2 Chronicles 20:28

KJV

And they came to Jerusalem with psalteries and harps and trumpets unto the house of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they came {H935} to Jerusalem {H3389} with psalteries {H5035} and harps {H3658} and trumpets {H2689} unto the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They came to Yerushalayim with lyres, lutes and trumpets and went to the house of ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

So they entered Jerusalem and went into the house of the LORD with harps, lyres, and trumpets.

American Standard Version

And they came to Jerusalem with psalteries and harps and trumpets unto the house of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 20:28 vividly captures the triumphant and deeply grateful return of King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah to Jerusalem, specifically to the Temple, following a miraculous divine intervention. After facing an overwhelming enemy coalition, Judah experienced God's powerful deliverance without having to engage in battle, as the Lord caused their adversaries to destroy each other. This verse portrays their exuberant worship and thanksgiving, expressed through a joyous procession accompanied by various musical instruments, signifying their profound recognition of God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and the source of their salvation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the glorious culmination of a remarkable narrative of faith and divine deliverance detailed in [2 Chronicles 20](/2-chronicles/20 "2 Chronicles 20 - Jehoshaphat's Victory Over Moab and Ammon"). The chapter opens with a massive coalition of Ammonites, Moabites, and inhabitants of Mount Seir invading Judah, striking fear into King Jehoshaphat and his people. In response, Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast throughout Judah and led the nation in a fervent prayer for deliverance, acknowledging God's omnipotence and their utter helplessness, as expressed in [2 Chronicles 20:12](/2-chronicles/20-12 "2 Chronicles 20:12 - Jehoshaphat's Prayer of Helplessness"). God answered through the prophet Jahaziel, promising that the battle was not theirs but God's, instructing them to simply stand firm and see the Lord's salvation, a powerful declaration found in [2 Chronicles 20:15-17](/2-chronicles/20-15-17 "2 Chronicles 20:15-17 - God's Promise of Deliverance"). True to His word, as Judah advanced with a choir of Levites praising the Lord, the enemy armies turned on each other, resulting in their complete annihilation. Following three days of collecting immense spoils from their defeated foes in the "Valley of Beracah" (meaning "Valley of Blessing," named in [2 Chronicles 20:26](/2-chronicles/20-26 "2 Chronicles 20:26 - Valley of Beracah")), verse 28 depicts the joyful, worshipful procession back to the spiritual heart of the nation, the house of the Lord.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The reign of Jehoshaphat (c. 870-848 BC) was generally marked by faithfulness to the Lord, though not without geopolitical challenges from surrounding nations, as this event clearly illustrates. The practice of fasting and public prayer in times of national crisis was a common and prescribed response in ancient Israel, demonstrating a profound dependence on God's intervention. The immediate return to the "house of the LORD" (the Temple in Jerusalem) for thanksgiving was also a deeply ingrained cultural and religious practice, signifying the central role of the Temple as the place of God's presence and where communal worship, sacrifices, and expressions of gratitude were offered. The strategic use of musical instruments—psalteries, harps, and trumpets—was integral to Israelite worship, particularly in celebratory and processional contexts. This reflects a vibrant culture where music was a primary means of expressing devotion, joy, and praise to God, often accompanying significant national or religious events.

* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of [2 Chronicles 20](/2-chronicles/20 "2 Chronicles 20 - Trusting God for Victory") is God's sovereign power and His unwavering faithfulness to deliver His people when they humble themselves and trust Him. The narrative emphasizes that true victory comes not through human might or strategic brilliance, but through divine intervention in response to sincere faith and worship. This passage powerfully illustrates the theme of **divine deliverance**, showcasing God as the ultimate warrior who fights for His people, as promised in [2 Chronicles 20:17](/2-chronicles/20-17 "2 Chronicles 20:17 - The Lord Will Fight for You"). Closely related is the theme of **worship and thanksgiving**, presented as the appropriate and immediate response to God's miraculous acts. The people's return to the Temple with instruments signifies that genuine gratitude culminates in corporate praise, echoing the instruction to "give thanks to the Lord, for he is good" (cf. [Psalm 106:1](/psalm/106-1 "Psalm 106:1 - Give Thanks to the Lord")). Finally, the passage underscores the theme of **joyful celebration**, demonstrating that experiencing God's goodness and salvation leads to profound and exuberant rejoicing, a testament to the peace and security found in His protection. This echoes the celebratory worship seen after other great deliverances, such as the song of Moses and Miriam after the crossing of the Red Sea in [Exodus 15](/exodus/15 "Exodus 15 - The Song of Moses and Miriam").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **came (Hebrew, _bôwʼ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to go or come" in a wide variety of applications. Here, it signifies a purposeful return, a movement back to a specific place. In this context, it emphasizes the intentionality of the people's journey back to Jerusalem and the Temple, not merely as a retreat but as a pilgrimage of thanksgiving.
* **psalteries (Hebrew, _nebel'_):** This refers to a stringed instrument, often translated as a lyre, lute, or harp, characterized by its resonant sound. It was a common instrument in Temple worship and for festive occasions, typically associated with melodic and joyful praise. Its presence here underscores the celebratory and worshipful nature of the procession, contributing a rich, harmonious layer to the soundscape of thanksgiving.
* **trumpets (Hebrew, _chătsôtsᵉrâh'_):** These were typically long, straight metal trumpets, distinct from the ram's horn (shofar). In Israelite culture, trumpets had multiple functions: signaling for war or assembly, announcing important events, and most prominently, in Temple rituals for solemn declarations, processions, and loud expressions of praise. Their inclusion here signifies triumph, declaration, and a powerful, resounding praise to God, marking the event with a distinct sound of victory and divine acknowledgment.
* **house (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** Primarily meaning "a house," this term extends to encompass various applications, including a family, household, or, as here, a temple or palace. In this verse, "the house of the LORD" specifically refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, the central sanctuary where God's presence was believed to dwell. It signifies the sacred destination of their worship and the focal point of their communal gratitude.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):: ** This is the proper name of the God of Israel, often transliterated as Jehovah or Yahweh, meaning "the self-Existent or Eternal One." Its use here emphasizes that the worship is directed to the one true God, the covenant-keeping God of Israel, who demonstrated His unique power and faithfulness in their miraculous deliverance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they came to Jerusalem":** This phrase marks the completion of their journey from the battlefield (the "Valley of Beracah," as named in [2 Chronicles 20:26](/2-chronicles/20-26 "2 Chronicles 20:26 - Valley of Blessing")) back to the capital city. It signifies not just a physical return but a spiritual homecoming, bringing their victory and profound gratitude to the heart of their nation and faith, acknowledging the city as the seat of God's chosen people.
* **"with psalteries and harps and trumpets":** This describes the vibrant and audible nature of their return. The specific mention of these three types of instruments highlights the organized, exuberant, and comprehensive musical expression of their worship. It indicates a full orchestra of praise, combining melodic strings with declarative brass, creating a sound of overwhelming joy, triumph, and thanksgiving that filled the air.
* **"unto the house of the LORD":** This specifies their ultimate destination and the profound purpose of their procession. The Temple was the designated place for corporate worship, sacrifice, and thanksgiving, symbolizing God's dwelling among His people. Their immediate return to God's house underscores their understanding that the victory was solely from Him, and their primary, most fitting response was to offer Him the praise and glory due His holy name in the prescribed manner.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to enhance its meaning and impact. **Imagery** is prominent, painting a vivid picture of a joyful procession filled with the sounds of musical instruments, allowing the reader to almost hear the celebratory melodies and envision the scene. The listing of specific instruments (**psalteries, harps, trumpets**) serves as a form of **merism**, where a few representative parts stand for the whole, implying a full and diverse array of musical praise and a complete expression of national joy. This also contributes significantly to the **auditory imagery**, emphasizing the loud, exuberant, and harmonious nature of their thanksgiving. The entire scene functions as powerful **symbolism** of appropriate worship and heartfelt gratitude after divine deliverance. It is a visual and auditory testament to the nation's profound relief and their recognition of God's mighty hand in their salvation, transforming a potential lament into a triumphant hymn of praise and adoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the theological truth that true worship is the proper and immediate response to divine deliverance. The people of Judah, having witnessed God's miraculous intervention on their behalf, did not merely celebrate their survival in isolation but actively returned to the "house of the LORD" with instruments of praise. This act underscores that God's acts of salvation are not just for human benefit but are primarily meant to elicit glory and honor for His name. It teaches us that authentic faith leads to humble dependence in crisis and fervent thanksgiving in victory, recognizing God as the sole source of all good things. Their worship was not a perfunctory duty but an overflowing expression of joy and gratitude, setting a precedent for how believers should respond to God's faithfulness in their own lives. It highlights that communal worship is a vital part of acknowledging God's sovereignty and goodness.

