2 Chronicles 20:6

KJV

And said, O LORD God of our fathers, [art] not thou God in heaven? and rulest [not] thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in thine hand [is there not] power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee?

KJV (with Strong's)

And said {H559}, O LORD {H3068} God {H430} of our fathers {H1}, art not thou God {H430} in heaven {H8064}? and rulest {H4910} not thou over all the kingdoms {H4467} of the heathen {H1471}? and in thine hand {H3027} is there not power {H3581} and might {H1369}, so that none is able to withstand {H3320} thee?

Complete Jewish Bible

he said: "ADONAI, God of our ancestors, you alone are God in heaven. You rule all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and strength, so that no one can withstand you.

Berean Standard Bible

and said, “O LORD, God of our fathers, are You not the God who is in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand, and no one can stand against You.

American Standard Version

and he said, O Jehovah, the God of our fathers, art not thou God in heaven? and art not thou ruler over all the kingdoms of the nations? and in thy hand is power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 20:6 captures the heart of King Jehoshaphat's desperate yet confident prayer, establishing a foundational declaration of God's absolute sovereignty and irresistible power. Facing an overwhelming military coalition, Jehoshaphat appeals to the Lord by affirming His unique status as the God who rules from heaven, His dominion over all earthly kingdoms, and His inherent might that no force can withstand. This verse serves as a potent theological anchor, grounding human crisis in divine omnipotence and transcendent authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This powerful declaration is situated at the very beginning of King Jehoshaphat's public prayer, delivered before a gathered assembly in the Temple courts. The preceding verses (2 Chronicles 20:1-5) detail the dire national crisis: Judah is threatened by a vast coalition of Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunim. Jehoshaphat's initial reaction is fear, but he swiftly turns to the Lord, proclaiming a fast throughout Judah and gathering the people to seek divine help. Verse 6 sets the theological foundation for the subsequent pleas, reminding God (and the people) of His character and past faithfulness before recounting His covenant promises and the nation's helplessness (2 Chronicles 20:7-12). The prayer culminates in a plea for divine intervention, which God answers through the prophet Jahaziel (2 Chronicles 20:14-17), leading to Judah's miraculous victory.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described in 2 Chronicles 20 occur during the reign of King Jehoshaphat (c. 870-848 BC), a period generally marked by religious reforms and relative peace, though not without external threats. The coalition of Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunim represents a significant and existential threat to Judah, as these nations were traditional enemies and their combined forces were formidable. In ancient Near Eastern warfare, a smaller nation like Judah facing such a large invading army would typically rely on military alliances or strategic defenses. However, Jehoshaphat, known for his piety and reliance on the Lord, chose a different path: national repentance, prayer, and seeking divine intervention. The proclamation of a fast and the public assembly in the Temple were established cultural and religious practices for seeking God's favor and guidance in times of national distress, emphasizing communal humility and dependence on the divine.

