And Jehoshaphat stood in the congregation of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD, before the new court,

2 CHRONICLES 20:5KJV
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2 Chronicles 20:5 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 20:5 mean?

2 Chronicles 20:5 describes King Jehoshaphat standing before the gathered people of Judah and Jerusalem, inside the temple of the LORD, in front of a new court area. The verse sets the scene for Jehoshaphat to address the people during a time of crisis.

Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, is about to lead the nation in prayer because enemy armies are threatening them. The verse highlights that he stands in the "house of the LORD" (the temple in Jerusalem), showing this is a public, communal moment of seeking God. The mention of the "new court" suggests a recently added or renovated area of the temple, emphasizing the importance and freshness of this gathering place.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 20:5

  • "stood" (עָמַד, ʿamad): This word often means to take a deliberate position, especially in a formal or solemn setting. Jehoshaphat is not just present; he is taking a leadership role before the people.
  • "congregation" (קָהָל, qahal): This word refers to an assembled group, often for worship or important decisions. The focus is on the unity and collective nature of the people gathered.
  • "house" (בַּיִת, bayit): This means the temple, the central place of worship for Israel. The setting in the temple underlines the seriousness and spiritual focus of the moment.
  • "new" (חָדָשׁ, chadash): The word for "new" highlights that the court was recently constructed or restored, possibly to accommodate larger gatherings or special occasions.

Why 2 Chronicles 20:5 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Jehoshaphat’s response to crisis is public prayer, not just private action, showing the importance of communal faith in difficult times.
  • The mention of the "new court" connects to the ongoing care and significance of the temple, suggesting that the people are investing in their worship life even amid threats.
  • This verse sets up the dramatic prayer that follows, helping readers see the seriousness and unity of the people as they seek God’s help together.

Where else these words appear

“new” Hebrew H2319 · used in 48 verses

  • Exodus 1:8 Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph.
  • 2 Samuel 21:16 And Ishbibenob, which was of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of brass in weight, he being girded with a new sword, thought to have slain David.
  • Isaiah 41:15 Behold, I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth: thou shalt thresh the mountains, and beat them small, and shalt make the hills as chaff.

“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.

“congregation” Hebrew H6951 · used in 116 verses

  • Genesis 28:3 And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multitude of people;
  • 1 Kings 8:22 And Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven:
  • Nehemiah 7:66 The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three hundred and threescore,