Jehoshaphat's Deliverance through Prayer and Praise
2 Chronicles 20:1-30
2 C.20.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אחריכן: ADV
- באו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- מואב: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- ובני: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- עמון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועמהם: PREP
- מהעמונים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,def
- על: PREP
- יהושפט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- למלחמה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 11:1-11 (thematic): An account of Ammonite aggression (Nahash besieging Jabesh‑Gilead) and Israelite military response — parallels the motif of the Ammonites as hostile neighbors threatening Israel/Judah.
- 1 Chronicles 19:1-19 (verbal): Narrative of the Ammonites hiring Aramean allies and fighting Israel in David’s time; shares similar listing of Ammonite hostility and coalition warfare against Israelite/Judahite kings.
- Psalm 83:6-8 (thematic): A prayer against a confederacy of Israel’s neighbors that explicitly names Moab and Ammon among the allied enemies — echoes the theme of a regional coalition arrayed against God’s people.
- 2 Kings 3:4-27 (thematic): Narrative of Mesha king of Moab’s revolt and subsequent military actions involving surrounding states — provides background on Moabite hostility and interstate conflict in the northern kingdom period.
- Genesis 19:37-38 (structural): Origins of the nations of Moab and Ammon (descendants of Lot) — frequently alluded to as etiological background for recurring Moabite‑Ammonite antagonism toward Israel/Judah.
Alternative generated candidates
- After these things the children of Moab and the children of Ammon, with some of the Meunites, came to make war against Jehoshaphat.
- And it came to pass afterward that the children of Moab and the children of Ammon, with some of the Meunites, came to make war against Jehoshaphat.
2 C.20.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ויגידו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- ליהושפט: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- בא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עליך: PREP+2ms
- המון: NOUN,m,sg,def
- רב: ADJ,m,sg
- מעבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מארם: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- והנם: CONJ+DEM,3,m,pl
- בחצצון: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תמר: NOUN,prop,f,sg,abs
- היא: PRON,dem,3,f,sg
- עין: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- גדי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 24:1-2 (verbal): Same geographic setting: David and his men are pursued to the wilderness of En‑Gedi, echoing 2 Chr 20:2’s identification of the enemy’s location at En‑Gedi.
- Joshua 15:62 (structural): Lists En‑Gedi among the towns of Judah, providing the geographical/territorial background for 2 Chr 20:2’s reference to the enemy being 'in En‑Gedi.'
- 1 Kings 20:1-2 (thematic): Reports a large Syrian (Aram) force threatening Israel; parallels 2 Chr 20:2’s report that a great host from Aram (Syria) is coming against the king.
- 1 Chronicles 19:6-8 (thematic): Describes Ammon hiring Aramean (Syrian) forces to fight Israel, similarly depicting Aramean contingents joining hostilities against Israelite rulers as in 2 Chr 20:2.
Alternative generated candidates
- And they came and told Jehoshaphat, saying, “A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea, from Aram; behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar—that is, En-gedi.”
- They came and told Jehoshaphat, saying, “A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea—from Aram—and behold they are in Hazazon-tamar (that is, En-gedi).”
2 C.20.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וירא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ויתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהושפט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- פניו: NOUN,m,pl,cons+3,m,sg
- לדרוש: VERB,qal,inf
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויקרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- צום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- כל: DET
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
Parallels
- Ezra 8:21 (verbal): Ezra proclaims a fast to humble themselves before God and seek safe passage—language and action (proclaiming a fast to seek the LORD's help) closely mirror Jehoshaphat's response.
- Joel 2:12-13 (thematic): A prophetic call to return to the LORD with fasting, weeping, and repentance—same theological motif of communal fasting and turning to God in crisis.
- Jonah 3:5-10 (thematic): The people of Nineveh declare a fast and repentance, and God responds by averting disaster—parallel of communal fasting/seeking God to avert judgment or defeat.
- Nehemiah 1:4 (thematic): Nehemiah's immediate reaction to bad news is mourning, fasting, and prayer—similar leaderly pattern of fasting and seeking God's favor in a national crisis.
- 1 Samuel 7:6 (thematic): The Israelites fast, confess their sins, and seek the LORD under Samuel's leadership before deliverance from the Philistines—parallels communal fasting and seeking God for salvation from enemies.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then Jehoshaphat feared and set his face to seek the LORD; and he proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.
- Then Jehoshaphat feared and set himself to seek the LORD; he proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.
2 C.20.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקבצו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- לבקש: PREP+VERB,qal,infc
- מיהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גם: ADV
- מכל: PREP
- ערי: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- באו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- לבקש: PREP+VERB,qal,infc
- את: PRT,acc
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Chron 20:3 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same scene: verse 3 likewise reports that people came from all Judah to seek the LORD, providing the immediate narrative repetition and context for v.4.
- 2 Chron 15:12 (thematic): Describes Judah's cities entering a covenant and turning to seek the LORD with wholehearted devotion—same nationwide movement of seeking God.
- Joel 2:15 (structural): Calls for a solemn assembly and fast to seek the LORD in a time of crisis; parallels the communal gathering and religious response in 2 Chr 20:4.
- Psalm 122:1-4 (thematic): Portrays worshippers assembling and going to the house of the LORD—echoes the communal pilgrimage/assembly motif of seeking God together.
- Ezra 8:21 (verbal): Ezra proclaims a fast 'that we might seek of our God a right way for us'—uses similar language of assembling and seeking God's guidance.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Judah gathered to seek the LORD; from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD.
- And Judah gathered to seek the LORD; from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD.
