2 Chronicles 20:3

And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.

And Jehoshaphat {H3092} feared {H3372}, and set {H5414} himself {H6440} to seek {H1875} the LORD {H3068}, and proclaimed {H7121} a fast {H6685} throughout {H5921} all Judah {H3063}.

Y'hoshafat was frightened, so he determined to seek ADONAI. He proclaimed a fast throughout all Y'hudah,

Jehoshaphat was alarmed and set his face to seek the LORD. And he proclaimed a fast throughout Judah.

And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek unto Jehovah; and he proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.

2 Chronicles 20:3 describes King Jehoshaphat's pivotal response to a formidable national threat, illustrating a profound example of faith-filled leadership in crisis. The verse reads: "And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah."

Context

This verse immediately follows the alarming news in 2 Chronicles 20:1-2 that a vast coalition of armies—from Moab, Ammon, and Mount Seir—was marching against Judah. This was an overwhelming military force, posing an existential threat to the kingdom. King Jehoshaphat, though generally a righteous king who had sought to lead Judah in God's ways (as seen in 2 Chronicles 17:3), was naturally struck with fear. His response, however, was not despair or immediate military mobilization, but a spiritual one, turning directly to God.

Key Themes

  • Fear and Faith: Jehoshaphat's initial fear was a natural human emotion, but his subsequent actions demonstrated that fear did not paralyze him. Instead, it propelled him towards God, showing that true faith doesn't negate fear but provides the pathway through it.
  • Seeking the Lord in Crisis: The phrase "set himself to seek the LORD" highlights a deliberate, determined turning to God. It implies a deep inquiry, consultation, and dependence on divine guidance, rather than relying solely on human strength or strategy. This act of seeking God is central to the narrative of Judah's deliverance.
  • Corporate Prayer and Fasting: Jehoshaphat's proclamation of a fast "throughout all Judah" unified the nation in a collective act of humility, repentance, and earnest supplication. Fasting, in biblical contexts, was often a sign of deep distress and a serious commitment to seek God's intervention, signifying that the people were putting their ultimate trust not in their own resources but in the Lord's power. This communal response is a powerful demonstration of national spiritual leadership.
  • Divine Intervention: Though not explicitly stated in this verse, Jehoshaphat's actions lay the groundwork for God's miraculous intervention, as unfolded later in 2 Chronicles 20:15-17, where God promises to fight for Judah.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "seek the LORD" is darash Yahweh (דרש יהוה), which conveys a sense of diligently inquiring, consulting, and depending on God. It's more than a casual prayer; it's an earnest, focused pursuit of divine counsel and intervention. The word for "fast" (tsom, צוֹם) refers to a voluntary abstinence from food, typically accompanied by prayer and repentance, often undertaken in times of national mourning or desperate need, as seen in Joel 2:12.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless lessons for individuals and communities facing overwhelming challenges. When confronted with fear or insurmountable obstacles, our first and most crucial response should be to turn to God. Jehoshaphat's example teaches us the importance of:

  • Acknowledging Fear: It's okay to feel fear, but don't let it dominate.
  • Deliberately Seeking God: Actively pursue God's presence, wisdom, and intervention through prayer and His Word.
  • Uniting in Prayer: There is power in collective prayer and fasting, inviting God to move on behalf of His people. This can be a family, a church, or even a nation.

Reflection

2 Chronicles 20:3 serves as a foundational verse in the narrative of Judah's deliverance, emphasizing that true security and victory come not from military might or human ingenuity, but from humble dependence on the Almighty. It reminds us that even righteous leaders face moments of fear, but their strength lies in their resolve to seek the Lord with all their heart, trusting Him to fight their battles.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Daniel 9:3

    And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:

  • 2 Chronicles 19:3

    Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast taken away the groves out of the land, and hast prepared thine heart to seek God.

  • 1 Samuel 7:6

    And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured [it] out before the LORD, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the LORD. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh.

  • Joel 2:12

    ¶ Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye [even] to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:

  • Joel 2:18

    ¶ Then will the LORD be jealous for his land, and pity his people.

  • Joel 1:14

    ¶ Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders [and] all the inhabitants of the land [into] the house of the LORD your God, and cry unto the LORD,

  • Jeremiah 36:9

    ¶ And it came to pass in the fifth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, in the ninth month, [that] they proclaimed a fast before the LORD to all the people in Jerusalem, and to all the people that came from the cities of Judah unto Jerusalem.

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