Hebrew-English Text
I. Summary
When the Moabites, Ammonites, and Ammonim prepare to attack Judea, the people pray at the temple and fast. God has the enemy attack itself, and Jehoshaphat’s army enjoys the spoils of war. Although Jehoshaphat’s reign is virtuous, he is scolded for helping king Ahaziah build ships.
II. Photo
Every person came to the temple: “All Judah stood before the LORD with their little ones, their womenfolk, and their children.” (v. 13)
III. Important Verses
vv. 3-4: Jehoshaphat was afraid; he decided to resort to the LORD and proclaimed a fast for all Judah. Judah assembled to beseech the LORD. They also came from all the towns of Judah to seek the LORD.
v. 13: All Judah stood before the LORD with their little ones, their womenfolk, and their children.
vv. 18-19: Jehoshaphat bowed low with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem threw themselves down before the LORD to worship the LORD. Levites of the sons of Kohath and of the sons of Korah got up to extol the LORD God of Israel at the top of their voices.
vv. 20-24: Early the next morning they arose and went forth to the wilderness of Tekoa. As they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, O Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: Trust firmly in the LORD your God and you will stand firm; trust firmly in His prophets and you will succeed.” After taking counsel with the people, he stationed singers to the LORD extolling the One majestic in holiness as they went forth ahead of the vanguard, saying, “Praise the LORD, for His steadfast love is eternal.” As they began their joyous shouts and hymns, the LORD set ambushes for the men of Amon, Moab, and the hill country of Seir, who were marching against Judah, and they were routed. The Ammonites and Moabites turned against the men of the hill country of Seir to exterminate and annihilate them. When they had made an end of the men of Seir, each helped to destroy his fellow. When Judah reached the lookout in the wilderness and looked for the multitude, they saw them lying on the ground as corpses; not one had survived.
v. 37: Eliezer son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, “As you have made a partnership with Ahaziah, the LORD will break up your work.” The ships were wrecked and were unable to go to Tarshish.
IV. Outline
1-2. Moabites, Ammonites, and Ammonim prepare to attack
3-4. The people of Judah fast
5-12. Jehoshaphat’s prayer
13. Description of families
14-17. Jahaziel’s prophetic speech
18-19. The congregation responds
20-21. The Israelites prepare for God’s intervention
22-23. The enemy self destructs
24-25. Jehoshaphat’s men take the booty
26. The soldiers bless God
27-28. The army’s joyous return
29-30. Jehoshaphat’s prosperity
31-34. Jehoshaphat’s regnal resume
35-36. Jehoshaphat befriends king Ahaziah
37a. Eliezer’s admonition
37b. God punishes Jehoshaphat
V. Comment
No comment today. Stay tuned.
VI. Works Used
(see “Commentaries” page)
De Vries, Simon J. “1 and 2 Chronicles,” The Forms of Old Testament Literature vol. 11 (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1989).
Photo taken from http://www.turnbacktogod.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/child-holding-hand.jpg