2 C.20.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעמד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- יהושפט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בקהל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- וירושלם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לפני: PREP
- החצר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- החדשה: ADJ,f,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Kings 8:22 (structural): Solomon stands before the altar/house of the LORD at the dedication—royal leader standing in the temple to address or intercede before the assembly, paralleling Jehoshaphat's posture in the temple court.
- 2 Chronicles 6:12 (verbal): Within the Chronicler's narrative Solomon 'stood before the altar of the LORD' and prayed; a close verbal/structural parallel to Jehoshaphat standing in the house of the LORD before the new court.
- Ezra 9:5 (thematic): Ezra rises, lifts his voice, and confesses 'before the house of our God'—a leader standing in the temple precincts to intercede and confess, echoing Jehoshaphat’s public posture of prayer in the sanctuary.
- Psalm 122:1-4 (thematic): Speaks of going with the assembly to the house of the LORD in Jerusalem—parallels the communal gathering of Judah and Jerusalem in the temple described in 2 Chr 20:5.
- 2 Samuel 7:18 (allusion): David 'went in and sat before the LORD' after receiving God's word—another instance of a king entering the divine presence to respond or pray, thematically akin to Jehoshaphat standing before the LORD in the temple.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD, before the new court.
- Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD, before the new court.
2 C.20.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אבתינו: NOUN,m,pl,suff:1pl
- הלא: PART
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בשמים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ואתה: CONJ+PRON,2,m,sg
- מושל: VERB,qal,ptc,0,m,sg
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ממלכות: NOUN,f,pl,cs
- הגוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ובידך: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,poss:2,sg
- כח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וגבורה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואין: CONJ+PART,exist
- עמך: NOUN,m,sg,suff-2m
- להתיצב: VERB,hitpael,inf
Parallels
- Psalm 115:3 (verbal): Directly echoes the affirmation 'Our God is in heaven; he does whatever he pleases,' paralleling 'are you not God in heaven'—a claim of God's heavenly enthronement and sovereign freedom.
- Psalm 103:19 (verbal): Declares that 'the LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all,' matching the statement that God 'rules over all the kingdoms of the nations.'
- Isaiah 37:16 (verbal): Hezekiah's prayer addresses God as sovereign over 'all the kingdoms of the earth,' closely mirroring Jehoshaphat's recognition of God's rule over the nations.
- Daniel 2:21 (thematic): Speaks of God changing times and removing or setting up kings—thematic parallel to the claim that power and might are in God's hand and no one can withstand him.
- Proverbs 21:1 (thematic): 'The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD' parallels the idea that rulers and their power are under God's control—echoing 'in thy hand [is] power and might.'
Alternative generated candidates
- And he said, “O LORD, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations; in your hand is power and might, and no one can withstand you.
- And he said, “O LORD, God of our fathers, are you not God in the heavens? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations; in your hand is power and might, and there is none who can withstand you.
2 C.20.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- הלא: PART
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- אלהינו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:1,pl
- הורשת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- ישבי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- הזאת: DEM,f,sg,def
- מלפני: PREP
- עמך: NOUN,m,sg,suff-2m
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ותתנה: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- לזרע: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אברהם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אהבך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg+obj,2,m,sg
- לעולם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Genesis 12:7 (allusion): God's promise to Abram that the land will be given to his offspring — the foundational covenant to which Jehoshaphat appeals.
- Genesis 17:8 (verbal): “I will give to you and to your offspring… an everlasting possession” language closely parallels ‘given to the seed of Abraham… forever.’
- Deuteronomy 1:8 (verbal): God's command/promise ‘See, I have set the land before you; go in and possess the land’ echoes the idea that the land was divinely given to Abraham’s descendants.
- Joshua 21:43-45 (thematic): Narrative summary that God gave Israel the land as He had promised — a fulfillment of the covenant invoked in Jehoshaphat’s prayer.
- Psalm 105:8-11 (allusion): Psalmic retelling of the covenant with Abraham and the grant of the land to his seed, used here as a theological precedent for the claim in 2 Chronicles 20:7.
Alternative generated candidates
- Are you not our God who drove out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and gave it to the offspring of Abraham your beloved forever?
- Are you not our God, who drove out the inhabitants of this land from before Your people Israel and gave it to the descendants of Abraham Your beloved forever?
2 C.20.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- בה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- ויבנו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- בה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- מקדש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לשמך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+2,m,sg
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 12:11 (thematic): Speaks of building an altar/house for the LORD in the place he will choose—parallels the idea of settling in the land and erecting a sanctuary for God's name.
- 1 Kings 8:29 (verbal): Solomon's prayer requests that God's name be established in the house built for him—directly echoes the language of building a sanctuary for God's name.
- 2 Chronicles 6:6 (verbal): Within Chronicles, God’s choice of Jerusalem and the temple as the place for his name parallels the statement about building a sanctuary for the Lord’s name.
- Exodus 25:8 (quotation): God’s command to make a sanctuary so he may dwell among his people provides the theological basis for constructing a sanctuary 'to your name.'
Alternative generated candidates
- They settled in it and built for your name a sanctuary there, saying:
- They settled in it and built for Your name there a sanctuary, saying,
2 C.20.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אם: CONJ
- תבוא: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- עלינו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- רעה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- חרב: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שפוט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ודבר: VERB,qal,fut,3,m,sg
- ורעב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נעמדה: VERB,niphal,perf,3,f,sg
- לפני: PREP
- הבית: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- ולפניך: CONJ+PREP+PRON,2,ms
- כי: CONJ
- שמך: NOUN,m,sg,cs,2,m,sg
- בבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- ונזעק: CONJ+VERB,nifal,perf,1,pl
- אליך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- מצרתנו: NOUN,f,sg+PRON,1,pl
- ותשמע: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- ותושיע: CONJ+VERB,hiphil,imprf,2,ms,sg
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 6:28-30 (structural): Part of Solomon’s dedication prayer in Chronicles that lists calamities (sword, judgment, pestilence, famine) and petitions that when people pray toward the temple—where God’s name dwells—he will hear and save; closely parallels language and structure of Jehoshaphat’s appeal.
