2 Chronicles 20:27

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then they returned {H7725}, every man {H376} of Judah {H3063} and Jerusalem {H3389}, and Jehoshaphat {H3092} in the forefront {H7218} of them, to go again {H7725} to Jerusalem {H3389} with joy {H8057}; for the LORD {H3068} had made them to rejoice {H8055} over their enemies {H341}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then they returned, everyone from Y'hudah and Yerushalayim, with Y'hoshafat leading them joyfully back to Yerushalayim; for ADONAI had caused them to rejoice over their enemies.

Berean Standard Bible

Then all the men of Judah and Jerusalem, with Jehoshaphat at their head, returned joyfully to Jerusalem, for the LORD had made them rejoice over their enemies.

American Standard Version

Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, and Jehoshaphat in the forefront of them, to go again to Jerusalem with joy; for Jehovah had made them to rejoice over their enemies.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 20:27 vividly portrays the jubilant return of King Jehoshaphat and the entire populace of Judah and Jerusalem to their capital. This verse encapsulates the profound gratitude and exultation that permeated the nation, following a miraculous divine intervention that annihilated their formidable enemies without a single blow from Judah, directly attributing their deep gladness and triumphant spirit to the Lord's decisive victory on their behalf.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the triumphant climax and narrative resolution of the dramatic account in [2 Chronicles 20](/2_chronicles/20 "2 Chronicles 20 - God's Miraculous Deliverance of Judah"). The chapter begins with a massive coalition of Ammonite, Moabite, and Meunite armies invading Judah, prompting King Jehoshaphat and the people to seek the Lord in desperate prayer and fasting, demonstrating their utter reliance on divine aid ([2 Chronicles 20:1-13](/2_chronicles/20-1-13 "2 Chronicles 20:1-13 - Jehoshaphat's Prayer and Judah's Fast")). Through the prophet Jahaziel, God promises victory, famously declaring, "The battle is not yours, but God's" ([2 Chronicles 20:15](/2_chronicles/20-15 "2 Chronicles 20:15 - God's Promise of Victory")). In an extraordinary act of faith, Jehoshaphat appoints singers to go before the army, praising the Lord. As they began to sing, the Lord supernaturally set ambushes, causing the enemy armies to destroy each other in a chaotic self-annihilation ([2 Chronicles 20:22-24](/2_chronicles/20-22-24 "2 Chronicles 20:22-24 - Divine Ambush and Enemy Annihilation")). The subsequent three days were spent gathering immense spoil from the battlefield, which was then named the "Valley of Berachah" (meaning "Valley of Blessing"), a tangible sign of God's provision ([2 Chronicles 20:25-26](/2_chronicles/20-25-26 "2 Chronicles 20:25-26 - Gathering Spoil in the Valley of Berachah")). Verse 27, therefore, marks the joyful procession of thanksgiving back to Jerusalem, culminating the narrative of divine deliverance and national rejoicing, setting the stage for subsequent worship in the temple in [2 Chronicles 20:28](/2_chronicles/20-28 "2 Chronicles 20:28 - Return to the Temple").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of [2 Chronicles 20](/2_chronicles/20 "2 Chronicles 20 - Jehoshaphat's Reign and God's Deliverance") transpired during the reign of King Jehoshaphat (c. 870-848 BC), a period in Judah's history generally characterized by spiritual reform and relative stability, though frequently challenged by aggressive neighboring nations. The formidable coalition of Moab, Ammon, and Mount Seir (Edom) represented a significant regional threat, as these nations often vied for control over vital trade routes and fertile territories east and south of Judah. For a nation like Judah, significantly outnumbered, a direct military confrontation would have been suicidal. The cultural response of proclaiming a national fast and seeking God in the temple was a deeply ingrained practice in ancient Israel during times of national crisis, reflecting a profound belief in Yahweh's direct and sovereign intervention in human affairs. The public procession of thanksgiving, led by the king and accompanied by musical praise, was also a customary and deeply meaningful way to celebrate divine victories and acknowledge God's absolute sovereignty, often involving communal sacrifices and feasting upon their return to the city, reinforcing national identity and faith.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of [2 Chronicles 20](/2_chronicles/20 "2 Chronicles 20 - The Lord Fights for His People") is **Divine Sovereignty and Deliverance**. The narrative powerfully demonstrates that God is the ultimate warrior who fights for His people, even when human strength is utterly insufficient, as seen in the miraculous defeat of the enemy coalition. This highlights the theme of **Faith over Might**, as Jehoshaphat's profound trust in God, expressed through fervent prayer and corporate worship, is presented as the true weapon against overwhelming odds, rather than military prowess. The resulting "joy" in verse 27 underscores the theme of **God as the Source of True Gladness**, a joy that is not superficial or circumstantial but deeply rooted in the experience of His faithfulness, power, and redemptive acts. Furthermore, the chapter showcases **Faithful Leadership**, with Jehoshaphat serving as an exemplary king who humbly seeks God's guidance, leads his people in worship and obedience, and attributes all glory for their deliverance solely to the Lord. This narrative also powerfully reinforces the concept of **Corporate Worship and Thanksgiving** as an appropriate, powerful, and unifying response to God's mighty acts, as vividly illustrated by the singing Levites and the joyful return to the house of the Lord in [2 Chronicles 20:28](/2_chronicles/20-28 "2 Chronicles 20:28 - Judah Returns to the House of the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Judah (Hebrew, _Yᵉhûwdâh'_):** From the root meaning "to praise" or "celebrated," Judah here refers to the southern kingdom, the tribal territory, and its people. The presence of "every man of Judah and Jerusalem" emphasizes the collective nature of the experience and the national scope of the victory and subsequent rejoicing. It signifies the identity of God's covenant people who experienced His deliverance.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the Tetragrammaton, the personal, covenantal name of God, often translated as "Jehovah" or "Yahweh." Its appearance in the explanatory clause "for the LORD had made them to rejoice" is crucial. It directly identifies the self-existent, eternal God as the active agent and sole cause of Judah's victory and their subsequent joy. This underscores His sovereignty and faithfulness to His covenant people.