* [Psalm 100:4](/psalm/100-4 "Psalm 100:4 - Enter His Gates with Thanksgiving")
* [Psalm 150:3-5](/psalm/150-3-5 "Psalm 150:3-5 - Praise God with Instruments")
* [Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - The Sacrifice of Praise")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The triumphant return of Judah to Jerusalem with instruments of praise offers a profound model for contemporary believers. In a world often characterized by self-reliance and the pursuit of human solutions, this narrative reminds us of the transformative power of humility and dependence on God. When we face overwhelming challenges, our first and most effective response should be to seek the Lord, as Jehoshaphat did, trusting that the battle is truly His. Furthermore, just as Judah’s immediate response to deliverance was exuberant worship, our lives should be marked by a continuous posture of thanksgiving and praise for God’s faithfulness, even amidst difficulties. This verse encourages us to cultivate a spirit of joy, recognizing that every blessing and victory, big or small, flows from His gracious hand. Our worship, whether personal or corporate, should be authentic, heartfelt, and expressive, reflecting the immense goodness and unfailing love of our God. It calls us to bring our whole selves, and our best, in adoration before Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jehoshaphat's response to crisis, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 20](/2-chronicles/20 "2 Chronicles 20 - Trusting God in Crisis"), challenge my typical reactions to overwhelming situations?**
* **In what ways can I more intentionally cultivate a spirit of joyful thanksgiving and worship in my daily life, even when circumstances are difficult or I am awaiting God's intervention?**
* **What "instruments" (talents, resources, time, spiritual gifts) can I bring to the "house of the LORD" (my community of faith, my personal devotion, my service) as an expression of gratitude for His deliverance and ongoing faithfulness in my life?**

### FAQ
**Why did the people return to the "house of the LORD" with instruments, rather than just celebrating in the streets or at home?**

Answer: The return to the "house of the LORD," the Temple in Jerusalem, was paramount because it was the central place of worship and the symbolic dwelling place of God's presence among His people. The victory was understood not as a human achievement but as a direct act of God's intervention, a divine deliverance. Therefore, the most fitting and culturally prescribed response was to offer corporate thanksgiving and praise directly to Him in His holy dwelling. The use of psalteries, harps, and trumpets was integral to Israelite Temple worship, signifying a formal, joyous, and reverent expression of gratitude that was both communal and directed specifically towards God. It underscored that their celebration was fundamentally an act of worship, acknowledging God as the sole source of their deliverance and the rightful recipient of all glory, as seen in the call to "enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise" in [Psalm 100:4](/psalm/100-4 "Psalm 100:4 - Enter His Gates with Thanksgiving").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [2 Chronicles 20:28](/2-chronicles/20-28 "2 Chronicles 20:28 - Return to the Temple with Praise") describes a historical deliverance for the nation of Judah, it powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and eternal deliverance accomplished through Jesus Christ. Just as Judah's victory was not won by their own strength but by God's intervention, so too humanity's greatest battle against sin, death, and the devil was won not by human effort but by God's decisive action in Christ. The joyous procession with instruments to the Temple prefigures the eternal worship of the redeemed, who will gather around the throne of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") in the heavenly Jerusalem, offering unending praise for His triumph over sin and death. Christ, our true King and High Priest, has secured a victory far greater than any earthly battle, leading His people into a new covenant of grace and peace, as promised in [John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus' Gift of Peace"). Our response to this ultimate deliverance is not merely a temporary celebration but a lifelong commitment to worship and service, as we await His glorious return, when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that [Jesus Christ is Lord](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow"), to the glory of God the Father. The instruments of praise in Judah's procession find their ultimate echo in the "new song" sung by the redeemed, celebrating the Lamb who was slain and has redeemed them by His blood, as described in [Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9-10 "Revelation 5:9-10 - The New Song of the Lamb").

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

Revelation 14:2

And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:

Revelation 14:3

And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred [and] forty [and] four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.

Psalms 92:3

Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound.

Psalms 57:8

Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I [myself] will awake early.

1 Chronicles 13:8

And David and all Israel played before God with all [their] might, and with singing, and with harps, and with psalteries, and with timbrels, and with cymbals, and with trumpets.

2 Samuel 6:5

And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of [instruments made of] fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals.

1 Chronicles 23:5

Moreover four thousand [were] porters; and four thousand praised the LORD with the instruments which I made, [said David], to praise [therewith].