2 Chronicles 20:24
2 Chronicles 20:24 in Multiple Translations
When the men of Judah came to a place overlooking the wilderness, they looked for the vast army, but there were only corpses lying on the ground; no one had escaped.
And when Judah came toward the watch tower in the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude, and, behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped.
And when Judah came to the watch-tower of the wilderness, they looked upon the multitude; and, behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and there were none that escaped.
And Judah came to the watchtower of the waste land, and looking in the direction of the army, they saw only dead bodies stretched on the earth; no living man was to be seen.
So when the men of Judah came to the watchtower in the desert, they looked out to see the enemy army and all they saw were corpses lying on the ground! No one had escaped.
And when Iudah came towarde Mizpah in the wildernes, they looked vnto the multitude: and behold, the carkeises were fallen to the earth, and none escaped.
And Judah hath come in unto the watch-tower, to the wilderness, and they look unto the multitude, and lo, they [are] carcases fallen to the earth, and there is none escaped,
When Judah came to the place overlooking the wilderness, they looked at the multitude; and behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and there were none who escaped.
And when Judah came towards the watch-tower in the wilderness, they looked to the multitude, and behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped.
And when Juda came to the watch tower, that looketh toward the desert, they saw afar off all the country, for a great space, full of dead bodies, and that no one was left that could escape death.
When the soldiers from Judah came to the place where they could look down over the desert, they looked toward that huge army of their enemies, and they saw only corpses lying on the ground. No one had survived.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 20:24
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 20:24 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וִֽ/יהוּדָ֛ה
בָּ֥א
עַל
הַ/מִּצְפֶּ֖ה
לַ/מִּדְבָּ֑ר
וַ/יִּפְנוּ֙
אֶל
הֶ֣/הָמ֔וֹן
וְ/הִנָּ֧/ם
פְּגָרִ֛ים
נֹפְלִ֥ים
אַ֖רְצָ/ה
וְ/אֵ֥ין
פְּלֵיטָֽה
וִֽ/יהוּדָ֛ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
Judah
Conj | N-proper
בָּ֥א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הַ/מִּצְפֶּ֖ה
mitspeh
H4707
lookout
Art | N-ms
לַ/מִּדְבָּ֑ר
midbâr
H4057
mouth
Prep | N-ms
וַ/יִּפְנוּ֙
pânâh
H6437
Corner (Gate)
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הֶ֣/הָמ֔וֹן
hâmôwn
H1995
crowd
Art | N-ms
וְ/הִנָּ֧/ם
hên
H2005
look!
Conj | Part | Suff
פְּגָרִ֛ים
peger
H6297
corpse
N-mp
נֹפְלִ֥ים
nâphal
H5307
to fall
V-Qal
אַ֖רְצָ/ה
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs | Suff
וְ/אֵ֥ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Conj | Part
פְּלֵיטָֽה
pᵉlêyṭâh
H6413
survivor
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Chronicles 20:24
וִֽ/יהוּדָ֛ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
"Judah"
Conj | N-proper
Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.
Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob
Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.
בָּ֥א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
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.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
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.
הַ/מִּצְפֶּ֖ה
mitspeh
H4707
"lookout"
Art | N-ms
A mitspeh is a watchtower or lookout point, often used for military purposes. It is a place where people can observe and watch for potential threats or enemies. In the Bible, it is used to describe a place of observation.
Definition: watchtower, lookout point
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: watch tower. See also: 2 Chronicles 20:24; Isaiah 21:8.
לַ/מִּדְבָּ֑ר
midbâr
H4057
"mouth"
Prep | N-ms
The wilderness refers to a desert or open field, like the one the Israelites wandered in after leaving Egypt. It can also mean a place of solitude or a region without many people. In the Bible, it is often associated with the journey to the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) mouth 1a) mouth (as organ of speech)
Usage: Occurs in 257 OT verses. KJV: desert, south, speech, wilderness. See also: Genesis 14:6; Joshua 5:4; Psalms 29:8.
וַ/יִּפְנוּ֙
pânâh
H6437
"Corner (Gate)"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to turn or face something, like looking at a corner or a gate. It appears in descriptions of daily life and interactions, like in Genesis and Psalms. It's about changing direction or focus.
