2 Chronicles 20:20
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.
2 Chronicles 20:20 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from 2 Chronicles 20:20, Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, is addressing the people of Jerusalem and Judah as they are about to face a great battle. He urges them to believe in the LORD their God so that they may be established and to believe in the prophets so that they may prosper. This message serves as a reminder to the people of the importance of faith and trust in God during challenging times. By emphasizing the significance of both faith in God and belief in the words of His prophets, Jehoshaphat is encouraging the people to rely on their spiritual strength and guidance in the face of adversity. The verse communicates the notion that by placing their trust in God and following His guidance through His chosen messengers, the people can find stability and success in their endeavors. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faith and obedience to God's word in achieving prosperity and fulfillment.
Theological Overview
In this verse from 2 Chronicles 20:20, King Jehoshaphat implores the people of Judah and Jerusalem to have faith in the Lord their God and in His prophets. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the importance of trust and belief in God's word through His chosen messengers. By encouraging the people to believe in the Lord, Jehoshaphat is emphasizing the foundational role of faith in establishing a strong relationship with God and experiencing His blessings. The word "believe" in this context signifies not just a passive acceptance of God's existence but an active trust in His promises and guidance. Through this exhortation, Jehoshaphat is urging the people to center their lives around their faith in God and in the messages delivered by His prophets, knowing that this trust will lead to their prosperity and stability. The theological significance of this verse underscores the essential role of faith in the Christian walk, emphasizing the powerful impact that belief in God can have on one's life.
2 Chronicles 20:20 in other translations
American Standard Version
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 Jehovah your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.
World English Bible
They rose early in the morning, and went out into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, Judah, and you inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in Yahweh your God, so you shall be established! Believe his prophets, so you shall prosper.”
Douay-Rheims
And they rose early in the morning, and went out through the desert of Thecua: and as they were marching, Josaphat standing in the midst of them, said: Hear me, ye men of Juda, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem: believe in the Lord your God, and you shall be secure: believe his prophets, and all things shall succeed well.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And when they arose early in the morning, they went forth to the wildernesse of Tekoa: and as they departed, Iehoshaphat stoode and sayde, Heare ye me, O Iudah, and ye inhabitants of Ierusalem: put your trust in the Lord your God, and ye shalbe assured: beleeue his Prophets, and ye shall prosper.