- 1 Kings 8:37-40 (quotation): The parallel account in Kings of Solomon’s prayer, using very similar wording about disaster, praying toward the house where God’s name is placed, and God’s hearing and delivering—textual parallel to 2 Chr 20:9.
- Deuteronomy 12:5,11 (thematic): Commands that Israel bring sacrifices at the place the LORD will choose ‘to put his name there’; provides the theological background for the notion ‘for your name is in this house.’
- 2 Chronicles 7:14 (thematic): Promise that if the people humble themselves, pray, seek God and turn from sin, God will hear from heaven and heal/forgive—connects communal prayer and divine response as in 2 Chr 20:9.
- Joel 2:32 (thematic): The assurance that ‘everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved’ echoes the claim ‘we cry out in our affliction, and you will hear and save,’ focusing on calling on God’s name as the means of deliverance.
Alternative generated candidates
- ‘If disaster comes upon us—sword or judgment or pestilence or famine—then we will stand before this house and before you (for your name is in this house), and cry out to you in our affliction, and you will hear and save.’
- ‘If disaster comes upon us—the sword, judgment, pestilence, or famine—then we will stand before this house and before You (for Your name is in this house), and cry out to You in our distress, and You will hear and deliver.’”
2 C.20.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועתה: CONJ
- הנה: PART
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- עמון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומואב: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והר: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- שעיר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לא: PART_NEG
- נתתה: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- לישראל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לבוא: VERB,qal,inf
- בהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- בבאם: PREP+VERB,qal,ptc,3,pl
- מארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- כי: CONJ
- סרו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- מעליהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- ולא: CONJ
- השמידום: VERB,hif,perf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 2:4-5 (verbal): God’s instruction not to harass the people of Esau/Mount Seir because the land was given to them—matches 2 Chr 20:10’s claim that Israel was not given Mount Seir to take.
- Deuteronomy 2:9 (verbal): God’s command not to contend with Moab and not to give their land to Israel—directly parallels the statement that Moab was not destroyed or given to Israel.
- Deuteronomy 2:19 (verbal): God’s prohibition against harassing the Ammonites because their land was allotted to them—corresponds to 2 Chr 20:10’s mention of Ammon being left intact when Israel came from Egypt.
- Judges 11:16-17 (thematic): Jephthah’s recounting of Israel’s earlier passage and relations with Transjordan peoples (Ammon/Moab/Aram) echoes the tradition that Israel did not conquer or dispossess those nations.
Alternative generated candidates
- And now, behold, the children of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir, those whom you would not give over to Israel when they came out of Egypt, but whom they turned aside from destroying—
- And now, behold, the children of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir, whom You would not give to Israel when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned away from them and did not destroy them—
2 C.20.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והנה: ADV
- הם: PRON,personal,3,m,pl
- גמלים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- עלינו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- לבוא: VERB,qal,inf
- לגרשנו: VERB,qal,inf+PRON,1,pl
- מירשתך: PREP,מ+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הורשתנו: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg+PRON,1,pl
Parallels
- Joshua 23:12-13 (thematic): Joshua warns that if Israel abandons the Lord, the nations the LORD has left will be a snare and will drive Israel from the land — same theme of enemies coming to dispossess God's people of their inheritance.
- Judges 2:14-15 (thematic): Because Israel did evil the LORD gave them into the hands of plunderers who devastated them — parallels the idea of being delivered over to enemies who expel them from their possession.
- Deuteronomy 28:63-64 (allusion): As part of the curses for disobedience God will scatter Israel among the nations and give the land to their enemies — directly echoes the threat of being driven out of the inheritance God gave them.
- Psalm 44:11-12 (verbal): The psalm laments being exposed and handed over to enemies and made an object of reproach — echoes the complaint that foes come to drive them out of the LORD’s grant.
Alternative generated candidates
- behold, they reward us by coming to cast us out of your possession, which you have given us as an inheritance.
- behold, they pay us back by coming to drive us out of the possession that You have given us as an inheritance.
2 C.20.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אלהינו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:1,pl
- הלא: PART
- תשפט: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- בם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- אין: PART,neg
- בנו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- כח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לפני: PREP
- ההמון: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הרב: ADJ,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- הבא: NOUN,m,sg,def
- עלינו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- ואנחנו: CONJ+PRON,1,pl
- לא: PART_NEG
- נדע: VERB,qal,impf,1,pl
- מה: PRON,int
- נעשה: VERB,qal,impf,1,pl
- כי: CONJ
- עליך: PREP+2ms
- עינינו: NOUN,f,pl,abs,1cp
Parallels
- 2 Chr 14:11 (thematic): Asa's prayer in face of a larger army expresses the same reliance on God because their own power is insufficient (confession of helplessness and plea for divine help).
- Ps 121:1-2 (verbal): The image of lifting/setting one's eyes on God as the source of help parallels 'our eyes are upon thee' and the dependence on the LORD for deliverance.
- Judg 6:15-16 (thematic): Gideon's protest that he is the least and unable to save Israel parallels the motif of human weakness confronted by a great threat and turning to God for direction and rescue.
