Definition: And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 20:3. It's a really important passage about a king facing a huge crisis! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, Jehoshaphat was worried and started praying for God. Let’s unpack that a little further: “And Jehoshaphat feared…” – This means he felt scared or anxious. It wasn't just a simple worry; he understood there was something serious happening. “…and set himself to seek the LORD…” - He started making a dedicated effort to turn to God, to pray and worship Him. “And proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.” – This is the big part. He organized a huge, communal fast across all of Judah (the area around Jerusalem). A fast meant people stopped eating, drinking, and doing many other things for a period of time. It was a way to show his devotion and repentance to God. So, what's the bigger picture? This verse tells us that when Jehoshaphat faced a major threat – likely a war or a rebellion – he took proactive steps to turn to God. He wasn’t just complaining; he was actively seeking His help and guidance. It shows his faith and leadership in a time of great difficulty. In essence, it's a story about obedience and prayer as a response to danger. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this verse is significant? Give you some examples of other times Jehoshaphat prayed?

Definition: So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet: for his God gave him rest round about.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 20:30 together. It's a really important and comforting passage. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a time of peace and stability for the people of Jehoshaphat. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet…” – "Realm" refers to their kingdom or city. "Quiet" means peaceful and undisturbed. It's a moment where everything was calm and secure. “…for his God gave him rest round about.” - This is the key part. “His God” refers to God, specifically God’s power and protection. “Gave him rest” means God gave Jehoshaphat a period of safety and tranquility – a time where he could be in control and not threatened. Putting it all together: 2 Chronicles 20:30 tells us that because God was protecting Jehoshaphat, they were at peace and secure. It wasn't a perfect, unchanging situation, but it was a moment of blessed stability. What’s the Significance? This verse is often used to represent times of blessing and protection – times when God is watching over his people and safeguarding them from danger. It speaks to the idea that God is always present and vigilant. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Answer a specific question about this verse?

Definition: And Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah: [he was] thirty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name [was] Azubah the daughter of Shilhi.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 20:31 together. It’s a really significant passage about a king's reign and a powerful blessing. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Jehoshaphat was King: This verse tells us about a king named Jehoshaphat who ruled over Judah (a region of Israel). He Started Strong: He began his reign at just 30 and 5 years old. That’s a long time to be in charge! Long Reign in Jerusalem: After that, he reigned for 25 years in Jerusalem . That means he was the king of the city itself – he oversaw its life, laws, and people. His Mother's Name: The verse then tells us about his mother’s name: Azubah, daughter of Shilhi. “Shilhi” is a very important name in biblical history – it refers to a royal family who were very powerful and influential. What Does It Mean? This story emphasizes several things: Divine Favor: The verse highlights that Jehoshaphat was favored by God. He was chosen to rule, and his reign was blessed. Strength & Leadership: The long reign in Jerusalem shows his leadership and the power of his decisions. A Family Connection: The mention of Azubah and Shilhi adds a layer of history and perhaps a connection to an important lineage – it suggests a strong family tradition that played a role in his rule. Overall Significance: 2 Chronicles 20:31 is a story about a king who was blessed, powerful, and guided by God for a long period. It’s a reminder of how God can favor those who are faithful and serve Him well. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific part in more detail? Connect this verse to a particular story or event in the Bible?

Definition: And he walked in the way of Asa his father, and departed not from it, doing [that which was] right in the sight of the LORD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 20:32. It’s a really important passage about leadership and obedience. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes King Asa of Israel (who was facing a huge threat from the Northern Kingdom) staying true to his path – staying on the right course, even when things were difficult. It’s saying he didn’t stray from the way God wanted him to go. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And he walked in the way of Asa his father…” - This refers to King Asa himself. He was a leader who had been struggling with a challenge – a large, hostile army threatening Israel. “…and departed not from it…” - This is the key part! "Departed" means he didn't change his course or stop moving forward. He didn’t give in to fear or doubt. "...doing [that which was] right in the sight of the LORD." – This is where it gets important. “Doing that which was right” means following God’s commands and principles. It's about being righteous and doing what’s morally correct. “In the sight of the LORD” means he was showing his obedience to God, even when others might not see it. What does this mean practically? This verse is a reminder that leadership isn’t always easy. It means: Staying True to Your Purpose: It's important to keep doing what you believe is right, even when it's tough. Following God’s Plan: We should try our best to align with God's will and purposes for our lives and our nation. Resilience & Perseverance: Asa showed incredible strength and determination – he didn’t give up, even when facing overwhelming odds. In short, this verse is about demonstrating faithfulness and obedience to God through difficult times. --- Would you like me to: Explain another Bible verse? Give you a little more context about the story of Asa?

