2 Chronicles 20:12

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2 Chronicles 20:12 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast army that comes against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”

King James Version KJV

O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.

American Standard Version ASV

O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.

Bible in Basic English BBE

O our God, will you not be their judge? for our strength is not equal to this great army which is coming against us; and we are at a loss what to do: but our eyes are on you.

Free Bible Version FBV

Our God, won't you punish them, because we don't have the power to confront such a great army that is marching against us? We don't know what to do. We're looking to you for help.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

O our God, wilt thou not iudge them? for there is no strength in vs to stand before this great multitude that commeth against vs, neither doe wee knowe what to doe: but our eyes are toward thee.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'O our God, dost Thou not execute judgment upon them? for there is no power in us before this great multitude that hath come against us, and we know not what we do, but on Thee [are] our eyes.'

World English Bible WEB

Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no might against this great company that comes against us. We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

O our God, wilt thou not then judge them? as for us we have not strength enough, to be able to resist this multitude, which cometh violently upon us. But as we know not what to do, we can only turn our eyes to thee.

Translation for Translators T4T

So, our God, please punish them, because we do not have enough power to resist/defeat this huge army that is coming to attack us. We do not know what to do. But we are pleading for you to help us.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 20:12

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

2 Chronicles 20:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB אֱלֹהֵ֨י/נוּ֙ הֲ/לֹ֣א תִשְׁפָּט בָּ֔/ם כִּ֣י אֵ֥ין בָּ֨/נוּ֙ כֹּ֔חַ לִ֠/פְנֵי הֶ/הָמ֥וֹן הָ/רָ֛ב הַ/זֶּ֖ה הַ/בָּ֣א עָלֵ֑י/נוּ וַ/אֲנַ֗חְנוּ לֹ֤א נֵדַע֙ מַֽה נַּעֲשֶׂ֔ה כִּ֥י עָלֶ֖י/ךָ עֵינֵֽי/נוּ

אֱלֹהֵ֨י/נוּ֙ ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp | Suff

הֲ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part | Part

תִשְׁפָּט shâphaṭ H8199 to judge V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

בָּ֔/ם Prep | Suff

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj

אֵ֥ין ʼayin H369 nothing Part

בָּ֨/נוּ֙ Prep | Suff

כֹּ֔חַ kôach H3581 reptile N-ms

לִ֠/פְנֵי pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp

הֶ/הָמ֥וֹן hâmôwn H1995 crowd Art | N-ms

הָ/רָ֛ב rab H7227 many Art | Adj

הַ/זֶּ֖ה zeh H2088 this Art | Pron

הַ/בָּ֣א bôwʼ H935 Lebo Art | V-Qal

עָלֵ֑י/נוּ ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff

וַ/אֲנַ֗חְנוּ ʼănachnûw H587 we Conj | Pron

לֹ֤א lôʼ H3808 not Part

נֵדַע֙ yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Qal-Imperf-1cp

מַֽה mâh H4100 what? Part

נַּעֲשֶׂ֔ה ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Imperf-1cp

כִּ֥י kîy H3588 for Conj

עָלֶ֖י/ךָ ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff

עֵינֵֽי/נוּ ʻayin H5869 eye N-cd | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Chronicles 20:12

אֱלֹהֵ֨י/נוּ֙ ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp | Suff

The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

הֲ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

תִשְׁפָּט shâphaṭ H8199 "to judge" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.

Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)

Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.

בָּ֔/ם "" Prep | Suff

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

אֵ֥ין ʼayin H369 "nothing" Part

This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.

Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of

Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.

בָּ֨/נוּ֙ "" Prep | Suff

כֹּ֔חַ kôach H3581 "reptile" N-ms

Koach means strength or power, referring to human, angelic, or God's might. It can also describe the strength of animals or the produce of soil.

Definition: 1) a small reptile, probably a kind of lizard, which is unclean 1a) perhaps an extinct animal, exact meaning is unknown

Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: ability, able, chameleon, force, fruits, might, power(-ful), strength, substance, wealth. See also: Genesis 4:12; Job 36:5; Psalms 22:16.

לִ֠/פְנֵי pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

הֶ/הָמ֥וֹן hâmôwn H1995 "crowd" Art | N-ms

Being in a state of turmoil or having a lot of noise is what this Hebrew word means. It can also refer to a large crowd or abundance of something, like in the book of Proverbs where it describes a multitude of people.

Definition: 1) murmur, roar, crowd, abundance, tumult, sound 1a) sound, murmur, rush, roar 1b) tumult, confusion 1c) crowd, multitude 1d) great number, abundance 1e) abundance, wealth

Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: abundance, company, many, multitude, multiply, noise, riches, rumbling, sounding, store, tumult. See also: Genesis 17:4; Isaiah 33:3; Psalms 37:16.

הָ/רָ֛ב rab H7227 "many" Art | Adj

This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.

Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly

Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.

הַ/זֶּ֖ה zeh H2088 "this" Art | Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.

Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how

Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.

הַ/בָּ֣א bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Art | V-Qal

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

עָלֵ֑י/נוּ ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

וַ/אֲנַ֗חְנוּ ʼănachnûw H587 "we" Conj | Pron

A Hebrew word for we or us, used for emphasis, like when Moses said we will follow God's commands, emphasizing the community's commitment.

Definition: we (first pers. pl. -usually used for emphasis)

Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: ourselves, us, we. See also: Genesis 13:8; 1 Chronicles 11:1; Psalms 20:8.

לֹ֤א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

נֵדַע֙ yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Qal-Imperf-1cp

The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)

Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.

מַֽה mâh H4100 "what?" Part

This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.

Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may

Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.

נַּעֲשֶׂ֔ה ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Imperf-1cp

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

כִּ֥י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

עָלֶ֖י/ךָ ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

עֵינֵֽי/נוּ ʻayin H5869 "eye" N-cd | Suff

This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.

Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 20:12

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Context — Jehoshaphat’s Prayer

10And now, here are the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, whom You did not let Israel invade when they came out of the land of Egypt. So Israel turned away from them and did not destroy them. 11See how they are repaying us by coming to drive us out of the possession that You gave us as an inheritance.

12Our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast army that comes against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”

13Meanwhile all the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones, were standing before the LORD. 14Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite from Asaph’s descendants, as he stood in the midst of the assembly.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Psalms 121:1–2	I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
2	Psalms 25:15	My eyes are always on the LORD, for He will free my feet from the mesh.
3	Psalms 141:8	But my eyes are fixed on You, O GOD the Lord. In You I seek refuge; do not leave my soul defenseless.
4	Psalms 123:1–2	I lift up my eyes to You, the One enthroned in heaven. As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes are on the LORD our God until He shows us mercy.
5	Deuteronomy 32:36	For the LORD will vindicate His people and have compassion on His servants when He sees that their strength is gone and no one remains, slave or free.
6	2 Corinthians 1:8–9	We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the hardships we encountered in the province of Asia. We were under a burden far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, we felt we were under the sentence of death, in order that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God, who raises the dead.
7	Psalms 9:19	Rise up, O LORD, do not let man prevail; let the nations be judged in Your presence.
8	Psalms 43:1	Vindicate me, O God, and plead my case against an ungodly nation; deliver me from deceitful and unjust men.
9	Judges 11:27	I have not sinned against you, but you have done me wrong by waging war against me. May the LORD, the Judge, decide today between the Israelites and the Ammonites.”
10	Jonah 2:4	At this, I said, ‘I have been banished from Your sight; yet I will look once more toward Your holy temple.’

2 Chronicles 20:12 Summary

[In 2 Chronicles 20:12, the people of Judah are faced with a huge army and they don't know what to do, but they look to God for help, saying 'our eyes are upon You', trusting in His power and sovereignty, similar to the trust expressed in Psalm 121:1-2. This verse teaches us that when we feel powerless, we can trust in God's power and goodness, and look to Him for guidance and deliverance, as seen in Romans 8:28 and Matthew 6:25-34. The people of Judah are not relying on their own strength, but on God's, and that's a great lesson for us today, as we can see in 2 Corinthians 12:10 and Isaiah 40:31.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the background of the armies coming against Judah in 2 Chronicles 20:12?

The men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir were not destroyed by Israel when they came out of Egypt, as noted in Deuteronomy 2:4-6, and now they are coming against Judah as seen in 2 Chronicles 20:10-11.

Why do the people of Judah say they are powerless before the vast army in 2 Chronicles 20:12?

The people of Judah acknowledge their powerlessness because they recognize that the army coming against them is vast, and they are relying on God for deliverance, similar to the trust expressed in Psalm 121:1-2 and 2 Corinthians 12:10.

What does it mean to have 'our eyes upon You' as stated in 2 Chronicles 20:12?

