And the fear of God came upon all the kingdoms of the landsThis phrase highlights the widespread impact of God's intervention on behalf of Israel. The "fear of God" refers to a profound respect and awe, often accompanied by dread, that other nations experienced upon witnessing God's power. This fear is not merely emotional but acknowledges God's sovereignty and might. Historically, the ancient Near East was a region of numerous small kingdoms and city-states, each with its own deities. The demonstration of God's power over Israel's enemies would have been a significant event, challenging the prevailing belief systems and asserting the supremacy of the God of Israel. This fear is reminiscent of the fear that fell upon the nations during the Exodus (
Exodus 15:14-16) and the conquest of Canaan (
Joshua 2:9-11).
when they heard that the LORD had fought against the enemies of Israel
This phrase underscores the divine intervention in the battle, emphasizing that it was the LORD, not merely the military might of Israel, who secured the victory. The term "LORD" (YHWH) is the covenant name of God, highlighting His personal relationship with Israel. The historical context involves King Jehoshaphat's reign, where God delivered Judah from a coalition of Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites without the need for battle (2 Chronicles 20:1-30). This miraculous victory would have been a powerful testimony to surrounding nations, reinforcing the idea that Israel's God was actively involved in the affairs of His people. This divine intervention is a type of Christ, who fights on behalf of His people, securing victory over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:57). The event also echoes the prophetic assurance found inIsaiah 41:11-13, where God promises to contend with those who contend with His people.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JehoshaphatThe King of Judah who led the nation in seeking God through prayer and fasting when faced with a vast enemy army.
2.
JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, under threat from a coalition of enemy nations.
3.
The LORDThe God of Israel, who intervened miraculously to deliver Judah from their enemies.
4.
The Enemies of IsraelA coalition of Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites who came to make war against Jehoshaphat and Judah.
5.
The Kingdoms of the LandsNeighboring nations who witnessed God's deliverance of Judah and were struck with fear.
Teaching Points
The Power of Prayer and FastingJehoshaphat's response to crisis was to seek God through prayer and fasting, demonstrating the importance of turning to God in times of trouble.
God's Sovereign InterventionThe miraculous deliverance of Judah shows that God is actively involved in the affairs of His people and can intervene in supernatural ways.
The Witness of God's PowerWhen God acts on behalf of His people, it serves as a testimony to others, instilling reverence and fear of the Lord.
Faith Over FearJehoshaphat and Judah chose faith over fear, trusting in God's promises and power rather than succumbing to the intimidation of their enemies.
The Impact of God's DeliveranceThe fear that fell upon the surrounding nations highlights how God's deliverance can have a ripple effect, influencing those beyond the immediate situation.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 20:29?
2.How does 2 Chronicles 20:29 demonstrate God's power over Israel's enemies?
3.What role does fear of God play in 2 Chronicles 20:29?
4.How can we apply the fear of God in our daily lives?
5.What other Bible stories show God's protection over His people?
6.How can we trust God's sovereignty in our personal battles today?
7.How does 2 Chronicles 20:29 demonstrate God's power over nations?
8.What historical evidence supports the events in 2 Chronicles 20:29?
9.How does 2 Chronicles 20:29 reflect God's protection of His people?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 20?
11.What does the Bible say about worshiping pastors?
12.(2 Chronicles 17:10) If surrounding nations truly feared the Lord due to Jehoshaphat, why is there no clear extrabiblical historical record of this widespread fear?
13.What lessons does the story of Doubting Thomas teach?
14.Why does Psalm 47:3’s description of subduing nations lack clear archaeological or historical traces of this alleged domination?What Does 2 Chronicles 20:29 Mean
And the fear of God came upon all the kingdoms of the lands• Scripture shows that genuine demonstrations of God’s power ripple far beyond Israel’s borders. After the Red Sea, “the peoples have heard; they tremble” (Exodus 15:14–16).
• This fear is not mere superstition; it is an awakened awareness that the God of Israel is real, active, and unstoppable—prompting respect, restraint, and sometimes even repentance (seeJonah 3:5–9).