* **Made them to rejoice (Hebrew, _sâmach'_):** This verb, used in the Hiphil (causative) stem, signifies to "make glad" or "cause to rejoice." Its pairing with the noun "joy" (_simchâh_) in the verse ("with joy; for the LORD had made them to rejoice") emphasizes the intensity and, more importantly, the divine origin of the emotion. This was not merely a feeling Judah conjured up; it was a divinely bestowed emotion, a direct consequence of God's mighty acts of deliverance. This highlights that true, lasting joy often flows from an encounter with God's power and faithfulness, a joy that God Himself actively produces in His people.
* **Enemies (Hebrew, _ʼôyêb'_):** This term refers to an adversary or foe, derived from a root meaning "to hate." In this context, it denotes the formidable coalition of Ammonites, Moabites, and Meunites who had invaded Judah. The phrase "over their enemies" highlights the complete and decisive nature of God's victory. The joy of Judah is not merely relief from danger, but a triumphant gladness specifically "over" those who sought their destruction, a joy rooted in God's complete subjugation of their adversaries.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, and Jehoshaphat in the forefront of them":** This clause describes the orderly, united, and purposeful procession back to the capital city. The phrase "every man of Judah and Jerusalem" emphasizes the collective nature of the experience, signifying that the entire nation, without exception, participated in this momentous event and shared in the victory. King Jehoshaphat's position "in the forefront" (literally "at their head") signifies his continued, exemplary leadership, not only in seeking God's help during their distress but also in leading the people in their public demonstration of thanksgiving and celebration. It underscores his role as a faithful shepherd guiding his people in both their vulnerability and their triumph.
* **"to go again to Jerusalem with joy":** The destination, Jerusalem, is profoundly significant as the spiritual and political heart of Judah, the place of the temple and God's dwelling. The return "with joy" is the natural, appropriate, and divinely-inspired human response to such an extraordinary and miraculous divine intervention. This joy is not merely relief from danger but a deep, celebratory gladness, a hallmark of God's presence and blessing. It stands in stark contrast to the fear, desperation, and fasting that preceded the battle, highlighting the complete reversal of their circumstances and emotional state.
* **"for the LORD had made them to rejoice over their enemies":** This crucial explanatory clause provides the theological foundation and ultimate reason for their profound joy. It explicitly attributes the victory and the resulting gladness directly and exclusively to Yahweh. The phrase "made them to rejoice" (Hiphil of _śâmach_) emphasizes divine causation – God Himself engineered the circumstances that produced this profound joy, orchestrating the self-destruction of their enemies. Their enemies were not defeated by human strength, strategy, or military might, but by the Lord's direct, supernatural action, turning their sorrow into rejoicing and their fear into triumphant praise. This clause serves as the theological linchpin of the entire narrative, affirming God's sovereignty and active involvement.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices to convey its powerful message. The **Repetition** of the concept of "joy" (both as a noun, "joy," and a verb, "rejoice") underscores the central emotional and spiritual outcome of the divine victory, emphasizing its depth, pervasiveness, and significance. The phrase "the LORD had made them to rejoice" is a powerful example of **Divine Causation**, explicitly attributing the entire experience, including the emotional response, to God's direct, sovereign, and active intervention. This highlights God's absolute control and active involvement in the lives of His people. Furthermore, the narrative arc of [2 Chronicles 20](/2_chronicles/20 "2 Chronicles 20 - God's Miraculous Deliverance") demonstrates a clear **Contrast** between the initial overwhelming fear and despair of Judah in the face of a massive enemy coalition and their subsequent triumphant return "with joy." This stark contrast amplifies the miraculous nature of God's deliverance and the profound, divinely orchestrated shift in their circumstances and emotional state. The verse also functions as a **Narrative Climax and Resolution** for the immediate conflict, providing a sense of closure, fulfillment, and divine vindication to the story of God's intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound joy experienced by Judah in 2 Chronicles 20:27 is a direct theological consequence of God's sovereign deliverance. It powerfully illustrates that true, lasting joy is not merely a fleeting emotion but a divinely bestowed gift that flows from an encounter with God's power, faithfulness, and redemptive acts. This narrative underscores the consistent Old Testament theme that God actively fights for His people, turning their seemingly insurmountable battles into opportunities for His glory and their hearts into vessels of gladness. It teaches that when we surrender our seemingly overwhelming challenges to the Lord, He is capable of bringing about victory in ways we cannot imagine, transforming our fear into triumphant, celebratory praise. This divine causation of joy is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, reminding believers that their ultimate source of gladness resides not in favorable circumstances, but in God's unchanging character and His mighty redemptive acts.