- 1 Sam 17:47 (thematic): David’s declaration that victory comes from the LORD, not human might, echoes Jehoshaphat’s appeal that they have no power against the great host and must rely on God.
- Ps 20:7 (thematic): Contrasts trusting in human strength (chariots/horses) with trusting in the name of the LORD—resonates with the plea that they have no might and are depending solely on God.
Alternative generated candidates
- O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power against this great company that comes against us; we do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.”
- O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; we do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”
2 C.20.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- עמדים: VERB,qal,part,3,m,pl
- לפני: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- גם: ADV
- טפם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,prsfx=3mp
- נשיהם: NOUN,f,pl,abs,prsfx=3mp
- ובניהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,3mp
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 31:12 (verbal): Moses commands the entire people — 'men and women and children and the sojourner' — to be gathered to hear the law, using the same inclusive language of assembling all ages before Yahweh.
- Joshua 8:35 (verbal): Joshua reads the law 'before all the assembly of Israel, with the women and the children' — a close verbal and situational parallel of addressing the whole people before the LORD.
- Nehemiah 8:2-3 (thematic): All the people assembled 'as one man,' including men and women, to hear the reading of the Law; parallels the communal gathering of Judah, with wives and children, standing before God.
- 1 Kings 8:2 (structural): At the dedication of the temple Solomon assembled 'all the elders of Israel' before the ark of the LORD — a comparable large, formal assembly of the nation standing in the presence of Yahweh.
Alternative generated candidates
- And all Judah stood before the LORD, with their little ones, their wives, and their children.
- And all Judah stood before the LORD, with their little ones, their wives, and their children.
2 C.20.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויחזיאל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- זכריהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בניה: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss3,m
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יעיאל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מתניה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הלוי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מן: PREP
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- אסף: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- היתה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
- רוח: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בתוך: PREP
- הקהל: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Kings 22:14-19 (verbal): Micaiah son of Imlah is described as speaking a prophetic word after 'the Spirit of the LORD came upon him' in the royal assembly—parallel wording and setting (prophecy given publicly before rulers).
- 2 Chronicles 15:1 (verbal): ‘The Spirit of God came upon Azariah son of Oded,’ who stands before King Asa and the people to deliver a prophetic exhortation—same phrasing and function within a Judahite cultic/political context.
- Numbers 11:25 (thematic): The LORD takes some of the Spirit on Moses and puts it on the seventy elders so they prophesy in the camp—similar motif of the Spirit coming upon multiple leaders in a communal setting, enabling prophetic speech.
- 1 Samuel 10:10 (thematic): When Saul meets the band of prophets 'the Spirit of God came upon him and he prophesied'—another instance of the Spirit enabling prophetic utterance in a public prophetic gathering.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, in the midst of the assembly.
- Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, in the midst of the assembly.
2 C.20.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הקשיבו: VERB,hiphil,imp,2,m,pl
- כל: DET
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- וישבי: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- והמלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- יהושפט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כה: ADV
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- תיראו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- תחתו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- מפני: PREP
- ההמון: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הרב: ADJ,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- לא: PART_NEG
- לכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- המלחמה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- כי: CONJ
- לאלהים: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 14:14 (quotation): At the Red Sea Moses declares, “The LORD will fight for you; you have only to be silent,” a direct parallel to the claim that the battle is God's and the command not to fear.
- 1 Samuel 17:47 (verbal): David tells Saul that the battle belongs to the LORD (“the battle is the LORD’s”), echoing the same theological assertion that God, not humans, fights the decisive battle.
- Isaiah 41:10 (thematic): God’s reassurance “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed…” mirrors the language and pastoral intent of 2 Chr 20:15’s command not to fear and not to be dismayed.
- 2 Kings 6:16–17 (allusion): Elisha’s words to his fearful servant, “Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them,” and the revelation of divine protection parallel Jehoshaphat’s assurance that God is fighting on Israel’s behalf.
- Psalm 46:10 (thematic): “Be still, and know that I am God” complements the injunction in 2 Chr 20:15 to cease fear and trust God’s sovereign action in the crisis.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he said, “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the LORD to you, ‘Do not fear and do not be dismayed because of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s.
- He said, “Listen, all Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the LORD to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s.
2 C.20.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מחר: ADV
- רדו: VERB,qal,imperative,2,m,pl
- עליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- הנם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- עלים: VERB,qal,ptcp,-,m,pl
- במעלה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הציץ: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ומצאתם: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- בסוף: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הנחל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- פני: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- מדבר: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- ירואל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 20:15 (structural): Immediate prophetic instruction from Jahaziel preceding v.16 (‘Do not be afraid… for the battle is not yours but God’s’)—v.16 gives the tactical detail that follows that oracle.
- 2 Chronicles 20:22 (thematic): Describes the outcome that fulfills the prediction in v.16: as they began to sing the Lord set an ambush and the enemy destroyed itself—same theme of divine intervention and rout.
- 2 Chronicles 20:25 (thematic): Narrates the aftermath—collection of spoil and naming of the place—directly parallels v.16’s predicted military engagement and its successful result.
- Judges 7:16-22 (thematic): Gideon’s surprise attack and the Lord’s causing the enemy to turn on themselves parallels the motif of God directing the Israelite army’s tactic and effecting a rout without conventional victory methods.
- Joshua 8:1-2 (thematic): God gives Joshua specific tactical instructions (take all fighting men, set an ambush) before a decisive victory—parallels the providential tactical guidance in 2 Chr 20:16.
Alternative generated candidates
- Tomorrow go down against them; behold, they will come up by the ascent of Ziz, and you shall find them at the end of the brook, before the wilderness of Jeruel.
