John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 1. It came to pass after this also , etc.] After Jehoshaphat’s return from Ramothgilead, and putting the civil and religious affairs of his people on a better footing, when he might have expected much peace and prosperity: that the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon ; both the descendants of Lot, (see Psalm 83:8), and with them other besides the Ammonites ; a great company of Arabians, according to Josephus f70 ; or “with the Meamonites”, which the Targum understands of the Idumaeans or Edomites; and so do other interpreters, and which they conclude from ( 2 Chronicles 20:10,22,23). Jarchi thinks the Amalekites are meant, who were of the race of Edom; but the notion of Kimchi seems best, that these are the people that are so called from the name of a place, Meon, and, by an inversion of letters, the same with the Meunim or Maonites, mentioned along with the Zidonians and Amalekites, ( Judges 10:12) and whom the Septuagint version here calls Minaeans; some take them to be such who counterfeited the Ammonites in their apparel and gestures: these came against Jehoshaphat in battle ; being instigated perhaps by the Syrians, who owed him ill will for assisting Ahab against them at Ramothgilead; for from that quarter they came, as the following verse shows.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-13 - In all dangers, public or personal, our first business should be to seek help from God. Hence the advantage of days for national fastin and prayer. From the first to the last of our seeking the Lord, we mus approach him with humiliation for our sins, trusting only in his merc and power. Jehoshaphat acknowledges the sovereign dominion of the Divine Providence. Lord, exert it on our behalf. Whom should we see to, whom should we trust to for relief, but the God we have chosen an served. Those that use what they have for God, may comfortably hope he will secure it to them. Every true believer is a son of Abraham, friend of God; with such the everlasting covenant is established, to such every promise belongs. We are assured of God's love, by his dwelling in human nature in the person of the Saviour. Jehoshapha mentions the temple, as a token of God's favourable presence. He plead the injustice of his enemies. We may well appeal to God against thos that render us evil for good. Though he had a great army, he said, We have no might without thee; we rely upon thee.
Original Hebrew ויהי1961 אחריכן310 באו935 בני1121 מואב4124 ובני1121 עמון5983 ועמהם5973 מהעמונים5984 על5921 יהושׁפט3092 למלחמה׃4421
