What does 2 Chronicles 20:2 mean?

"Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying, There cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea on this side Syria; and, behold, they be in Hazazon-tamar, which is En-gedi." - 2 Chronicles 20:2

2 Chronicles 20:2 - "Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying, There cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea on this side Syria; and, behold, they be in Hazazon-tamar, which is En-gedi."

2 Chronicles 20:2 in the King James Version reads:

"Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying, There cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea on this side Syria; and, behold, they be in Hazazon-tamar, which is En-gedi."

This verse is part of the larger story of King Jehoshaphat, who ruled over Judah during the 9th century BC. In this verse, messengers come to Jehoshaphat with news of a great multitude approaching from beyond the sea, and they were already at Hazazon-tamar, which is En-gedi. This news is concerning for Jehoshaphat and his people, as it indicates the imminent threat of invasion and attack.

To fully understand the significance and symbolism of this verse, it is important to consider the historical and cultural context in which it was written. During this time, the kingdom of Judah was often threatened by neighboring nations and faced the constant possibility of war. As a result, the people of Judah were living in a state of uncertainty and fear, not knowing when the next attack might come.

The verse also reflects a common theme found throughout the Bible – the theme of conflict and the need for divine intervention. Throughout the Bible, there are numerous accounts of God's people facing overwhelming odds and dire situations, only to be delivered through the power of God. This verse in 2 Chronicles is no different, as it sets the stage for the miraculous deliverance of Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah by God's intervention.

The mention of Hazazon-tamar, which is En-gedi, is also significant in its symbolism. En-gedi was an oasis located near the Dead Sea, known for its lush vegetation and abundant water supply. It served as a place of refuge for many throughout history. In this verse, it may symbolize a place of safety and shelter in the midst of danger and chaos. The fact that the multitude was already at En-gedi likely heightened the sense of urgency and desperation for Jehoshaphat and his people.

Moreover, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God in times of trouble. Despite the impending threat, Jehoshaphat’s immediate response is to seek the Lord and call upon the people to fast and seek God's help (2 Chronicles 20:3-4). This underscores the faith and reliance on God that is prevalent throughout the Bible. It also highlights the leadership of Jehoshaphat, who looked to God for guidance and protection in the face of imminent danger.

Ultimately, the verse 2 Chronicles 20:2 holds deep meaning and symbolism within the broader context of the Bible. It speaks to the universal human experience of facing adversity and the need for divine intervention. It also highlights the theme of faith and reliance on God in the midst of fear and uncertainty. This verse sets the stage for the miraculous deliverance of Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah, ultimately demonstrating God's power and faithfulness in the face of overwhelming odds.

2 Chronicles 20:2 Artwork

2 Chronicles 30:20 - "And the LORD hearkened to Hezekiah, and healed the people."

1 Chronicles 2:20 - "And Hur begat Uri, and Uri begat Bezaleel."

2 Chronicles 20:28 - "And they came to Jerusalem with psalteries and harps and trumpets unto the house of the LORD."

2 Chronicles 20:13 - "And all Judah stood before the LORD, with their little ones, their wives, and their children."

2 Chronicles 32:20 - "And for this cause Hezekiah the king, and the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz, prayed and cried to heaven."

2 Chronicles 20:8 - "And they dwelt therein, and have built thee a sanctuary therein for thy name, saying,"

2 Chronicles 20:5 - "¶ And Jehoshaphat stood in the congregation of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD, before the new court,"

2 Chronicles 29:20 - "¶ Then Hezekiah the king rose early, and gathered the rulers of the city, and went up to the house of the LORD."

2 Chronicles 20:3 - "And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah."

2 Chronicles 20:30 - "So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet: for his God gave him rest round about."

2 Chronicles 4:20 - "Moreover the candlesticks with their lamps, that they should burn after the manner before the oracle, of pure gold;"

2 Chronicles 28:20 - "And Tilgath-pilneser king of Assyria came unto him, and distressed him, but strengthened him not."

2 Chronicles 20:36 - "And he joined himself with him to make ships to go to Tarshish: and they made the ships in Ezion-geber."

2 Kings 20:20 - "¶ And the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and all his might, and how he made a pool, and a conduit, and brought water into the city, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"

2 Chronicles 20:32 - "And he walked in the way of Asa his father, and departed not from it, doing that which was right in the sight of the LORD."

2 Chronicles 13:20 - "Neither did Jeroboam recover strength again in the days of Abijah: and the LORD struck him, and he died."

2 Chronicles 20:35 - "¶ And after this did Jehoshaphat king of Judah join himself with Ahaziah king of Israel, who did very wickedly:"

2 Chronicles 11:20 - "And after her he took Maachah the daughter of Absalom; which bare him Abijah, and Attai, and Ziza, and Shelomith."

2 Chronicles 20:33 - "Howbeit the high places were not taken away: for as yet the people had not prepared their hearts unto the God of their fathers."

2 Chronicles 20:29 - "And the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of those countries, when they had heard that the LORD fought against the enemies of Israel."

2 Chronicles 20:19 - "And the Levites, of the children of the Kohathites, and of the children of the Korhites, stood up to praise the LORD God of Israel with a loud voice on high."

Exodus 20:2

Genesis 20-2

2 Chronicles 31:20 - "¶ And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and wrought that which was good and right and truth before the LORD his God."

Galatians 2:20

2 Chronicles 20:4 - "And Judah gathered themselves together, to ask help of the LORD: even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD."

2 Chronicles 34:20 - "And the king commanded Hilkiah, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Abdon the son of Micah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah a servant of the king's, saying,"

2 Chronicles 18:20 - "Then there came out a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will entice him. And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith?"

2 Chronicles 20:18 - "And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell before the LORD, worshipping the LORD."