2 Chronicles 20 Study Notes

20:22-23 There were three separate armies that did not know one another. They may have split up in order to arrive at their destination quickly. Suddenly, these armies heard what they took to be shouting—which was actually praising. In their God-ordained confusion they destroyed each other.

20:24-26 When Jehoshaphat’s parade of musical soldiers arrived at the battlefield, there was nothing left to do but gaze at it in amazement, to plunder the enemy, and to praise God for this miraculous victory. Thus, this site was called the “Valley of Praise” or “Valley of Blessing.”

20:27-28 Music and praise continued to characterize the army under Jehoshaphat’s spiritual leadership.

20:29-30 Word of the miraculous nature of this victory spread quickly. Due to the Lord’s reputation, no nation had any interest in picking a fight with Jehoshaphat or the kingdom of Judah. Thus, God’s victory brought peace and prosperity.

20:31 Jehoshaphat’s twenty-five years included a three-year co-regency with Asa his father.

20:32-33 The Chronicler gives Jehoshaphat high marks. No king since David had been as zealous in abolishing idolatry and false worship. But despite his exemplary spiritual leadership, not all the people’s hearts had been changed. Some high places still remained.

20:34 This characteristic summary notation was adopted from Kings (see 1Kg 11:41).

20:35-37 Jehoshaphat again tied himself to the northern kingdom by making a contract with King Ahaziah to build ships, which they would then send to Tarshish (possibly Spain). The best place to construct these ships appeared to be Ezion-geber, at the very tip of the Red Sea, not the Mediterranean coast. Once again, God did not allow Jehoshaphat to get away with such compromise. He sent a prophet named Eliezer to condemn Jehoshaphat’s sin. As punishment, a storm came up and all the ships were destroyed.

Ahaziah: Seventh king of Israel, son of Ahab and Jezebel.