2 Chronicles 20:20

20 Jehoshaphat's army went out into the Desert of Tekoa early in the morning. As they were starting out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, "Listen to me, people of Judah and Jerusalem. Have faith in the Lord your God, and you will stand strong. Have faith in his prophets, and you will succeed."

2 Chronicles 20:20 Meaning and Commentary

2 Chronicles 20:20

And they rose early in the morning
Being confident of success, animated by what the prophet said to them: and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa;
which, according to Jerom {u}, was six miles from Bethlehem, and nine from Jerusalem, some say twelve, beyond which was nothing but a desert; it was part of the wilderness of Judah: and as they went forth;
out of Jerusalem, through one of the gates of it: Jehoshaphat stood and said, believe in the Lord your God;
in the promises he had made, particularly with respect to the victory over their present enemies; the Targum is,

``in the Word of the Lord your God:''

so shall you be established;
have courage and firmness of mind, as well as be safe and secure: believe his prophets;
sent by him, and that speak in his name, particularly Jahaziel, who had predicted victory to them: so shall ye prosper;
things will succeed to your wishes, and beyond your expectations.

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FOOTNOTES:

F21 Prooem. in Amos, and Comment. in ch. i. 1.

2 Chronicles 20:20 In-Context

18 Jehoshaphat bowed facedown on the ground. All the people of Judah and Jerusalem bowed down before the Lord and worshiped him.

19 Then some Levites from the Kohathite and Korahite people stood up and praised the Lord, the God of Israel, with very loud voices.

20 Jehoshaphat's army went out into the Desert of Tekoa early in the morning. As they were starting out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, "Listen to me, people of Judah and Jerusalem. Have faith in the Lord your God, and you will stand strong. Have faith in his prophets, and you will succeed."

21 Jehoshaphat listened to the people's advice. Then he chose men to be singers to the Lord, to praise him because he is holy and wonderful. As they marched in front of the army, they said, "Thank the Lord, because his love continues forever."

22 As they began to sing and praise God, the Lord set ambushes for the people of Ammon, Moab, and Edom who had come to attack Judah. And they were defeated.