Question 1

What does 2 Chronicles 20:29 mean?

Accepted Answer

2 Chronicles 20:29 describes how all the surrounding kingdoms were filled with fear of God when they heard that the LORD had fought against Israel’s enemies. This verse shows that news of God’s powerful intervention on behalf of Israel spread widely and made other nations afraid to oppose them. This moment comes after King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah experienced a miraculous victory, where God defeated their enemies without them having to fight. The verse highlights the impact of this event on the nations nearby, emphasizing that it was God’s action—rather than Israel’s military strength—that caused other kingdoms to be afraid.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 20:29

Accepted Answer

The word for "fear" is פַּחַד (pachad, H6343), which often means a sense of dread or terror. Here, it describes a deep, overwhelming fear that fell on the surrounding nations, not just respect but real anxiety about what God might do. "God" is אֱלֹהִים (Elohim, H430), a general term for God that can also emphasize His power and authority over all nations, not just Israel. "Fought" is לָחַם (lacham, H3898), which means to wage war or do battle. The verse stresses that it was the LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH, H3068) Himself who fought, not just Israel’s army, underlining God’s direct involvement.

Question 3

Why 2 Chronicles 20:29 matters

Accepted Answer

This verse clarifies that the fear experienced by other nations was not because of Israel’s military might, but because they recognized God’s direct intervention. It connects to the larger story in 2 Chronicles 20, where God delivers Judah in a way that demonstrates His power to both Israel and the surrounding peoples. The verse shows how God’s actions on behalf of His people can influence even those who do not worship Him, shaping the political and spiritual landscape beyond Israel’s borders.

2 Chronicles 20:29 (KJV)