2 chronicles 20:2 - Then some came who told Jehoshaphat, saying, “A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea from Syria. Behold, they are in Hazazon Tamar” (that is, En Gedi).
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "2 chronicles 20:2" mean?
This verse sets the stage for a major crisis in the reign of King Jehoshaphat of Judah. Let's break it down:
"Then some came who told Jehoshaphat...": This indicates that messengers arrived bearing alarming news for King Jehoshaphat.
"...saying, 'A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea from Syria.'": The news is that a massive army is approaching Judah with hostile intentions. The source of the threat is "beyond the sea from Syria." This is a somewhat general term. While it might suggest an army originating from Syria, the key here is that they are coming from beyond a body of water, most likely the Dead Sea. The term could indicate a coalition of forces coming from the eastern side of the Dead Sea.
"Behold, they are in Hazazon Tamar' (that is, En Gedi).": The enemy has already entered Judah's territory. Hazazon Tamar is identified as En Gedi, a location in the Judean desert on the western shore of the Dead Sea. En Gedi is an oasis, a strategically important location with water and fertile land. This means the invading army is already posing an immediate threat to Judah.
In essence, the verse means:
Messengers inform King Jehoshaphat that a huge army (likely from beyond the Dead Sea, possibly from the region east of it, and perhaps allied with Syrian interests) has invaded Judah and is currently encamped at En Gedi, an oasis on the Dead Sea, posing a serious threat. The situation calls for immediate action and a strategic response.
Significance:
This verse is the catalyst for the rest of 2 Chronicles 20. It leads to Jehoshaphat's prayer for divine help, God's response through a prophet, and ultimately, a miraculous victory for Judah. It highlights the importance of seeking God in times of crisis and trusting in His power to deliver. The location of the enemy at En Gedi signifies an imminent danger and increases the urgency of the situation.
2 chronicles 20:2 - Then some came who told Jehoshaphat, saying, “A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea from Syria. Behold, they are in Hazazon Tamar” (that is, En Gedi).
What does "2 chronicles 20:2" mean?
This verse sets the stage for a major crisis in the reign of King Jehoshaphat of Judah. Let's break it down:
"Then some came who told Jehoshaphat...": This indicates that messengers arrived bearing alarming news for King Jehoshaphat.
"...saying, 'A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea from Syria.'": The news is that a massive army is approaching Judah with hostile intentions. The source of the threat is "beyond the sea from Syria." This is a somewhat general term. While it might suggest an army originating from Syria, the key here is that they are coming from beyond a body of water, most likely the Dead Sea. The term could indicate a coalition of forces coming from the eastern side of the Dead Sea.
"Behold, they are in Hazazon Tamar' (that is, En Gedi).": The enemy has already entered Judah's territory. Hazazon Tamar is identified as En Gedi, a location in the Judean desert on the western shore of the Dead Sea. En Gedi is an oasis, a strategically important location with water and fertile land. This means the invading army is already posing an immediate threat to Judah.
In essence, the verse means:
Messengers inform King Jehoshaphat that a huge army (likely from beyond the Dead Sea, possibly from the region east of it, and perhaps allied with Syrian interests) has invaded Judah and is currently encamped at En Gedi, an oasis on the Dead Sea, posing a serious threat. The situation calls for immediate action and a strategic response.
Significance:
This verse is the catalyst for the rest of 2 Chronicles 20. It leads to Jehoshaphat's prayer for divine help, God's response through a prophet, and ultimately, a miraculous victory for Judah. It highlights the importance of seeking God in times of crisis and trusting in His power to deliver. The location of the enemy at En Gedi signifies an imminent danger and increases the urgency of the situation.