2 Chronicles 20:20

And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.

2 Chronicles 20:20 (KJV)

Context

King Jehoshaphat of Judah faced a vast invading army from Moab, Ammon, and other nations. In response, he gathered the people, and they rose early to march toward the wilderness of Tekoa, a rugged region southeast of Jerusalem. As they went, the king stood before the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem to speak. This was not a time for retreat but a call to move forward in faith.

Meaning

Jehoshaphat’s call has two parts. First, “Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established” means that trusting God makes a person or nation firm and secure. Second, “believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper” connects faith in God’s messengers with success and well-being. The prophets spoke God’s word, so rejecting them was rejecting God’s guidance. Both parts work together: faith in God and faith in His revealed word lead to stability and blessing.

Biblical connections

This verse echoes the principle found in Isaiah 7:9, where faith is also linked to being established. In both places, stability comes not from human strength but from reliance on God. The surrounding chapter shows that Jehoshaphat had already sought the LORD in prayer, and a prophet had declared that the battle belonged to God. The king’s exhortation prepared the people to act on that promise. Their response was to follow his counsel, and God granted them victory.

Application

Believing God is not passive. The people marched toward the enemy while trusting God for victory. In daily life, faith means moving forward in obedience even when circumstances look threatening. Believing God’s prophets today means honoring the written Word of God, which contains His promises and commands. When crisis comes, the first step is to remember what God has said and to act on it. This applies to individuals and to the whole community of believers.

Reflection

This verse calls every believer to examine where true security lies. Human plans and resources fail, but God remains faithful. The promise is clear: those who trust in the LORD and in His revealed word will be established and will prosper. That prosperity may not mean wealth or ease, but it means God’s presence and guidance through every trial. Faith in God and His word is foundational for stability and success in the life of the believer.