God alone is the almighty ruler, and no one can resist His power.
In this verse, King Jehoshaphat, who reigned over the southern kingdom of Judah from approximately 872-848 BC, cries out to the LORD in the city of Jerusalem, acknowledging God’s supreme power and sovereignty. Facing an impending threat from a coalition of enemy forces, Jehoshaphat leads the people to seek divine intervention. He prays in the temple, referencing how God delivered Israel’s ancestors in the past, and proclaims, “O LORD, the God of our fathers, are You not God in the heavens? And are You not ruler over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand so that no one can stand against You.” (2 Chronicles 20:6). By calling God the “God of our fathers,” Jehoshaphat recalls Israel’s covenant history, reminding the people of the LORD’s faithfulness throughout generations.
Emphasizing “Power and might are in Your hand,” the verse affirms that God is not only supreme in heaven but also actively involved in earthly affairs. Geographically, Jehoshaphat’s prayer takes place in Jerusalem, the heart of Judah’s worship, and the mention of “kingdoms of the nations” points to a global reach of God’s rule well beyond Judah. Jehoshaphat’s humble tone and recognition of divine authority reveal genuine faith, demonstrating that he depended on the LORD’s benevolence far more than his own military strategies or alliances. The king’s trust in God’s might is reminiscent of how other biblical leaders, such as Moses and David, also called upon the LORD’s name for protection and deliverance.
In the broader context of Scripture, this verse foreshadows the New Testament’s emphasis on Christ’s lordship over all nations (Ephesians 1:20-21). Jehoshaphat’s conviction points to the ultimate truth that God alone is enthroned over the universe, weaving together the story of salvation that finds fulfillment in Jesus. For readers today, 2 Chronicles 20:6 offers encouragement to recognize God’s unmatched power and to bring every fear or challenge before Him in prayer, trusting He can defend and provide for His people.
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2 Chronicles 20:6 meaning
In this verse, King Jehoshaphat, who reigned over the southern kingdom of Judah from approximately 872-848 BC, cries out to the LORD in the city of Jerusalem, acknowledging God’s supreme power and sovereignty. Facing an impending threat from a coalition of enemy forces, Jehoshaphat leads the people to seek divine intervention. He prays in the temple, referencing how God delivered Israel’s ancestors in the past, and proclaims, “O LORD, the God of our fathers, are You not God in the heavens? And are You not ruler over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand so that no one can stand against You.” (2 Chronicles 20:6). By calling God the “God of our fathers,” Jehoshaphat recalls Israel’s covenant history, reminding the people of the LORD’s faithfulness throughout generations.
Emphasizing “Power and might are in Your hand,” the verse affirms that God is not only supreme in heaven but also actively involved in earthly affairs. Geographically, Jehoshaphat’s prayer takes place in Jerusalem, the heart of Judah’s worship, and the mention of “kingdoms of the nations” points to a global reach of God’s rule well beyond Judah. Jehoshaphat’s humble tone and recognition of divine authority reveal genuine faith, demonstrating that he depended on the LORD’s benevolence far more than his own military strategies or alliances. The king’s trust in God’s might is reminiscent of how other biblical leaders, such as Moses and David, also called upon the LORD’s name for protection and deliverance.
In the broader context of Scripture, this verse foreshadows the New Testament’s emphasis on Christ’s lordship over all nations (Ephesians 1:20-21). Jehoshaphat’s conviction points to the ultimate truth that God alone is enthroned over the universe, weaving together the story of salvation that finds fulfillment in Jesus. For readers today, 2 Chronicles 20:6 offers encouragement to recognize God’s unmatched power and to bring every fear or challenge before Him in prayer, trusting He can defend and provide for His people.