2 Chronicles 20-24
Jehovah’s Word Is Alive
Highlights From the Book of 2 Chronicles
CHAPTER 20
POINT TMS – Why and how must we “take [our] position” and “stand still” in our
day? (2 Chron. 20:17) [Dec. 21, w05 12/1 p. 21 par. 2; w03 6/1 p. 21 pars. 15-16]
20:17. To “see the salvation of Jehovah,” we need to “take [our] position” in active
support of God’s Kingdom. Rather than take matters into our own hands, we must “stand
still,” placing our implicit trust in Jehovah.
*** w14 12/15 pp. 23-24 par. 8 Facing the End of This Old World Together ***
8
In King Jehoshaphat’s
day, God’s people faced a
formidable enemy, “a large
crowd” from surrounding
areas. (2 Chron. 20:1, 2)
Commendably,
God’s
servants did not try to
conquer the enemy in their
own strength. Instead, they
turned to Jehovah. (Read
2 Chronicles 20:3, 4.) And
they did not do so independently, each as he saw fit or felt inclined. The Bible record tells
us: “All those of Judah were standing before Jehovah, along with their little ones, their
wives, and their children.” (2 Chron. 20:13) Whether young or old, they strove together in
faith to follow Jehovah’s direction, and Jehovah protected them against their enemy.
(2 Chron. 20:20-27) Is this not a fine example of how to face challenges as God’s people?
*** w11 11/15 p. 8 par. 11 “Do Not Lean Upon Your Own Understanding” ***
11 “Jehoshaphat became afraid and set his face to search for Jehovah,” says the Bible.
He declared a fast for all Judah and collected the people together “to inquire of Jehovah.”
Then he stood up in the congregation of Judah and of Jerusalem and prayed. In part, he
pleaded: “O our God, will you not execute judgment upon them? For in us there is no power
before this large crowd that is coming against us; and we ourselves do not know what we
ought to do, but our eyes are toward you.” The true God heard Jehoshaphat’s prayer and
provided a miraculous deliverance. (2 Chron. 20:3-12, 17) When making decisions,
especially those that may affect our spirituality, should we not rely on Jehovah rather than
lean upon our own understanding?
*** w10 1/15 p. 29 par. 4 Jehovah’s Way of Ruling Vindicated! ***
4
Still, it is good to remember that even
though Jehovah permitted humans to exercise
self-rule, he at no time relinquished his right to
rule over his creatures. Even the powerful king of
Babylon was forced to realize that ultimately “the
Most High is Ruler in the kingdom of mankind.”
(Dan. 4:17) In the long run, God’s Kingdom will
cause his will to be done. (Matt. 6:10) True, in
the short term, Jehovah has allowed Satan to act
as “the god of this system of things” in order to provide a convincing answer to the issues
that were raised by that opposer. (2 Cor. 4:4; 1 John 5:19) Nevertheless, Satan has never
been able to go beyond what Jehovah permits. (2 Chron. 20:6; compare Job 1:11, 12; 2:36.) And there have always been some individuals who chose to subject themselves to God,
even though they were living in a world ruled by God’s great Adversary.
*** w09 6/15 p. 8 pars. 9-10 Be Zealous for Jehovah’s House! ***
9
Jehoshaphat ruled as king in Judah during the tenth century B.C.E. He and all Judah
faced the threat of the combined forces of Ammon, Moab, and the people of the
mountainous region of Seir. Although he was afraid, what did the king do? He and his men,
together with their wives and children, gathered at Jehovah’s house to pray. (Read
2 Chronicles 20:3-6.) In line with Solomon’s words uttered earlier at the dedication of the
temple, Jehoshaphat movingly beseeched Jehovah: “O our God, will you not execute
judgment upon them? For in us there is no power before this large crowd that is coming
against us; and we ourselves do not know what we ought to do, but our eyes are toward
you.” (2 Chron. 20:12, 13) After Jehoshaphat prayed, there “in the middle of the
congregation,” Jehovah’s spirit moved Jahaziel, a Levite, to utter words of comfort that
instilled confidence in the people.—Read 2 Chronicles 20:14-17.
10
Yes, back then, Jehoshaphat and the kingdom of Judah received direction from
Jehovah through Jahaziel. Today, we receive comfort and direction through the faithful and
discreet slave class. Certainly, we always want to cooperate with and show respect for the
appointed elders, who work hard in shepherding us and implementing the directions of “the
faithful and discreet slave.”—Matt. 24:45; 1 Thess. 5:12, 13.
*** w09 6/15 pp. 8-9 pars. 11-12 Be Zealous for Jehovah’s House! ***
11 Just as Jehoshaphat and his people gathered together to seek Jehovah’s guidance,
let us not neglect regular attendance at congregation meetings along with our brothers and
sisters. If we sometimes find ourselves in sore straits, not knowing what to do, let us follow
the fine example set by Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah and turn to Jehovah in prayer
with full trust in Him. (Prov. 3:5, 6; Phil. 4:6, 7) Even if we are isolated, our petitions to
Jehovah unite us with “the entire association of [our] brothers in the world.”—1 Pet. 5:9.
Jehoshaphat and his people followed Jahaziel’s God-given direction. With what
result? They came off victorious in the ensuing battle and returned to Jerusalem “with
rejoicing” and “with stringed instruments and with harps and with trumpets to the house of
Jehovah.” (2 Chron. 20:27, 28) We likewise respect Jehovah’s direction given through his
channel and join in praising him.
12
*** w06 6/1 pp. 22-23 par. 7 Jehovah Tells “From the Beginning the Finale” ***
Nearly four centuries before Cyrus’ conquest of Babylon, King
Jehoshaphat of Judah faced the combined armies of Ammon and Moab. He
confidently prayed: “O Jehovah the God of our forefathers, are you not God in
the heavens, and are you not dominating over all the kingdoms of the nations,
and are there not in your hand power and mightiness, with no one to hold his
ground against you?” (2 Chronicles 20:6) … We can have full confidence that
Jehovah’s “word” always comes true. God’s purpose is infallible.
7
*** w05 12/1 p. 21 par. 1 Highlights From the Book of Second Chronicles ***
20:1-28. We can be confident that Jehovah will let himself be found by us when we
humbly turn to him for direction.—Proverbs 15:29.
*** w99 1/15 pp. 12-13 par. 10 Are Your Prayers “Prepared as Incense”? ***
10 If we do not know how to deal with a certain crisis, we can be confident that Jehovah
will hear our petitions for help. This was illustrated in the days of Judean King Jehoshaphat,
whose 25-year reign began in 936 B.C.E. When Judah was threatened by the combined
forces of Moab, Ammon, and the mountainous region of Seir, Jehoshaphat pleaded: “O our
God, will you not execute judgment upon them? For in us there is no power before this
large crowd that is coming against us; and we ourselves do not know what we ought to do,
but our eyes are toward you.” Jehovah answered that humble prayer, fighting for Judah by
striking the enemy ranks with confusion so that they slaughtered one another. As a result,
the surrounding nations became fearful, and peace prevailed in Judah. (2 Chronicles 20:130) When we lack the wisdom needed to meet a crisis, like Jehoshaphat we can pray: ‘We
do not know what we ought to do, but our eyes are toward you, Jehovah.’ The holy spirit
may cause us to recall Scriptural points needed to solve the problem, or God may help us
in a way that surpasses human reasoning.—Romans 8:26, 27.
*** w99 7/1 p. 21 par. 14 Families, Praise God as Part of His Congregation ***
14
As with all matters that involve our worship, it is important to prepare our hearts. We
need to discuss not only what we are going to do but also why we are going to do it. In the
days of King Jehoshaphat, the people were given instruction in divine law, but the Bible
tells us that they “had not yet prepared their heart.” This left them vulnerable to enticements
that could take them away from true worship. (2 Chronicles 20:33; 21:11) Our goal is not
simply to be able to report hours spent in the field service, nor is it merely to place literature.
Our ministry should be an expression of our love for Jehovah and of our love for people
who need the opportunity to choose life. (Hebrews 13:15) It is activity in which we are
“God’s fellow workers.” (1 Corinthians 3:9) What a privilege! As we share in the ministry,
we do so in cooperation with the holy angels. (Revelation 14:6, 7) What better time could
there be to build up appreciation for this than in family discussions, whether at our weekly
study or when discussing an appropriate text from Examining the Scriptures Daily!
*** w99 10/1 p. 14 par. 18 “A Time for Peace” Is at Hand! ***
When Jehovah ‘speaks out’ in defense of his Godship, his people will no longer need
to speak out in their own defense. It will be their turn “to keep quiet.” As they did to servants
of God in times past, these words will apply: “You will not need to fight in this instance.
Take your position, stand still and see the salvation of Jehovah in your behalf.”—
2 Chronicles 20:17.
18
*** w98 1/15 p. 28 Strengthening Our Faith in God’s Word ***
The book of Joel also gives hope, saying: “Everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah
will get away safe.” (Joel 2:32) This means more than just using Jehovah’s name. Heartfelt
repentance is needed, and this includes turning our backs on wrongdoing. (Joel 2:12, 13)
There is no time for delay because Jehovah will soon execute judgment upon the nations,
even as he did upon Moab, Ammon, and the mountainous region of Seir in the days of King
Jehoshaphat of Judah.—2 Chronicles 20:1-30; Joel 3:2, 12.
*** w98 5/1 p. 20 par. 4 Judgment Executed in the Low Plain of Decision ***
4
Jehovah required more of King Jehoshaphat and his people than that they merely sit
idly by, awaiting a miraculous deliverance. They were to take the initiative in coping with
the enemy’s challenge. The king and ‘all those of Judah, even their little ones, their wives
and their sons,’ expressed strong faith as they obediently rose early in the morning and
marched out to meet the invading hordes. On the way, the king continued to provide
theocratic instruction and encouragement, urging them: “Put faith in Jehovah your God that
you may prove yourselves of long duration. Put faith in his prophets and so prove
successful.” (2 Chronicles 20:20) Faith in Jehovah! Faith in his prophets! Therein lay the
key to success. Likewise today, as we continue active in Jehovah’s service, may we never
doubt that he will make our faith victorious!
*** w98 5/1 p. 20 par. 5 Judgment Executed in the Low Plain of Decision ***
Like the Judeans of Jehoshaphat’s day, we must “give praise to Jehovah, for to time
indefinite is his loving-kindness.” How do we render this praise? By our zealous Kingdom
preaching! As those Judeans “started off with the joyful cry and praise,” so we add to our
faith works. (2 Chronicles 20:21, 22) Yes, let us exhibit similar sterling faith as Jehovah
prepares to move into action against his enemies! Though the road may appear to be long,
let us be determined to endure, active in faith, even as his victorious people are doing in
trouble spots of the earth today. In some lands hit hard by persecution, violence, famine,
and dire economic conditions, faithful servants of God are experiencing remarkable results,
as the 1998 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses reports.
5
*** w91 9/15 p. 4 Whose Prayers Are Answered? ***
Why did God answer those prayers? In both cases, the kings pleaded that losing the
battle would reflect badly on Jehovah’s name. (2 Chronicles 20:6-9; Isaiah 37:17-20) They
were concerned about his reputation. “The ultimate object of prayer,” says The International
Standard Bible Encyclopedia, “is not merely the good of the petitioner but the honor of
God’s name.” Therefore, faithful servants of Jehovah can be sure that he will help them “for
the sake of his name.” The record proving that such prayers have been answered gives
God’s people confidence that he hears their prayers.—Psalm 91:14, 15; 106:8; Proverbs
18:10.
*** w90 7/1 p. 22 par. 21 The Coming Finale of “the Book of the Wars of Jehovah”
***
21 At that time, the faith-inspiring words of Jahaziel the Levite will be called to mind: “You
will not need to fight in this instance. Take your position, stand still and see the salvation of
Jehovah in your behalf. O Judah and Jerusalem, do not be afraid or be terrified. Tomorrow
go out against them, and Jehovah will be with you.” (2 Chronicles 20:17) Yes, throughout
that dangerous time, Jehovah will be with his people. Their safety and preservation will
depend upon his fighting for them. And fight he will, by means of his warrior King, Jesus
Christ! The result? The total annihilation of the Devil’s visible organization on earth.—
Revelation 19:11-21.
*** w89 3/15 p. 30 Call on Jehovah’s Name and Get Away Safe! ***
—The symbolic place for executing divine judgment in “the day of Jehovah” is called
“the low plain of the decision.” It is also termed “the low plain of Jehoshaphat.” This is
appropriate, since the name Jehoshaphat means “Jehovah Is Judge.” During the reign of
King Jehoshaphat, God delivered Judah and Jerusalem from the forces of Moab, Ammon,
and the mountainous region of Seir, causing them to become confused and to slaughter
one another. (2 Chronicles 20:1-30) In our day, “the low plain of Jehoshaphat” serves as a
symbolic winepress in which the nations are crushed like grapes for mistreating Jehovah’s
people.
*** w70 8/15 p. 484 How Important Is Prayer to You? ***
On one occasion King Jehoshaphat had a very serious problem, and he presented it to
Jehovah God in prayer. After recounting what Jehovah had done for the descendants of
Abraham, he said:
“And now here the sons of Ammon, and Moab and the mountainous region of Seir,
whom you did not allow Israel to invade when they were coming out of the land of Egypt,
but they turned away from them and did not annihilate them, yes, here they are rewarding
us by coming in to drive us out from your possession that you caused us to possess. O our
God, will you not execute judgment upon them? For in us there is no power before this
large crowd that is coming against us; and we ourselves do not know what we ought to do,
but our eyes are toward you.”—2 Chron. 20:10-12.
Note that Jehoshaphat did not try to obligate God to act in his behalf but left it up to him
as to whether he would or not. This is the proper attitude for us to take, and if God decides
not to take the action we ask for, we should not complain. He is not our servant. Rather
Christians are his servants. We should be willing to submit to his will. This is what Jesus
Christ did.
*** km 12/10 p. 3 Theocratic Ministry School Review ***
How will God’s people today act in harmony with 2 Chronicles 20:17? [w03 6/1
pp. 21-22 pars. 14-17]
14
What will servants of God be expected to do
once they come under attack? Again, the reaction
of God’s typical nation in the days of Jehoshaphat
sets the pattern. Note that its citizens were
commanded to do three things: (1) take their
position, (2) stand still, and (3) see the salvation of
Jehovah. How will God’s people today act in
harmony with these words?—2 Chronicles 20:17.
15 Take their position: Without wavering, God’s people will continue to hold to their
position of active support for God’s Kingdom. They will continue to maintain their position
of Christian neutrality. They will be “steadfast, unmovable” in their loyal service to Jehovah
and will continue publicly to praise Jehovah for his loving-kindness. (1 Corinthians 15:58;
Psalm 118:28, 29) No present or future pressure can shake them from this divinely
approved position.
Stand still: Jehovah’s servants will not try to save themselves but will place their
implicit trust in Jehovah. Only he is capable of rescuing his servants out of world chaos,
and he has promised to do so. (Isaiah 43:10, 11; 54:15; Lamentations 3:26) Trusting in
Jehovah will include trusting the modern visible channel that he has clearly been using for
decades to serve his purposes. As never before, true Christians will then need to place
their confidence in fellow worshipers authorized by Jehovah and his reigning King to take
the lead. These faithful men will direct God’s people. Ignoring their direction could end in
disaster.—Matthew 24:45-47; Hebrews 13:7, 17.
16
17
See the salvation of Jehovah: Salvation will be the reward for all those who hold to
their position of Christian integrity and who trust in Jehovah for deliverance. Until the final
hour—and to the extent they can—they will announce the arrival of the day of Jehovah’s
judgment. All creation must know that Jehovah is the true God and that he has faithful
servants on earth. Never again will there be the need for a prolonged controversy over the
rightfulness of Jehovah’s sovereignty.—Ezekiel 33:33; 36:23.
*** km 2/08 p. 7 Theocratic Ministry School Review ***
How can we prepare our hearts to receive divine instruction from the platform?
(2 Chron. 20:33) [be p. 13 par. 4–p. 14 par. 5]
To avoid drifting back to the ways of Satan’s world, we must prepare our hearts to
receive the instruction that Jehovah is providing today. How? One important way is by
prayer. We should pray that we will receive divine instruction with a thankful spirit. (Ps.
27:4; 95:2) This will help us to appreciate the efforts of our brothers who, though imperfect,
make themselves available for use by Jehovah in teaching his people. It will move us to
thank Jehovah not only for new things that we are learning but also for the opportunity to
deepen our appreciation for matters that we have learned before. Having the desire to do
God’s will fully, we pray: “Instruct me, O Jehovah, about your way. . . . Unify my heart to
fear your name.”—Ps. 86:11.
*** g70 5/8 pp. 27-28 Friendship with God’s Enemies? ***
Jehoshaphat may well have been thankful for his deliverance. But Jehovah was not
going to ignore his wrong and foolish course. He sent his prophet Jehu to him with a strong
reproof: “Is it to the wicked that help is to be given, and is it for those hating Jehovah that
you should have love? And for this there is indignation against you from the person of
Jehovah. Nevertheless, there are good things that have been found with you, because . . .
you have prepared your heart to search for the true God.” Incidentally, later on in his reign
he made a similar mistake, earning a similar reproof.—2 Chron. 19:2, 3; 20:35-37.
No question about it, as much as Jehovah was pleased with Jehoshaphat’s upright
course and zeal for pure worship, He was not pleased with his consorting with and aiding
God’s enemies. In the one instance it nearly cost him his life, and in the other it cost him
his shipping fleet.
CHAPTER 21
POINT TMS – What sobering reminder do we discern in 2 Chronicles 21:20 in
connection with the death of Jehoram? [Dec. 21, w98 11/15 p. 32 par. 4]
The life course of David and Jehoram illustrates the truthfulness of the Bible proverb:
“The remembrance of the righteous one is due for a blessing, but the very name of the
wicked ones will rot.” (Proverbs 10:7) Each of us should therefore soberly consider the
question, ‘What kind of name am I making with God and with my fellowman?’
*** w97 9/15 p. 15 Will You Be Faithful Like Elijah? ***
To which of these heavens did the prophet Elijah ascend? Evidently, he was transferred
through earth’s atmosphere and placed on a different part of the globe. Elijah was still on
earth years later, for he wrote a letter to King Jehoram of Judah. (2 Chronicles 21:1, 1215) That Elijah did not ascend to the spiritual abode of Jehovah God was later confirmed
by Jesus Christ, who declared: “No man has ascended into heaven but he that descended
from heaven, the Son of man,” that is, Jesus himself. (John 3:13) The way to heavenly life
was first opened up to imperfect humans after the death, resurrection, and ascension of
Jesus Christ.—John 14:2, 3; Hebrews 9:24; 10:19, 20.
CHAPTER 22
*** w11 11/15 p. 4 Jehu Champions Pure Worship ***
Though the thought of violence is unpleasant, we should realize
that in those days, Jehovah used his servants to carry out his
judgments. The Scriptures state: “It was from God that the downfall of
Ahaziah occurred by his coming to Jehoram; and when he came, he
went out with Jehoram to Jehu the grandson of Nimshi, whom
Jehovah had anointed to cut off the house of Ahab.” (2 Chron. 22:7)
As he threw Jehoram’s body from his chariot, Jehu recognized that
this act fulfilled Jehovah’s promise to exact punishment for Ahab’s
murder of Naboth. Moreover, Jehu had been commanded to “avenge the blood of [God’s]
servants” shed by Jezebel.—2 Ki. 9:7, 25, 26; 1 Ki. 21:17-19.
CHAPTER 23
*** w04 5/15 p. 12 par. 12 Elderly Ones—Valuable Members of Our Christian
Brotherhood ***
As the king’s guardian, Jehoiada used his influence to promote true worship. He
“concluded a covenant between himself and all the people and the king that they would
continue as the people of Jehovah.” At Jehoiada’s orders, the people tore down the house
of the false god Baal and removed its altars, images, and priest. It was also under
Jehoiada’s guidance that Jehoash restored temple services and carried out much-needed
temple repair work. “Jehoash continued doing what was right in Jehovah’s eyes all the days
of his that Jehoiada the priest instructed him.” (2 Chronicles 23:11, 16-19; 24:11-14; 2 Kings
12:2) When he died at the age of 130, Jehoiada was given the exceptional honor of burial
with the kings because “he had done good in Israel and with the true God and His house.”—
2 Chronicles 24:15, 16.
12
Have you served as a congregation elder for many years? “Use the wisdom that
comes with advancing years unselfishly,” is the advice of one longtime congregation elder.
“Delegate responsibility, and share your experience with others who have a willing spirit
. . . See the potential in others. Develop and nurture it. Build for the future.” (Deuteronomy
3:27, 28) Your genuine interest in the ever-expanding Kingdom work will result in many
blessings for others in our Christian brotherhood.
14
CHAPTER 24
*** w13 1/15 p. 9 par. 11 Be Courageous—Jehovah Is With You! ***
11
Our courage and faith are strengthened when we see that God is with those who put
his interests and the welfare of fellow believers ahead of their own concerns. For example,
consider High Priest Jehoiada and his wife, Jehosheba. After King Ahaziah died, Athaliah,
his mother, killed the remaining royal offspring except Jehoash and seized the throne.
Jehoiada and Jehosheba had taken the risk of rescuing Ahaziah’s son Jehoash and had
kept him hidden for six years. In the seventh year, Jehoiada had Jehoash proclaimed king
and had Athaliah put to death. (2 Ki. 11:1-16) Jehoiada later supported King Jehoash in
repairing the temple. And when Jehoiada died at 130 years of age, he was buried with the
kings “because he had done good in Israel and with the true God and His house.” (2 Chron.
24:15, 16) Moreover, the courageous deeds of Jehoiada and his wife preserved the royal
line from David to the Messiah.
*** w09 4/1 p. 25 Jehoash Left Jehovah Because of Bad Association ***
Zechariah told Jehoash: “Because you have left
Jehovah, he will, in turn, leave you.” Those words made
Jehoash so angry that he ordered that Zechariah be
stoned to death. Just imagine—Jehoash had been saved
from a murderer, but now he himself had Zechariah
murdered!—2 Chronicles 24:1-3, 15-22.
Can you see lessons for us to learn from this account?— Well, we never want to be like
Athaliah, who was hateful and cruel. Rather, we should love our fellow worshippers and
even our enemies, just as Jesus taught us to do. (Matthew 5:44; John 13:34, 35) And
remember, if we start out doing what is good, as Jehoash did, we need to continue to make
friends with those who love Jehovah and who encourage us to serve him.
*** w05 12/1 p. 21 par. 3 Highlights From the Book of Second Chronicles ***
24:17-19; 25:14. Idolatry proved to be a snare for Jehoash and his son Amaziah. Today,
idolatry can be equally seductive, particularly when it comes in the subtle form of
covetousness or nationalism.—Colossians 3:5; Revelation 13:4.
*** w93 6/15 pp. 30-31 Do You Respect Your Place of Worship? ***
Elders should not procrastinate when there is a need for repairs. (2 Chronicles 24:5, 13;
29:3; 34:8; Nehemiah 10:39; 13:11) In some congregations regular inspections of the
Kingdom Hall are made in order to care promptly for any necessary repairs. Inventories are
kept to make sure that necessary supplies are on hand and accessible. If there is a
designated area for storing supplies, tools, and cleaning equipment, all elders and
ministerial servants should display an interest in its condition, making sure that it is kept
neat. Those who work at the literature and magazine counters can show their interest by
promptly seeing that empty cartons do not litter the hall.
By setting an example, elders and ministerial servants can help the rest of the
congregation to manifest zeal for the Kingdom Hall. (Hebrews 13:7) All can show proper
respect by having a part in the cleaning of the hall and by showing genuine interest in its
overall appearance.
*** w77 1/15 p. 52 Are You Willing to Listen? ***
Listening to the wrong persons can cause one’s death, or can even bring about the
defeat of a nation. King Jehoash of Judah did well as long as he listened to wise and faithful
high priest Jehoiada, but after Jehoiada’s death, Jehoash, instead of following this good
counsel, turned to the princes of Judah, who were idolaters. His listening to their bad
counsel, contrary to God’s word, brought Jehoash under responsibility for murder, caused
ignominious defeat for the nation of Judah and, finally, diseases and assassination for
Jehoash himself.—2 Chron. 24:17-25.