- Tomorrow go down against them; behold, they will come up by the ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the valley, in front of the wilderness of Jeruel.
2 C.20.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לא: PART_NEG
- לכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- להלחם: VERB,hitp,inf
- בזאת: PREP
- התיצבו: VERB,hitp,perf,2,m,pl
- עמדו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- וראו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- ישועת: NOUN,f,sg,const
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- עמכם: PREP+PRON,2,pl
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- וירושלם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- תיראו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- תחתו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- מחר: ADV
- צאו: VERB,qal,impv,2,pl
- לפניהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- ויהוה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עמכם: PREP+PRON,2,pl
Parallels
- Exodus 14:13 (verbal): Moses says to the people at the Red Sea, 'Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD,' closely mirroring the wording and command to 'stand firm' and 'see the salvation/deliverance of the LORD.'
- Joshua 1:9 (thematic): God's command to Joshua, 'Do not be afraid... for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go,' parallels the encouragement not to fear because the LORD will be with Israel in the coming battle.
- Isaiah 41:10 (thematic): The prophetic assurance 'Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed...' echoes the same encouragement against fear grounded in God's presence and help.
- Matthew 28:20 (allusion): Jesus' promise 'I am with you always' echoes the assurance of God's abiding presence found in 2 Chronicles 20:17, transferring the motif of divine accompaniment into the New Testament context.
Alternative generated candidates
- You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the LORD is with you.’”
- You will not need to fight in this battle—take your positions; stand still and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the LORD is with you.’”
2 C.20.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקד: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יהושפט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אפים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ארצה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- וישבי: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- נפלו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- לפני: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- להשתחות: INF,hitpael
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Nehemiah 8:6 (verbal): The people 'bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground' — a near-verbal corporate prostration before YHWH like Jehoshaphat and all Judah.
- Job 1:20 (verbal): Job 'fell down upon the ground, and worshiped' after hearing tragic news — a similar act of prostration and worship in response to overwhelming circumstance.
- Psalm 95:6 (thematic): An explicit call to 'bow down' and 'kneel before the LORD' captures the same theme of communal humility and worship before God.
- Genesis 17:3 (thematic): Abram 'fell on his face' in God's presence — an earlier instance of falling prostrate before the Lord, thematically consonant with Jehoshaphat's gesture.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then Jehoshaphat bowed his face to the ground; and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the LORD, worshiping the LORD.
- Then Jehoshaphat bowed his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell before the LORD, worshiping the LORD.
2 C.20.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקמו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- הלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- מן: PREP
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- הקהתים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ומן: CONJ+PREP
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- הקרחים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- להלל: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בקול: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גדול: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- למעלה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 20:21 (structural): Immediate context: Jehoshaphat appoints Levites to go before the army to praise the LORD, which directly leads to the Levites standing up to praise in v.19.
- 1 Chronicles 16:4-7 (thematic): David appoints Levites (Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun and their relatives) to minister, give thanks and sing praises to the LORD—parallel role and function of Levites as temple musicians and praise leaders.
- 2 Chronicles 5:12-13 (thematic): Description of Levites (singers and musicians) praising the LORD with loud sound and instruments, producing the cloud of the LORD’s glory—parallels Levites’ vocal/choral worship in 2 Chr 20:19.
- 2 Chronicles 29:27 (verbal): After temple purification the Levites stood with cymbals, harps and lyres to praise the LORD—similar language and setting of Levites standing to praise God with instruments.
- Psalm 135:2 (allusion): Call to 'praise the LORD' directed to the servants who 'stand in the house of the LORD,' echoing the image of Levites standing in the sanctuary to praise God as in 2 Chr 20:19.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the Levites, of the Kohathites and the Korahites, stood up to praise the LORD God of Israel with a very loud voice.
- And the Levites, from the sons of Kohath and the sons of Korah, stood up to praise the LORD, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice.
2 C.20.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישכימו: VERB,qal,imf,3,m,pl
- בבקר: PREP
- ויצאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- למדבר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תקוע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובצאתם: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,verbal_noun,m,sg+3,m,pl
- עמד: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהושפט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שמעוני: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg,obj:1,sg
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- וישבי: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- האמינו: VERB,qal,imperative,2,m,pl
- ביהוה: PREP+PN,sg
- אלהיכם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,2,m,pl
- ותאמנו: CONJ+VERB,qal,imperfect,2,m,pl
- האמינו: VERB,qal,imperative,2,m,pl
- בנביאיו: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- והצליחו: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,pl
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 20:15 (structural): Immediate context of the same episode: Jahaziel’s prophecy urging Judah not to fear and to stand firm because the battle belongs to the LORD — sets up Jehoshaphat’s call to believe.
- 2 Chronicles 20:17 (structural): God’s direct command in the same narrative that they need not fight but should stand and see the LORD’s salvation, reinforcing Jehoshaphat’s exhortation to trust.
- Deuteronomy 18:15-19 (allusion): Moses’ promise that the LORD will raise up a prophet whom the people must listen to — provides the theological basis for Jehoshaphat’s instruction to “believe his prophets.”
- John 14:1 (verbal): Jesus’ exhortation “Believe in God; believe also in me” echoes the dual imperative to trust God (and his commissioned messenger) as the source of stability and hope.
- Proverbs 3:5 (thematic): The call to trust the LORD rather than one’s own understanding parallels Jehoshaphat’s assurance that believing God (and his prophets) brings security and success.
Alternative generated candidates
- Early in the morning they rose and went out to the wilderness of Tekoa. As they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, O Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: Believe in the LORD your God, and you shall be established; believe his prophets, and you shall prosper.”
