30 So the realm H4438 of Jehoshaphat H3092 was quiet: H8252 for his God H430 gave him rest H5117 round about. H5439
And he built H1129 fenced H4694 cities H5892 in Judah: H3063 for the land H776 had rest, H8252 and he had no war H4421 in those years; H8141 because the LORD H3068 had given him rest. H5117 Therefore he said H559 unto Judah, H3063 Let us build H1129 these cities, H5892 and make about H5437 them walls, H2346 and towers, H4026 gates, H1817 and bars, H1280 while the land H776 is yet before H6440 us; because we have sought H1875 the LORD H3068 our God, H430 we have sought H1875 him, and he hath given us rest H5117 on every side. H5439 So they built H1129 and prospered. H6743
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Matthew Henry Commentary » Commentary on 2 Chronicles 20
Commentary on 2 Chronicles 20 Matthew Henry Commentary
Chapter 20
We have here,
2Ch 20:1-13
We left Jehoshaphat, in the foregoing chapter, well employed in reforming his kingdom and providing for the due administration of justice and support of religion in it, and expected nothing but to hear of the peace and prosperity of his reign; but here we have him in distress, which distress, however, was followed by such a glorious deliverance as was an abundant recompence for his piety. If we meet with trouble in the way of duty, we may believe it is that God may have an opportunity of showing us so much the more of his marvellous loving-kindness. We have here,
2Ch 20:14-19
We have here God's gracious answer to Jehoshaphat's prayer; and it was a speedy answer. While he was yet speaking God heard: before the congregation was dismissed they had assurance given them that they should be victorious; for it is never in vain to seek God.
2Ch 20:20-30
We have here the foregoing prayer answered and the foregoing promise performed, in the total overthrow of the enemies' forces and the triumph (for so it was rather than a victory) of Jehoshaphat's forces over them.
2Ch 20:31-37
We are now drawing towards the close of the history of Jehoshaphat's reign, for a further account of which those who lived when this book was published were referred to an authentic history of it, written by Jehu the prophet (ch. 19:2), which was then extant, v. 34. This was the general character of his reign, that he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, kept close to the worship of God himself and did what he could to keep his people close to it. But two things are here to be lamented:-