John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 2. Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat , etc.] Deserters or spies, or some of the inhabitants of those parts where they had entered, who rode post haste to acquaint him with it: saying, there cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea on this side Syria ; that is, beyond the Dead or Salt sea, the sea of Sodom; the Targum is, “beyond the west of Syria,” that sea being the western boundary of it: and, behold, they be in Hazazontamar, which is Engedi ; (See Gill on “ Genesis 14:7”).
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 ויבאו935 ויגידו5046 ליהושׁפט3092 לאמר559 בא935 עליך5921 המון1995 רב7227 מעבר5676 לים3220 מארם758 והנם2009 בחצצון תמר2688 היא1931 עין גדי׃5872
