2 chronicles 20:15 - and he said, “Listen, all Judah, and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, king Jehoshaphat. Yahweh says to you, ‘Don’t be afraid, and don’t be dismayed because of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s.

Generated Verse: 2 chronicles 20:15

What does "2 chronicles 20:15" mean?


This verse, 2 Chronicles 20:15, is a powerful message of encouragement and faith delivered by Jahaziel, a Levite prophet, to King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah and Jerusalem when they were facing a massive invading army. Let's break down its meaning:

"and he said, “Listen, all Judah, and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, king Jehoshaphat."
This establishes the context and audience. The prophet is addressing everyone – the whole nation, the residents of the capital city, and particularly the king, who is responsible for leading the people.

"Yahweh says to you, ‘Don’t be afraid, and don’t be dismayed because of this great multitude;"
This is the core of the message. Yahweh (God) is speaking directly to them. He is telling them not to fear or be discouraged by the sheer size of the enemy army. The fear they feel is understandable given the odds, but God is about to give them assurance.

"for the battle is not yours, but God’s."
This is the key statement. It's not about Judah's strength, military strategy, or manpower. The battle belongs to God. He will fight for them. This is a promise of divine intervention and a call for trust. They don't need to rely solely on their own abilities because God is taking responsibility for the outcome.

In summary, the verse means:

God is telling the people of Judah, through the prophet Jahaziel, that despite the overwhelming threat they face, they should not be afraid because the battle belongs to Him. It is a declaration of God's sovereignty and His commitment to protect His people. It emphasizes that their victory will come not through their own efforts, but through God's power. The verse encourages them to trust in God and rely on Him for deliverance.

The broader context of the story in 2 Chronicles 20:

Judah is facing an invasion by a coalition of enemies (Moabites, Ammonites, and others).
King Jehoshaphat, instead of relying on his own military might, prays to God for help and proclaims a fast.
Jahaziel's prophecy is the answer to Jehoshaphat's prayer.
The people believe the prophecy, worship God, and go out to meet the enemy.
God sets an ambush among the enemy armies, causing them to fight and destroy each other. Judah wins without even needing to fight.

Significance:

This verse is often quoted in situations where people feel overwhelmed by challenges that seem too big to handle. It serves as a reminder that:

God is in control.
Even when we are weak, God can fight our battles.
We need to trust in God and rely on His power rather than our own.
Prayer and faith are powerful tools in the face of adversity.