2 Chronicles 20:29

KJV

And the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of [those] countries, when they had heard that the LORD fought against the enemies of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the fear {H6343} of God {H430} was on all the kingdoms {H4467} of those countries {H776}, when they had heard {H8085} that the LORD {H3068} fought {H3898} against the enemies {H341} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A panic from God was on all the kingdoms of the countries when they heard that ADONAI had fought against the enemies of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

And the fear of God came upon all the kingdoms of the lands when they heard that the LORD had fought against the enemies of Israel.

American Standard Version

And the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of the countries, when they heard that Jehovah fought against the enemies of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 20:29 powerfully encapsulates the far-reaching geopolitical impact of God's miraculous intervention on behalf of King Jehoshaphat and the kingdom of Judah. Following an overwhelming invasion, God's direct and decisive victory, achieved without Judah's military engagement, instilled a profound "fear of God" upon all the surrounding nations. This awe and dread stemmed from their undeniable recognition that the LORD Himself had fought against Israel's enemies, establishing Judah's security and testifying to the unparalleled sovereignty and protective power of the God of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the immediate aftermath and external consequence of the extraordinary divine deliverance detailed throughout [2 Chronicles chapter 20](/2_chronicles/20 "2 Chronicles 20 - Jehoshaphat's Prayer and God's Victory"). The preceding verses describe a massive coalition of Ammonites, Moabites, and Edomites advancing against Judah. In response, King Jehoshaphat, rather than relying on military might, led the nation in a solemn fast and sought the LORD in fervent prayer, acknowledging Judah's utter helplessness before such a formidable foe, as recorded in [2 Chronicles 20:5-12](/2_chronicles/20-5 "2 Chronicles 20:5-12 - Jehoshaphat's Prayer"). God answered through the prophet Jahaziel, declaring that "the battle is not yours, but God's" ([2 Chronicles 20:15](/2_chronicles/20-15 "2 Chronicles 20:15 - The Battle is the Lord's")). True to His word, the LORD set ambushes among the invading armies, causing them to turn on and destroy one another, resulting in a stunning and bloodless victory for Judah ([2 Chronicles 20:23-24](/2_chronicles/20-23 "2 Chronicles 20:23-24 - The Miraculous Self-Destruction of the Enemy")). Verse 29 then captures the widespread geopolitical ripple effect of this undeniable divine intervention, setting the stage for the peace and rest described in [2 Chronicles 20:30](/2_chronicles/20-30 "2 Chronicles 20:30 - Peace for Judah").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of King Jehoshaphat (c. 870-848 BC) was one of relative stability and religious reform in Judah, yet constantly threatened by larger, more aggressive regional powers. In the ancient Near East, military victories were often attributed to the superior power of a nation's deity. The defeat of a coalition of three nations by an unseen, divine force, without Judah raising a sword, would have been an unprecedented and profoundly unsettling event for surrounding kingdoms. News traveled through trade routes, diplomatic envoys, and fleeing survivors, spreading accounts of the God of Israel's unique power. This "fear of God" was not merely abstract theological recognition but a pragmatic, geopolitical calculation: it was dangerous to antagonize a nation whose God actively intervened in such a devastating manner. Such an event would deter future aggression, ensuring a period of peace for Judah, as nations would be wary of incurring the wrath of the LORD.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes woven throughout 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute control over nations, armies, and historical outcomes, even when human efforts are utterly insufficient. Secondly, it highlights **God's Faithfulness and Protection of His People**; when Judah humbled itself and sought God, He proved Himself a mighty deliverer, fulfilling His covenant promises. Thirdly, the concept of the **"Fear of God"** is central, portraying it as a proper response to God's demonstrated power, leading to awe, reverence, and a healthy dread that deters opposition. Finally, the verse illustrates the **Power of Testimony**, showing how God's mighty acts, when witnessed or heard, can have a transformative impact on those outside the covenant community, serving as a powerful witness to His reality and might, as seen in other instances like the impact of the Exodus on surrounding nations ([Exodus 15:14-16](/exodus/15-14 "Exodus 15:14-16 - The Nations Tremble at God's Power") or [Joshua 2:9-11](/joshua/2-9 "Joshua 2:9-11 - Rahab's Testimony of God's Deeds")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yir'ah'_):** The Hebrew word יִרְאָה (_yir'ah_) is rich in meaning, encompassing both "dread," "terror," and "reverence," "awe," or "respect." In this context, it carries a dual sense. For the surrounding kingdoms, it was undoubtedly a **dread** or **terror** – a profound apprehension of the Israelite God's destructive power, evidenced by the annihilation of their allied armies. They feared the consequences of opposing a nation protected by such a deity. Simultaneously, it implies a grudging **awe** or **respect** for the LORD's unparalleled might and sovereignty. They recognized that this was no mere tribal deity but a God who actively and decisively intervened in human affairs with devastating effect. This combination of dread and awe led to a cautious, non-aggressive posture towards Judah.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of [those] countries":** This clause describes the immediate and widespread impact of the miraculous victory. The "fear of God" (yir'at Elohim) was not confined to one nation but spread across "all the kingdoms" in the region, signifying a universal recognition of the divine power at play. This fear served as a powerful deterrent, ensuring Judah's security and peace for a significant period. It highlights God's ability to use His actions to influence the geopolitical landscape.
* **"when they had heard that the LORD fought against the enemies of Israel":** This sub-clause provides the precise cause for the widespread fear. It was not merely a rumor, but a confirmed report that the God of Israel, Yahweh (the LORD), had personally engaged in battle against the invading forces. The emphasis is on "the LORD fought," underscoring that the victory was entirely divine, not human. This knowledge transformed their perception of Israel and its God, leading to a strategic avoidance of conflict with a nation so powerfully defended.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Cause and Effect** is central, clearly linking the divine action ("the LORD fought") to the resulting human response ("the fear of God was on all the kingdoms"). This highlights God's direct agency in history. There is also an element of **Hyperbole** in "all the kingdoms of those countries," suggesting a widespread and pervasive impact, rather than a literal enumeration of every single kingdom. This emphasizes the magnitude of the event's influence. Furthermore, the narrative itself functions as a **Theophany** or **Divine Manifestation**, where God's power is overtly displayed through a miraculous event, leading to a recognition of His presence and authority by those who witness or hear of it. The "fear of God" can also be seen as a form of **Metonymy**, where the emotional response (fear) stands in for the broader acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and a change in political posture.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound "fear of God" that fell upon the surrounding nations after the miraculous victory in 2 Chronicles 20 serves as a powerful testament to God's active involvement in human history and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It underscores that true security and national peace do not stem from military might or strategic alliances alone, but from the sovereign protection of the Almighty. This divine intervention not only secured Judah's immediate future but also established a formidable reputation for the God of Israel among the gentiles, serving as a powerful, undeniable witness to His unique power and authority. It demonstrates that God's acts for His people can have far-reaching implications, impacting the world beyond the immediate beneficiaries.

