2 Chronicles 20:5

KJV

And Jehoshaphat stood in the congregation of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD, before the new court,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jehoshaphat {H3092} stood {H5975} in the congregation {H6951} of Judah {H3063} and Jerusalem {H3389}, in the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}, before {H6440} the new {H2319} court {H2691},

Complete Jewish Bible

Standing in front of the new courtyard in the house of ADONAI, among those assembled from Y'hudah and Yerushalayim,

Berean Standard Bible

Then Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem in the house of the LORD in front of the new courtyard

American Standard Version

And Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of Jehovah, before the new court;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 20:5 portrays King Jehoshaphat's decisive and public act of leadership during a profound national crisis. Faced with an overwhelming invading army, Jehoshaphat gathered the entire assembly of Judah and Jerusalem within the sacred precincts of the Temple, specifically before the new court. This verse establishes the critical setting for a demonstration of national humility, corporate prayer, and unwavering dependence on God, underscoring the king's commitment to seeking divine intervention as the primary response to an existential threat.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a pivotal moment within the narrative of [2 Chronicles 20](/2_chronicles/20 "2 Chronicles 20 - Jehoshaphat's Prayer and God's Deliverance"), immediately following Jehoshaphat's personal response to the news of the impending invasion. Having received word of the vast coalition advancing against Judah, Jehoshaphat's initial reaction was fear, prompting him to "set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah" as described in [2 Chronicles 20:3](/2_chronicles/20-3 "2 Chronicles 20:3 - Jehoshaphat's Fear and Proclamation of a Fast"). Verse 5 then details the public manifestation of this spiritual resolve, describing the national assembly in the Temple. This momentous gathering provides the backdrop for Jehoshaphat's powerful and eloquent prayer for divine intervention, recorded in [2 Chronicles 20:6-12](/2_chronicles/20-6-12 "2 Chronicles 20:6-12 - Jehoshaphat's Prayer for Deliverance"), which articulates Judah's complete reliance on God in the face of an impossible human situation. The communal act of seeking God in the Temple is thus presented as the essential precursor to the miraculous deliverance that follows.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah from approximately 870-845 BC, a period characterized by both religious reform and significant external pressures. The invading forces—identified as Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites (often associated with Edomites)—represented a formidable threat from the east and south, capable of overwhelming Judah's defenses. In ancient Israel, the Temple in Jerusalem was not merely a place of worship but the spiritual and national center, symbolizing God's dwelling among His people and serving as the designated place for national appeals, sacrifices, and covenant renewal. Public fasts and communal gatherings in the Temple were established practices for seeking God's favor and intervention during times of national distress, famine, or war, reflecting a deep-seated belief in corporate responsibility and divine responsiveness to a unified cry. The "new court" likely refers to an expanded or recently renovated area within the Temple complex, designed to accommodate large public assemblies, underscoring the sheer number of people who gathered in response to the king's call.
* **Key Themes:** [2 Chronicles 20:5](/2_chronicles/20-5 "2 Chronicles 20:5 - Jehoshaphat's Public Prayer") significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights **Leadership in Crisis**, demonstrating Jehoshaphat's exemplary spiritual leadership by not only seeking God personally but also by mobilizing his entire nation to do the same, providing a powerful example of trust and dependence. The verse emphasizes the power and importance of **Corporate Prayer and Unity**, as the entire "congregation of Judah and Jerusalem" stood together, presenting a unified front before God. This collective act underscores the theme of **Dependence on God**, illustrating that in the face of an insurmountable human threat, the nation's primary strategy was not military might but humble reliance on the Almighty. Finally, the setting in the "house of the LORD" reinforces the **Centrality of the Temple** as the designated place for encountering God's presence and receiving His help, a theme prevalent throughout the Chronicler's work (compare with [2 Chronicles 7:14](/2_chronicles/7-14 "2 Chronicles 7:14 - God's Promise of Healing and Restoration")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Stood (Hebrew, _ʿāmad'_):** From H5975, this verb implies more than mere physical standing; it denotes taking a firm, resolute, and public posture. In this context, Jehoshaphat's "standing" signifies a deliberate act of leadership, a public declaration of his and the nation's intent to face the crisis by turning directly to God. It conveys a sense of readiness, attentiveness, and a position from which to address the assembled people and God, indicating a confirmed, established presence.
