2 Chronicles 20

All 37 verses in the Clear Bible Translation. Tap a verse to compare the KJV and read what it means.

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1. 1Some time later, the armies of Moab and Ammon, along with others besides the Ammonites, came to wage war against Jehoshaphat.
2. 2Messengers arrived and told Jehoshaphat, "A massive army is coming against you from across the sea on this side of Syria. They've already reached Hazazontamar" — that is, Engedi.
3. 3Jehoshaphat feared, and he committed himself to seeking the LORD and proclaimed a fast throughout all of Judah.
4. 4People from every city in Judah gathered together to ask the LORD for help.
5. 5Jehoshaphat stood before the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem in the LORD's temple, in front of the new courtyard,
6. 6and he prayed: "LORD, God of our fathers — aren't you the God who rules from heaven? Don't you have authority over every kingdom on earth? Power and might are in your hand, and no one can stand against you.
7. 7Aren't you our God, who drove out the people living in this land to make room for your people Israel? You gave this land forever to the descendants of Abraham, your friend.
8. 8They settled here and built a sanctuary for your name, saying,
9. 9'If disaster strikes us — whether war, judgment, plague, or famine — we will stand before this temple and before you, since your name dwells in this house. We will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and rescue us.'
10. 10Now look — the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir are attacking us. These are the very nations you wouldn't let Israel invade when they came out of Egypt. Our ancestors turned away from them and didn't destroy them.
11. 11And this is how they repay us — by coming to throw us out of the land you gave us as an inheritance!
12. 12Our God, won't you bring judgment on them? We don't have the strength to face this enormous army marching against us. We don't know what to do, but our eyes are on you."
13. 13All of Judah stood before the LORD — men, women, and children, even the little ones.
14. 14Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel, son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah—a Levite descended from Asaph—right there in the middle of the assembly.
15. 15He declared, "Listen carefully, all of Judah and everyone living in Jerusalem — and you, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says to you: 'Don't be afraid or discouraged by this massive army. This battle isn't yours — it's God's.
16. 16Tomorrow, march down against them. They'll be coming up through the pass of Ziz, and you'll find them at the end of the valley, just before the wilderness of Jeruel.
17. 17You won't need to fight in this battle. Take your positions, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD with you. Judah and Jerusalem, do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out and face them tomorrow, for the LORD will be with you.
18. 18Jehoshaphat bowed with his face to the ground, and everyone in Judah and Jerusalem fell down before the LORD and worshiped him.
19. 19Then the Levites from the families of Kohath and Korah stood up and praised the LORD, the God of Israel, with a loud voice.
20. 20Early the next morning, they headed out toward the wilderness of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and called out, "Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Believe in the LORD your God, and you will stand firm. Believe his prophets, and you will succeed."
21. 21After consulting with the people, he appointed singers to the LORD to praise the splendor of His holiness as they went out before the army, saying, 'Praise the LORD; for His mercy endures forever.'
22. 22As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, and they were defeated.
23. 23The Ammonites and Moabites attacked the men from Mount Seir first, completely destroying them. Then, once Seir's forces were wiped out, they turned on each other.
24. 24When the men of Judah reached the lookout point overlooking the wilderness, they gazed out at the enemy army — and all they saw were dead bodies scattered across the ground. Not a single one had escaped.
25. 25Jehoshaphat and his people went to collect the plunder and found an enormous amount of riches among the dead bodies, including precious jewels, more than they could carry. It took them three days to gather it all.
26. 26On the 4th day, they assembled in the Valley of Berachah, where they praised the LORD. That's why the place is still called the Valley of Berachah to this day.
27. 27Then every man of Judah and Jerusalem marched back home with Jehoshaphat leading the way, filled with joy because the LORD had given them victory over their enemies.
28. 28They entered Jerusalem with harps, lyres, and trumpets and went straight to the LORD's temple.
29. 29When the surrounding kingdoms heard that the LORD himself had fought against Israel's enemies, the fear of God fell on all of them.
30. 30Jehoshaphat's kingdom enjoyed peace, because his God gave him rest on every side.
31. 31Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah. He was 35 years old when he became king, and he ruled in Jerusalem for 25 years. His mother's name was Azubah daughter of Shilhi.
32. 32He followed the example of his father Asa and did not stray from it, doing what was right in the sight of the LORD.
33. 33However, the high places were not removed, because the people still hadn't fully devoted their hearts to the God of their fathers.
34. 34Look, the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, first and last, are written in the book of Jehu the son of Hanani, who is mentioned in the book of the kings of Israel.
35. 35Later, King Jehoshaphat of Judah made an alliance with King Ahaziah of Israel, who was deeply wicked.
36. 36Together they built ships at Eziongaber, intending to sail to Tarshish.
37. 37But Eliezer son of Dodavah from Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, "Because you made an alliance with Ahaziah, the LORD has destroyed what you built." The ships were wrecked and never made it to Tarshish.