* [Exodus 15:14-16](/exodus/15-14 "Exodus 15:14-16 - The Nations Tremble at God's Power")
* [Joshua 2:9-11](/joshua/2-9 "Joshua 2:9-11 - Rahab's Testimony of God's Deeds")
* [Psalm 46:10](/psalms/46-10 "Psalm 46:10 - Be Still, and Know That I Am God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Jehoshaphat's victory and its subsequent impact on surrounding nations offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Just as Judah faced an overwhelming threat, we too encounter "battles" in life that seem insurmountable, whether they are personal struggles, societal challenges, or spiritual warfare. This passage calls us to emulate Jehoshaphat's response: to humble ourselves, acknowledge our helplessness, and turn to God in desperate prayer, trusting that "the battle is not yours, but God's." When we genuinely relinquish control and rely on God's power, He often intervenes in ways that defy human logic, turning our weaknesses into opportunities for His glory. Furthermore, when God acts powerfully in our lives, our experiences become a living testimony. Our peace, our unexpected victories, and our resilience in trials, all empowered by God, can instill a "fear" – an awe and respect – for God in those who observe us. Our lives, transformed by His grace, can become a compelling witness to His reality and power, drawing others to acknowledge Him and seek His peace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "impossible" battles are you facing today, and how might Jehoshaphat's response guide your approach?**
* **In what ways has God intervened in your life, and how can your testimony of His faithfulness impact those around you?**
* **How does the "fear of God" described in this verse differ from mere terror, and how should it shape our reverence and obedience to Him?**