Having 'our eyes upon You' means that the people of Judah are fixing their gaze and trust on God, looking to Him for guidance and deliverance, much like the trust expressed in Isaiah 40:31 and Hebrews 12:2.

How does this verse relate to the concept of faith and trust in God?

This verse illustrates the importance of trusting in God's power and sovereignty, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges, as seen in Romans 8:28 and Matthew 6:25-34.

Reflection Questions

In what ways can I apply the principle of 'having my eyes upon You' in my own life, especially during challenging times?
How does recognizing my own powerlessness, like the people of Judah, help me to trust in God's power and sovereignty?
What are some areas in my life where I need to surrender my control and trust in God's goodness and provision, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7 and Proverbs 3:5-6?
In what ways can I, like the people of Judah, acknowledge my limitations and look to God for deliverance and guidance?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 20:12

O our God wilt thou not judge them?.... Bring them to thy bar, examine these facts alleged against them, convict them of injustice, and condemn and punish them for it: for we have no might against

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 20:12

Art not thou our God, who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for ever? No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 20:12

Thus he speaks, partly though he had great armies to be drawn together in due time upon great occasions, , &c.; yet he seems to have been surprised by these men before his forces were in readiness to oppose them; and partly because he well knew, and piously and wisely considered, that no human forces, though numerous and valiant, were able to defend him without God’ s assistance, which he feared by his sins he had forfeited, and then he had really been as weak as water. Our eyes are upon thee, looking to thee only for relief and succour.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 20:12

2 Chronicles 20:12 O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes [are] upon thee.Ver. 12. For we have no might against this great company.] Pray we the same; at the hour of death especially, when beset with legions of evil spirits. But our eyes are toward thee.] Our hope is, that where human help faileth divine help will appear, as Philo the Jew said, when cast out by Caligula the emperor.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 20:12

(12) Wilt thou not judge them?—Exercise judgment in them, i.e., upon them (here only.) LXX., οὐκρινεῖςἐναὐτοῖς.This great company.—Multitude (2 Chronicles 14:11) Syriac, “for there is not in us might to stand before them: bring the sword of Thy judgment against them.” Neither know we.—And for our part we know not what to do.But our eyes are upon thee.—For our eyes are towards thee (‘al=’el). We neither know nor deliberate upon a suitable plan of resistance, for our whole thought is centred upon Thee and Thine omnipotence. For the metaphor, comp. Psalms 25:15, “Mine eyes are ever toward (‘el) Jehovah,” and Psalms 123:2; Psalms 141:8.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 20:12

Verse 12. Wilt thou not judge them] That is, Thou wilt inflict deserved punishment upon them.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 20:12

12. our eyes are upon thee] Cp. 2 Chronicles 14:11.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 20:12

6-12. This prayer should be compared with that of Asa, (2 Chronicles 14:11,) and parts of Solomon’s at the dedication of the temple. 2 Chronicles 6:28-31.

Sermons on 2 Chronicles 20:12

	Sermon	Description
	The Situation Is Desperate! by Vance Havner	Vance Havner emphasizes the desperate situation faced by King Jehoshaphat of Judah, who, confronted by overwhelming enemies, turned to God in prayer, acknowledging his inability to
	Jehoshaphat - "Faith Cometh by Hearing" by Major Ian Thomas	Major Ian Thomas emphasizes the importance of faith that comes from hearing the Word of God, using the story of King Jehoshaphat to illustrate how faith must be mixed with action t
	Personal Preparation for Spiritual Awakening by Ale Leiding	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for spiritual awakening and recognizing who God is. He highlights the despair and despondency that many Christians feel when observi
	Helpless but Strong by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the speaker recounts the story of a battle in which the people of Judah and Jerusalem were facing a formidable enemy. Before the battle, Joseph encouraged the peopl
	Praise by Hans R. Waldvogel	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Elijah and his servant when they saw the mountains full of chariots, representing the enemy. The preacher emphasizes that when w
	Help Me to Start Talking - Prayer by Steve Mays	In this sermon, Pastor Steve Mays emphasizes the importance of having a song in our hearts and praising God in all circumstances. He uses the example of Silas and Paul, who praised
	What Sinners Should Plead With God by Ralph Erskine	Ralph Erskine preaches on the importance of pleading with God for a new heart and spirit, emphasizing the free and gracious promise in Ezekiel 36:26-27. He encourages acknowledging