* [Psalm 30:11](/psalms/30-11 "Psalm 30:11 - God Turns Mourning into Dancing")
* [Nehemiah 8:10](/nehemiah/8-10 "Nehemiah 8:10 - The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength")
* [Psalm 126:1-3](/psalms/126-1-3 "Psalm 126:1-3 - When the Lord Restored the Fortunes of Zion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The triumphant return of Judah in 2 Chronicles 20:27 offers a powerful paradigm for believers today, reminding us that our deepest, most authentic joy is often found not in the absence of struggle, but in the glorious aftermath of God's miraculous intervention in our struggles. When we face overwhelming odds, whether personal, spiritual, or communal, this passage calls us to emulate Jehoshaphat's profound faith: to seek the Lord with all our heart, to praise Him even before the victory is seen, and to humbly acknowledge Him as the sole source of our deliverance. Our response to God's faithfulness should always be one of profound gratitude and unbridled joy, a joy that testifies powerfully to His matchless power and unwavering goodness. Just as Judah returned to Jerusalem with tangible evidence of God's victory, we too are called to live lives that reflect the transforming power of God's presence, carrying the "spoil" of His grace and celebrating His triumphs over our "enemies"—be they sin, fear, despair, or the schemes of the adversary. This verse encourages us to cultivate a heart of continuous thanksgiving, recognizing that every true breakthrough, every lasting peace, and every genuine moment of gladness is ultimately "for the LORD had made them to rejoice."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I currently facing overwhelming odds or seemingly insurmountable challenges, and how can I actively surrender these battles to the Lord, trusting Him to fight for me?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, more resilient sense of joy and gratitude, even in the midst of challenging circumstances, by intentionally focusing on God's past faithfulness and His unfailing promise to deliver?**
* **What practical steps can I take to consistently acknowledge God's sovereign hand in my victories and attribute my successes, breakthroughs, and peace to His grace and power, rather than my own efforts or abilities?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Jehoshaphat being "in the forefront" of the returning people?**

