2 Chronicles 20:6

And said, O Lord God of our fathers, art not thou God in heaven? and rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in thine hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee?

2 Chronicles 20:6 (KJV)

Context

King Jehoshaphat of Judah prays in the temple court as a vast coalition of Moabites, Ammonites, and others prepares to attack. Facing this threat, he turns to God, not to his own military strength. His prayer begins with reverence and a clear view of who God is.

Meaning

Jehoshaphat addresses God as the “Lord God of our fathers,” recalling the covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He then makes three affirmations: God is in heaven, He rules over all nations, and His hand holds power and might so that no one can withstand Him. The phrase “God in heaven” shows His sovereign rule from above, where He does as He pleases. “Kingdoms of the heathen” means His authority extends beyond Israel to every people. “In thine hand is power and might” shows that God’s power is personal and active, not distant or abstract. These words build a foundation for prayer by rehearsing God’s attributes.

Biblical connections

This prayer models a pattern of rehearsing God’s attributes before making requests. By declaring that none can withstand God, Jehoshaphat builds confidence in God’s ability to deliver. This same trust in God’s sovereignty appears in Psalm 115:3, where God does whatever He pleases in heaven. The prayer leads to God’s deliverance through prophetic assurance, showing that such faith is not misplaced.

Application

When facing overwhelming problems, believers can follow Jehoshaphat’s example. Begin by remembering who God is: faithful to His covenant, sovereign over all powers, and mighty to save. This shapes prayer from fear into confident dependence. Approach God with boldness because He is both transcendent and personally engaged with His people.

Reflection

God’s power is not only for ancient battles. He remains the same today, able to help in every crisis. Trusting Him means acknowledging that no enemy, circumstance, or force can stand against His will. Let this truth quiet your heart and direct your prayers.