• Similar moments occurred in Jehoshaphat’s earlier reforms: “The terror of the LORD fell on all the kingdoms of the lands” (2 Chronicles 17:10). God consistently protects His people in ways that make surrounding nations take notice.
upon all the kingdoms of the lands• The phrase stresses scope. No regional deity is in view; the universal King is. From Philistia to Edom, every neighbor felt the shock wave.
•Genesis 35:5 records a comparable blanket effect: “A terror from God fell upon the towns all around them.” When God moves, boundaries blur and entire cultures feel the impact.
• For believers today, this reminds us that God’s reach is never confined; He still shapes global events to fulfill His purposes (Psalm 22:27–28).
when they heard• News traveled fast in the ancient world—through traders, envoys, and refugees. Reports of supernatural victory spread like wildfire (Joshua 5:1;1 Samuel 4:7–8).
• Faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17), but so can fear. The nations did not need to see the battlefield; the testimony alone was convincing.
• Our witness functions the same way: as we recount God’s faithfulness, listeners realize He is alive and active.
that the LORD had fought against the enemies of Israel• The context (2 Chronicles 20:1–24) is Jehoshaphat’s impossible situation against a vast coalition. Israel’s army merely took their positions; God turned the enemy on itself.
• This fulfills His promise: “The LORD your God is the One who goes with you to fight for you” (Deuteronomy 20:4).
• Similar scenes appear throughout Scripture:
–Exodus 14:14, Red Sea: “The LORD will fight for you.”
–Joshua 10:42, conquest of Canaan.
–Isaiah 37:36, the angel who struck the Assyrian camp.
• The message is unmistakable: God defends His covenant people, and hostile forces are no match for Him.
summary2 Chronicles 20:29 records the aftershock of divine intervention. God’s decisive action on Judah’s behalf produced a holy fear that engulfed every surrounding kingdom, proving His sovereignty and safeguarding His people without a sword being raised. What He did then affirms what He still does today: He fights for His own, magnifies His name among the nations, and turns even the fiercest opposition into an opportunity for His glory to be heard and revered.
(29)
And the fear of God was.--
And a divine dread fell upon all the kingdoms of the countries (scil.) around Judah. (See
2Chronicles 17:10, and
Psalm 48:7, "Fear took hold upon them there, and pain as of a woman in travail.")
The Lord fought.--Joshua 10:14;Joshua 10:42;Psalm 46:6. That Jehovah had fought for His people was evident from the catastrophe which had befallen their enemies. The warfare of the Divine Being was seen notapart from, butin a course of events, which, however natural, was almost as marvellous as a visible intervention of angelic hosts. . . .
Verse 29. - With this verse compare particularly vers. 10, 11 of ch. 17.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
And the fearפַּ֣חַד(pa·ḥaḏ)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6343:A, alarmof Godאֱלֹהִ֔ים(’ĕ·lō·hîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlativecameוַיְהִי֙(way·hî)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, beuponעַ֖ל(‘al)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstallכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythe kingdomsמַמְלְכ֣וֹת(mam·lə·ḵō·wṯ)Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 4467:Kingdom, sovereignty, dominion, reignof the landsהָאֲרָצ֑וֹת(hā·’ă·rā·ṣō·wṯ)Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 776:Earth, landwhen they heardבְּשָׁמְעָ֕ם(bə·šā·mə·‘ām)Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 8085:To hear intelligentlythatכִּ֚י(kî)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionthe LORDיְהוָ֔ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelhad foughtנִלְחַ֣ם(nil·ḥam)Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3898:To feed on, to consume, to battleagainstעִ֖ם(‘im)Preposition
Strong's 5973:With, equally withthe enemiesאוֹיְבֵ֥י(’ō·wy·ḇê)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 341:Hating, an adversaryof Israel.יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃(yiś·rā·’êl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478:Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc
Links
2 Chronicles 20:29 NIV2 Chronicles 20:29 NLT2 Chronicles 20:29 ESV2 Chronicles 20:29 NASB2 Chronicles 20:29 KJV
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OT History: 2 Chronicles 20:29 The fear of God was on all (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr) 
