2 Chronicles 20:27
Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, and Jehoshaphat at their head, returning to Jerusalem with joy, for the LORD had made them rejoice over their enemies.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Notice that the text says they returned "with joy" because the Lord had made them rejoice over their enemies. It wasn't just that their enemies were defeated; it was God's active work in their victory that was the source of their celebration. Their joy wasn't merely relief, but a direct response to God's intervention on their behalf.
Just before this, King Jehoshaphat and all of Judah were facing an overwhelming enemy army, and they cried out to God for help, seeking His intervention. After receiving a prophecy that they wouldn't need to fight but would see God's salvation, they set out and witnessed God utterly defeat their foes. This verse marks their triumphant return home, their joy overflowing because the LORD Himself had secured their victory and given them cause for celebration.
Imagine coming home after facing down an overwhelming enemy. What would that homecoming feel like? This verse describes a joy that's more than just relief; it's a profound, God-given celebration.
The people of Judah and Jerusalem, led by King Jehoshaphat, didn't just return home happy because the threat was gone. Their joy was a direct result of God's intervention.
A Gift, Not Just an Outcome
A great leader doesn't just win the battle; they help guide their people in celebrating the victory and giving God the glory. This verse shows us how that looks.
King Jehoshaphat wasn't just a figurehead; he was part of the returning crowd, leading them not just in battle but also in their subsequent joy.
Sharing the Victory
This victory happened during a period when Jehoshaphat, a godly king, was actively strengthening Judah but also navigating complex (and sometimes dangerous) political alliances. It highlights how faith and divine intervention can secure peace even amidst regional instability.
c. 900 BC
Kingdom of Israel Splits
Following King Solomon's death, the united kingdom split into two: the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah.
c. 870 BC
Reign of Jehoshaphat Begins
Jehoshaphat, a devout king, ascends to the throne of Judah. He sought the LORD and strengthened his kingdom.
c. 860 BC
Alliance with Northern Israel
Jehoshaphat formed a controversial alliance with Ahab, the wicked king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, through marriage. This alliance would later bring trouble.
c. 853 BC
Battle of Qarqar
Jehoshaphat of Judah (and likely Ahab of Israel) fought against the Assyrian Empire at the Battle of Qarqar. This regional conflict shows the complex geopolitical landscape.
This passage echoes the song of Moses and Israel after their deliverance from Egypt, highlighting the same theme of joy and praise to the LORD for His powerful victory over enemies.
Joshua 21:43-45This passage describes the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel after entering the Promised Land, emphasizing that not one word failed and that they lived in peace and security, much like the peace Jehoshaphat's people experienced after their victory.
1 Samuel 7:10-12Here, Samuel offers a sacrifice after the Israelites defeat the Philistines, and they set up a stone of help, showing a pattern of God granting victory and the people responding with worship and remembrance.
Psalm 107:1-3This psalm is a powerful call to give thanks to the LORD for His steadfast love and deliverance, mirroring the rejoicing described in 2 Chronicles 20 as the people recount God's mighty deeds and victories.
Notice that the text says they returned "with joy" because the Lord had made them rejoice over their enemies. It wasn't just that their enemies were defeated; it was God's active work in their victory that was the source of their celebration. Their joy wasn't merely relief, but a direct response to God's intervention on their behalf.
Just before this, King Jehoshaphat and all of Judah were facing an overwhelming enemy army, and they cried out to God for help, seeking His intervention. After receiving a prophecy that they wouldn't need to fight but would see God's salvation, they set out and witnessed God utterly defeat their foes. This verse marks their triumphant return home, their joy overflowing because the LORD Himself had secured their victory and given them cause for celebration.
Just before this, King Jehoshaphat and all of Judah were facing an overwhelming enemy army, and they cried out to God for help, seeking His intervention. After receiving a prophecy that they wouldn't need to fight but would see God's salvation, they set out and witnessed God utterly defeat their foes. This verse marks their triumphant return home, their joy overflowing because the LORD Himself had secured their victory and given them cause for celebration.
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c. 850 BC— this verse
Moabite and Ammonite Invasion Threat
A massive coalition of Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites gathered to attack Judah, posing an existential threat to Jehoshaphat's kingdom.
c. 850 BC
Divine Intervention and Victory
Jehoshaphat cried out to the LORD, who promised victory. The enemy armies turned on each other, leading to Judah's miraculous triumph without a battle.
c. 850 BC
Return and Thanksgiving
Jehoshaphat and his people returned to Jerusalem with great joy, offering praise to the LORD for delivering them from their enemies, as described in the verse.
"Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, and Jehoshaphat at their head, returning to Jerusalem with joy, for the LORD had made them rejoice over their enemies." — Notice that the text says they returned "with joy" because the Lord had made them rejoice over their enemies. It wasn't just that their enemies were defeated; it was God's active work in their vi…
