2 Chronicles 20:3
2 Chronicles 20:3 in Multiple Translations
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 the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.
And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek unto Jehovah; and he proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.
Then Jehoshaphat, in his fear, went to the Lord for directions, and gave orders all through Judah for the people to go without food.
Jehoshaphat was afraid, and went to ask the Lord what to do. He also ordered everyone throughout Judah to fast.
And Iehoshaphat feared, and set him selfe to seeke the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Iudah.
And Jehoshaphat feareth, and setteth his face to seek to Jehovah, and proclaimeth a fast over all Judah;
Jehoshaphat was alarmed, and set himself to seek the LORD. He proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.
And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.
And Josaphat being seized with fear betook himself wholly to pray to the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Juda.
Jehoshaphat became very afraid, so he decided to ask Yahweh what he should do. He also proclaimed that all the people of Judah should fast.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 20:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Chronicles 20:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּרָ֕א
וַ/יִּתֵּ֧ן
יְהוֹשָׁפָ֛ט
אֶת
פָּנָ֖י/ו
לִ/דְר֣וֹשׁ
לַ/יהוָ֑ה
וַ/יִּקְרָא
צ֖וֹם
עַל
כָּל
יְהוּדָֽה
וַ/יִּרָ֕א
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
וַ/יִּתֵּ֧ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוֹשָׁפָ֛ט
Yᵉhôwshâphâṭ
H3092
Jehoshaphat
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
פָּנָ֖י/ו
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp | Suff
לִ/דְר֣וֹשׁ
dârash
H1875
to seek
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
לַ/יהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
וַ/יִּקְרָא
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
צ֖וֹם
tsôwm
H6685
fast
N-ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
יְהוּדָֽה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
Judah
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Chronicles 20:3
וַ/יִּרָ֕א
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
וַ/יִּתֵּ֧ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
יְהוֹשָׁפָ֛ט
Yᵉhôwshâphâṭ
H3092
"Jehoshaphat"
N-proper
Jehoshaphat was a king of Judah who ruled for 25 years and was known for his piety and prosperity. His name means Jehovah has judged, and he is mentioned in 2 Kings 9:2 as the son of King Asa. He was one of the best kings of Judah in the Bible.
Definition: A man of the Kingdom of Israel, living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.9.2; son of: Nimshi (H5250); father of: Jehu (H3058H) § Jehoshaphat = "Jehovah has judged" 1) son of king Asa and himself king of Judah for 25 years; one of the best, most pious, and prosperous kings of Judah 2) son of Nimshi and father of king Jehu of the northern kingdom of Israel 3) son of Ahilud and chronicler under David and Solomon 4) son of Paruah and one of the 12 commissary officers under Solomon 5) a priest and trumpeter in the time of David 6) symbolical name of a valley near Jerusalem which is the place of ultimate judgment; maybe the deep ravine which separates Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives through which the Kidron flowed
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: Jehoshaphat. Compare H3146 (יוֹשָׁפָט). See also: 2 Samuel 8:16; 2 Chronicles 17:5; Joel 4:12.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
פָּנָ֖י/ו
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
לִ/דְר֣וֹשׁ
dârash
H1875
"to seek"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To seek or ask is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe seeking God or worshiping him. It can also mean to investigate or enquire about something.
Definition: 1) to resort to, seek, seek with care, enquire, require 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to resort to, frequent (a place), (tread a place) 1a2) to consult, enquire of, seek 1a2a) of God 1a2b) of heathen gods, necromancers 1a3) to seek deity in prayer and worship 1a3a) God 1a3b) heathen deities 1a4) to seek (with a demand), demand, require 1a5) to investigate, enquire 1a6) to ask for, require, demand 1a7) to practice, study, follow, seek with application 1a8) to seek with care, care for 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to allow oneself to be enquired of, consulted (only of God) 1b2) to be sought, be sought out 1b3) to be required (of blood)
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: ask, [idiom] at all, care for, [idiom] diligently, inquire, make inquisition, (necro-) mancer, question, require, search, seek (for, out), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 9:5; Ezra 10:16; Psalms 9:11.
לַ/יהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וַ/יִּקְרָא
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
צ֖וֹם
tsôwm
H6685
"fast"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fast or go without food, often for spiritual reasons. It appears in various forms, such as fasting or a fast. This concept is seen in the lives of prophets and leaders like Moses and Elijah.
Definition: fast, fasting
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: fast(-ing). See also: 2 Samuel 12:16; Isaiah 58:3; Psalms 35:13.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
יְהוּדָֽה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
"Judah"
N-proper
Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.
Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob
Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.
Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 20:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Chronicles 20:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 20:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 20:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 20:3
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 20:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 20:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 20:3
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 20:3
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 20:3
- Sermons on 2 Chronicles 20:3
Context — War against Jehoshaphat
1After this, the Moabites and Ammonites, together with some of the Meunites, came to make war against Jehoshaphat.
2Then some men came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from beyond the Sea; they are already in Hazazon-tamar” (that is, En-gedi).
3Jehoshaphat was alarmed and set his face to seek the LORD. And he proclaimed a fast throughout Judah.
4So the people of Judah gathered to seek the LORD, and indeed, they came from all the cities of Judah to seek Him. 5Then Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem in the house of the LORD in front of the new courtyardCross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel 9:3 | So I turned my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and petition, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 19:3 | However, some good is found in you, for you have removed the Asherah poles from the land and have set your heart on seeking God.” |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 7:6 | When they had gathered at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the LORD. On that day they fasted, and there they confessed, “We have sinned against the LORD.” And Samuel judged the Israelites at Mizpah. |
| 4 | Jonah 3:5–9 | And the Ninevites believed God. They proclaimed a fast and dressed in sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least. When word reached the king of Nineveh, he got up from his throne, took off his royal robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. Then he issued a proclamation in Nineveh: “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Let no man or beast, herd or flock, taste anything at all. They must not eat or drink. Furthermore, let both man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and have everyone call out earnestly to God. Let each one turn from his evil ways and from the violence in his hands. Who knows? God may turn and relent; He may turn from His fierce anger, so that we will not perish.” |
| 5 | Joel 2:12–18 | “Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.” So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster. Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave a blessing behind Him— grain and drink offerings for the LORD your God. Blow the ram’s horn in Zion, consecrate a fast, proclaim a sacred assembly. Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the aged, gather the children, even those nursing at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his room, and the bride her chamber. Let the priests who minister before the LORD weep between the portico and the altar, saying, “Spare Your people, O LORD, and do not make Your heritage a reproach, an object of scorn among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’” Then the LORD became jealous for His land, and He spared His people. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 36:9 | Now in the ninth month of the fifth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, a fast before the LORD was proclaimed to all the people of Jerusalem and all who had come there from the cities of Judah. |
| 7 | Esther 4:16 | “Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day, and I and my maidens will fast as you do. After that, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish! ” |
| 8 | Joel 1:14 | Consecrate a fast; proclaim a solemn assembly! Gather the elders and all the residents of the land to the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD. |
| 9 | Ezra 8:21–23 | And there by the Ahava Canal I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask Him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions. For I was ashamed to ask the king for an escort of soldiers and horsemen to protect us from our enemies on the road, since we had told him, “The hand of our God is gracious to all who seek Him, but His great anger is against all who forsake Him.” So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and He granted our request. |
| 10 | Genesis 32:24–28 | So Jacob was left all alone, and there a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When the man saw that he could not overpower Jacob, he struck the socket of Jacob’s hip and dislocated it as they wrestled. Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” “What is your name?” the man asked. “Jacob,” he replied. Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men, and you have prevailed.” |
2 Chronicles 20:3 Summary
In 2 Chronicles 20:3, Jehoshaphat was faced with a huge problem - a vast army was coming to attack him - and he didn't know what to do. So, he turned to God and sought His help, just like we can do when we're faced with problems (Psalms 34:17-18). Jehoshaphat also called the people of Judah to fast and seek God, which means they stopped their normal activities to focus on praying and seeking God's mercy (Joel 2:12). We can learn from Jehoshaphat's example by seeking God in times of trouble and trusting in His love and care for us (Romans 8:28).
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Jehoshaphat to seek the Lord in 2 Chronicles 20:3?
Jehoshaphat was prompted to seek the Lord because he was alarmed by the news of a vast army coming against him, as seen in 2 Chronicles 20:1-2, and he knew that only God could help him in this situation, as expressed in Psalms 121:1-2.
What does it mean to 'set his face to seek the Lord' in 2 Chronicles 20:3?
To 'set his face to seek the Lord' means to deliberately and intentionally turn to God, seeking His guidance, wisdom, and help, as seen in Jeremiah 29:13, where it says that those who seek God with all their heart will find Him.
Why did Jehoshaphat proclaim a fast throughout Judah in 2 Chronicles 20:3?
Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast throughout Judah to humble themselves before God, seek His mercy, and cry out for His deliverance, as seen in Joel 2:12, where God calls His people to return to Him with fasting, weeping, and mourning.
How can we apply Jehoshaphat's example in 2 Chronicles 20:3 to our own lives?
