2 Chronicles 20:9 – “‘If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.’”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, King Jehoshaphat continues his prayer by reminding God of the promise that He would hear and save His people when they turn to Him in times of trouble. Jehoshaphat recalls the covenant God made with Israel—that when calamity strikes, whether it be war, plague, or famine, the people of Judah could come before the temple, call out to God, and trust that He would respond.
Jehoshaphat is leading the people to declare their dependence on God in the face of danger. The phrase “we will stand in your presence” shows that the people believed the temple represented God’s presence among them. By standing before the temple, they were standing before God Himself. This act of faith—trusting that God would hear and save them—demonstrates their confidence in God’s power and faithfulness.
Historical Context
At the time of this prayer, Judah was facing an imminent invasion from a coalition of enemy nations. The people were outnumbered and outmatched. Jehoshaphat’s prayer is part of a broader plea for divine intervention. Historically, the temple in Jerusalem was the center of worship for the Israelites, representing the place where God’s presence dwelled. This verse refers back to Solomon’s prayer at the temple’s dedication, where he asked God to hear the prayers of the people when they came to the temple in times of trouble (1 Kings 8:37-39).
Jehoshaphat reminds God and the people of this promise as they face a new crisis, invoking the assurance that God had given His people that He would deliver them when they humbly sought His help.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the important biblical truth that God hears the cries of His people when they seek Him in times of trouble. It shows the covenant relationship between God and Israel—when they face calamity and turn to Him, God promises to respond. Jehoshaphat’s prayer points to the idea that God is not distant or indifferent to His people’s struggles. Instead, He is deeply involved and ready to act when they call on Him.
Another key theological point is the recognition that calamity can take many forms—whether it is war, disease, or famine—and that none of these are beyond God’s power to address. Jehoshaphat’s prayer reminds us that no matter what we face, we can bring it before God and trust Him to intervene. This verse also teaches about the role of faith in approaching God—knowing that He not only hears but also saves.
Literary Analysis
This verse is part of Jehoshaphat’s larger prayer, which builds a case for God’s help by appealing to His past faithfulness and promises. The structure of the verse includes a conditional statement—”If calamity comes”—which reflects the human reality that trouble will come. However, the focus of the verse is not on the calamity itself but on the response: standing before God and crying out for help.
The phrase “before this temple that bears your Name” emphasizes the holiness and significance of the temple as a place where God’s presence is especially known. The repetition of phrases like “we will stand” and “you will hear us and save us” reinforces the confidence the people had in God’s promise to rescue them. The literary style of this prayer is both communal and personal, involving the entire nation but also deeply connected to their individual and collective relationship with God.
Biblical Cross-References
- 1 Kings 8:37-39 – “When famine or plague comes to the land, or blight or mildew, locusts or grasshoppers, or when an enemy besieges them in any of their cities, whatever disaster or disease may come…then hear from heaven… and forgive and act.” This prayer by Solomon connects directly to Jehoshaphat’s reference in 2 Chronicles 20:9.
- Psalm 50:15 – “Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.” This verse reflects God’s promise to deliver His people when they call on Him.
- Isaiah 65:24 – “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.” This speaks to God’s readiness to hear and respond to His people’s cries for help.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a powerful reminder that God is always available to hear us when we turn to Him in times of distress. Just as the people of Judah cried out to God in their crisis, we are invited to bring our troubles—whether they are personal, physical, or spiritual—before God with confidence that He will hear and respond.
This verse also teaches us about the importance of faith and trust in God’s promises. We don’t face life’s challenges alone. Like the people of Judah, we can “stand in His presence” through prayer, trusting that He is faithful to listen and act. In times of uncertainty or crisis, we can find comfort knowing that God invites us to call out to Him and promises to be our deliverer.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse shows the love of God in His willingness to hear His people when they are in trouble. God’s love is not passive—He is actively engaged in the lives of His people, ready to respond when they turn to Him. The invitation to “cry out” to God is a sign of His desire for relationship. He doesn’t abandon His people in their distress but instead invites them to bring their needs to Him.
God’s promise to hear and save also reflects His deep compassion. He understands the struggles we face and offers His help. This verse shows that God’s love is not just a comforting idea; it’s a practical, life-saving reality. When we face calamity, we can depend on His love to sustain us and guide us through difficult times.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ in a powerful way, as Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise to hear and save His people. In the New Testament, Jesus is often described as the one who intercedes for us, bringing our prayers directly to the Father.
- Hebrews 4:16 – “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Through Jesus, we have access to God’s presence, just as the people of Judah came before the temple to seek God’s help.
- John 14:13-14 – “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” Jesus invites us to pray in His name, promising that God hears and responds to our cries for help.
Jesus is the perfect mediator who stands between us and God, ensuring that our prayers are heard. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus made it possible for us to confidently approach God in every situation, knowing that He will hear and save.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Jehoshaphat’s example of turning to God in times of crisis encourage you to bring your own struggles to God?
- What does this verse teach you about God’s willingness to hear and respond to your prayers?
- In what ways can you “stand in God’s presence” through prayer when facing challenges in your life?
- How does knowing that Jesus intercedes for you change the way you approach God in prayer?
- What can you learn from the faith of the people of Judah, who trusted that God would hear and save them in their distress?
This verse invites us to trust in God’s promise to hear and respond when we face trouble, knowing that He is faithful and loving. Through Jesus Christ, we have confidence that God will act on our behalf, bringing us deliverance and peace in times of need.