2 Chronicles 20:12 Meaning and Explanation
“O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jehoshaphat concludes his prayer by acknowledging human powerlessness and fixing his faith entirely on God's judgment and deliverance.
The Context of 2 Chronicles 20:12
Jehoshaphat's prayer reaches its emotional and theological peak: complete dependence on God.
What Does 2 Chronicles 20:12 Mean?
This closing statement is the climax of the prayer. Jehoshaphat frankly admits Judah's military helplessness—'we have no might' and 'neither know we what to do.' There is no false bravado, no military strategy proposed. The admission of complete dependence opens the door to divine action. The phrase 'our eyes are upon thee' means his trust and expectation rest entirely on God.
By refusing to propose human solutions, Jehoshaphat positions God as the only adequate response to the crisis. His prayer is not a negotiation or a request for supplementary aid; it is a complete transfer of the burden to God. The gesture of lifted eyes (an ancient posture of hope) signals that Israel's salvation must come from heaven alone.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Chronicles 20:12
What does 2 Chronicles 20:12 mean?
Jehoshaphat concludes his prayer by acknowledging human powerlessness and fixing his faith entirely on God's judgment and deliverance.
What is the context of 2 Chronicles 20:12?
Jehoshaphat's prayer reaches its emotional and theological peak: complete dependence on God.