Definition: Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying, There cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea on this side Syria; and, behold, they [be] in Hazazontamar, which [is] Engedi.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 20:2. It’s a really important passage about a massive battle happening in the time of King Jehoshaphat. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Situation: A Threat is Coming: A group of enemies – likely Assyrian soldiers – were planning to attack Judah (the region around Jerusalem). They were coming from beyond the sea, specifically from Syria. They’re Setting Up a Base: These enemy forces were establishing a large encampment called “Hazazontamar” in the town of Engedi, which is located near modern-day Damascus, Syria. What’s Being Said – It's About Preparation and Strategy: The verse basically says that Jehoshaphat (King of Judah) was receiving warnings from people who were advising him: "There comes a great crowd against you from beyond the sea on this side of Syria." This crowd is an army of enemies. Crucially, they’re preparing for a battle! They're setting up defenses and positioning themselves in Engedi to fight. In essence, it’s a warning that a significant military conflict was imminent. What does this tell us about Jehoshaphat? He’s Wise: He understood the danger and took steps to prepare – he established a defensive position in Engedi. It's a Moment of Crisis: This verse highlights a critical moment when Judah needed to be ready for a potentially devastating battle. Important Note: This verse is part of a larger narrative of judgment and God’s plan to ultimately defeat the Assyrian Empire. It shows that even in times of crisis, faith and preparation can make a difference. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Give you a little background on the context of 2 Chronicles 20:2? Discuss what this verse might be teaching about God's protection or our response to challenges?

Definition: And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 20:20. It's a really important passage about a massive battle happening during the time of King Judah. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Situation: A Huge Threat: The verse tells us that the enemy, led by Jeroboam, was planning to attack Jerusalem and its surrounding areas. They were determined to destroy the city. God's Call to Action: God called for a massive military response – a “battle” – to defend his people. What Did King Jehoshaphat Do? Early Morning Rise: The soldiers rose very early in the morning. This was a sign of serious urgency and preparation. Into the Wilderness: They went into a large, remote area called the “wilderness of Tekoa.” The wilderness is a place of isolation and focus – it’s a bit like a secret place to prepare. Jehoshaphat Speaks: King Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, took over and spoke to the people. He gave them a clear message: “Hear me, O Judah…” - This is addressing King Judah specifically. “Ye inhabitants of Jerusalem…” – He’s talking to the people in Jerusalem. “Believe in the LORD your God…” – This means to worship and give thanks to God. “…so shall ye be established.” - This is a promise! If you believe in God, it promises that you will be protected and blessed. “Believe his prophets…” - This emphasizes the importance of listening to the messages delivered by God’s messengers (the prophets). “…so shall ye prosper.” – This means your lives will be filled with good things, success, and happiness. In a Nutshell: King Jehoshaphat was urging his people to believe in God and listen to the prophets . He told them to do this immediately to be protected and blessed, leading to prosperity for their city. It’s basically a powerful call to prayer and faith during a time of great danger. Why is this important? This verse highlights that God's plans are often revealed through messengers and that our faith is vital for protection and blessing. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Connect it to a specific event in biblical history?

Definition: And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 20:21. It’s a really important passage about how King David sought God's help and how he called people to praise Him. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: David was facing a massive, terrifying army coming to attack Jerusalem. He needed God’s help to defeat them. He actively asked for the people to praise God – not just silently, but to express their gratitude and reverence for His goodness. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And when he had consulted with the people…” This means David was talking directly to the people of Israel, asking for their input and guidance. He wasn’t just relying on his own wisdom or judgment. “…he appointed singers unto the LORD…” This is a key part. David instructed people to sing to God! It wasn't just any singing; it was songs that expressed praise and reverence. "...and that should praise the beauty of holiness…” “Beauty of holiness” is a fancy way of saying “God’s goodness, His perfection, and His majesty.” David wanted the people to show God how amazing He is. “…as they went out before the army…” This describes the moment when the people were gathering to worship and praise. They were moving towards the battle! "...and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth…” This is where it gets really powerful. David commanded them to speak – to shout out praises – to God. And he said that His mercy (God’s goodness and care) would endure forever . What does this all mean in a nutshell? It’s a message of hope and reassurance. David understood that God is powerful, just, and good. He wasn't going to be defeated by the enemy because God was on His side! The people were being called to actively express their gratitude and faith through song – a way to show how much they appreciated God’s blessings. Why is this important? This verse reminds us that praise and worship are vital, especially when facing challenges. It's a powerful reminder that God's presence and goodness are always with us, even in difficult times. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Connect this passage to a specific story or event from biblical history?

Definition: And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 20:22. It's a really important part of understanding a significant event in ancient Israel’s history. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: “When they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were coming against Judah.” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “When they began to sing and to praise…” – This is key. It means that during a time of great national pride and celebration, the Israelites (and their enemies) started praising God. It was a moment of joy and confidence in their nation. “…the LORD set ambushments against…” – This is where it gets dramatic. The Lord, God, deliberately prepared a dangerous situation for these people. He created obstacles and dangers to stop them from continuing their celebration and moving forward. Think of it like setting traps for someone who’s about to do something big. “…the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir…” – These were groups of people from the region of southwestern Israel (including parts of modern-day Lebanon and Syria). They were actively attacking Judah, which was a key part of the kingdom of Israel at that time. “…which were come against Judah…” - They were specifically targeting the Israelites themselves, pushing them further away from Jerusalem. “and they were smitten.” – This is the most impactful part. The Lord struck these enemies with a powerful and devastating force – a storm of destruction. It wasn't just a battle; it was a complete annihilation (being completely destroyed). What’s the Big Picture? This verse tells us about a time of great danger for Israel. The Israelites were celebrating, which seemed like a good thing, but their actions led to conflict and ultimately, a devastating loss for them. It's a reminder that even when we feel joyful and confident, it’s important to be aware of potential threats and dangers around us. In essence, this verse is about divine judgment and the consequences of disobedience. It highlights God's protection of his people and a warning against straying from His path. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or event from biblical history?

Definition: For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy [them]: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one helped to destroy another.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 20:23. It’s a really significant passage about warfare and God’s protection. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: A Siege: A giant army of Ammonites (a group of people in the region) and Moab (another group) were attacking Mount Seir. Mount Seir was a very important location for the Israelites, and these rebels wanted to take it over. Total Destruction: They completely destroyed the inhabitants of Mount Seir. This included the entire army and everyone who lived there. Helping Each Other: But here’s the really important part: after the attackers had completely taken over, everyone – including the attackers themselves – joined forces to destroy each other . What it Means in Simple Terms: It's a story of betrayal and a desperate attempt to overcome a larger enemy. The Ammonites and Moab attacked Mount Seir with overwhelming force. They succeeded in destroying the people who lived there, but they also turned on each other. They fought amongst themselves, ultimately causing their own destruction. Key Takeaways: It’s about betrayal: The verse highlights a situation where two groups of people worked against each other, leading to a disastrous outcome. God's Protection: It shows that God isn’t just concerned with defeating the enemy; He also protects those who are vulnerable. He intervenes to stop a potentially devastating conflict. Symbolic Meaning (Sometimes Interpreted): Some people interpret this verse as a symbol of human conflict and the potential for division within groups. It's a reminder that even when we’re fighting, it's important to be mindful of our enemies and avoid turning against each other. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Provide more context about the story of 2 Chronicles 20:23? Discuss a specific aspect of this verse (like its historical significance)?

Definition: And when Judah came toward the watch tower in the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude, and, behold, they [were] dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 20:24. It’s a really powerful and sobering passage about a devastating event in Israel's history. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: The Threat: A massive army of the enemy – led by Jeroboam, son of Ahab – was approaching Judah (which is now part of modern-day Israel). They were determined to destroy the people and their land. The Watch Tower: The Israelites were instructed to build a watch tower in the wilderness as a defensive position. Think of it like a fortified outpost. What Happened: As the enemy army approached, they found the watch tower empty. There were dead bodies lying around! It was utterly horrifying. Putting It Together - The Meaning: The verse describes a scene of unimaginable horror and loss. It means: A Massive Attack: The enemy had come to attack and destroy. Complete Destruction: They completely wiped out the people of Judah, leaving no survivors. A Stark Reminder: It’s a powerful reminder that even when you’re prepared to defend yourself, sometimes things can turn against you unexpectedly – and tragically. Key Takeaway: This is a story about the consequences of failing to protect your own people. It highlights the importance of vigilance and preparedness in times of danger. It’s important to note: This verse often gets misinterpreted as a prophecy of complete destruction, but it's more accurately understood as a warning about the dangers of complacency and the need to remain vigilant against evil. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Explore its symbolic meaning (e.g., what does it represent in terms of human fallibility)?

