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Book of 2 Chronicles - Chapter 18 - Verse 31

18:31
And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, It is the king of Israel. Therefore they compassed about him to fight: but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him; and God moved them to depart from him.

Meaning

In this verse from the Bible, we see the story of King Jehoshaphat in the midst of battle. When the captains of the chariots mistakenly identified Jehoshaphat as the king of Israel, they surrounded him and prepared to fight. Despite being outnumbered and in a dangerous situation, Jehoshaphat called out to the Lord for help. The Lord answered his cry for help and intervened on his behalf. Through God's divine intervention, the enemy forces were moved to depart from Jehoshaphat, saving him from harm. This passage serves as a reminder of the power of prayer and faith in God's protection and deliverance. It illustrates how even in the face of overwhelming odds, a steadfast trust in the Lord can lead to miraculous outcomes. Jehoshaphat's experience demonstrates the importance of turning to God in times of trouble and relying on His strength to overcome adversity.

Theological Overview

The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the concept of divine intervention and protection. When the captains of the chariots mistook Jehoshaphat for the king of Israel and surrounded him to fight, Jehoshaphat called out to the Lord for help. In response, God intervened and caused the enemy to retreat, saving Jehoshaphat from harm. This demonstrates the belief in the power of prayer and faith in God's protection in times of trouble. The word "helped" implies that the Lord came to Jehoshaphat's aid in a decisive and timely manner, showing his sovereignty over the situation. Additionally, the mention of God moving the enemy to depart reinforces the idea of God's control over all circumstances and his ability to thwart the plans of the wicked. Overall, this verse highlights the theme of divine deliverance and the importance of relying on God in times of distress.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, It is the king of Israel. Therefore they turned about to fight against him: but Jehoshaphat cried out, and Jehovah helped him; and God moved them [to depart] from him.
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