Definition: Howbeit the high places were not taken away: for as yet the people had not prepared their hearts unto the God of their fathers.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 2 Chronicles 20:33. It's a really important and somewhat dramatic part of the story of Israel’s final battle against Goliath. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Goliath Defeats Israel: In the Bible, Goliath was a giant warrior who attacked Jerusalem with stones. The Israelites were hopelessly outnumbered and facing a terrifying challenge. High Places – A Place of Rebellion: The verse refers to a specific location – a place called “high places” – that the Israelites had been building up in their defiance against God. This was a symbol of a rebellious, self-centered way of life. They were prioritizing their own desires and comfort over obeying God’s commands. What the Verse Says: “Howbeit the high places were not taken away: for as yet the people had not prepared their hearts unto the God of their fathers.” Let's unpack that: "Howbeit..." - A Contrast: This word is a key part of the passage. It means "even though." It’s highlighting a significant contrast – something was happening, but it wasn’t ideal. “the high places were not taken away” – This directly points to the rebellion and focus on their own comfort and desires. They had been building up this place as a symbol of defiance. "for as yet..." - A Promise: This emphasizes that before this happened, there was a crucial opportunity for repentance and change. “the people had not prepared their hearts unto the God of their fathers” – This is the core of the message. It means: “The Israelites hadn’t truly started to listen to God's instructions and recognize that they were disobeying him.” They weren't ready to turn back to Him, to seek His guidance, or to put his will first. They were focused on their own interests rather than serving God. In a nutshell: The verse is telling us that the Israelites’ focus on building up a place of rebellion and self-centeredness was a problem. It was a warning – they needed to change their ways, or they were doomed to fail. It's about recognizing that true faith and obedience require more than just belief; it requires preparation – a willingness to listen, obey, and submit to God’s will. Why is this important? It's a foundational moment in the story of Israel. It sets the stage for their ultimate defeat and highlights the need for spiritual maturity and submission to God’s authority. It’s a reminder that true victory comes not just from strength, but from a changed heart and a willingness to follow God’s path. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of the kind of behavior described by “the high places”? Connect it to a specific part of the Bible?

Definition: Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, first and last, behold, they [are] written in the book of Jehu the son of Hanani, who [is] mentioned in the book of the kings of Israel.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse. It’s a bit complicated at first, but here's a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is about a time when Jehoshaphat, a king of Israel, was facing a huge threat – a massive invasion by the enemy. The verse describes a record of his actions before and after this crisis. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat…” : This refers to everything that happened during Jehoshaphat's reign – his leadership, decisions, and challenges. “…first and last…” : This means we’re looking at the beginning and end of his time as king. “…they [are] written in the book of Jehu the son of Hanani…” : This is where it gets interesting. The book of Jehu is a story about a man named Jehu who was executed for treason. This verse says that after Jehu’s reign, there's a record of his actions – things he did and said – preserved in this book. “…who [is] mentioned in the book of the kings of Israel.” : This is crucial. The book of Jehu tells the story of Jehu’s downfall. This verse says that this record (the book about Jehu) was written down because the story of Jehu was already recorded in a larger, more important history – the history of the kings of Israel. So, what does it mean? Basically, this verse tells us that Jehoshaphat’s story is part of a bigger, longer history of Israel's rulers and their actions. It shows how his leadership led to challenges and ultimately his downfall. In simpler terms: It’s like saying, "After Jehu was king, there's a record of what he did that happened before he was executed." Does that make sense? Do you want me to explain any part of it in more detail, or perhaps connect it to a specific story or theme? For example, are you interested in: The significance of the story of Jehu? How this verse relates to other Bible stories?