* **Key Themes:** 2 Chronicles 20:6 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Sovereignty of God**, affirming His absolute rule not only over Israel but over "all the kingdoms of the heathen," highlighting His universal dominion. This resonates with the Chronicler's emphasis on God's active involvement in human history and His ultimate control over nations, as seen in passages like [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms"). Secondly, the verse powerfully declares God's **Omnipotence**, asserting that "none is able to withstand" Him, a truth that provides comfort and assurance in the face of human weakness and overwhelming odds. This theme is central to the Chronicler's portrayal of God as the ultimate deliverer, as demonstrated by the miraculous victory that follows (see [2 Chronicles 20:22-24](/2_chronicles/20-22 "2 Chronicles 20:22-24 - God's Deliverance of Judah")). Finally, Jehoshaphat's prayer exemplifies the theme of **Dependence on God in Crisis**, demonstrating that true wisdom and strength lie not in human might or strategic planning, but in humble reliance on the Lord's character and power, a principle echoed throughout the wisdom literature (e.g., [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **God in heaven (Hebrew, _Elohim_ אֱלֹהִים, _shamayim_ שָׁמַיִם):** The phrase "God in heaven" emphasizes God's transcendence and His dwelling place as distinct from the earthly realm. _Elohim_ is the generic Hebrew word for God, often used to denote the supreme God of Israel, highlighting His divine nature and power. _Shamayim_ refers to the heavens, signifying God's exalted position, His universal authority, and His ability to oversee and act upon all earthly affairs from a position of ultimate control. This particular phrasing underscores His unique, unchallengeable status as the sovereign ruler over all creation.
* **heathen (Hebrew, _goyim_ גּוֹיִם):** The term _goyim_ refers to the Gentile nations, often those who do not worship the God of Israel. In this context, it specifically denotes the invading armies (Moabites, Ammonites, Meunim). Jehoshaphat's rhetorical question, "rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen?", is a powerful affirmation that God's sovereignty is not limited to Israel but extends over all nations, even those hostile to His people. This highlights God's universal dominion and His ability to orchestrate events among all peoples according to His divine will.
* **power and might (Hebrew, _koach_ כֹּחַ, _gevurah_ גְּבוּרָה):** These two Hebrew words are often paired to convey comprehensive strength and capability. _Koach_ generally refers to inherent strength, ability, or vigor, while _gevurah_ denotes might, power, or valor, often implying active demonstration of strength. Together, they emphasize the absolute and irresistible nature of God's strength. The declaration "in thine hand is there not power and might" asserts that God possesses all necessary strength to accomplish His purposes, and the subsequent clause, "so that none is able to withstand thee," confirms the futility of any opposition to His will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And said, O LORD God of our fathers, [art] not thou God in heaven?":** Jehoshaphat begins his prayer by addressing God as "LORD God of our fathers," invoking the covenant relationship established with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and appealing to God's historical faithfulness to His people. The rhetorical question, "art not thou God in heaven?", is a profound affirmation, not a query, of God's supreme, transcendent authority. It acknowledges His unique position as the sovereign ruler who dwells above all earthly powers, from whom all authority derives. This sets the stage for the subsequent declarations of His dominion.
* **"and rulest [not] thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen?":** Building on the previous affirmation, this rhetorical question extends God's sovereignty beyond Israel to encompass "all the kingdoms of the heathen"—the Gentile nations, including the very armies threatening Judah. It emphasizes God's universal dominion, asserting that His rule is not confined to a specific people or territory but extends over all earthly powers, even those who do not acknowledge Him. This declaration provides comfort, reminding Judah that even their formidable enemies are ultimately under the Lord's control.
* **"and in thine hand [is there not] power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee?":** This final rhetorical question culminates in a powerful declaration of God's omnipotence. The phrase "in thine hand" signifies possession and control, asserting that all "power and might" reside inherently with God. The concluding clause, "so that none is able to withstand thee," underscores the absolute and irresistible nature of His strength. It means that no human army, no natural force, and no spiritual entity can successfully oppose God's will or thwart His purposes. This truth forms the bedrock of Jehoshaphat's faith and the basis for his expectation of divine deliverance.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 2 Chronicles 20:6 is the **Rhetorical Question**. Jehoshaphat poses three successive questions ("art not thou God in heaven?", "rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen?", "in thine hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee?"). These are not genuine inquiries seeking information but emphatic **Affirmations** designed to underscore undeniable truths about God's character and attributes. By framing them as questions, Jehoshaphat engages the assembly (and implicitly, God Himself) in a shared acknowledgment of divine sovereignty and omnipotence, reinforcing faith and building a compelling case for divine intervention. The questions also demonstrate a form of **Parallelism**, where each clause builds upon the previous one, progressively expanding the scope of God's dominion from His heavenly dwelling to His rule over all nations and finally to His absolute, irresistible power. This cumulative effect creates a powerful and persuasive declaration of faith, transforming fear into confident appeal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 20:6 serves as a profound theological statement, anchoring the believer's hope in God's unassailable character. It asserts that God's sovereignty is not merely theoretical but actively exercised over all creation, including the most formidable human powers. This declaration of divine omnipotence and universal rule provides the ultimate ground for trust and prayer in times of crisis, reminding us that no situation is beyond God's control or ability to intervene. It challenges any humanistic reliance on self-strength or worldly alliances, redirecting focus to the one true source of power and deliverance. The verse encapsulates the biblical truth that God is utterly unique, incomparable, and supreme, and His purposes cannot be frustrated by any opposition.

