2 Chronicles 20:30

So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet: for his God gave him rest round about.

So the realm {H4438} of Jehoshaphat {H3092} was quiet {H8252}: for his God {H430} gave him rest {H5117} round about {H5439}.

So Y'hoshafat's rule was a quiet one, because his God gave him rest all around.

Then Jehoshaphat’s kingdom was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side.

So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet; for his God gave him rest round about.

Commentary

Context of 2 Chronicles 20:30

This verse concludes the remarkable account of King Jehoshaphat's reign, specifically following a pivotal moment for the kingdom of Judah. Faced with a massive confederacy of Moabite, Ammonite, and Meunite armies, Jehoshaphat, instead of relying on military might, sought the Lord with fasting and prayer, uniting the people in their plea (2 Chronicles 20:3-4). Through the prophet Jahaziel, God declared that the battle was not theirs, but His (2 Chronicles 20:15). The next day, as Judah marched out with singers praising God, the Lord caused their enemies to turn on each other, resulting in a miraculous, bloodless victory for Judah (2 Chronicles 20:22-24). Verse 30 describes the peaceful aftermath and the lasting impact of this divine intervention on Jehoshaphat's kingdom.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Rest and Peace: The verse highlights God's ability to grant profound peace and security. After a period of intense threat and anxiety, God provided a comprehensive "rest round about," meaning peace on all sides, from all enemies. This demonstrates that true security comes from the Lord, not from human strength or treaties.
  • The Reward of Faith and Obedience: Jehoshaphat's decision to trust God completely, humble himself, and lead his people in worship and reliance on divine power, led directly to this period of tranquility. It underscores the biblical principle that seeking God's face in times of trouble often results in His powerful intervention and subsequent blessing.
  • God's Sovereignty and Protection: The phrase "his God gave him rest" emphasizes that this peace was a direct gift from God. It was not achieved through military prowess or political maneuvering but through God's sovereign hand protecting His people and their king.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses two significant words here: "quiet" and "rest."

  • The Hebrew word for "quiet" is shaqat (שָׁקַט), which means to be quiet, undisturbed, at peace, or to cease from activity. It conveys a sense of calm and cessation of turmoil, indicating that external threats had subsided.
  • The Hebrew word for "rest" is nuakh (נוּחַ), meaning to settle down, repose, grant quietness, or comfort. The phrase "round about" (סָבִיב - saviv) emphasizes the comprehensiveness of this rest—it was not just internal peace but external security from all directions. This divine rest implies a period free from fear of invasion and ongoing conflict, a direct consequence of God's victory over their enemies.

Practical Application

The experience of Jehoshaphat offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Trust in Adversity: When faced with overwhelming challenges, our first response should be to seek God, just as Jehoshaphat did. Reliance on divine power, rather than human strength, often leads to supernatural outcomes.
  • God Provides Peace: Even after intense trials or battles, God is capable of granting profound and lasting peace. This "rest round about" can manifest as spiritual peace amidst chaos, or practical cessation of struggles. Just as Jesus offered, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28), God continues to be the source of true quiet and rest for our souls and circumstances.
  • The Fruit of Obedience: When we align our will with God's and walk in obedience, we often experience the blessings of His protection and provision, leading to periods of calm and security in our lives.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 15:15

    And all Judah rejoiced at the oath: for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire; and he was found of them: and the LORD gave them rest round about.

  • 2 Chronicles 14:6

    And he built fenced cities in Judah: for the land had rest, and he had no war in those years; because the LORD had given him rest.

  • 2 Chronicles 14:7

    Therefore he said unto Judah, Let us build these cities, and make about [them] walls, and towers, gates, and bars, [while] the land [is] yet before us; because we have sought the LORD our God, we have sought [him], and he hath given us rest on every side. So they built and prospered.

  • 2 Samuel 7:1

    ¶ And it came to pass, when the king sat in his house, and the LORD had given him rest round about from all his enemies;

  • Job 34:29

    When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth [his] face, who then can behold him? whether [it be done] against a nation, or against a man only:

  • Joshua 23:1

    ¶ And it came to pass a long time after that the LORD had given rest unto Israel from all their enemies round about, that Joshua waxed old [and] stricken in age.

  • John 14:27

    Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
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