### FAQ
**What does "the fear of God" mean in this context?**

Answer: In 2 Chronicles 20:29, "the fear of God" (Hebrew: _yir'at Elohim_) signifies a profound awe combined with a healthy dread or respect. For the surrounding kingdoms, it was primarily a recognition of the Israelite God's unparalleled power and a pragmatic understanding that it was dangerous to oppose a nation whose God actively fought for them. It was not necessarily conversion or worship, but a strategic and existential acknowledgment of the LORD's sovereignty and a deterrent against future aggression. This fear led to a period of peace for Judah, as described in [2 Chronicles 20:30](/2_chronicles/20-30 "2 Chronicles 20:30 - Judah's Peace").

**How did the "kingdoms of those countries" hear about this event?**

Answer: News of such a monumental event would have spread rapidly through various channels common in the ancient world. Fleeing survivors from the defeated armies would have carried eyewitness accounts. Trade caravans and merchants traveling through the region would have disseminated the news. Diplomatic envoys and spies would have reported back to their respective rulers. Given the scale of the miraculous victory, where three allied armies were annihilated without Judah's intervention ([2 Chronicles 20:23-24](/2_chronicles/20-23 "2 Chronicles 20:23-24 - The Miraculous Self-Destruction of the Enemy")), it would have been impossible to keep such a significant geopolitical shift a secret. The sheer magnitude and divine nature of the event would have ensured its widespread dissemination.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Second Chronicles 20:29, with its depiction of divine intervention leading to a "fear of God" among nations, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate, decisive victory achieved through Christ. Just as God fought for Judah without their swords, Christ accomplished salvation for humanity through His self-sacrifice, not through human might or military conquest. The "fear of God" that fell upon the nations in Jehoshaphat's day points to the profound awe and conviction that the resurrected Christ evokes. His victory over sin and death, culminating in His resurrection, is the ultimate demonstration that "the battle is not yours, but God's" ([2 Chronicles 20:15](/2_chronicles/20-15 "2 Chronicles 20:15 - The Battle is the Lord's")) for all who believe. The news of Christ's triumph, the Gospel, has spread throughout all nations, not instilling a dread of physical retribution, but a holy awe and conviction that leads to repentance and faith. As [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Every Knee Will Bow to Jesus") proclaims, God has highly exalted Jesus, so "that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." This universal acknowledgment, whether in reverent worship or compelled submission, is the ultimate fulfillment of the "fear of God" spreading across the kingdoms, as the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), reigns supreme. His peace, unlike the temporary peace granted to Judah, is eternal and accessible to all who come to Him ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus Gives His Peace")).

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

2 Chronicles 17:10

¶ And the fear of the LORD fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that [were] round about Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat.

Exodus 23:27

I will send my fear before thee, and will destroy all the people to whom thou shalt come, and I will make all thine enemies turn their backs unto thee.

2 Kings 7:6

For the Lord had made the host of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, [even] the noise of a great host: and they said one to another, Lo, the king of Israel hath hired against us the kings of the Hittites, and the kings of the Egyptians, to come upon us.

2 Chronicles 14:14

And they smote all the cities round about Gerar; for the fear of the LORD came upon them: and they spoiled all the cities; for there was exceeding much spoil in them.

Genesis 35:5

And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that [were] round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob.

Joshua 9:9

And they said unto him, From a very far country thy servants are come because of the name of the LORD thy God: for we have heard the fame of him, and all that he did in Egypt,

Joshua 9:11

Wherefore our elders and all the inhabitants of our country spake to us, saying, Take victuals with you for the journey, and go to meet them, and say unto them, We [are] your servants: therefore now make ye a league with us.