2 Chronicles 20:17
“Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.”
King James Version (KJV)
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This verse continues Jahaziel's Spirit-given prophecy in 2 Chronicles 20 as Judah faces an invading coalition. Following the assurance that the battle is God's, the Lord now tells the people exactly how to respond. The next morning Jehoshaphat sends singers ahead of the army, and as they praise, God turns the enemies against one another. Verse 17 frames the obedience and trust that set up that remarkable deliverance.
What Does 2 Chronicles 20:17 Mean?
This verse completes God's reassurance to Judah and gives them their marching orders: stand still and watch God save you. The enemy is vast, yet God tells His people, "Ye shall not need to fight in this battle." Their role is not to overpower the foe but to take their positions, hold steady, and witness what God will do. The phrase "see the salvation of the LORD" promises that deliverance is coming and that it will be unmistakably His work.
There is a beautiful balance here between resting and acting. They are to "stand ye still," which means to stop striving in their own strength and trust God. Yet they are also told, "to morrow go out against them," which means they must still show up, take their place, and step out in obedience. Faith does not make them passive; it makes them confident. The double command "fear not, nor be dismayed" repeats the comfort, and the promise "the LORD will be with you" gives the reason behind it. God's presence is the difference between despair and courage. The next day Judah marched out singing praises, and God set ambushes against the enemy. The lesson endures: when we face battles beyond our power, we are called to show up, stand firm, refuse fear, and watch for the salvation that God alone can bring.
In the Original Language
The Hebrew "yatsab" (set yourselves) means to take a firm stand. "Amad" (stand still) means to remain in place, and "yeshuah" (salvation) means deliverance, rescue, and victory that God provides.
Cross References
“Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day.”
- Exodus 14:13
“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”
- Psalm 46:10
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee.”
- Isaiah 41:10
Application
In overwhelming circumstances, do your part by showing up and standing firm, but stop striving as if the outcome depends on you alone. Refuse fear, take your position, and watch for God's deliverance. Faith makes you neither passive nor panicked but steady and confident in His presence.