Answer: Jehoshaphat's position "in the forefront" (Hebrew: _rôʼsh_, meaning "head" or "chief") is highly significant and speaks volumes about his character and leadership. It signifies his consistent and exemplary role as the spiritual and political leader of Judah. He was at the forefront when he sought the Lord in prayer and proclaimed a national fast ([2 Chronicles 20:3-4](/2_chronicles/20-3-4 "2 Chronicles 20:3-4 - Jehoshaphat's Proclamation of a Fast")), at the forefront when he led the people in an act of profound faith before the battle by sending worshipers ahead of the army ([2 Chronicles 20:20-21](/2_chronicles/20-20-21 "2 Chronicles 20:20-21 - Jehoshaphat's Call to Trust God")), and now he is at the forefront in leading the procession of thanksgiving and joy back to Jerusalem. This consistent leadership demonstrates his unwavering commitment to guiding his people in both their distress and their triumph, always pointing them back to the Lord as the ultimate source of their salvation and joy. It underscores the importance of leaders modeling faith, humility, and gratitude in every season.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The triumphant return of Judah with joy, because "the LORD had made them to rejoice over their enemies," powerfully foreshadows the ultimate victory and profound joy found in Jesus Christ. Just as Judah faced an insurmountable foe and was delivered by divine intervention, humanity faced the insurmountable enemies of sin, death, and the devil, a battle no human could win. Christ, the ultimate King and Captain of our salvation, stood "in the forefront" not merely to lead a procession, but to conquer these spiritual foes through His sacrificial death on the cross and His glorious resurrection. His victory, often described as a triumph over principalities and powers ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers and Authorities")), secured the ultimate "spoil" of salvation, reconciliation with God, and eternal life for all who believe. Our "return" to God's presence is not merely to an earthly Jerusalem, but to a spiritual reality of new life and reconciliation, filled with an "inexpressible and glorious joy" ([1 Peter 1:8](/1_peter/1-8 "1 Peter 1:8 - Joy in Christ's Salvation")). The Holy Spirit, the Comforter and indwelling presence of God, is the very source of this "joy in the Holy Spirit" ([Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God is Righteousness, Peace, and Joy in the Holy Spirit")), a joy that is not dependent on fleeting circumstances but flows from the accomplished, eternal work of Christ. He has indeed made us to rejoice over our spiritual enemies, promising us an eternal dwelling in the [New Jerusalem](/revelation/21 "Revelation 21 - The New Jerusalem"), where "there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away" ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Suffering")).

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

Nehemiah 12:43

Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off.

Psalms 30:1

¶ A Psalm [and] Song [at] the dedication of the house of David. I will extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me.

Revelation 18:20

Rejoice over her, [thou] heaven, and [ye] holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.

Psalms 20:5

We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up [our] banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions.

Hebrews 6:20

Whither the forerunner is for us entered, [even] Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

Isaiah 51:11

Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy [shall be] upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; [and] sorrow and mourning shall flee away.

Micah 2:13

The breaker is come up before them: they have broken up, and have passed through the gate, and are gone out by it: and their king shall pass before them, and the LORD on the head of them.