This verse, 2 Chronicles 20:9, is a powerful expression of faith and reliance on God during times of crisis. It's part of a prayer offered by King Jehoshaphat of Judah when faced with an overwhelming coalition of enemy armies. Let's break down what it means:
‘If evil comes on us—the sword, judgment, pestilence, or famine…’: This lists potential calamities that could befall the people. "Sword" represents warfare, "judgment" implies divine punishment for sin, "pestilence" refers to widespread disease, and "famine" signifies a severe shortage of food. Essentially, it covers a broad range of potential disasters.
‘…we will stand before this house, and before you…’: "This house" refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, which was built by Solomon. Standing before the Temple was a symbolic act of seeking God's presence and protection. "Before you" implies that they would be praying directly to God.
‘…(for your name is in this house)…’: This is a crucial element. The belief was that God's name was associated with the Temple, signifying His presence and covenant with His people. It's not a literal physical presence, but a symbolic one. This phrase is based on God's promise to Solomon to answer prayer in the Temple. God's "name" represents His character, reputation, and power. By invoking His name, they were appealing to His nature and His promises.
‘…and cry to you in our affliction, and you will hear and save.’: This is the core of the faith statement. They are expressing their complete dependence on God and their belief that He is both willing and able to rescue them from their distress. "Cry to you in our affliction" means to pray earnestly and sincerely in their suffering. The phrase "you will hear and save" is a statement of faith in God's compassion and power to deliver them.
In essence, the verse expresses:
Acknowledging vulnerability: The people recognize their susceptibility to disaster and their inability to overcome such challenges on their own.
Faith in God's presence: They believe that God is accessible through prayer and especially present at the Temple, where His name is honored.
Reliance on God's power: They trust that God has the ability to hear their prayers and intervene to save them from destruction.
Claiming God's promise: They are relying on the covenant relationship established between God and His people, appealing to His reputation and commitment to protect those who call on Him.
This verse has become a source of encouragement and hope for believers facing difficult circumstances. It emphasizes the importance of prayer, faith, and trusting in God's faithfulness during times of trouble. It is a recognition that God is a refuge in times of need.
This verse, 2 Chronicles 20:9, is a powerful expression of faith and reliance on God during times of crisis. It's part of a prayer offered by King Jehoshaphat of Judah when faced with an overwhelming coalition of enemy armies. Let's break down what it means:
‘If evil comes on us—the sword, judgment, pestilence, or famine…’: This lists potential calamities that could befall the people. "Sword" represents warfare, "judgment" implies divine punishment for sin, "pestilence" refers to widespread disease, and "famine" signifies a severe shortage of food. Essentially, it covers a broad range of potential disasters.
‘…we will stand before this house, and before you…’: "This house" refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, which was built by Solomon. Standing before the Temple was a symbolic act of seeking God's presence and protection. "Before you" implies that they would be praying directly to God.
‘…(for your name is in this house)…’: This is a crucial element. The belief was that God's name was associated with the Temple, signifying His presence and covenant with His people. It's not a literal physical presence, but a symbolic one. This phrase is based on God's promise to Solomon to answer prayer in the Temple. God's "name" represents His character, reputation, and power. By invoking His name, they were appealing to His nature and His promises.
‘…and cry to you in our affliction, and you will hear and save.’: This is the core of the faith statement. They are expressing their complete dependence on God and their belief that He is both willing and able to rescue them from their distress. "Cry to you in our affliction" means to pray earnestly and sincerely in their suffering. The phrase "you will hear and save" is a statement of faith in God's compassion and power to deliver them.
In essence, the verse expresses:
Acknowledging vulnerability: The people recognize their susceptibility to disaster and their inability to overcome such challenges on their own.
Faith in God's presence: They believe that God is accessible through prayer and especially present at the Temple, where His name is honored.
Reliance on God's power: They trust that God has the ability to hear their prayers and intervene to save them from destruction.
Claiming God's promise: They are relying on the covenant relationship established between God and His people, appealing to His reputation and commitment to protect those who call on Him.
This verse has become a source of encouragement and hope for believers facing difficult circumstances. It emphasizes the importance of prayer, faith, and trusting in God's faithfulness during times of trouble. It is a recognition that God is a refuge in times of need.