2 Chronicles 20 - Introduction
The narrative in 2 Chronicles 20:1 is entirely additional to Kings; in 2 Chronicles 20:31, it runs parallel with 1 Kings 22:41.... [ Continue Reading ]
The narrative in 2 Chronicles 20:1 is entirely additional to Kings; in 2 Chronicles 20:31, it runs parallel with 1 Kings 22:41.... [ Continue Reading ]
The present Hebrew (and English) text mentions the Ammonites twice over. Hence, some adopt a different reading and translate “the children of Ammon, and with them certain of the Maonites,” etc. Compare 2 Chronicles 20:10, note; Judges 10:12, note; 1 Chronicles 4:41, note.... [ Continue Reading ]
Translate, “from beyond the sea, from Edom.” The “sea” intended is, of course, the Dead Sea. “Syria” (Aram) is probably a mistake of a copyist for “Edom” (compare2 Samuel 8:12 note). On Engedi, see 1 Samuel 23:29 note.... [ Continue Reading ]
General fasts had been previously observed by the Israelites (e. g. Judges 20:26; 1 Samuel 7:6); but we do not hear of any fast having been “proclaimed” by authority before this.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE NEW COURT - In Solomon’s Temple there were two courts. One of these had probably been renovated by Jehoshaphat or by his father, Asa 2 Chronicles 15:8, and was known as “the new court.”... [ Continue Reading ]
Jehoshaphat’s appeal is threefold: (1) to God omnipotent 2 Chronicles 20:6; (2) to “our God;” (3) the God especially “of this house” the temple. 2 Chronicles 20:7 ABRAHAM THY FRIEND - Historically, this is the first use of this remarkable expression, afterward repeated (marginal references). The... [ Continue Reading ]
The Maonites of 2 Chronicles 20:1 are here, and in 2 Chronicles 20:22, called the “children” or inhabitants “of mount Seir.” Hence, we may gather that they were a tribe of Edomites, the inhabitants, probably of a city Maon (now Ma’an) on the eastern side of the Wady el-Arabah.... [ Continue Reading ]
“Mattaniah” is thought to be a corrupt reading for “Nethaniah,” who is mentioned among the sons of Asaph in 1 Chronicles 25:2, 1 Chronicles 25:12.... [ Continue Reading ]
The prophet uses words familiar to the people, and connected with several great deliverances (see the marginal references). 2 Chronicles 20:16 By the “cliff (or, rather - as in the margin - ascent) of Ziz,” we must understand the mountain path which leads up from Engedi across the elevated tract s... [ Continue Reading ]
Tekoa (2 Samuel 14:2 note) lay on the borders of the desert which skirts the highlands of Judaea toward the east. The town was built on a hill of a considerable height.... [ Continue Reading ]
PRAISE THE BEAUTY OF HOLINESS - Some render, “in the beauty of holiness” - i. e. in rich apparel and ornaments suitable to a holy occasion. Compare Psalms 29:2.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE LORD SET AMBUSHMENTS - These liers in wait have been regarded as angels employed by God to confuse the host and cause its destruction, so that the Moabites and Ammonites first united to destroy the Edomites, and then turned upon each other.... [ Continue Reading ]
The march of Judah from Jerusalem would take five or six hours. By the time they reached the watch-towers in the wilderness of Jeruel all was over.... [ Continue Reading ]
RICHES WITH THE DEAD BODIES - Several manuscripts give another reading: “riches, and garments.”... [ Continue Reading ]
THE VALLEY OF BERACHAH - Probably, the Wady Bereikut, which lies at a short distance from Tekoa toward the northwest.... [ Continue Reading ]
The latter clause of this verse helps to reconcile the first clause with the statement that Jehoshaphat “took away the high places” (see 2 Chronicles 15:17 note).... [ Continue Reading ]
WHO IS MENTIONED ... - Words which are now generally thought to mean “whose work was inserted into the Book of the Kings.” OF ISRAEL - “Israel” is probably used here inexactly for “Judah” (compare2 Chronicles 12:6; 2 Chronicles 21:2, 2 Chronicles 21:4).... [ Continue Reading ]
AFTER THIS - Jehoshaphat’s history had been formally completed 2 Chronicles 20:34. Consequently we can lay no stress on the note of time contained in the words “after this,” which are detached from the context to which they originally referred. On the history 2 Chronicles 20:35, see marginal referen... [ Continue Reading ]