9 If, when evil H7451 cometh H935 upon us, as the sword, H2719 judgment, H8196 or pestilence, H1698 or famine, H7458 we stand H5975 before H6440 this house, H1004 and in thy presence, H6440 (for thy name H8034 is in this house,) H1004 and cry H2199 unto thee in our affliction, H6869 then thou wilt hear H8085 and help. H3467
If there be dearth H7458 in the land, H776 if there be pestilence, H1698 if there be blasting, H7711 or mildew, H3420 locusts, H697 or caterpillers; H2625 if their enemies H341 besiege H6887 them in the cities H8179 of their land; H776 whatsoever sore H5061 or whatsoever sickness H4245 there be: Then what prayer H8605 or what supplication H8467 soever shall be made of any man, H120 or of all thy people H5971 Israel, H3478 when every one H376 shall know H3045 his own sore H5061 and his own grief, H4341 and shall spread forth H6566 his hands H3709 in this house: H1004 Then hear H8085 thou from heaven H8064 thy dwelling H3427 place, H4349 and forgive, H5545 and render H5414 unto every man H376 according unto all his ways, H1870 whose heart H3824 thou knowest; H3045 (for thou only knowest H3045 the hearts H3824 of the children H1121 of men:) H120
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:-