If, when evil cometh upon us, as the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we stand before this house, and in thy presence,(for thy name is in this house,) and cry unto thee in our affliction, then thou wilt hear and help.
2 CHRONICLES 20:9KJVWhat does 2 Chronicles 20:9 mean?
2 Chronicles 20:9 says that if disaster strikes—whether war, judgment, disease, or famine—the people can stand before God’s temple, call out to Him in their trouble, and trust that He will hear and help them. The verse expresses confidence that God’s presence in the temple means He listens to prayers made there during times of crisis.
King Jehoshaphat is speaking to God in front of the gathered people of Judah, recalling God’s promise to hear His people when they pray at the temple. The situation is tense: Judah faces a serious threat from enemy nations, and Jehoshaphat is leading the people in prayer, reminding God of His past assurances. The verse highlights the temple as a symbol of God’s nearness and the people’s dependence on Him in distress.
The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 20:9
- "evil" (רַע, ra‘): This word often means anything harmful or disastrous, not just moral evil. Here, it covers all kinds of trouble that could come upon the people.
- "cry" (זָעַק, za‘aq): This word means to call out or cry for help, especially in desperation. It emphasizes the urgency and sincerity of the people’s prayers in times of distress.
- "affliction" (צָרָה, tsarah): This word refers to tightness, distress, or trouble. It paints a picture of being pressed by hardship, making the plea for help more vivid.
- "hear" (שָׁמַע, shama‘) and "help" (יָשַׁע, yasha‘): These words together show both God’s attentiveness (He listens) and His power to save or deliver.
Why 2 Chronicles 20:9 matters
- This verse clarifies that the temple was not just a building, but a place where God’s presence was believed to dwell and where people could seek Him in any crisis.
- The verse connects to Solomon’s earlier prayer at the temple’s dedication (2 Chronicles 6), showing continuity in how the people understood God’s promises about prayer and deliverance.
- It highlights the people’s dependence on God rather than their own strength, especially in overwhelming situations, setting the stage for the rest of the chapter where God answers their prayer.