diff --git a/content/bible_journal/2chronicles/20:24-37.md b/content/bible_journal/2chronicles/20:24-37.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..09f5686 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/bible_journal/2chronicles/20:24-37.md @@ -0,0 +1,36 @@ ++++ +title = "2 Chronicles 20:24–37" +date = "2025-02-26" ++++ + +### [Read the passage.](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/2Chronicles20.24-37) + +By the time the invaders had slaughtered themselves, the men of Judah arrived to look upon the destruction. +From the watchtower of that spot in the wilderness, they were able to see their dead enemies. +Now, armies carry lots of useful things with them on campaign, so Jehoshaphat and his army goes down to take what they can get. + +And what they can get is a ridiculous amount. +It takes them three days to take away all of the spoil, which is a testament to God's blessing on his people. +The invading coalition was set on conquering Judah, and armies have to carry in what they plan to use. +So they may have been three times bigger than Judah's army, which would be a sure victory under most circumstances. +However, the list of what Judah took is a bit odd. +"Goods, clothing, and precious things," it says. (_v. 25_) +Goods probably includes food and materials you'd expect in army supplies. +Arrows, whetstones, leather and such for making repairs. +Everyone needs clothing, and they wouldn't be uniforms like we think of in a modern context. +But "precious things" sounds like gold, silver, and jewelry. +Maybe it's not, because it could be precious goods like oil and salt, but the King James Version does translate these words as "precious jewels". +Furthermore, the Christian Standard Bible makes it clear that these things aren't just in the supply lines, but on the bodies of the fallen directly. + +In any case, what is clear is that the Lord not only saved His people from destruction, but also enriched them at the same time. +The people's response of joy and praise with music is entirely appropriate. +Word of this incident also got out to the surrounding nations, and no one dared try anything like that against Judah for the rest of Jehoshaphat's reign. + +The reign of Jehoshaphat is summarized in the end of the chapter. +He is given a good grade by the Chronicler for following the Lord faithfully in his policies and personal walk. +But he didn't do everything right, because the high places of idolatrous or syncretic worship remained, and he also kept making alliances with the wicked kings of northern Israel. +Ahab's son Ahaziah helped Jehoshaphat build ships to sail to Tarshish, but the Lord caused them to be wrecked before they could reach their destination. + +* * * + +Even when we see no way out of a situation, You are there to turn calamity into blessing.