* **Congregation (Hebrew, _qāhāl'_):** From H6951, this term refers to a formally assembled community or an organized gathering, often with religious or national significance. It emphasizes that this was not a casual crowd but a unified, representative body of the entire nation of Judah and Jerusalem. The use of _qāhāl_ underscores the corporate, collective nature of their distress and their unified appeal to God, highlighting the solidarity of the people with their king in seeking divine intervention.
* **Court (Hebrew, _châtsêr'_):** From H2691, this word refers to an enclosed yard or an open area, often associated with a palace or, in this case, the Temple. The mention of it being "new" (Hebrew, _châdâsh_, H2319) suggests either a recently constructed or renovated outer court, or perhaps a specific area designated for large public gatherings. Its inclusion emphasizes the scale of the assembly, indicating that a vast number of people from both the capital city and the surrounding territory had gathered, requiring ample space. It highlights the physical setting for this momentous national prayer.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jehoshaphat stood":** This clause immediately establishes the king's central role and active leadership. His personal presence and posture signify his commitment and serve as an example for the entire nation. It's a public display of his spiritual resolve and a firm stance of faith.
* **"in the congregation of Judah and Jerusalem":** This phrase emphasizes the national scope and unity of the gathering. It was not merely a royal decree but a collective response involving people from all parts of the kingdom, signifying a shared burden and a unified plea to God. The inclusion of "Jerusalem" highlights the capital's central role and the immediate impact of the crisis.
* **"in the house of the LORD":** This specifies the sacred location of the assembly – the Temple in Jerusalem. This detail is crucial, as the Temple was considered the dwelling place of God's presence among His people, the designated place for prayer, sacrifice, and seeking divine counsel, especially in times of national emergency. It underscores the spiritual and covenantal nature of their appeal.
* **"before the new court":** This further refines the location within the Temple complex. It indicates a specific area, likely an outer court or an expanded section, suitable for accommodating the large numbers of people gathered. This detail highlights the magnitude of the assembly and the public, visible nature of their corporate act of seeking God.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices in [2 Chronicles 20:5](/2_chronicles/20-5 "2 Chronicles 20:5 - Jehoshaphat's Public Prayer") to set the scene and emphasize the significance of the moment. **Setting** is paramount, with the precise description of "the house of the LORD, before the new court" creating a vivid mental image of the national assembly in a sacred and public space. This detailed setting underscores the solemnity and magnitude of the event, reinforcing the idea that this was a formal, spiritual appeal. **Symbolism** is also evident; Jehoshaphat's act of "standing" symbolizes his courageous leadership and the nation's resolute posture of dependence on God. The very act of gathering in the Temple itself is symbolic of seeking God's presence and protection, as the Temple represented the covenant relationship between God and Israel and His dwelling among them. Furthermore, the verse functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, building anticipation for the divine intervention that will follow. The detailed description of the national assembly and their unified posture before God sets the stage for the miraculous deliverance, implying that such a profound act of faith and humility will inevitably be met with divine response.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[2 Chronicles 20:5](/2_chronicles/20-5 "2 Chronicles 20:5 - Jehoshaphat's Public Prayer") serves as a powerful theological statement about the nature of divine-human interaction, particularly in times of crisis. It teaches that true leadership, in the face of overwhelming odds, directs the people not to human strength or strategic cunning first, but to God. The collective gathering in the Temple underscores the power and necessity of corporate prayer, demonstrating that God's people are called to stand united in their dependence upon Him. This scene exemplifies the principle that when God's people humble themselves and seek His face in His designated place, He is accessible and responsive. It highlights God's covenant faithfulness, showing that He honors the desperate cries of His people when they turn to Him wholeheartedly. This passage profoundly illustrates that God's power is most clearly displayed when human resources are exhausted, and His people acknowledge their utter helplessness, trusting solely in His ability to deliver.

