2 Chronicles 20:27

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

2 Chronicles 20:27 describes the triumphant return of King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah and Jerusalem after a miraculous victory granted by God. This verse encapsulates the profound joy and gratitude that followed divine intervention against overwhelming odds.

Context of 2 Chronicles 20:27

This verse is the culmination of a remarkable narrative found in 2 Chronicles chapter 20. King Jehoshaphat faced a formidable coalition of armies from Moab, Ammon, and Mount Seir. Instead of relying on military might, Jehoshaphat led the nation in a solemn fast and prayer, seeking the Lord's help (2 Chronicles 20:3-12). The prophet Jahaziel then delivered a divine message: "The battle is not yours, but God's" (2 Chronicles 20:15).

True to this prophecy, as the people of Judah marched out singing praises, the Lord caused the enemy armies to turn on each other, resulting in their complete destruction (2 Chronicles 20:22-24). The following three days were spent gathering immense spoil from the battlefield, which was then named the "Valley of Berachah," meaning "Valley of Blessing" (2 Chronicles 20:26). Verse 27 marks their joyful return to Jerusalem, carrying the tangible evidence of God's deliverance.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Deliverance: The central theme is God's power to deliver His people. The victory was not achieved by human strength or strategy but solely by the Lord's intervention, turning enemies against themselves. This highlights God's sovereignty over all circumstances.
  • Joy and Thanksgiving: The return "with joy" is a natural and appropriate response to such a profound display of God's faithfulness. This joy was not superficial but deep, rooted in the understanding that "the LORD had made them to rejoice over their enemies." It serves as a powerful reminder of the peace and gladness that comes from trusting in God's provision.
  • Faithful Leadership: King Jehoshaphat is presented as a model leader. He led the people in seeking God, in faith before the battle, and now in leading the procession of thanksgiving. His presence "in the forefront" underscores his role in both the struggle and the triumph.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "rejoice" in this verse is śāmach (שָׂמַח), which signifies deep gladness, mirth, or joy. The causative form used here, "made them to rejoice," emphatically states that God Himself was the direct cause and source of their joy. It wasn't merely a feeling they conjured up, but a divinely bestowed emotion resulting from His mighty acts.

Practical Application

2 Chronicles 20:27 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Acknowledge God's Hand: When we experience breakthroughs or victories in life, whether personal or collective, we should attribute the success to God's grace and power, just as Judah did.
  • Cultivate a Heart of Gratitude: Despite life's challenges, moments of divine intervention call for profound joy and thanksgiving. This verse encourages us to respond to God's goodness with a heart full of praise.
  • Trust in God's Battles: Like Jehoshaphat, we are sometimes called to face overwhelming situations. This narrative reminds us that when we surrender our battles to the Lord, He is capable of fighting for us and granting us victory and joy, even when circumstances seem dire (Exodus 14:14).
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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