Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, and Jehoshaphat in the forefront of them, to go again to Jerusalem with joy; for the LORD had made them to rejoice over their enemies.

2 CHRONICLES 20:27KJV
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2 Chronicles 20:27 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 20:27 mean?

2 Chronicles 20:27 describes the people of Judah and Jerusalem returning home after a victory over their enemies. Their joy is more than relief at the end of danger: the account says the LORD himself had given them reason to rejoice.

Jehoshaphat is at the front of the returning group. After the gathering in the valley in verse 26, the verse pictures the people moving together toward Jerusalem, with their king leading the way.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 20:27

  • “forefront” — רֹאשׁ (rosh): This word can mean “head” or “chief.” Here it places Jehoshaphat at the head of the people as they return.
  • “joy” — שִׂמְחָה (simchah): This word means joy or gladness. Together with the related word behind “rejoice,” it gives the return a distinctly celebratory tone.
  • “LORD” — יְהוָה (YHWH): This is God’s personal name in Hebrew. The KJV uses “LORD” in capital letters to represent that name.

Why 2 Chronicles 20:27 matters

  • The verse gives the LORD credit for the outcome. The words “the LORD had made them to rejoice over their enemies” connect the people’s gladness with what he had done.
  • The return is shared by king and people. “Every man of Judah and Jerusalem” travels with Jehoshaphat, making the journey a public event rather than a private celebration.
  • The journey leads toward worship in Jerusalem. In verse 28, the people come to the house of the LORD with musical instruments, showing where the joyful return takes them.

Where else these words appear

“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.

“joy” Hebrew H8057 · used in 89 verses

  • Genesis 31:27 Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp?
  • Esther 9:18 But the Jews that were at Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth day thereof, and on the fourteenth thereof; and on the fifteenth day of the same they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.
  • Ecclesiastes 5:20 For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart.

“rejoice” Hebrew H8055 · used in 145 verses

  • Exodus 4:14 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart.
  • Psalms 34:2 My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
  • Proverbs 17:21 He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.