2 Chronicles 20:3

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Jehoshaphat, upon receiving news of an overwhelming invasion, responded not with military might but with profound spiritual leadership. Despite his natural fear, he deliberately turned his heart and mind to diligently seek the LORD, demonstrating a deep trust in divine intervention. This personal commitment was immediately followed by a national call to corporate prayer and fasting, unifying all Judah in an act of humble dependence on God in the face of an existential threat.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse immediately follows the alarming report in [2 Chronicles 20:1-2](/2_chronicles/20-1 "2 Chronicles 20:1-2 - The Invasion of Judah") that a vast coalition of armies—specifically the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites from Mount Seir—was marching against Judah. This was an overwhelming military force, posing an existential threat to the kingdom, particularly because the invaders were approaching from the Dead Sea region, a vulnerable flank. King Jehoshaphat, generally portrayed as a righteous king who had sought to lead Judah in God's ways (as detailed in [2 Chronicles 17:3-6](/2_chronicles/17-3 "2 Chronicles 17:3-6 - Jehoshaphat's Early Reign and Reforms")), was naturally struck with fear. His response, however, was not despair or immediate military mobilization, but a spiritual one, turning directly to God. This verse sets the stage for the dramatic prayer of Jehoshaphat in [2 Chronicles 20:5-12](/2_chronicles/20-5 "2 Chronicles 20:5-12 - Jehoshaphat's Prayer") and the subsequent miraculous deliverance described in [2 Chronicles 20:14-30](/2_chronicles/20-14 "2 Chronicles 20:14-30 - God's Deliverance of Judah"), highlighting the principle that divine intervention often follows human humility and dependence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jehoshaphat reigned in Judah during the mid-9th century BCE, a period marked by shifting alliances and constant threats from surrounding nations. While Judah enjoyed periods of relative peace and prosperity under righteous kings, external pressures were ever-present. In the ancient Near East, military conflicts were often understood through a theological lens, with gods believed to fight on behalf of their people. In Israel, turning to Yahweh in times of national crisis was a deeply ingrained practice, often involving public lament, prayer, and fasting. Fasting was not merely abstaining from food; it was a profound act of humility, repentance, and earnest supplication, signifying that the people were putting their ultimate trust not in their own resources, but in the Lord's power and favor. Public fasts were often proclaimed by leaders, as seen in other biblical accounts like [Jonah 3:5-10](/jonah/3-5 "Jonah 3:5-10 - The Fast of Nineveh") or [Ezra 8:21-23](/ezra/8-21 "Ezra 8:21-23 - Ezra's Fast at the Ahava Canal"), uniting the nation in a collective appeal to God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several foundational themes central to the book of Chronicles and biblical theology. The initial **Fear and Faith** dynamic is crucial: Jehoshaphat's natural human fear in the face of an overwhelming threat does not paralyze him but rather propels him to seek God, demonstrating that true faith doesn't eliminate fear but provides the pathway through it. The deliberate act of **Seeking the Lord in Crisis** (Hebrew: *darash Yahweh*) highlights a determined, intentional turning to God for guidance and intervention, rather than relying solely on human strength or strategy, a theme echoed throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [Psalm 34:4](/psalm/34-4 "Psalm 34:4 - Seeking the Lord")). Furthermore, Jehoshaphat's proclamation of **Corporate Prayer and Fasting** unifies the nation in a collective act of humility and earnest supplication, underscoring the power and importance of communal spiritual discipline in times of distress. Finally, though not explicitly stated in this verse, Jehoshaphat's actions lay the groundwork for the overarching theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Intervention**, as God's miraculous deliverance of Judah, described later in [2 Chronicles 20:15-17](/2_chronicles/20-15 "2 Chronicles 20:15-17 - God's Promise to Fight for Judah"), is a direct response to the nation's humble appeal.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Feared (Hebrew, _yare'_):** This verb describes Jehoshaphat's initial, natural human reaction to the overwhelming threat. It denotes a healthy and appropriate apprehension in the face of danger, not a paralyzing terror that leads to inaction. In biblical contexts, *yare'* can also mean "to revere" or "to fear God," suggesting that Jehoshaphat's fear of the enemy, while real, ultimately led him to a deeper reverence for and reliance upon the Lord. It signifies a realistic assessment of the situation that correctly points him to the only true source of help.
* **Set himself to seek (Hebrew, _wayyittēn pānāw lidrōsh_):** This is a highly significant and idiomatic phrase. Literally "he set his face to seek." The idiom "set one's face" (cf. [Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem")) conveys a resolute, determined, and intentional commitment. The verb *darash* ("to seek") implies a diligent inquiry, an earnest consultation, and a profound dependence. It's more than a casual prayer; it's a focused, persistent pursuit of divine counsel, intervention, and presence. This phrase highlights Jehoshaphat's deliberate choice to turn to God as his first and primary recourse.
* **Proclaimed a fast (Hebrew, _wayyiqrā' tsōm_):** The verb *qara'* ("proclaimed" or "called out") indicates an authoritative and public declaration. A *tsom* ("fast") in the biblical context was a voluntary abstinence from food, typically accompanied by prayer, repentance, and often mourning. It was a physical expression of deep spiritual distress and a serious commitment to seek God's intervention, signifying complete dependence on Him rather than on human resources. This was not a private act but a national, communal undertaking, demonstrating Jehoshaphat's leadership in uniting the people in humility before God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jehoshaphat feared":** This clause establishes the king's initial, raw human emotion. It acknowledges the reality of fear even for a righteous leader facing an overwhelming, life-threatening situation. This fear is not condemned but serves as the catalyst for his subsequent actions, demonstrating that faith is often exercised in the presence of fear, not in its absence.
* **"and set himself to seek the LORD":** This is the pivotal turning point of the verse. Instead of succumbing to fear or immediately mobilizing military defenses, Jehoshaphat makes a conscious, determined decision to turn to God. This act of "setting himself" signifies a resolute commitment and intentionality in seeking divine guidance and intervention, establishing God as his ultimate refuge and strategy.
* **"and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah":** This final clause highlights Jehoshaphat's leadership and the corporate nature of the response. By proclaiming a fast "throughout all Judah," he unified the entire nation in a collective act of humility, repentance, and earnest supplication. This communal spiritual discipline demonstrated a national acknowledgment of dependence on God's power, signifying that the people were putting their ultimate trust not in their own resources but in the Lord's power to deliver them.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several **Literary Devices** to convey its powerful message. Primarily, there is a strong sense of **Contrast** between Jehoshaphat's initial "fear" and his subsequent resolute action to "seek the LORD." This juxtaposition highlights that fear, while a natural human emotion, does not have to lead to paralysis or despair; instead, it can serve as a catalyst for deeper faith and dependence on God. The narrative also showcases **Leadership by Example**, as Jehoshaphat's personal decision to seek God immediately translates into a national directive, inspiring and unifying his people in a collective act of faith. This demonstrates the profound influence of a leader's spiritual integrity. Furthermore, the verse employs a form of **Foreshadowing**, as Jehoshaphat's actions here lay the groundwork for the miraculous divine intervention that follows in the subsequent verses, hinting at God's impending deliverance as a direct response to Judah's humble appeal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 20:3 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of righteous leadership and the proper human response to overwhelming crisis. It underscores the biblical truth that true security and victory come not from human strength or ingenuity, but from humble dependence on the Almighty. Jehoshaphat's example teaches that even in the face of legitimate fear, the believer's first and most crucial recourse is to turn to God with intentionality and diligence. This act of seeking the Lord, particularly when expressed corporately through prayer and fasting, demonstrates a profound trust in God's sovereignty and His willingness to intervene on behalf of His people. It highlights the power of unified faith and the principle that God often waits for His people to acknowledge their utter dependence before manifesting His miraculous power.

