It came to pass after this also, that the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon, and with them other beside the Ammonites, came against Jehoshaphat to battle.
2 CHRONICLES 20:1KJVWhat does 2 Chronicles 20:1 mean?
2 Chronicles 20:1 describes how, after earlier events in Jehoshaphat’s reign, the people of Moab, Ammon, and others allied with the Ammonites gathered together to attack King Jehoshaphat and his kingdom. This verse sets the stage for a major conflict that will test Jehoshaphat’s leadership and faith.
The book of 2 Chronicles is recounting a historical moment when several neighboring nations united against Judah. Jehoshaphat was the king of Judah at this time, and the verse introduces a crisis that will lead to a significant story about how he and his people respond to this threat. The verse is not a speech but a narrative statement, giving readers the background for what follows.
The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 20:1
- "Children" (בְּנֵי, bənê): This word means "sons" or "descendants," and it is used here to refer to the people or nation of Moab and Ammon, not just literal children. It emphasizes the collective identity of these groups.
- "Moab" (מוֹאָב, Moʾav) and "Ammon" (עַמּוֹן, ʿAmmôn): These are the names of neighboring nations east of Israel, often in conflict with Judah. Mentioning them by name highlights the seriousness of the threat.
- "Ammonites" (עַמּוֹנִים, ʿAmmônîm): This word refers specifically to the people of Ammon, and the phrase "other beside the Ammonites" suggests that additional groups joined this alliance, making the threat even larger.
- "Battle" (מִלְחָמָה, milḥāmāh): This word means "war" or "battle," making it clear that the intention was not just a raid but a full-scale military confrontation.
Why 2 Chronicles 20:1 matters
- This verse clarifies that the threat to Judah was not from a single enemy but from a coalition, which makes the coming events more dramatic and the danger more severe.
- By naming Moab and Ammon, the verse connects to earlier biblical stories about these nations’ complicated relationships with Israel and Judah, adding historical depth.
- The verse sets up the context for the rest of the chapter, where Jehoshaphat’s response will become a key example of seeking God’s help in a time of crisis.