Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
2 Chronicles Ch.20 / 36 Ch.s
2CH:20
* The danger and distress of Judah. (1-13) Jahaziel's prophecy
of victory. (14-19) The thanksgiving of Judah. (20-30)
Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahaziah. (31-37)
#1-13 In all dangers, public or personal, our first business
should be to seek help from God. Hence the advantage of days for
national fasting and prayer. From the first to the last of our
seeking the Lord, we must approach him with humiliation for our
sins, trusting only in his mercy and power. Jehoshaphat
acknowledges the sovereign dominion of the Divine Providence.
Lord, exert it on our behalf. Whom should we seek to, whom
should we trust to for relief, but the God we have chosen and
served. Those that use what they have for God, may comfortably
hope he will secure it to them. Every true believer is a son of
Abraham, a friend of God; with such the everlasting covenant is
established, to such every promise belongs. We are assured of
God's love, by his dwelling in human nature in the person of the
Saviour. Jehoshaphat mentions the temple, as a token of God's
favourable presence. He pleads the injustice of his enemies. We
may well appeal to God against those that render us evil for
good. Though he had a great army, he said, We have no might
without thee; we rely upon thee.
#14-19 The Spirit of prophecy came upon a Levite in the midst of
the congregation. The Spirit, like the wind, blows where and on
whom He listeth. He encouraged them to trust in God. Let the
Christian soldier go out against his spiritual enemies, and the
God of peace will make him more than a conqueror. Our trials
will prove our gain. The advantage will be all our own, but the
whole glory must be given to God.
#20-30 Jehoshaphat exhorted his troops to firm faith in God.
Faith inspires a man with true courage; nor will any thing help
more to the establishing of the heart in shaking times, than a
firm belief of the power, and mercy, and promise of God. In all
our trust in the Lord, and our praises of him, let us especially
look at his everlasting mercy to sinners through Jesus Christ.
Never was an army so destroyed as that of the enemy. Thus God
often makes wicked people destroy one another. And never was a
victory celebrated with more solemn thanksgivings.
#31-37 Jehoshaphat kept close to the worship of God, and did
what he could to keep his people close to it. But after God had
done such great things for him, given him not only victory, but
wealth; after this, to go and join himself with a wicked king,
was very ungrateful. What could he expect but that God would be
angry with him? Yet it seems, he took the warning; for when
Ahaziah afterward pressed him to join him, he would not, #1Ki
22:49|. Thus the alliance was broken, and the Divine rebuke had
its effect, at least for a season. Let us be thankful for any
losses which may have prevented the loss of our immortal souls.
Let us praise the Lord, who sought after us, and left us not to
perish in our sins.