Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying, There cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea on this side Syria; and, behold, they be in Hazazontamar, which is Engedi.

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

What does 2 Chronicles 20:2 mean?

2 Chronicles 20:2 reports that messengers came to King Jehoshaphat with urgent news: a huge army was advancing against him from across the sea, approaching from the direction of Syria, and was already at Hazazontamar (also called Engedi). This verse sets the stage for a sudden crisis facing Judah’s king.

The verse describes a moment when Jehoshaphat receives alarming information from others. The “great multitude” refers to a coalition of enemy forces, and the mention of Hazazontamar pinpoints their location near the Dead Sea, at a place known as Engedi. This news comes as a surprise and signals immediate danger, prompting the events that follow in the chapter.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 20:2

  • הָיָה (H935, transliterated "bo") — “came” or “cometh”: This word is used twice in the verse, emphasizing both the arrival of the messengers and the advancing army. It highlights the suddenness and movement involved.
  • רַב (H7227, transliterated "rav") — “great”: This word describes the size of the approaching army, stressing that the threat is not minor but overwhelming.
  • הֲמוֹן (H1995, transliterated "hamon") — “multitude”: This term often means a noisy crowd or a large group, underlining the scale and potential chaos of the invading force.
  • מֵעֵבֶר (H5676, transliterated "me’ever") — “beyond”: This word locates the origin of the threat as coming from across a boundary, in this case, “beyond the sea,” which likely refers to the area east of the Dead Sea.

Why 2 Chronicles 20:2 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jehoshaphat’s crisis was unexpected and urgent, not a slow-building conflict, which shapes how the rest of the chapter unfolds.
  • The specific mention of Hazazontamar (Engedi) helps readers understand the geography and immediacy of the threat, showing the enemy was already close.
  • By naming the “great multitude” and their origin, the verse sets up the seriousness of the situation and explains why Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah respond with alarm and seek God’s help in the following verses.

Where else these words appear

“Hazazontamar” Hebrew H2688 · used in 2 verses

  • Genesis 14:7 And they returned, and came to Enmishpat, which is Kadesh, and smote all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, that dwelt in Hazezontamar.

“Engedi” Hebrew H5872 · used in 6 verses

  • Joshua 15:62 And Nibshan, and the city of Salt, and Engedi; six cities with their villages.
  • 1 Samuel 23:29 And David went up from thence, and dwelt in strong holds at Engedi.
  • Song of Solomon 1:14 My beloved is unto me as a cluster of camphire in the vineyards of Engedi.

“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.