Bible Strands
2 Chronicles 17:10
And the dread of the LORD fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that surrounded Judah, so that they did not make war against Jehoshaphat.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The chronicler records this event during King Jehoshaphat’s reign, immediately following the nationwide teaching of the Book of the Law. The narrative addresses the political reality of Judah’s neighbors, noting their sudden restraint after the king’s spiritual reforms.
The words — The Hebrew term פַּחַד (paḥad) denotes a paralyzing dread that falls upon the surrounding kingdoms. The verb הָיָה (hāyâ) functions here as a perfective "fell" or "came upon," indicating divine action rather than natural fear.
The thread — This motif of divine terror restraining hostile nations appears in 2 Chronicles 14:14 and echoes the prophetic warnings of Exodus 15:14 and Exodus 34:24. The pattern consistently links Yahweh’s presence with the sudden pacification of surrounding peoples.
Why it lands — The passage requires readers to recognize that Judah’s political security resulted from covenant obedience rather than military strategy. It demands a sober assessment of how divine intervention directly shapes historical outcomes.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And the fear of the Lord fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat.
Cross-references
- 2 Chronicles 14:14 and attacked all the cities around Gerar, because the terror of the LORD had fallen upon them. They plundered all the cities, since there was much plunder there.
- Exodus 15:14 The nations will hear and tremble; anguish will grip the dwellers of Philistia.
- Exodus 34:24 For I will drive out the nations before you and enlarge your borders, and no one will covet your land when you go up three times a year to appear before the LORD your God.
- 2 Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD roam to and fro over all the earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him. You have acted foolishly in this matter. From now on, therefore, you will be at war.”
- Proverbs 16:7 When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even the man’s enemies live at peace with him.
- Genesis 35:5 As they set out, a terror from God fell over the surrounding cities, so that they did not pursue Jacob’s sons.
- Joshua 2:9 and said to them, “I know that the LORD has given you this land and that the fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who dwell in the land are melting in fear of you.