Bible Commentaries

2 Chronicles 17:1 to 2 Chronicles 20:37. The Reign of Jehoshaphat.—This section is, in the main, from the hand of the Chronicler, whose spirit and aim are visible throughout; he has utilised all the information concerning Jehoshaphat to be got from 1 K. viz. in 1 Kings 15:24; 1 Kings 22:1-35; 1 Kings 22:41-50 (see notes).

2 Chronicles 20:1-30. Jehoshaphat's victory over the Ammonites and Moabites. This story of a miraculous battle is perhaps a midrash on the war described in 1 Kings 3:4 ff., and has, in so far, some historical basis; but the details are purely imaginary.

2 Chronicles 20:5. before the new court: perhaps the same as "the great court" in 2 Chronicles 4:9; the Chronicler has in his mind's eye the Temple as he knew it.

2 Chronicles 20:7. Abraham thy friend: cf. Isaiah 41:8, James 2:23.

2 Chronicles 20:10. Cf. Numbers 20:21.

2 Chronicles 20:14. By speaking of Jahaziel as one upon whom "the spirit of the Lord" came, the Chronicler puts him in the same category as the prophets; see note on 1 Chronicles 25:1.

2 Chronicles 20:16. the ascent of Ziz . . . the wilderness of Jeruel: both in the neighbourhood of Engedi in all probability; neither name occurs elsewhere (Genesis 22:14*).

2 Chronicles 20:31-37. see notes on 1 Kings 22:41-43; 1 Kings 22:48 f.

2 Chronicles 20:37. This account is quite different from what is said in 1 Kings 22:48; the destruction of the ships at Ezion-geber is explained by the Chronicler as being Yahweh's punishment on Jehoshaphat for having allied himself with the king of Israel, the reprobate kingdom in the eyes of the Chronicler.