So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet: for his God gave him rest round about.

2 CHRONICLES 20:30KJV
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2 Chronicles 20:30 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 20:30 mean?

2 Chronicles 20:30 describes how Jehoshaphat’s kingdom experienced a time of peace because God gave him rest from surrounding threats. The verse highlights that this quietness and security came as a direct result of God’s intervention, not just Jehoshaphat’s own actions.

This verse comes after a dramatic episode where King Jehoshaphat of Judah faced a large invading army and sought God’s help. After God delivered Judah from their enemies, the land enjoyed a period without war or turmoil. The verse sums up the outcome: God’s protection brought stability and calm to Jehoshaphat’s reign.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 20:30

  • "quiet" (שָׁקַט, shaqat): This word often means to be undisturbed or at rest, suggesting not just the absence of war but a deep sense of calm and security throughout the kingdom.
  • "rest" (נ֫וּחַ, nuach): This word carries the idea of settling down or being at ease, emphasizing that the peace was lasting and complete, not just a temporary break from conflict.

Why 2 Chronicles 20:30 matters

  • This verse makes it clear that the peace in Jehoshaphat’s reign was not due to political alliances or military strength, but because God actively gave rest and security.
  • It connects directly to the earlier story in the chapter, showing the result of trusting God in crisis: not just survival, but a positive, peaceful outcome.
  • The verse highlights a theme found throughout Chronicles—God’s ability to bring true peace to His people when they rely on Him.

Where else these words appear

“quiet” Hebrew H8252 · used in 41 verses

  • Joshua 11:23 So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war.
  • 2 Chronicles 14:6 And he built fenced cities in Judah: for the land had rest, and he had no war in those years; because the LORD had given him rest.
  • Isaiah 30:15 For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.

“rest” Hebrew H5117 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 8:4 And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat.
  • 2 Samuel 7:11 And as since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine enemies. Also the LORD telleth thee that he will make thee an house.
  • Isaiah 7:19 And they shall come, and shall rest all of them in the desolate valleys, and in the holes of the rocks, and upon all thorns, and upon all bushes.

“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.

“realm” Hebrew H4438 · used in 82 verses

  • Numbers 24:7 He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.
  • 2 Chronicles 35:19 In the eighteenth year of the reign of Josiah was this passover kept.
  • Esther 6:8 Let the royal apparel be brought which the king useth to wear, and the horse that the king rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set upon his head: