2 Chronicles 20:2
Arabic 2023 (SAB) (الكتاب الشريف)
فَجَاءَ بَعْضُ النَّاسِ وَبَلَّغُوا يُوشَفَاطَ وَقَالُوا لَهُ: ”جَيْشٌ كَبِيرٌ قَادِمٌ عَلَيْكَ مِنْ أَدُومَ مِنْ جِهَةِ الْبَحْرِ الْمَيِّتِ، وَقَدْ وَصَلُوا إِلَى حَزَازُونَ تَمَارَةَ، أَيْ عَيْنَ جَدْيَ.“
What Does This Mean?
This verse tells us that Jehoshaphat, a king, was informed about a large group of people coming to attack him. They were coming from across the sea and on the Syrian side, and they were located in a place called Hazazon-tamar, which is also known as Engedi.
Explained for Children
Imagine you're playing a game and suddenly your friend tells you that a big group of players is coming to your side of the playground. They are coming from far away, and they are already at the swings. That's what happened to King Jehoshaphat, but it was a real situation and much more serious.
Historical Background
This passage is from 2 Chronicles, a book in the Old Testament written by an unknown author after the Babylonian exile. It was written for the post-exilic community to remind them of their history and the faithfulness of God. The cultural setting is one where kings needed to be alert to threats from neighboring nations.
Living It Out Today
In modern times, this verse can remind us to be aware of potential threats or challenges in our lives and to seek God's guidance and help, just like Jehoshaphat did when he faced the approaching multitude.
Topics
God's protectionLeadershipThreatsAwarenessSeeking divine helpHistorical accounts
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Jehoshaphat's immediate response to this news?
Jehoshaphat sought God's help immediately after receiving this news, showing how a leader should respond to threats by turning to God.
How does this event reflect the historical context of the time?
This event reflects the common threat of invasions in ancient times, highlighting the need for constant vigilance and reliance on divine intervention.
What can we learn about the location of Engedi?
Engedi was a significant location, known for its strategic importance and natural resources, which made it a place of interest for both attacks and defenses.
How does this passage relate to other biblical stories of threats?
This passage echoes other biblical stories where leaders faced significant threats, like Joshua facing the Canaanites, and the consistent theme of seeking God's help in times of trouble.