* [Psalm 115:3](/psalm/115-3 "Psalm 115:3 - Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.")
* [Isaiah 43:13](/isaiah/43-13 "Isaiah 43:13 - God's Unchangeable Will and Deliverance")
* [Daniel 4:35](/daniel/4-35 "Daniel 4:35 - God's Dominion Over All Inhabitants of the Earth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Chronicles 20:6 offers a timeless blueprint for how believers should respond when faced with overwhelming challenges. In moments of personal despair, national crisis, or global uncertainty, this verse calls us to look beyond the immediate circumstances and fix our gaze upon the immutable character of God. It encourages us to articulate our faith in His supreme authority and irresistible power, not as a naive wish, but as a confident declaration rooted in biblical truth. Just as Jehoshaphat acknowledged Judah's helplessness before affirming God's omnipotence, we are invited to bring our weaknesses and fears to the Lord, trusting that His hand holds all power and might, and that no foe or problem is too great for Him to overcome. This perspective transforms anxiety into worship, fear into faith, and despair into hope, empowering us to stand firm knowing that our God rules from heaven, orchestrating all things for His glory and our good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jehoshaphat's declaration of God's sovereignty in 2 Chronicles 20:6 challenge my own tendency to rely on human strength or earthly solutions when facing difficulties?**
* **In what specific areas of my life or the world around me do I need to more fully acknowledge that God "rules over all the kingdoms" and that "none is able to withstand" Him?**
* **How can consciously affirming God's power and might, as Jehoshaphat did, transform my prayer life and my overall response to overwhelming circumstances?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Jehoshaphat's use of rhetorical questions in this prayer?**

Answer: Jehoshaphat's use of rhetorical questions in 2 Chronicles 20:6 is a highly significant literary and theological device. These are not genuine questions seeking information, but rather emphatic affirmations designed to underscore undeniable truths about God's character and attributes. By asking "art not thou God in heaven?" or "rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen?", Jehoshaphat is not expressing doubt, but rather proclaiming with utmost certainty that God *is* indeed the supreme, transcendent, and universal ruler. This serves several purposes: it reinforces his own faith and the faith of the assembled people, reminding them of God's omnipotence and sovereignty; it builds a powerful and persuasive argument for divine intervention, appealing to God's very nature; and it contrasts God's absolute power with Judah's utter helplessness, setting the stage for a miraculous deliverance that will glorify God alone. It's a declaration of faith disguised as a question, powerfully asserting God's unparalleled authority and capability.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 20:6 speaks of God's universal sovereignty and irresistible power, its ultimate fulfillment and most profound expression are found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "God in heaven" who rules over "all the kingdoms of the heathen" is perfectly revealed in Jesus, who is the [image of the invisible God](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God"). All power and authority in heaven and on earth have been given to Him (see [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission")). Just as Jehoshaphat declared that "none is able to withstand" God, so too no earthly or spiritual power could ultimately withstand Christ's mission to redeem humanity. His victory over sin and death on the cross (as foreshadowed by God's deliverance of Judah) demonstrates His ultimate "power and might" (see [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Furthermore, Christ's ongoing reign at the right hand of the Father signifies that He truly "rules over all the kingdoms," not just of the heathen, but of all creation, actively bringing all things under His feet (see [Ephesians 1:20-22](/ephesians/1-20 "Ephesians 1:20-22 - Christ's Exaltation and Authority")). Thus, Jehoshaphat's confident declaration of God's unassailable power finds its glorious and complete realization in the Lord Jesus Christ, our sovereign King and victorious Deliverer.

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

Deuteronomy 4:39

Know therefore this day, and consider [it] in thine heart, that the LORD he [is] God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: [there is] none else.

1 Chronicles 29:11

Thine, O LORD, [is] the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all [that is] in the heaven and in the earth [is thine]; thine [is] the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.

1 Chronicles 29:12

Both riches and honour [come] of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand [is] power and might; and in thine hand [it is] to make great, and to give strength unto all.

Daniel 4:17

This matter [is] by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.

Psalms 47:8

God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.

Daniel 4:25

That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.

Isaiah 66:1

¶ Thus saith the LORD, The heaven [is] my throne, and the earth [is] my footstool: where [is] the house that ye build unto me? and where [is] the place of my rest?