2 Chronicles 20:30

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Following a miraculous divine intervention that secured Judah's victory over a massive confederacy, 2 Chronicles 20:30 succinctly describes the resulting state of the kingdom under King Jehoshaphat. It declares that his realm experienced profound quietness and comprehensive rest, explicitly attributing this peace to the Lord, who granted security on all sides. This verse serves as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness and the tangible blessings that flow from national humility, prayer, and trust in His sovereign power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse provides the triumphant conclusion to one of the most dramatic narratives in 2 Chronicles, spanning the entirety of chapter 20. Immediately preceding this verse, the text describes the overwhelming victory God granted Judah over the combined forces of the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites. Instead of engaging in conventional warfare, King Jehoshaphat, upon hearing of the impending invasion, proclaimed a national fast and sought the Lord in fervent prayer, uniting his people in their dependence on God ([2 Chronicles 20:3-4](/2_chronicles/20-3 "2 Chronicles 20:3-4 - Jehoshaphat's Prayer and Fast")). Through the prophet Jahaziel, God delivered a specific promise: "Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's" ([2 Chronicles 20:15](/2_chronicles/20-15 "2 Chronicles 20:15 - The Lord's Promise to Judah")). The next day, Jehoshaphat led his army not with weapons, but with singers praising the Lord, and God caused the enemy armies to turn on each other, resulting in a complete and bloodless victory for Judah ([2 Chronicles 20:22-24](/2_chronicles/20-22 "2 Chronicles 20:22-24 - The Miraculous Victory")). Verse 30, therefore, is the direct consequence and blessed outcome of this unprecedented act of faith and divine intervention, highlighting the lasting peace that followed.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Judah, as a smaller kingdom in the ancient Near East, was constantly vulnerable to larger, more powerful neighbors and invading confederacies. Military strength, strategic alliances, and fortified cities were the typical means of national security. In this context, Jehoshaphat's response to the threat—prioritizing spiritual reliance over military might—was highly unconventional and counter-cultural. The concept of "rest" (Hebrew: _nuakh_ or _shaqat_) was deeply significant in ancient Israel, often signifying a period of peace and security after war, a divine blessing, or the fulfillment of covenant promises, reminiscent of the rest granted in the Promised Land after the conquest ([Joshua 21:44](/joshua/21-44 "Joshua 21:44 - God Gives Israel Rest")). The phrase "round about" underscores the comprehensiveness of this peace, indicating that Judah was secure from all directions, a rare and highly desired state in a volatile region. This historical moment serves as a powerful example of God's direct involvement in the affairs of nations that honor Him.
* **Key Themes:** The primary themes illuminated by 2 Chronicles 20:30 are **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating God's ultimate control over human affairs and His ability to protect His people against overwhelming odds. It powerfully illustrates the **Power of Prayer and Worship**, as Jehoshaphat's humble and united appeal to God, followed by an act of worshipful obedience, directly preceded the miraculous deliverance. The verse also highlights the theme of **Divine Rest and Peace**, presenting peace not as a human achievement but as a direct gift from God, a comprehensive security that transcends military might. Furthermore, it reinforces the **Blessings of Obedience and Faith**, showing that when a king and his people prioritize trust in God over self-reliance, God responds with extraordinary favor and protection, leading to a period of unprecedented tranquility for the kingdom, as seen throughout Jehoshaphat's reign ([2 Chronicles 17:10](/2_chronicles/17-10 "2 Chronicles 17:10 - God's Blessing on Jehoshaphat")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Quiet (Hebrew, _shaqat'_):** This word (שָׁקַט) signifies to be quiet, undisturbed, at peace, or to cease from activity. In the context of national affairs, it implies a cessation of hostilities, a lack of external threats, and a general state of calm and tranquility. It suggests that the realm was not merely free from active war but had entered a period of settled peace where the anxieties of invasion and conflict had subsided.
* **Rest (Hebrew, _nuakh'_):** The verb (נוּחַ) means to settle down, repose, grant quietness, or comfort. When used in relation to God granting rest, it implies a divine act of providing security and relief from burden or struggle. It is a profound theological concept, often associated with God's provision of safety and well-being for His people, echoing the rest God provided Israel in the Promised Land after their wanderings and battles. Here, it emphasizes that the peace was not a temporary lull but a divinely ordained period of true repose.
* **Round about (Hebrew, _saviv'_):** This adverb (סָבִיב) means "around," "on every side," or "all around." Its inclusion here is crucial, as it emphasizes the comprehensiveness and totality of the peace granted. It was not just peace from one enemy, or a temporary reprieve, but a state of security from all potential threats and directions, underscoring the completeness of God's protection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet:"** This clause describes the immediate and observable outcome of the preceding events. The kingdom, which had been under immense threat and fear, now experienced a profound state of tranquility. This "quietness" is the direct result of God's intervention, signifying the absence of war, invasion, or internal strife that might disturb the nation's peace. It portrays a kingdom settled and secure.
* **"for his God gave him rest round about."** This second clause provides the theological explanation and the divine agency behind the "quietness." The peace was not achieved through Jehoshaphat's military prowess, diplomatic skill, or strategic alliances, but explicitly "his God gave him rest." The possessive "his God" emphasizes the covenant relationship between God and Jehoshaphat, and by extension, Judah. The "rest round about" highlights the complete and comprehensive nature of this divinely granted peace, extending to all borders and protecting against all potential adversaries. It underscores God's sovereign power to secure His people from every direction.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Cause and Effect**, where the miraculous intervention of God (the cause) directly leads to the quietness and rest of Jehoshaphat's realm (the effect). This highlights the direct correlation between divine action and human experience. Furthermore, there is a strong use of **Divine Agency**, as the phrase "his God gave him rest" explicitly attributes the peace to God's direct action, rather than human effort or natural circumstances. The phrase "round about" functions as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Emphasis**, stressing the absolute and comprehensive nature of the peace, implying security from every conceivable threat, thereby magnifying the extent of God's blessing and protection.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 20:30 beautifully encapsulates the biblical truth that true peace and security are ultimately gifts from God, not achievements of human strength or strategy. It echoes the concept of divine rest found throughout Scripture, where God provides a cessation from struggle and a state of well-being for His faithful. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a profound, comprehensive tranquility that stems from God's sovereign protection and faithfulness to His covenant people. Jehoshaphat's experience serves as a powerful reminder that seeking God first in times of overwhelming crisis leads to supernatural deliverance and lasting peace, demonstrating that God is indeed the ultimate source of our quietness and rest.
* [Psalm 46:10](/psalms/46-10 "Psalm 46:10 - Be Still and Know That I Am God")
* [Isaiah 26:3](/isaiah/26-3 "Isaiah 26:3 - Perfect Peace for Those Who Trust")
* [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The quietness and rest granted to Jehoshaphat's realm serve as a profound illustration of God's desire to provide peace for His people, both corporately and individually. In a world fraught with anxieties, conflicts, and overwhelming challenges, this verse reminds us that our ultimate security and tranquility do not come from our own efforts, resources, or strategic maneuvers, but from the sovereign hand of God. Like Jehoshaphat, when we face "vast armies" in our lives—whether they be financial crises, health battles, relational conflicts, or spiritual struggles—our first and most effective response is to humble ourselves, seek the Lord in prayer and fasting, and trust in His power. God's "rest round about" signifies a comprehensive peace that touches every area of our lives, calming our fears and securing our future. It encourages us to release our burdens to Him, knowing that He is able to fight our battles and grant us a peace that surpasses all understanding, even in the midst of chaos.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "vast armies" are you facing in your life today, and how does Jehoshaphat's response challenge your typical approach to these challenges?**
* **How does the concept of God giving "rest round about" speak to your need for comprehensive peace in different areas of your life (e.g., spiritual, emotional, financial, relational)?**
* **In what practical ways can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty and protection, allowing Him to be the source of your quietness and rest?**