Definition: And when Jehoshaphat and his people came to take away the spoil of them, they found among them in abundance both riches with the dead bodies, and precious jewels, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away: and they were three days in gathering of the spoil, it was so much.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It's a really interesting passage about a battle and a remarkable display of wealth! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: A Siege: The story is set during a siege (a long-term military blockade) of the city of Judah by the army of Sennacherib, King of Assyria – a powerful empire far to the east. Jehoshaphat’s Army: A leader named Jehoshaphat leads a large group of Israelites and their people in defense. The Spoils of War: The enemy (Sennacherib's army) takes what they can, including treasures – gold, jewels, and valuable items. What Happened Next? A Gathering: Jehoshaphat’s men decided to gather all the spoils of war – everything they had collected from the battle. A Huge Amount: They gathered more than they could carry away! It was a massive amount of wealth. Three Days of Waiting: For three days, they stayed in this situation, collecting and storing the treasure. What Does it Mean? This verse highlights two things: 1. The Power of God’s People: It shows that God’s people are powerful and can overcome even the most formidable enemy. They weren't just fighting for their own survival; they were strategically planning to take what they had. 2. A Test of Faith & Perseverance: The verse also speaks about a test of faith. They faced a difficult situation where they were surrounded by wealth, but they didn’t give up. Their steadfastness and preparation demonstrated God's favor and protection. Overall Interpretation: This passage is a story of courage, planning, and God’s blessing on his people. It reminds us that even when things seem overwhelming, we should remain steadfast in our faith and purpose. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Discuss the significance of this story in the Bible? Connect it to a broader theme (like faith, courage, or God’s protection)?

Definition: And on the fourth day they assembled themselves in the valley of Berachah; for there they blessed the LORD: therefore the name of the same place was called, The valley of Berachah, unto this day.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 20:26. It’s a really important passage about how God chose to deal with a huge and powerful enemy. Here's the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Story: Long ago, the kingdom of Judah was being attacked by the army of Sennacherib, king of Assyria – a very powerful empire at the time. The people were terrified and prayed for deliverance. God decided to use a massive battle to defeat them. What Happened Next: A Special Meeting: God called the Israelites’ leaders to a special meeting in the valley of Berachah (a specific area near Jerusalem). Blessing the Lord: The leaders were blessing (thanking and praising) the LORD – that's God – for saving them. This was a really significant act of worship and showing gratitude. Changing the Name: As a result of this blessing, the valley of Berachah was renamed “The Valley of Berachah” – it’s still called that today! It became a place of reverence and remembrance of God's deliverance. What It Means - A Simple Summary: This verse shows that when God chooses to help us, He changes our environment and gives us a special way to remember His goodness. The valley of Berachah was chosen as a place where they honored and thanked the Lord for his protection. Key Takeaway: It's about God’s sovereignty – He is in control and chooses how to respond to situations. It also highlights the importance of prayer, worship, and recognizing His power. --- Do you want me to go into more detail on any specific aspect of this verse? For example, would you like to know: More about the historical context (why this valley was chosen)? The meaning of "blessing" in this context? What does it tell us about God's relationship with His people?

Definition: Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, and Jehoshaphat in the forefront of them, to go again to Jerusalem with joy; for the LORD had made them to rejoice over their enemies.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 20:27. It’s a really important passage about a big battle and a huge celebration! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: During the reign of King Judah, Israel was facing a massive threat – the mighty army of Chemash, who were attacking Jerusalem. They were planning to destroy the city. What happened? They Returned: The people of Judah and Jerusalem (the entire region) gathered together, led by King Jehoshaphat. They Rejoiced! They were incredibly happy – they knew God was with them and that He would protect them. It wasn’t just a simple "goodbye" - it was a huge celebration because they believed God was helping them win. They Went to Jerusalem: They marched all the way back to Jerusalem, where the Temple was located. The Key Message: This verse is about God's power and His faithfulness. It’s saying that because God was with them, they were able to overcome their enemies and achieve a joyous victory. It emphasizes that God’s presence and protection are vital for success. In short, it's a story of faith, courage, and God's ultimate triumph over evil. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific part of the verse in more detail? Give you some context about the situation in 2 Chronicles 20:27?

Definition: And they came to Jerusalem with psalteries and harps and trumpets unto the house of the LORD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 20:28. It's a really important part of the story of King David’s final battle against Goliath. Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, they were bringing offerings and musical instruments to the Temple in Jerusalem. Let’s unpack that a little further: “And they came…” : This indicates a group of people – likely the Israelites – were traveling towards Jerusalem. “…with psalteries and harps and trumpets” : These are symbolic items used in religious ceremonies. A psalter is a book of prayers and songs, and a harp was a large musical instrument often played during worship. “unto the house of the LORD” : This means they were bringing these things to the Tabernacle – which was a special place where God lived among His people in Jerusalem. It was a sacred space for prayer and worship. What’s the significance? This is a crucial part of the story because it shows: David's Preparation: It demonstrates that David, after his exile, was still actively involved in religious practices and preparing for a potential return to Jerusalem. A Show of Faith & Worship: Bringing these offerings was a way for David to show his devotion and trust in God, even before he could return home. In short, it’s a story about honoring God through prayer, music, and a dedicated effort to bring the people together. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context about the story of David and Goliath?