20:1 the Moabites, the Ammonites Enemies on Judah’s eastern border. See note on Ruth 1:1.

Meunites Most likely refers to residents of Maan in Edom.

20:2 Aram One Hebrew manuscript refers to Edom, the area to the southeast of Judah, while others refer to Aram, a country to the north of Israel. The difference in Hebrew is only one letter. See note on Psa 108:9.

En Gedi An oasis on the western bank of the Dead Sea, not far from Jerusalem.

20:3 set his face to seek Yahweh As he did earlier, Jehoshaphat shows his faithfulness (compare 2 Chron 17:4; 18:4). See note on 11:16.

And he called for a fast Fasting often accompanied a time of anxiety as a way of showing humility or repentance. Jehoshaphat orders a fast to focus on seeking God’s help against the enemies from the east.

20:4 from all the cities of Judah The Chronicler emphasizes that all of Judah was united in seeking God’s help. The Chronicler highlights national unity throughout Chronicles (see note on 1 Chr 11:1–9; note on 12:38).

20:5 before the new courtyard A public courtyard. It may be associated with the “great court” (2 Chron 4:9) or could be a previously unmentioned courtyard.

20:6 O Yahweh, God of our ancestors Jehoshaphat’s prayer is very much in line with corporate lament psalms expressing grief or sadness. Compare Psa 44.

you not God in heaven See note on 2 Chron 6:21.

in your hand are power and might Jehoshaphat begins his prayer by acknowledging God’s sovereignty and power. This is especially relevant given Judah’s vulnerability in the face of the “great multitude” arrayed against them.

20:7 O, our God, did you yourself not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and give it to the descendants of Abraham your friend forever? Jehoshaphat refers to God’s past acts of deliverance. This would remind the people of God’s power and encourage God to act similarly again.

20:8 a sanctuary for your name See note on Psa 33:21.

20:9 disaster, a sword, punishment, disease, or famine come upon us Jehoshaphat summarizes Solomon’s prayer at the temple’s dedication (2 Chron 6:12–42).

20:10 you did not allow Israel to come against See Deut 2:5 and note.

20:12 our eyes are upon you A statement showing Jehoshaphat’s reliance on God.

20:13 all Judah was standing before Yahweh See note on 2 Chron 20:4.

20:14 Then the Spirit of Yahweh came upon Jahaziel Signifying Jahaziel’s validity as a prophet. See 15:1 and note.

Levite from the descendants of Asaph One of the families in charge of the temple music (see 1 Chr 25:1–29).

20:15 Do not be afraid Jahaziel’s prophecy is similar to Moses’ charge to Joshua (Deut 31:7–8) as well as David’s charge to Solomon (1 Chr 22:13).

the battle is not yours, but God’s Reminiscent of David’s speech to Goliath (1 Sam 17:48).

20:17 Take your stand! Stand Just as Moses encouraged the people to “stand firm and see the salvation of Yahweh” as they came out of Egypt (Exod 14:13–14), Jahaziel encourages them to stand firm and wait for God to fight for them.

20:18 to worship Yahweh Jehoshaphat’s lament (see note on 2 Chron 20:6) is turned to worship as he and all of Judah praise God for His promise to deliver them.

20:19 from the Kohathites and from the Korahites Prominent Levitical families appointed by David to serve at the temple (1 Chr 23:6; 26:1).

20:20 you shall succeed Jehoshaphat encourages the people to trust God. Reliance on God in Chronicles results in His blessing (see 2 Chron 13:18 and note; and see 14:11 and note).

20:21 Give thanks to Yahweh A common refrain in the Psalms. It was repeated by David when the ark was brought to Jerusalem (see 1 Chr 16:34 and note) as well as by Solomon at the temple’s dedication (see 2 Chron 5:13 and note).

his loyal love is everlasting See note on 5:13.

20:22 Yahweh set ambushes God responds to the people’s praise by causing the enemy nations to destroy each other. See note on 13:16.

Mount Seir Refers to Edom.

20:23 each helped to destroy his comrade Several times in the ot God confuses His people’s enemies and causes them to attack each other (Judg 7:22; 1 Sam 14:20).

20:25 possessions, corpses, and precious items In addition to delivering Judah from the enemy, God supplies provisions and wealth.

20:26 the Valley of Berakah Meaning “valley of blessing.”

20:27 in returning to Jerusalem with joy The Chronicler emphasizes the joy Judah experienced with God’s deliverance. He often associates joy with worshiping God (1 Chr 12:40; 15:16; 29:9; 2 Chr 15:15; 29:30; 30:21–26).

20:28 with harps, stringed instruments, and trumpets See Psa 33:2 and note.

20:29 And the fear of God Just as they had at the beginning of Jehoshaphat’s reign, the surrounding nations recognized God’s protection of Judah (2 Chr 17:10).

20:31 he reigned twenty-five years Roughly 873 to 848 bc. See 17:1 and note.

20:33 high places Sites for worshiping foreign deities.

20:34 the rest of the words of A common epitaph for deceased kings (compare 1 Kgs 11:41; 14:19).

the chronicles of Jehu The chronicles of Jehu the son of Hanani seem to have been a section or smaller work included within the larger work called the Book of the Kings of Israel. For a similar situation, compare the vision of Isaiah (2 Chr 32:32 and note).

the scroll of the kings of Israel See note on 16:11.

20:35 joined with Ahaziah the king of Israel The story of Jehoshaphat ends with him repeating an earlier mistake. Just as his alliance with Ahab resulted in defeat, his alliance with Ahaziah is not fruitful (18:28–34; 20:37).

20:37 prophesied against Jehoshaphat Just as Jehu had earlier (19:2–3).