And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's.

2 CHRONICLES 20:15KJV
Know the Bible

2 Chronicles 20:15 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 20:15 mean?

2 Chronicles 20:15 tells the people of Judah, Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat not to be afraid or discouraged by the large enemy army, because the coming battle belongs to God, not to them. The verse reassures them that God will take responsibility for the outcome, so they do not need to fear.

In this scene, a prophet speaks to King Jehoshaphat and all the people as they face a threatening invasion. The message is direct: even though the enemy force is overwhelming, the people are told to listen and trust that God is in control. The verse shifts the focus from human strength to God's power, offering comfort and encouragement in a moment of crisis.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 20:15

  • "Hearken" (שָׁמַע, shamaʿ): This word means to listen carefully or pay close attention, emphasizing that the people should take the message seriously and not ignore it.
  • "Afraid" (יָרֵא, yareʾ) and "dismayed" (חָתַת, chathat): These words highlight two different reactions—fear and discouragement. The verse addresses both emotional responses, showing that God is concerned with the people's inner state as well as their actions.
  • "Battle" (מִלְחָמָה, milchamah): This word is used for armed conflict, but the verse makes it clear that this particular fight is not for the people to win by their own effort; it is God's battle.
  • "God's" (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): This name for God often carries the sense of power and majesty, underscoring that the battle is in the hands of the all-powerful one, not ordinary people.

Why 2 Chronicles 20:15 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the focus is not on the people's ability to fight, but on their trust in God's intervention, which is a key theme in the chapter.
  • It addresses both fear and discouragement, showing that God cares about how people feel in moments of crisis, not just what they do.
  • The statement connects to the larger story, where God delivers Judah without them needing to fight, highlighting God's faithfulness and the importance of listening to His word.

Where else these words appear

“Hearken” Hebrew H7181 · used in 45 verses

  • 1 Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
  • Proverbs 2:2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;
  • Isaiah 49:1 Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.

“dismayed” Hebrew H2865 · used in 48 verses

  • Deuteronomy 1:21 Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged.
  • Job 32:15 They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking.
  • Jeremiah 17:18 Let them be confounded that persecute me, but let not me be confounded: let them be dismayed, but let not me be dismayed: bring upon them the day of evil, and destroy them with double destruction.

“Jehoshaphat” Hebrew H3092 · used in 75 verses

  • 2 Samuel 8:16 And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;
  • 2 Kings 3:1 Now Jehoram the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned twelve years.
  • 2 Chronicles 18:29 And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself, and will go to the battle; but put thou on thy robes. So the king of Israel disguised himself; and they went to the battle.

“multitude” 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.