We can apply Jehoshaphat's example by seeking God in times of trouble or uncertainty, just as he did, and trusting in His sovereignty and goodness, as expressed in Romans 8:28, which says that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to 'set my face to seek the Lord' and trust in His guidance and provision?
- How can I, like Jehoshaphat, respond to challenging circumstances by seeking God and crying out for His help?
- What are some ways I can humble myself before God, like the people of Judah did in 2 Chronicles 20:4, and seek His mercy and deliverance?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when faced with uncertain or difficult situations, and seek His face in prayer and fasting?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 20:3
And Jehoshaphat feared,.... Exceedingly, as the Targum adds, not merely because of the number of his enemies, for he had forces enough to go forth against them, see 2 Chronicles 17:14, but chiefly
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 20:3
And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. Jehoshaphat ... proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 20:3
Jehoshaphat feared; partly from human frailty, and partly from the remembrance of his own guilt, and the wrath of God denounced against him for it, . Set himself to seek the Lord: the phrase notes his settled resolution, seriousness, and earnestness in it, and the preparing and fixing his heart for it. Proclaimed a fast; partly in token of his humiliation and penitence for his sins, and partly to make himself and his people more fervent in their prayers.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 20:3
2 Chronicles 20:3 And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. Ver. 3 And Jehoshaphat feared … and proclaimed a fast.] When the Turks fast it is a sure sign that they are in a bodily fear: they also cast dust upon their heads, and their hands up towards heaven, when they are about to enter battle. But Jehoshaphat’ s fear was not only natural, of the enemy, but reverential, of God; and his fast not a moral but a religious abstinence, that he might thereby amerce the flesh, afflict the soul, and pray with more edge and earnestness. Turk. Hist., 157.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 20:3
(3) And Jehoshaphat.—And he was afraid (scil., at the news). And Jehoshaphat set his face, &c. Literally, put his face—a phrase used in Daniel 9:3 (comp. 2 Kings 12:18), and implying resolved, determined.To seek the Lord.—The Hebrew construction is that of 2 Chronicles 15:13 (le is here a sign of the accusative). Proclaimed a fast.—An act of national self-humiliation, implying an admission of guilt, and intended to evoke the Divine pity and succour. (Comp. Judges 20:26; Joe 2:12-17; 1 Samuel 7:6; Ezra 8:21.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 20:3
Verse 3. Jehoshaphat feared] He found that he could not possibly stand against such a numerous army, and therefore could not expect to be delivered except by the strong arm of God. To get this assistance, it was necessary to seek it; and to get such extraordinary help, they should seek it in an extraordinary way; hence he proclaimed a universal fast, and all the people came up to Jerusalem to seek the Lord.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 20:3
3. set himself to seek the Lord] Render, set his face to seek unto the LORD. proclaimed a fast] A fast involved the assembling of the people; 1 Kings 21:9; 1 Kings 21:12; Jeremiah 36:6; Jeremiah 36:9; Joe 2:15. Special fasts were proclaimed for war, famine, or any other calamity or serious event.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 20:3
General fasts had been previously observed by the Israelites (e. g. Judges 20:26; 1 Samuel 7:6); but we do not hear of any fast having been “proclaimed” by authority before this.
Sermons on 2 Chronicles 20:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Prevailing Prayer by Mack Tomlinson | This sermon focuses on prevailing prayer, highlighting the story of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20 facing a real need and turning to seek the Lord in prayer. It emphasizes the impo |
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The Cure for Chaos - Call a Sacred Assembly by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the urgent need for the church to reclaim its voice and boldly proclaim God's truth in a chaotic world. He calls for a Sacred Assembly, urging believers to |
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Waiting on the Lord for Direction by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of waiting on the Lord for direction, highlighting that God's voice is often heard through scripture and requires us to stand still and li |
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Praying in Times of Crises by Kevin Meador | Kevin Meador preaches on seeking God in the midst of a crisis, emphasizing the importance of realizing our helplessness, committing ourselves to seeking the Lord, focusing on God's |
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God Is Bound to His Word by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the concept of 'binding precedent' in prayer, illustrating how understanding God's past mercies can empower believers to pray boldly. He uses the example |
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Face the Battle Singing! by Lewis Beachey | Lewis Beachey preaches on the story of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20, highlighting the king's response to a great enemy alliance by seeking the Lord through fasting and prayer. De |
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(Daniel: The Man God Uses #1) Christ the Goal by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the speaker makes three non-controversial observations about the book of Daniel. These observations are agreed upon by people who love the Lord. The first observati |