* [2 Chronicles 7:14](/2_chronicles/7-14 "God's Promise to Hear and Heal")
* [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "God Our Refuge and Strength")
* [Matthew 18:20](/matthew/18-20 "Where Two or Three Gather")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in [2 Chronicles 20:5](/2_chronicles/20-5 "2 Chronicles 20:5 - Jehoshaphat's Public Prayer") offers enduring lessons for believers and communities facing their own overwhelming challenges today. It powerfully calls us to emulate Jehoshaphat's example of courageous spiritual leadership, prioritizing seeking God above all else when confronted with fear and uncertainty. In an age where immediate action and human ingenuity are often glorified, this verse reminds us that our first and most potent response to crisis should be to humble ourselves, individually and corporately, before the Lord. It underscores the profound strength found in unity—when a community, family, or church gathers in common purpose and prayer, acknowledging their dependence on God, they create a spiritual force that invites divine intervention. This passage challenges us to consider the centrality of God in our responses to life's battles, fostering a deep trust that His power is made perfect in our weakness and that His presence is our ultimate refuge.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jehoshaphat's immediate response to crisis challenge my own initial reactions to overwhelming situations?**
* **What role does corporate prayer play in my community or church, and how can we strengthen our collective reliance on God?**
* **In what ways can leaders today, whether in families, workplaces, or churches, emulate Jehoshaphat's example of public humility and dependence on God?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jehoshaphat gather "all Judah and Jerusalem" in the Temple?**

Answer: Jehoshaphat gathered the entire congregation of Judah and Jerusalem in the Temple as a national act of humility and corporate prayer in response to an overwhelming military threat. This was a common practice in ancient Israel during times of severe national crisis, reflecting the belief that a unified, public appeal to God in His designated dwelling place would invoke His divine intervention. By gathering everyone, Jehoshaphat fostered national unity, demonstrated a collective acknowledgment of their helplessness, and publicly declared their complete dependence on God for deliverance, rather than relying on military strategy alone. This act set the stage for the powerful prayer recorded in [2 Chronicles 20:6-12](/2_chronicles/20-6-12 "2 Chronicles 20:6-12 - Jehoshaphat's Prayer for Deliverance").

**What was the "new court" mentioned in the verse?**

Answer: The "new court" (Hebrew: _ḥāṣēr ḥādāšāh_) likely refers to an expanded or recently renovated area within the Temple complex in Jerusalem. While its precise location is not definitively known, it was almost certainly an outer court or a specific section designed to accommodate large public assemblies. Its mention in [2 Chronicles 20:5](/2_chronicles/20-5 "2 Chronicles 20:5 - Jehoshaphat's Public Prayer") highlights the vast number of people who gathered in response to Jehoshaphat's call for a national fast and prayer, indicating that the traditional areas might have been insufficient for such a massive gathering. It underscores the scale of the national assembly and the public nature of their unified plea to the Lord.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[2 Chronicles 20:5](/2_chronicles/20-5 "2 Chronicles 20:5 - Jehoshaphat's Public Prayer"), with its depiction of a king leading his people to seek God in His Temple, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant. The Temple, as the "house of the LORD" where God's presence dwelt and where His people gathered to seek Him, ultimately points to Jesus Christ as the true and ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity. As [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") declares, "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us," signifying that in Christ, God Himself tabernacled with humanity, making Himself fully accessible. Jehoshaphat's leadership in intercession foreshadows Christ's role as our ultimate High Priest, who "always lives to intercede" for us, as beautifully articulated in [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ Our Intercessor"). Moreover, the corporate gathering of Judah in the Temple finds its fulfillment in the church, the body of Christ, which is now the "temple of the Holy Spirit" (see [1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - Believers as God's Temple")) and built upon Christ as the cornerstone, as described in [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Christ the Cornerstone of the Church"). Just as Judah gathered to seek God's deliverance, the church, united in Christ, gathers to seek His will, experience His presence, and engage in corporate prayer, knowing that "where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them" (see [Matthew 18:20](/matthew/18-20 "Matthew 18:20 - Where Two or Three Gather")). Thus, this Old Testament account of national dependence on God in His house beautifully anticipates the reality of God's presence and power dwelling within and among His people through Christ.

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 Kings 19:15

And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD, and said, O LORD God of Israel, which dwellest [between] the cherubims, thou art the God, [even] thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth.

2 Kings 19:19

Now therefore, O LORD our God, I beseech thee, save thou us out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou [art] the LORD God, [even] thou only.

2 Chronicles 34:31

And the king stood in his place, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments, and his testimonies, and his statutes, with all his heart, and with all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant which are written in this book.

2 Chronicles 6:12

¶ And he stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands:

2 Chronicles 6:13

For Solomon had made a brasen scaffold, of five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the court: and upon it he stood, and kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven,