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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 2 Chronicles 20:20–30. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We have here the foregoing prayer answered and the foregoing promise performed, in the total overthrow of the enemies' forces and the triumph (for so it was rather than a victory) of Jehoshaphat's forces over them.
I.Never was army drawn out to the field of battle as Jehoshaphat's was.
He had soldiers ready prepared for war (Ch2 17:18), but here is no notice taken of their military equipment, their swords or spears, their shields or bows. But Jehoshaphat took care,
1.That faith should be their armour. As they went forth, instead of calling them to handle their arms, and stand to them, to keep ranks, observe orders, and fight valiantly, he bade them believe in the Lord God and give credit to his word in the mouth of his prophets, and assured them that they should prosper and be established, Ch2 20:20. That is true courage which faith inspires a man with; nor will any thing contribute more to the establishing of the heart in shaking times than a firm belief of the power, and mercy, and promise of God. The heart is fixed that thus trusteth in the Lord, and is kept in perfect peace. In our spiritual conflicts, this is the victory, this is the prosperity, even our faith.
2.That praise and thanksgiving should be their vanguard, Ch2 20:21. Jehoshaphat called a council of war, and it was resolved to appoint singers to go out before the army, to charge in the front, who had nothing else to do but to praise God, to praise his holiness, which is his beauty, to praise him as they did in the temple (that beauty of holiness) with that ancient and good doxology which eternity itself will not wear thread-bare, Praise the Lord; for his mercy endureth for ever. By this strange advance towards the field of battle, Jehoshaphat intended to express his firm reliance upon the word of God (which enabled him to triumph before the battle), to animate his own soldiers, to confound the enemy, and to engage God on their side; for praise pleases God better than all burnt offering and sacrifice.
II.Never was army so unaccountably destroyed as that of the enemy; not by thunder, or hail, or the sword of an angel, not by dint of sword, or strength of arm, or any surprising alarm, like that which Gideon gave the Midianites; but the Lord set ambushments against them, either hosts of angels, or, as bishop Patrick thinks, their own ambushments, whom God struck with such confusion that they fell upon their own friends as if they had been enemies, and every one helped to destroy another, so that none escaped. This God did when his people began to sing and to praise (Ch2 20:22), for he delights to furnish those with matter for praise that have hearts for it. We read of his being angry at the prayers of his people (Psa 80:4), but never at their praises. When they did but begin the work of praise God perfected the work of their deliverance. What ground there was for their jealousies one of another does not appear, perhaps there was none; but so it was that the Ammonites and the Moabites fell foul upon the Edomites and cut them off, and then they fell out with one another and cut one another off, Ch2 20:23. Thus God often makes wicked people instruments of destruction to one another; and what alliances can be so firm as to keep those together whom God designs to dash in pieces one against another? See the mischievous consequences of divisions which neither of the contending parties can give any good account of the reason of. Those are wretchedly infatuated, to their ruin, that fall foul upon their friends as if they were enemies.
III.Never was spoil so cheerfully divided, for Jehoshaphat's army had nothing to do besides; the rest was done for them.
When they came to the view of this vast army, instead of finding living men to fight with, they found them all dead men, and their carcases spread as dung upon the face of the earth, Ch2 20:24. See how rich God is in mercy to those that call upon him in truth, and how often he out-does him in truth, and how often he out-does the prayers and expectations of his people. Jehoshaphat and his people prayed to be delivered from being spoiled by the enemy; and God not only delivered them, but enriched them with the spoil of the enemy. The plunder of the field was very great and very rich. They found precious jewels with the dead bodies, which yet could not save them from being loathsome carcases. The spoil was more than they could carry away at once, and they were three days in gathering it, Ch2 20:25. Now it appeared what was God's end in bringing this great army against Judah; it was to humble them and prove them, that he might do them good in their latter end. It seemed at first a disturbance to their reformation, but it proved a recompence of it.
IV.Never was victory celebrated with more solemn and enlarged thanksgivings.
1.They kept a day of praise in the camp, before they drew their forces out of the field. Many thanksgivings, no doubt, were offered up to God immediately; but on the fourth day they assembled in a valley, where they blessed God with so much zeal and fervency that that day's work gave a name to the place, the valley of Berachah, that is, of blessing, Ch2 20:26. The remembrance of this work of wonder was hereby perpetuated, for the encouragement of succeeding generations to trust in God.
2.Yet they did not think this enough, but came in solemn procession, all in a body, and Jehoshaphat at the head of them, to Jerusalem, that the country, as they passed along, might join with them in their praises, and that they might give thanks for the mercy where they had by prayer obtained it, in the house of the Lord, Ch2 20:27, Ch2 20:28. Praising God must not be the work of a day only; but our praises, when we have received mercy, must be often repeated, as our prayers were when we were in the pursuit of it. Every day we must bless God; as long as we live, and while we have any being, we must praise him, spending our time in that work in which we hope to spend our eternity. Public mercies call for public acknowledgments in the courts of the Lord's house, Psa 116:19.
V.Never did victory turn to a better account than this; for,
1.Jehoshaphat's kingdom was hereby made to look very great and considerable abroad, Ch2 20:29. When they heard that God fought thus for Israel, they could not but say, There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun, and Happy art thou, O Israel! It begat in the neighbours a reverence of God and a cautious fear of doing any injury to his people. It is dangerous fighting against those who have God with them.
2.It was made very easy and quiet at home, Ch2 20:30.
(1.)They were quiet among themselves. Those that were displeased at the destroying of the images and groves were now satisfied, and obliged to own that since the God of Israel could deliver after this sort he only is to be worshipped, in that way only which he himself has appointed.
(2.)They were quiet from the fear of insults from their neighbours, God having given them rest round about. And, if he give rest, who can give disturbance?
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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. 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). Through the prophet Jahaziel, God promises victory, famously declaring, "The battle is not yours, but God's" (2 Chronicles 20:15). 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). 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). 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.
Historical & Cultural Context
The events of 2 Chronicles 20 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 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.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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
FAQ
What is the significance of Jehoshaphat being "in the forefront" of the returning people?
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), 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), 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), 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). The Holy Spirit, the Comforter and indwelling presence of God, is the very source of this "joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17), 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, 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).