remember the deeds of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of the Valley of Berachah offers a timeless blueprint for how believers should respond to God's faithfulness and deliverance in their own lives. It challenges us to cultivate a posture of profound gratitude, not just in moments of dramatic intervention, but as a continuous lifestyle. Just as Judah paused to bless the Lord *after* the victory, we are called to intentionally acknowledge God's hand in our successes, our provisions, and our deliverances, however small they may seem. This passage reminds us that our "victories," especially those achieved through faith rather than our own striving, should always lead us to heartfelt praise. Furthermore, it encourages us to create our own "memorials"—whether through journaling, sharing testimonies, or simply pausing to reflect—to remember God's past faithfulness, thereby strengthening our faith for future challenges and ensuring that His goodness is not forgotten. The communal aspect also highlights the power of corporate worship; there is unique strength and joy in gathering with fellow believers to collectively acknowledge and celebrate God's grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "valleys of Berachah" have you experienced in your own life, where God turned a difficult situation into a moment of blessing and praise?**
* **How intentionally do you set aside time to "bless the LORD" for His interventions, rather than just moving on to the next challenge?**
* **What personal or communal "memorials" can you establish to remember God's faithfulness and strengthen your faith for the future?**
* **How does participating in corporate worship and thanksgiving amplify your individual sense of gratitude and connection to God?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "fourth day" in this verse?**

Answer: The "fourth day" is significant because it marks a deliberate pause after three days of gathering the immense spoils from the defeated armies (2 Chronicles 20:25). This timing indicates that the assembly for praise was not a hasty act but a dedicated, intentional gathering for worship, distinct from the practical task of collecting plunder. It emphasizes that their ultimate focus was not on the material gains of victory but on the spiritual act of acknowledging God as the source of their deliverance and blessing. It signifies a transition from the physical benefits of victory to the spiritual response of gratitude.

**Where was the Valley of Berachah located?**

Answer: The Valley of Berachah (also known as the Valley of Blessing) is traditionally identified with the modern-day Wadi el-Arrub or Wadi Bereikut, located southwest of Bethlehem, near the ancient site of Tekoa. This location is consistent with the narrative, as Jehoshaphat and his army would have marched from Jerusalem towards the wilderness of Tekoa to meet the invading armies (2 Chronicles 20:20). Its proximity to Jerusalem made it a fitting place for the returning army to assemble for thanksgiving before their final journey home.

**Why is the naming of the valley "unto this day" important?**

Answer: The phrase "unto this day" is a common biblical idiom used to emphasize the enduring nature and historical veracity of an event or a name. In this context, it signifies that the name "Valley of Berachah" was not a temporary designation but a permanent memorial. It served as a perpetual reminder for the original audience and subsequent generations of God's miraculous intervention and Judah's faithful response. It ensured that the story of God's deliverance and the people's praise would be remembered and retold, reinforcing faith and identity for centuries to come.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Valley of Berachah, where fear was transformed into praise and a dire threat into an occasion for blessing, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate deliverance and blessing found in Jesus Christ. Just as God fought for Judah without them lifting a sword, so too did God accomplish our salvation through the singular, decisive act of Christ on the cross, where He triumphed over sin, death, and the powers of darkness (Colossians 2:15). We, like Judah, are called not to strive in our own strength but to trust in the finished work of our Deliverer. Christ is our ultimate "Valley of Berachah," the source of all true blessing and the One through whom we offer our most profound praise. His sacrifice transforms our curse into blessing, our defeat into victory, and our sorrow into eternal joy (Galatians 3:13-14). Through Him, we are enabled to offer a continuous sacrifice of praise to God, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name (Hebrews 13:15), recognizing that every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places is ours in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). The corporate praise in the valley points to the ultimate gathering of all nations before the Lamb, giving Him glory for His salvation (Revelation 7:9-10), fulfilling the promise of a perpetual song of blessing.

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

Psalms 103:1

¶ [A Psalm] of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, [bless] his holy name.

Psalms 103:2

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

Exodus 17:15

And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi:

Isaiah 62:4

Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married.

Psalms 107:21

Oh that [men] would praise the LORD [for] his goodness, and [for] his wonderful works to the children of men!

Psalms 107:22

And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.

Luke 1:68

Blessed [be] the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,