2 Chronicles 20:29

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

2 Chronicles 20:29 describes the profound impact of God's miraculous intervention on behalf of King Jehoshaphat and the kingdom of Judah. The verse highlights how the news of the LORD fighting for Israel spread throughout the surrounding nations, instilling a significant "fear of God" upon them.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse is the direct result of a remarkable event detailed earlier in 2 Chronicles chapter 20. King Jehoshaphat of Judah faced an overwhelming invasion by a vast coalition of armies from Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir (Edom). In response to this existential threat, Jehoshaphat did not rely on military might but instead proclaimed a national fast and fervently sought the LORD in prayer, acknowledging Judah's helplessness and God's omnipotence. God answered through the prophet Jahaziel, assuring them that "the battle is not yours, but God's." True to His word, the LORD set ambushes among the invading armies, causing them to turn on and destroy one another, leading to a stunning and bloodless victory for Judah. Verse 29 captures the widespread geopolitical consequence of this divine intervention and miraculous deliverance.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Fear of God: The primary theme is the "fear of God" that fell upon the surrounding kingdoms. This fear was not merely terror but a profound awe and recognition of the Israelite God's unparalleled power and sovereignty. It acknowledged that the LORD was actively involved in protecting His people.
  • Divine Intervention and Sovereignty: The verse powerfully demonstrates God's direct involvement in human history and international affairs. The victory was clearly God's doing, not Judah's, solidifying His reputation as the ultimate sovereign over nations and their destinies.
  • God's Protection of His People: When God's people humble themselves and seek Him, He proves Himself to be their mighty Protector. This incident served as a potent deterrent, ensuring Judah's national security for a period.
  • The Power of Testimony: The news of God's mighty deed spread far and wide, creating a powerful testimony that impacted the surrounding nations. What God does for His people can have a ripple effect on the world.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "fear of God" is yir'at Elohim (יראΧͺ ΧΧœΧ”Χ™Χ). The word yir'ah can encompass both "dread" or "terror" and "reverence" or "awe." In this context, it likely conveys both meanings: neighboring kingdoms felt a dread of confronting the nation whose God fought for them, combined with an undeniable awe and respect for the demonstrated power of the LORD. This concept of yir'ah often leads to an acknowledgment of divine authority and a cautious approach.

Practical Application

  • Trust in God's Deliverance: Like Jehoshaphat, we may face situations that seem overwhelming and beyond our control. This verse reminds us that when we turn to God in prayer and trust in His power, He is capable of delivering us in ways we cannot humanly imagine, turning seemingly impossible situations into testimonies of His might.
  • Living Testimony: When God works powerfully in our lives, it can have a significant impact on those around us. Our experiences of God's faithfulness can serve as a living witness to His reality and power, influencing others to acknowledge Him.
  • Peace Through God's Presence: The "rest" and peace that followed this great victory (2 Chronicles 20:30) illustrate that true security and tranquility come from God's active presence and protection, rather than relying solely on human strength or strategic alliances.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 17:10 (6 votes)

    ΒΆ 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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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.