2 Chronicles 20:6 – “Lord, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, King Jehoshaphat begins his prayer to God as his kingdom faces an overwhelming threat from invading armies. Instead of starting with a plea for help, Jehoshaphat focuses on acknowledging who God is. He starts by reminding himself and the people that God is the same powerful God who has always been with them—the “God of our ancestors.” This not only points to God’s unchanging nature but also recalls the history of God’s faithfulness to their forefathers, such as Abraham, Moses, and David.
Jehoshaphat further emphasizes that God is sovereign, ruling over all kingdoms and nations, not just Judah. He acknowledges that God holds power and might in His hands and that no one, not even a vast army, can stand against God’s will. The verse is a declaration of God’s supreme authority and a reminder that His power is greater than any human force.
Historical Context
This verse occurs during a period when King Jehoshaphat ruled over Judah. He was known for his efforts to bring the nation back to the worship of the true God. However, his kingdom faced a significant threat from a coalition of enemy forces: the Moabites, Ammonites, and others. When Jehoshaphat was informed of the massive army advancing against Judah, he immediately called the people together for prayer and fasting, acknowledging that they had no hope of victory without God’s intervention.
In the ancient Near East, kings often depended on their military strength or political alliances to protect their nations. But Jehoshaphat takes a different approach. He leads the nation in seeking divine help, showing that he trusts God’s power more than military strategies or human alliances.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse emphasizes God’s sovereignty. Jehoshaphat declares that God rules not only over Judah but over all nations. This is a fundamental truth throughout the Bible: God’s authority extends everywhere, and no earthly power can stand against Him.
Another important theological point is the focus on God’s might. Jehoshaphat’s prayer shows that all power and strength belong to God alone. While human leaders may boast of their armies and resources, this verse reminds us that true power resides with God. It’s a message of humility—recognizing that human strength is limited, but God’s strength is infinite.
The verse also teaches us about the importance of remembering God’s past faithfulness. By referring to God as the “God of our ancestors,” Jehoshaphat is reminding the people of God’s consistent help in the past, giving them confidence that He will act again in their current crisis.
Literary Analysis
This verse is part of a larger prayer in which Jehoshaphat seeks God’s help during a national emergency. The structure of the prayer begins with adoration, focusing on who God is before making any requests. This method of prayer—praising God for His attributes and remembering His past works—sets a tone of faith and trust.
The rhetorical questions in the verse, such as “Are you not the God who is in heaven?” serve to remind the people of truths they already know. By framing these truths as questions, Jehoshaphat leads the people to reaffirm their faith in God’s power. The declaration that “no one can withstand you” builds confidence in God’s ultimate control over the situation, regardless of how dire it may seem from a human perspective.
Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 24:1 – “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” This echoes the truth that God rules over all nations and kingdoms.
- Daniel 4:35 – “All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: ‘What have you done?’” This verse also highlights God’s unquestionable authority over the world.
- Psalm 147:5 – “Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.” This reflects the same acknowledgment of God’s might and power that Jehoshaphat proclaims.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, 2 Chronicles 20:6 is a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty and power in the midst of life’s challenges. Just as Jehoshaphat faced an impossible situation, we often encounter difficulties that seem beyond our control—whether they are personal struggles, global crises, or societal issues. This verse teaches us to begin by focusing on who God is, rather than immediately worrying about the size of the problem.
When we are reminded that God rules over all things, we can have peace knowing that He is in control, even when our circumstances feel chaotic. By acknowledging God’s power and might, we recognize that no obstacle is too great for Him to handle.
Additionally, this verse challenges Christians to trust in God’s strength rather than their own. It teaches us that, in moments of fear or uncertainty, our first step should be to turn to God in prayer, as Jehoshaphat did, trusting that God’s hand is at work even when we cannot see the outcome.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects a loving God who is both powerful and intimately involved with His people. While God’s power is immense and His rule extends over all nations, He is not distant or detached. Jehoshaphat’s prayer acknowledges that this same powerful God is the one who has walked with His people through generations of struggle and deliverance.
God’s love is shown in His willingness to listen to the prayers of His people and act on their behalf. He doesn’t leave them to face overwhelming threats alone. Jehoshaphat’s prayer is a reminder that, even in His majesty and power, God cares deeply for His people and intervenes when they seek Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jehoshaphat’s prayer points to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s sovereignty and power in the person of Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, Jesus is revealed as the King of kings and Lord of lords, with all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). Just as Jehoshaphat declared that no one could withstand God, Jesus proved this by overcoming the greatest enemies of humanity: sin and death.
- Colossians 2:15 – “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” Jesus’ victory on the cross demonstrates that all power and authority belong to Him.
- Philippians 2:9-11 – “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.” Jesus is the ultimate expression of God’s power, and His reign extends over all things, just as Jehoshaphat declared about God in his prayer.
Through Jesus, we see the full realization of God’s power and love working together to bring salvation and victory for His people.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- When you face difficult situations, how can Jehoshaphat’s prayer help you focus on God’s greatness rather than your problems?
- How does the knowledge of God’s rule over all things give you confidence in the face of uncertainty?
- In what ways can you remember and reflect on God’s past faithfulness in your own life, as Jehoshaphat did in this prayer?
- How does Jesus’ ultimate authority over sin and death bring you hope in the midst of life’s struggles?
- How can this verse encourage you to begin your prayers with praise and acknowledgment of who God is before bringing your requests to Him?
This verse reminds us to trust in the unmatched power of God and to seek Him first in times of crisis, knowing that His sovereignty and love extend to every aspect of our lives. Through Jesus, we have access to this same power and the assurance that nothing can stand against the plans of our mighty God.