* [Psalm 34:4](/psalm/34-4 "Psalm 34:4 - Seeking the Lord")
* [Joel 2:12-17](/joel/2-12 "Joel 2:12-17 - Call to Repentance and Fasting")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Do Not Be Anxious")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers timeless and practical lessons for individuals, families, and communities facing overwhelming challenges in the modern world. When confronted with fear, uncertainty, or seemingly insurmountable obstacles—whether personal, communal, or global—our first and most crucial response should mirror Jehoshaphat's: to deliberately and earnestly turn to God. This involves a conscious choice to prioritize spiritual disciplines like prayer, studying God's Word, and potentially fasting, over immediate reliance on human strategies or succumbing to anxiety. Jehoshaphat's leadership in unifying Judah in a corporate fast also reminds us of the immense power and encouragement found in collective prayer. When believers unite in humble dependence, acknowledging their need for divine intervention, they invite God to move in powerful ways, demonstrating that the battle truly belongs to the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when faced with overwhelming fear or uncertainty in my personal life or in the world around me?**
* **What does "setting myself to seek the LORD" look like practically in my daily life, especially when I am experiencing significant stress or crisis?**
* **In what ways can I participate in or initiate corporate prayer and fasting within my family, church, or community when facing shared challenges?**
* **How does Jehoshaphat's example challenge my tendency to rely on my own strength or resources before turning to God?**