### FAQ
**What does "rest round about" specifically mean in this context?**

Answer: "Rest round about" (Hebrew: _nuakh saviv_) signifies a comprehensive and all-encompassing peace and security. It means that Jehoshaphat's kingdom was free from threats and disturbances from all directions and on all its borders. After the miraculous defeat of the Moabite, Ammonite, and Meunite confederacy, God ensured that no other enemies rose up to trouble Judah, providing a period of profound and widespread tranquility. This was a direct divine gift, not a result of human military strength or diplomatic treaties, emphasizing God's complete protection.

**How does Jehoshaphat's experience of God granting "rest" apply to believers today, especially in personal struggles?**

Answer: Jehoshaphat's experience serves as a powerful spiritual principle for believers. Just as God granted national rest to Judah, He also offers profound peace and rest to individuals facing overwhelming personal struggles. When we, like Jehoshaphat, turn to God in humility, prayer, and faith rather than relying solely on our own strength or resources, God intervenes. This "rest" may not always mean the immediate removal of all challenges, but it often manifests as an inner peace that transcends circumstances ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")), a divine provision, or a clear path forward. It assures us that God is our ultimate protector and the source of our deepest quietness, even amidst life's battles.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The "quiet" and "rest round about" granted to Jehoshaphat's realm in 2 Chronicles 20:30 beautifully foreshadow the ultimate and comprehensive rest found in Jesus Christ. While Jehoshaphat's peace was a temporal, geopolitical blessing, Christ offers an eternal, spiritual rest that transcends all earthly circumstances. He is the true Prince of Peace ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace")), who came to reconcile humanity to God, thereby providing peace with God ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Faith")). Jesus invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him, promising to give them rest for their souls ([Matthew 11:28-29](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-29 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). This rest is not merely the absence of conflict, but the profound security and tranquility that come from being in right relationship with God through His finished work on the cross. His sacrifice secured not just a temporary reprieve from enemies, but a permanent victory over sin, death, and the devil, granting believers a peace that the world cannot give ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus Gives Peace")). Thus, the peace Jehoshaphat experienced was a shadow of the perfect, enduring, and comprehensive rest that is fully realized in Christ, our Sabbath rest ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for the People of God")).

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 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.