O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.

2 CHRONICLES 20:12KJV
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2 Chronicles 20:12 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 20:12 mean?

2 Chronicles 20:12 is a prayer where the people of Judah, led by King Jehoshaphat, admit their helplessness before a large enemy army and ask God to judge their enemies, saying they do not know what to do but are looking to God for help. The verse expresses complete dependence on God in a desperate situation.

King Jehoshaphat is speaking to God as enemy nations threaten Judah. The people are outnumbered and powerless, so Jehoshaphat openly confesses their lack of strength and wisdom. The verse highlights their choice to turn their attention and hope toward God, rather than relying on their own ability.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 20:12

  • God (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): This word emphasizes God's power and authority, underlining that the prayer is directed to the supreme, all-powerful God.
  • Judge (שָׁפַט, shaphat): The request for God to "judge" means asking God to decide or act as a righteous judge, not just to punish but to bring justice in the situation.
  • Might (כֹּחַ, koach): The confession "we have no might" uses a word that means strength or ability, stressing their total lack of power against the enemy.
  • Eyes (עַיִן, ayin): Saying "our eyes are upon thee" uses a word for physical sight, but here it means their attention, hope, and expectation are fixed on God.

Why 2 Chronicles 20:12 matters

  • This verse clarifies that faith in God does not mean having all the answers or strength; it can mean admitting weakness and uncertainty.
  • The verse is a turning point in the story, showing the people’s humility and trust, which sets the stage for God’s intervention later in the chapter.
  • It reminds readers that seeking God’s help is not a last resort but a deliberate act of trust when human resources are not enough.

Where else these words appear

“we” Hebrew H587 · used in 6 verses

  • Genesis 19:13 For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the LORD; and the LORD hath sent us to destroy it.
  • Numbers 32:17 But we ourselves will go ready armed before the children of Israel, until we have brought them unto their place: and our little ones shall dwell in the fenced cities because of the inhabitants of the land.
  • Nehemiah 4:23 So neither I, nor my brethren, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard which followed me, none of us put off our clothes, saving that every one put them off for washing.

“company” Hebrew H1995 · used in 78 verses

  • Genesis 17:4 As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.
  • Psalms 42:4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.
  • Ezekiel 7:14 They have blown the trumpet, even to make all ready; but none goeth to the battle: for my wrath is upon all the multitude thereof.

“might” Hebrew H3581 · used in 121 verses

  • Genesis 4:12 When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.
  • 2 Chronicles 25:8 But if thou wilt go, do it, be strong for the battle: God shall make thee fall before the enemy: for God hath power to help, and to cast down.
  • Proverbs 24:5 A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.