2 Chronicles 20:8 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 20:8 mean?

2 Chronicles 20:8 recalls how the people of Israel settled in the land and built a sanctuary there for God’s name, as an act of dedication and worship. The verse highlights the intention behind building the sanctuary: it was meant to honor God and serve as a special place connected to His presence.

In this verse, King Jehoshaphat is praying to God in front of the people during a national crisis, reminding God of Israel’s history in the land. He points out that their ancestors built the temple (the sanctuary) specifically for God, emphasizing their commitment and the purpose of the temple as a place devoted to God’s name.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 20:8

• "dwelt" (יָשַׁב, yashav): This word means to settle or live in a place, not just to pass through. It stresses that Israel made the land their permanent home, fulfilling God’s promise to their ancestors.
• "built" (בָּנָה, banah): This word means to construct or establish something solid and lasting. It highlights the intentional effort and permanence in building the sanctuary.
• "sanctuary" (מִקְדָּשׁ, miqdash): This word refers to a holy or set-apart place. It shows that the temple was not just any building, but a space dedicated for God’s presence.
• "name" (שֵׁם, shem): In Hebrew thought, “name” often stands for reputation, character, or presence. Building the sanctuary “for thy name” means it was set apart for God Himself, not just as a religious site.
• "saying" (אָמַר, amar): This word introduces what was declared or promised, setting up the words that follow in the next verse.

Why 2 Chronicles 20:8 matters

• The verse reminds readers that the temple was built as a deliberate act of faith, not just as a cultural or political project, but as a place meant for God’s honor.
• By mentioning the sanctuary and God’s name, Jehoshaphat is grounding his prayer in the people’s relationship with God and their history of worship, which strengthens the appeal he is about to make.
• This verse connects the current crisis to the promises and commitments made in the past, showing how Israel’s actions were rooted in their covenant relationship with God.