### FAQ
**Why was Jehoshaphat, a righteous king, still afraid?**

Answer: Jehoshaphat's fear was a natural and honest human emotion in the face of an overwhelmingly superior military force. Being a righteous king or a person of faith does not negate the experience of fear; rather, it shapes one's response to it. His fear was a realistic assessment of the immediate danger, but it did not lead to despair or paralysis. Instead, it served as the catalyst that propelled him to seek God, demonstrating that true faith is often exercised in the presence of fear, not in its absence. This aligns with biblical figures throughout scripture who experienced fear but chose to trust God, as seen in [Psalm 56:3](/psalm/56-3 "Psalm 56:3 - When I am afraid, I will trust in you.") where the psalmist declares, "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you."

**What is the significance of "proclaiming a fast throughout all Judah"?**

Answer: Proclaiming a fast "throughout all Judah" was highly significant for several reasons. Firstly, it underscored the corporate nature of the crisis and the corporate response. It unified the entire nation—from the greatest to the least—in a shared act of humility and dependence. Secondly, fasting in biblical contexts was a profound expression of deep distress, repentance, and earnest supplication, signifying that human resources were insufficient and divine intervention was absolutely necessary. It was a public acknowledgment that their hope rested solely on God. Thirdly, it demonstrated Jehoshaphat's exemplary spiritual leadership, as he led his people not into battle, but into humble dependence on God, setting a precedent for national spiritual discipline. This communal act of seeking God was a powerful appeal for His favor and intervention, as seen in other national fasts like that called by the king of Nineveh in [Jonah 3:5-10](/jonah/3-5 "Jonah 3:5-10 - The Fast of Nineveh").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Chronicles 20:3, while describing an Old Testament king's response to a physical threat, powerfully foreshadows and finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Jehoshaphat, as a king who leads his people to seek God for deliverance, serves as a type of Christ, the ultimate King and Deliverer. While Jehoshaphat's fear was a human response to an earthly enemy, Christ, in His humanity, also faced the ultimate "fear"—the agony of the cross and bearing the sin of the world—yet He perfectly "set Himself to seek the LORD" (His Father's will) even unto death ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")). The deliverance of Judah from a physical enemy through God's miraculous intervention points to Christ's far greater victory over our spiritual enemies: sin, death, and the devil. Through His perfect obedience and sacrificial death, Jesus secured the ultimate deliverance for all who believe, triumphing over principalities and powers on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). The corporate fast of Judah for national salvation points to the Church, the body of Christ, united in seeking God for spiritual victory and the advancement of His kingdom. We are called to cast all our anxieties on Him ([1 Peter 5:7](/1_peter/5-7 "1 Peter 5:7 - Cast Your Anxieties on Him")), for He is the one who has already overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")). Thus, Jehoshaphat's example of turning from fear to faith, and leading his people to seek God, finds its perfect and eternal answer in the person and work of Jesus, who is our true peace and ultimate deliverer. We, like Judah, are called to fix our eyes on Him, the author and perfecter of our faith ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.