Definition: And after this did Jehoshaphat king of Judah join himself with Ahaziah king of Israel, who did very wickedly:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 2 Chronicles 20:35. It's a really dramatic and unsettling part of the story of the Battle of Wagad. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Previous Events: Before this verse, we’ve been following a period where Judah and Israel were divided. There was a conflict between two kings – Ahaziah of Israel and Jehoshaphat of Judah. A Rebellion: Jehoshaphat was trying to unite the two kingdoms, but he faced resistance from a rebel group led by a man named Ahaziah. This rebellion was causing trouble and disrupting peace. What Happened Next: Joining Forces: Suddenly, Jehoshaphat and Ahaziah joined forces . This is incredibly unusual – it means they were fighting together! "Very Wickedly": This is the key part. The word "wickedly" suggests a very immoral and brutal behavior. It implies a significant degree of cruelty, perhaps even savagery. Overall Meaning - A Warning: The verse essentially warns us that this alliance between Jehoshaphat and Ahaziah was deeply wrong and dangerous. It suggests they were engaging in something morally reprehensible – possibly leading to widespread destruction and violence. It’s a stark reminder that even alliances can be tainted with darkness. Important Note: The context of the Bible is always important when interpreting these verses. This passage is often seen as a foreshadowing of the devastating consequences of this alliance, which ultimately led to the downfall of Judah and Israel. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of this event in more detail?

Definition: And he joined himself with him to make ships to go to Tarshish: and they made the ships in Eziongeber.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 20:36. It's a pretty fascinating and important passage about David’s strategy for escaping Moab. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: David was facing a serious threat – the Moabites were determined to destroy him and his people. To escape, he decided to build ships and sail to Tarshish, a port city located on the Mediterranean Sea, near modern-day Israel. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And he joined himself with him…” : This refers to David’s leadership – he was leading the army. “…to make ships to go to Tarshish:” : He needed a way to get away from Moab. He planned to sail to Tarshish. “…and they made the ships in Eziongeber.” : This is the key part. "Eziongeber" was a specific, well-protected harbor on the coast of Israel – it was a strategically important place. David’s army built their ships in this harbor. So, essentially, David and his soldiers built ships to travel to Tarshish as a way to escape Moab. Why is this significant? This story highlights several important things: David's bravery and leadership: It shows David’s willingness to take risks for the good of his people. Strategic thinking: He wasn’t just fighting; he was planning a clever maneuver to avoid being captured. Divine Providence: The verse suggests that God was working behind the scenes, guiding David's actions. It's a story about a plan orchestrated by God. In short, this verse tells us about a daring escape strategy led by David, involving building ships and establishing a base of operations in a specific harbor. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss the historical context (when was it written, who was involved)? Give you a more detailed explanation of the significance of Tarshish?

Definition: Then Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, Because thou hast joined thyself with Ahaziah, the LORD hath broken thy works. And the ships were broken, that they were not able to go to Tarshish.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 20:37 together. It's a pretty dramatic and unsettling passage about a conflict in ancient Judah. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Jehoshaphat was a powerful king: He ruled over Judah and Israel, and he was known for his piety and good leadership. Eliezer, a young man, predicted disaster: Eliezer prophesied that Jehoshaphat’s actions – perhaps involving a dangerous alliance or something that angered God – were causing problems. The ships were broken: This is the key part. Eliezer said that because Jehoshaphat had made a terrible choice, the ships he sent to Tarshish (a port city far away) were wrecked and unable to reach their destination. What it Means in Simple Terms: This verse describes a major crisis triggered by Jehoshaphat’s choices. It suggests that Jehoshaphat's actions – maybe involving a risky deal or a situation where he wasn't completely truthful – angered God. Because of this anger, God deliberately ruined the ships and prevented them from reaching their intended place. Symbolic Meaning (A bit deeper): Ahaziah: This refers to Ahaziah, the king who had been exiled by his own family in the past. It symbolizes a broken relationship with God or a situation where a king's actions lead to hardship for others. “Joined thyself with Ahaziah” : This is a powerful image – it suggests a deep and perhaps destructive alliance that angered God. Overall Significance: This verse highlights the idea that God’s judgment can come unexpectedly from those who are trying to be righteous. It's a warning against seeking power or alliances at any cost, as they could lead to disaster. It speaks to the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God’s will. Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss its historical context? Explore its symbolic meaning in more detail?