Definition: This name means corner, to turn, to turn back Another spelling of pin.nah (פִּנָּה "Corner( Gate)" H6438)
Usage: Occurs in 128 OT verses. KJV: appear, at (even-) tide, behold, cast out, come on, [idiom] corner, dawning, empty, go away, lie, look, mark, pass away, prepare, regard, (have) respect (to), (re-) turn (aside, away, back, face, self), [idiom] right (early). See also: Genesis 18:22; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 25:16.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הֶ֣/הָמ֔וֹן
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.
וְ/הִנָּ֧/ם
hên
H2005
"look!"
Conj | Part | Suff
An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.
Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)
Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.
פְּגָרִ֛ים
peger
H6297
"corpse"
N-mp
A dead body, either human or animal, as seen in the story of the death of Saul in 1 Samuel 31:8-13. It can also refer to an idol or image that is lifeless and useless.
Definition: 1) corpse, carcass, monument, stela 1a) corpse (of man) 1b) carcass (of animals)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: carcase, corpse, dead body. See also: Genesis 15:11; Isaiah 34:3; Isaiah 14:19.
נֹפְלִ֥ים
nâphal
H5307
"to fall"
V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
אַ֖רְצָ/ה
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs | Suff
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
וְ/אֵ֥ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Conj | 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.
פְּלֵיטָֽה
pᵉlêyṭâh
H6413
"survivor"
N-fs
A survivor refers to deliverance or an escaped portion, describing those who remain after a disaster or judgment, like the remnant that escaped in biblical times.
Definition: 1) escape, deliverance 1a) escape, deliverance 1b) escaped remnant
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: deliverance, (that is) escape(-d), remnant. See also: Genesis 32:9; Ezra 9:15; Isaiah 4:2.
Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 20:24
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Chronicles 20:24 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 20:24
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 20:24
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 20:24
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 20:24
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 20:24
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 20:24
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 20:24
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 20:24
- Sermons on 2 Chronicles 20:24
Context — The Enemies Destroy Themselves
22The moment they began their shouts and praises, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who had come against Judah, and they were defeated.
23The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, devoting them to destruction. And when they had finished off the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another.
24When the men of Judah came to a place overlooking the wilderness, they looked for the vast army, but there were only corpses lying on the ground; no one had escaped.
25Then Jehoshaphat and his people went to carry off the plunder, and they found on the bodies an abundance of goods and valuables —more than they could carry away. They were gathering the plunder for three days because there was so much. 26On the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Beracah, where they blessed the LORD. Therefore that place is called the Valley of Beracah to this day.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 37:36 | Then the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies! |
| 2 | Psalms 110:6 | He will judge the nations, heaping up the dead; He will crush the leaders far and wide. |
| 3 | 1 Chronicles 5:22 | and many others fell slain, because the battle belonged to God. And they occupied the land until the exile. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 33:5 | The Chaldeans are coming to fight and to fill those places with the corpses of the men I will strike down in My anger and in My wrath. I have hidden My face from this city because of all its wickedness. |
| 5 | Exodus 14:30 | That day the LORD saved Israel from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the shore. |
| 6 | Ezra 9:14 | shall we again break Your commandments and intermarry with the peoples who commit these abominations? Would You not become so angry with us as to wipe us out, leaving no remnant or survivor? |
2 Chronicles 20:24 Summary
[This verse shows that God is a powerful and faithful God who keeps His promises and protects His people, just like He did for the men of Judah when they found their enemies already defeated. This event is a reminder that God is always working on our behalf, even when we don't see it, as stated in Romans 8:28. We can trust in God's power and protection, just like the men of Judah did, and give thanks and praise for His deliverance in our lives, as seen in Psalm 100:4-5. By trusting in God and seeking His guidance, we can experience His power and protection in our own lives, just like the men of Judah did in this verse.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What can we learn from the fact that the men of Judah found only corpses on the ground?
This emphasizes God's power and intervention on behalf of His people, as seen in 2 Chronicles 20:22, where the LORD set ambushes against their enemies, and in Exodus 14:13-14, where God fought for the Israelites against the Egyptians.
Why did the men of Judah not have to fight in this battle?
