TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
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?
Continue studying 2 Chronicles 20:28 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
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. 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. 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. 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), 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 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. 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" (Psalm 106:1). 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.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
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.
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.
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.
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.
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) 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.
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
FAQ
Why did the people return to the "house of the LORD" with instruments, rather than just celebrating in the streets or at home?
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.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
While 2 Chronicles 20:28 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 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. 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, 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.