- They rose early in the morning and went out to the wilderness of Tekoa; and as they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, O Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: Believe in the LORD your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper.”
2 C.20.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויועץ: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויעמד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- משררים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- ומהללים: VERB,piel,ptcp,0,m,pl
- להדרת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,cons
- קדש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בצאת: PREP+VERB,qal,infc
- לפני: PREP
- החלוץ: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ואמרים: VERB,qal,ptcp,0,m,pl
- הודו: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,pl
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- כי: CONJ
- לעולם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חסדו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 16:34 (verbal): Gives the exact liturgical refrain 'Give thanks to the LORD, for his steadfast love endures forever,' which Chronicles 20:21 echoes as the chorus sung by the appointed singers.
- Psalm 118:1 (verbal): Contains the same thanksgiving refrain ('Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever'), a common cultic formula used by the singers in 2 Chr 20:21.
- Exodus 15:20-21 (structural): Miriam and the women lead a victory song and procession after deliverance, paralleling the motif of appointed singers leading/going out before the troops in celebration of God's saving act.
- Judges 5:1-2 (thematic): The Song of Deborah is a communal victory song celebrating military deliverance; thematically parallels the use of public praise to acknowledge and enact divine victory in 2 Chr 20:21.
- Psalm 149:6-9 (thematic): Links worship and divine vindication—praise attendants are associated with God's judgment on the nations—resonating with the singers leading the people while God fights for them in 2 Chronicles 20.
Alternative generated candidates
- And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers to the LORD, who would praise the splendor of holiness, walking before the army and saying, “Give thanks to the LORD, for his steadfast love endures forever.”
- He appointed singers to the LORD—who would praise the splendor of holiness—going before the army and saying, “Give thanks to the LORD; for His steadfast love endures forever.”
2 C.20.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ובעת: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- החלו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ברנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ותהלה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- נתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מארבים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- על: PREP
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- עמון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מואב: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- והר: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- שעיר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הבאים: PART,qal,ptcp,masc,pl,def
- ליהודה: PREP+PN,masc,sg
- וינגפו: VERB,niphal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Judges 7:20-22 (thematic): Gideon’s surprise attack: Israelites shout/blow trumpets and the LORD throws the enemy into confusion so they turn on one another—parallel motif of worship/cry accompanying divine intervention and rout of foes.
- Psalm 149:6-9 (thematic): Call to praise followed by divine execution of judgment on the nations; links liturgical praise with God acting as warrior against Israel’s enemies.
- Exodus 15:1-3 (thematic): The Song of Moses: praise immediately tied to God’s saving/warrior action (‘The LORD is a man of war’), echoing praise preceding God’s defeat of Israel’s foes in 2 Chr 20:22.
- 2 Chronicles 20:21 (structural): Directly connected verse in the same pericope: Jehoshaphat appoints singers to praise the LORD, which immediately precedes the LORD setting ambushes against the invading armies.
Alternative generated candidates
- And when they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the children of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, and they were struck down.
- And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were struck.
2 C.20.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעמדו: CONJ+VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- עמון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומואב: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- ישבי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- הר: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- שעיר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- להחרים: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- ולהשמיד: VERB,hiph,infc
- וככלותם: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ביושבי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- שעיר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עזרו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ברעהו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- למשחית: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
Parallels
- Judges 7:22 (verbal): Describes the LORD causing the enemy to turn on one another—'every man to his place'/'each helped to destroy another' echoes the image of mutual slaughter.
- Psalm 83:5-8 (thematic): Lists a coalition including Moab and Ammon conspiring against God's people; thematically parallels hostile alliances and coordinated attacks in 2 Chr 20.
- Deuteronomy 2:12-14 (structural): Background on the inhabitants of Seir (Mount Seir/Edom) and the region—provides geographical and ethnic context for the hostility between Moab/Ammon and Seir.
- Amos 2:1-3 (allusion): Pronounces judgment on Moab for violent acts against Edom (Seir) — attests to historical enmity and violence between Moab and the people of Seir.
- Obadiah 1:2-4 (allusion): Addresses Mount Seir/Edom directly and condemns its violence and pride; connects to the significance of Seir as the target of Moabite/Ammonite aggression in 2 Chr 20:23.
Alternative generated candidates
- For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir to destroy and to cut them off; and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another.
- For the men of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir to devote them to destruction, and they helped to destroy one another; and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, each helped to destroy his neighbor.
2 C.20.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהודה: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- המצפה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- למדבר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויפנו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- ההמון: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והנם: CONJ+DEM,3,m,pl
- פגרים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- נפלים: VERB,qal,ptc,0,m,pl
- ארצה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואין: CONJ+PART,exist
- פליטה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Judges 7:22 (thematic): Gideon’s victory: the LORD causes the enemy to turn on one another (‘set every man’s sword against his fellow’), producing confusion and many dead—parallel motif of divine intervention leading to slaughter and no escape.
- 2 Chronicles 20:23 (structural): Immediate narrative context: this verse explains that the LORD ‘set ambushments against’ the enemy, directly accounting for Judah’s discovery of the slain host in v.24.
- Exodus 14:27-28 (allusion): At the Red Sea the LORD overthrows the entire Egyptian host and their corpses are left in the sea—a broader biblical pattern of God delivering by utterly destroying an enemy host, leaving no survivors.
- 2 Chronicles 14:14 (thematic): Asa’s victory: the LORD strikes a great slaughter against the Cushite/King Zerah’s forces; the Israelites pursue and find the enemy defeated—a similar report of divine-caused destruction of an invading army.