The men of Judah did not have to fight because God had already defeated their enemies, as stated in 2 Chronicles 20:22-23, where the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, and they were defeated, similar to the principle in Deuteronomy 20:4, where God fights for His people.
What does this verse reveal about God's character?
This verse shows that God is a powerful and faithful God who keeps His promises and protects His people, as seen in Psalm 91:1-2, where God is described as a refuge and shelter for those who trust in Him.
How does this event relate to the overall story of 2 Chronicles?
This event is part of the larger narrative of 2 Chronicles, which highlights the importance of faith and trust in God, as demonstrated by King Jehoshaphat's actions in 2 Chronicles 20:1-23, and the consequences of disobedience and rebellion against God, as seen in other parts of the book, such as 2 Chronicles 36:15-16.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God to fight on my behalf, just like the men of Judah did?
- How can I, like King Jehoshaphat, seek God's guidance and wait for His deliverance in times of uncertainty or danger?
- What are some ways I can, like the men of Judah, give thanks and praise to God for His power and protection in my life?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of faith and trust in God's sovereignty and power?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 20:24
When Judah came towards the watch tower in the wilderness,.... Which might stand upon the hill or cliff of Ziz, for the sake of the direction of travellers, and the preservation of them from thieves
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 20:24
And when Judah came toward the watch tower in the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude, and, behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 20:24
Toward the watch-tower; which stood upon the cliff of Ziz, mentioned above, , or some other hill which looked toward the wilderness, where their enemies lay encamped, whose numbers, and order, and condition they could decry from thence.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 20:24
2 Chronicles 20:24 And when Judah came toward the watch tower in the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude, and, behold, they [were] dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped.Ver. 24. And none escaped.] Ne ignifer quidem reliquus est factus, ut in Proverbio est. See the like history in Judges 7:22-25, and learn how we may be freed from our spiritual enemies - viz., not by our own might and merits, but by faith in Christ, who hath made us more than conquerors, that is, triumphers.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 20:24
(24) And when Judah came.—Now Judah had come; by the time the slaughter was complete. Toward the watch tower.—The look-out of the desert. A height overlooking the wilderness of Jeruel (2 Chronicles 20:16). The word mizpeh means watch-tower in Isaiah 21:8. They looked.—And they looked.Behold, they were dead bodies.—Comp. 2 Kings 19:35. None escaped.—No survivors were anywhere visible. Vulg., “Porro Juda cum venisset ad speculam quae respicit solitudinem vidit procul . . . nec superesse quemquam qui necem potuisset evadere.”
Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 20:24
24. toward the watch tower] R.V. to the watch-tower. This tower may have been one of the castles mentioned in 2 Chronicles 17:12. unto the multitude] R.V. upon the multitude. and none escaped] R.V. and there were none that escaped.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 20:24
The march of Judah from Jerusalem would take five or six hours. By the time they reached the watch-towers in the wilderness of Jeruel all was over.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 20:24
24. Watchtower in the wilderness — The tower near Tekoa, which commanded a wide view over the neighbouring desert. Compare 2 Chronicles 26:10; 2 Kings 9:17, note.
Sermons on 2 Chronicles 20:24
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Letter From the Devil by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal story about his father's struggles and how the devil tried to tempt him with thoughts of financial success. The preacher emphasizes t |
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An Old Testament Revival - Part 2 by David Ravenhill | This sermon focuses on the story of Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles, highlighting the challenges he faced and how he overcame them through faith, prayer, and taking action. Hezekiah's lif |
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Ninth River -- Lying by Martin Knapp | Martin Knapp delivers a powerful sermon on the sin of lying, emphasizing that all lies, regardless of size or intent, are abominable to God and hinder our relationship with Him. He |
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(Through the Bible) Psalms 107-115 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of talking about God and declaring His works with rejoicing. He emphasizes that God loves when people speak often of Him and ke |
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(Exodus) Exodus 14:13-16 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Moses and the Israelites crossing the Red Sea. He emphasizes that it is God who works on their behalf and they simply need to a |
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The Judgment Day by Jonathan Edwards | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of the last trumpet and the resurrection of the dead. He explains that God sent forth his angels with a great sound of a trumpet |
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Most Holy Faith by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of building oneself up in faith and staying vigilant against worldly temptations. He shares a story about a preacher who hypo |