Alternative generated candidates
- When Judah came toward the watch in the wilderness they looked upon the multitude; behold, they were dead bodies lying on the ground; none had escaped.
- When Judah came toward the watchtower in the wilderness, they looked to the multitude, and behold, their dead bodies were lying on the ground; no one had escaped.
2 C.20.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- יהושפט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועמו: PREP+3,m,sg
- לבז: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- שללם: NOUN,m,sg,suff3p
- וימצאו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- לרב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ורכוש: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ופגרים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- וכלי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- חמדות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- וינצלו: VERB,nifal,perf,3,m,pl
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- לאין: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- משא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויהיו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ימים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- שלושה: NUM,m,pl,abs
- בזזים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- השלל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- כי: CONJ
- רב: ADJ,m,sg
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 2Chr.20:24-26 (structural): Immediate context: these verses describe the same victory (the slain, the praise, and the taking of spoil), showing the extended three‑day plundering and the framing of the episode with worship.
- 1 Sam.30:18-20 (thematic): David and his men recover and divide spoil after a raid on Ziklag; like Jehoshaphat’s victory this passage highlights large-scale plunder taken after a successful military action and its distribution among the people.
- Num.31:7-11 (thematic): After Israel’s victory over Midian the troops collect captives and spoil; the passage parallels the practice and consequences of taking great plunder following a divinely‑granted victory.
- Deut.20:10-14 (thematic): Law concerning the taking of spoil from a captured city not devoted to destruction; provides legal/theological background for accounting and distribution of war booty described narratively in 2 Chr 20:25.
Alternative generated candidates
- So Jehoshaphat and his men came to carry off the spoil, and they found among them great riches—vessels, valuables, and garments—and they were more than they could carry away; there was so much that it took them three days to gather the spoil.
- And when Jehoshaphat and his people came to take the spoil, they found among them abundant riches—wealth and valuables and garments—and also dead bodies in great number; there was so much plunder that it took them three days to gather it.
2 C.20.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וביום: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הרבעי: ADJ,ord,m,sg,def
- נקהלו: VERB,nip,perf,3,m,pl
- לעמק: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cstr
- ברכה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- שם: ADV
- ברכו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- כן: ADV
- קראו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- שם: ADV
- המקום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
- עמק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ברכה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Judges 7:22 (thematic): God causes the enemy to rout itself and Israel gathers the spoil; like Jehoshaphat’s victory, deliverance comes by divine action and prompts communal celebration and blessing.
- Genesis 21:31–33 (structural): Abraham names Beer‑sheba after an event (‘Therefore the name of it is…’); parallels the practice of naming a place (Valley of Blessing) to commemorate God’s action.
- 2 Chronicles 20:22–24 (verbal): Immediate context of the same episode: the LORD sets ambushes, the enemy destroys itself, and the people gather spoil and bless the LORD—this passage directly frames the reason for naming the valley.
- 1 Chronicles 29:20–22 (thematic): A large assembly bows and blesses the LORD after David’s acts; similar corporate worship and blessing of God following a decisive deliverance or royal action.
- Psalm 107:21–22 (thematic): Calls to ‘give thanks’ and ‘offer sacrifices of thanksgiving’ in remembrance of God’s deeds echo the communal blessing and commemorative naming that mark thanksgiving for deliverance.
Alternative generated candidates
- On the fourth day they assembled in the valley of Berachah, for there they blessed the LORD; therefore the name of that place is called the Valley of Blessing to this day.
- On the fourth day they assembled in the valley of Berakah, for there they blessed the LORD; therefore the name of that place has been called the Valley of Blessing to this day.
2 C.20.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- כל: DET
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- וירושלם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויהושפט: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בראשם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m,pl
- לשוב: INF,qal
- אל: NEG
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בשמחה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- שמחם: VERB,hiph,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מאויביהם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 15:25-28 (structural): David leads Israel in bringing the ark to Jerusalem with music and great rejoicing—parallel motif of a leader (Jehoshaphat/David) leading the people back to Jerusalem with joyful celebration.
- 2 Chronicles 20:22 (structural): Earlier in the same narrative the people praise God and He gives them victory; connects causally to 20:27’s note that the LORD made them rejoice over their enemies.
- Psalm 118:15-16 (verbal): Speaks of 'the voice of rejoicing and salvation' and the LORD’s victorious right hand—verbal and thematic resonance with communal rejoicing because the LORD defeated their foes.
- Psalm 126:1-3 (thematic): Describes the joy of Zion’s restoration and the LORD’s having done great things for his people—parallels the theme of return and communal gladness resulting from divine deliverance.
- Isaiah 52:7 (thematic): Proclaims the glad tidings of peace and salvation brought to Zion; thematically parallels the announcement/experience of victory and the resulting joy of the people returning to Jerusalem.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then every man of Judah and Jerusalem returned, with Jehoshaphat at their head, to go again to Jerusalem with joy, for the LORD had made them rejoice over their enemies.
- Then all the men of Judah, with the king at their head, returned to Jerusalem with joy, for the LORD had made them rejoice over their enemies.
2 C.20.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בנבלים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ובכנרות: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ובחצצרות: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- אל: NEG
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 5:13 (verbal): During the temple dedication the trumpets, singers and musical instruments make one sound before the house of the LORD—closely parallels coming to the house of the LORD with instruments.
- 1 Chronicles 15:28 (verbal): When the ark was brought to Jerusalem all Israel celebrated with shouting and the sound of trumpets, psalteries and harps—similar language and procession to the city/house of God.
- Psalm 98:4-6 (thematic): Calls for joyful noise to the LORD with trumpets, horn and harp—themewise parallel of entering/praising God with musical instruments.
- 1 Chronicles 25:1 (structural): David organizes Levites skilled in harps, psalteries and cymbals for worship—parallels the organized use of instruments in liturgical approach to the house of the LORD.
Alternative generated candidates
- And they came to Jerusalem with harps, lyres, and trumpets, to the house of the LORD.
- They came to Jerusalem with harps, lyres, and trumpets into the house of the LORD.
2 C.20.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- פחד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- על: PREP
- כל: DET
- ממלכות: NOUN,f,pl,cs
- הארצות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- בשמעם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- נלחם: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- עם: PREP
- אויבי: NOUN,m,pl,suff1
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 15:14-16 (verbal): After the Red Sea victory the peoples 'heard' and were terrified—language and motif parallel the report that 'fear of God' fell on the kingdoms when Yahweh fought for Israel.
- Joshua 2:9-11 (thematic): Rahab recounts that surrounding peoples had 'heard' of Israel's deeds and their hearts 'melted'; similar theme of nations learning of God's acts for Israel and responding in fear.
- Deuteronomy 2:25 (allusion): God promises to put 'dread and fear' of Israel on the peoples so they will not provoke them—echoes the idea that Yahweh's action on Israel's behalf produces fear among other nations.
- 2 Kings 19:35-36 (thematic): When the LORD miraculously defeats the Assyrian army (Isaiah 37:36 parallels), the threat to Judah ends and the surrounding powers recognize God's intervention—a concrete instance of God fighting for Israel with geopolitical repercussions like in 2 Chr 20:29.
Alternative generated candidates
- 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 fell on all the kingdoms of the lands when they heard that the LORD had fought against the enemies of Israel.
2 C.20.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותשקט: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- מלכות: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- יהושפט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וינח: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- אלהיו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- מסביב: ADV,loc
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 17:10 (verbal): Almost identical wording earlier in Chronicles: 'the fear of the LORD fell on all the kingdoms... they made no war against Jehoshaphat'—a direct verbal/structural parallel within Chronicles.
- 1 Kings 22:41-44 (structural): Parallel account of Jehoshaphat's reign in Kings that likewise notes the LORD's favor, peace and prosperity during his rule.
- 1 Kings 5:4 (verbal): Speaking of David: 'the LORD had given David rest round about'—uses the same motif/language of God granting 'rest' from surrounding enemies.
- 2 Samuel 7:11-12 (thematic): God's promise to David that He will give his son rest from enemies and establish his house—theological theme of divine granting of security to the Davidic line echoed in Jehoshaphat's peace.
Alternative generated candidates
- So the kingdom of Jehoshaphat had rest, and his God gave him rest round about.
- So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet, and his God gave him rest all around.
After this the sons of Moab and the sons of Ammon, and some of the Meunites with them, came to make war against Jehoshaphat.
They came and reported to Jehoshaphat, “A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea — from Aram — and behold, they are at Hazazon‑Tamar, which is En Gedi.”
Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the LORD; he proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. And Judah assembled to seek help from the LORD; from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD.
Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD, before the new court. And he said, “O LORD, God of our fathers, are you not God in the heavens? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations; in your hand is power and might, and no one can withstand you.
Are you not our God, who drove out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and gave it to the descendants of Abraham your beloved forever?
They settled in it and built for your name there a sanctuary, saying,
‘If disaster comes upon us — sword, judgment, pestilence, or famine — we will stand before this house and before you, for your name is in this house; and when we cry out to you in our distress, you will hear and save.’” And now behold, behold — the sons of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir, who did not give Israel passage when they came up from the land of Egypt, but turned away from them and did not destroy them,
behold, they reward us by coming to cast us out of the possession that you gave to your people as an inheritance.
O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no might against this great company that comes against us; we do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”
All Judah stood before the LORD, with their little ones, their wives, and their children. And the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph.
He said, “Give ear, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the LORD to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s.
Tomorrow go down against them; behold, they will come up by the ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the valley, before the wilderness of Jeruel.
You will not need to fight in this battle; take your stand, hold your position, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the LORD is with you.’”
Then Jehoshaphat bowed his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell before the LORD, worshiping the LORD. And the Levites, of the sons of Kohath and of the sons of Korah, stood up to praise the LORD, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice.
Early in the morning they went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. As they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: Believe in the LORD your God, and you shall be established; believe his prophets, and you shall prosper.” And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers to the LORD who would praise the splendor of holiness as they went before the army, saying, “Give thanks to the LORD, for his steadfast love endures forever.” And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who were coming against Judah, and they were defeated.
For the men of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir to destroy and to cut them off, and when they had finished with the inhabitants of Seir, each helped to destroy his neighbor. So when Judah came toward the watchtower in the wilderness, they looked to the multitude, and behold, the dead bodies were lying on the ground; none had escaped.
When Jehoshaphat and his people came to take the spoil, they found among them much plunder — goods and garments and many valuables — more than they could carry away; they spent three days collecting the spoil, for it was abundant.
On the fourth day they assembled in the valley of Berakah, for there they blessed the LORD. Therefore the name of that place has been called the Valley of Berakah to this day.
Then all the men of Judah and Jerusalem returned, with Jehoshaphat at their head, joyful, for the LORD had made them rejoice over their enemies.
They came to Jerusalem with harps and lyres and trumpets to the house of the LORD. And the fear of the LORD fell on all the kingdoms of the lands when they heard that the LORD had fought against the enemies of Israel. So the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, and his God gave him rest round about.