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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Chronicles 20:3 Jehoshaphat was alarmed and set his face to seek the LORD. And he proclaimed a fast throughout Judah.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_chronicles/20-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/14_2Ch_20_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Chronicles 20:3 - Jehoshaphat Invaded by Moab" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Jehoshaphat was alarmed and set his face to seek the LORD. 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He also ordered everyone in Judah to begin fasting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_chronicles/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_chronicles/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Jehoshaphat was alarmed and set his face to seek the LORD. And he proclaimed a fast throughout Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_chronicles/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_chronicles/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_chronicles/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Jehoshaphat was afraid and turned his attention to seek the LORD; and he proclaimed a period of fasting throughout Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_chronicles/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Jehoshaphat was afraid and turned his attention to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_chronicles/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And Jehoshaphat was afraid and turned his attention to seek the LORD; and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_chronicles/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek Yahweh, and called for a fast throughout all Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_chronicles/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set himself [determinedly, as his vital need] to seek the LORD; and he proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_chronicles/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Jehoshaphat was afraid, and he resolved to seek the LORD. Then he proclaimed a fast for all Judah,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_chronicles/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Jehoshaphat was afraid, and he resolved to seek the LORD. Then he proclaimed a fast for all Judah, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_chronicles/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek unto Jehovah; and he proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_chronicles/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Jehoshaphat was afraid, so he asked the LORD what to do. He then told the people of Judah to go without eating to show their sorrow. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_chronicles/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek unto the LORD; and he proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_chronicles/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Frightened, Jehoshaphat decided to ask for the LORD's help. He announced a fast throughout Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_chronicles/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Jehoshaphat was frightened and prayed to the LORD for guidance. Then he gave orders for a fast to be observed throughout the country. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_chronicles/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />In mounting fear, Jehoshaphat devoted himself to seek the LORD. He proclaimed a period of fasting throughout all of the territory of Judah, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_chronicles/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Jehoshaphat was afraid, so he decided to seek the LORD's advice. He decreed that all Judah should observe a fast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_chronicles/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Jehoshaphat was alarmed, and set himself to seek to the LORD. He proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_chronicles/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_chronicles/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Jehoshaphat was alarmed and set his face to seek the LORD. And he proclaimed a fast throughout Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_chronicles/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Jehoshaphat was alarmed, and set himself to seek to Yahweh. He proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_chronicles/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Jehoshaphat fears, and sets his face to seek for YHWH, and proclaims a fast over all Judah;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_chronicles/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Jehoshaphat feareth, and setteth his face to seek to Jehovah, and proclaimeth a fast over all Judah;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_chronicles/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Jehoshaphat will fear, and he will give his face to seek to Jehovah, and he will call a fast for all Judah.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_chronicles/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Josaphat being seized with fear betook himself wholly to pray to the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Juda. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_chronicles/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Then Jehoshaphat, being terrified with fear, gave himself entirely to petitioning the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all of Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_chronicles/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Frightened, Jehoshaphat resolved to consult the LORD. He proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_chronicles/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Jehoshaphat was afraid; he set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_chronicles/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Jehoshaphat feared, and he raised up his face to pray before the LORD and proclaimed a fast for all the inhabitants of Judah. And he said to them, Gather yourselves together and come let us beseech the LORD our God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_chronicles/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And he was afraid, and Yehoshaphat lifted his face to pray before LORD JEHOVAH, and he decreed fasting on all the house of Yehuda and said to them: “Be courageous, and come, we will beg before LORD JEHOVAH our God!”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_chronicles/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek unto the LORD; and he proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_chronicles/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Josaphat was alarmed, and set his face to seek the Lord earnestly, and he proclaimed a fast in all Juda.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_chronicles/20-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zGrb4955Tvs?start=4587" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/2_chronicles/20.htm">Jehoshaphat Invaded by Moab</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>Then 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). <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3092.htm" title="3092: yə·hō·wō·šā·p̄āṭ (N-proper-ms) -- From Yhovah and shaphat; Jehovah-judged; Jehoshaphat, the name of six Israelites; also of a valley near Jerusalem.">Jehoshaphat</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3372.htm" title="3372: way·yi·rā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten. A primitive root; to fear; morally, to revere; caus. To frighten.">was alarmed</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: way·yit·tên (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">and set</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: pā·nāw (N-cpc:: 3ms) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">his face</a> <a href="/hebrew/1875.htm" title="1875: liḏ·rō·wōš (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- A primitive root; properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow; by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship.">to seek</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD.</a> <a href="/hebrew/7121.htm" title="7121: way·yiq·rā- (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To call, proclaim, read. A primitive root; to call out to.">And he proclaimed</a> <a href="/hebrew/6685.htm" title="6685: ṣō·wm (N-ms) -- Fasting, a fast. Or tsom; from from tsuwm; a fast.">a fast</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">throughout</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3063.htm" title="3063: yə·hū·ḏāh (N-proper-ms) -- From yadah; celebrated; Jehudah, the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory.">Judah.</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>So the people of Judah gathered to seek the LORD, and indeed, they came from all the cities of Judah to seek Him.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/56-3.htm">Psalm 56:3</a></span><br />When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/4-6.htm">Philippians 4:6-7</a></span><br />Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. / And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/41-10.htm">Isaiah 41:10</a></span><br />Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-33.htm">Matthew 6:33</a></span><br />But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/34-4.htm">Psalm 34:4</a></span><br />I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-7.htm">1 Peter 5:7</a></span><br />Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/1-9.htm">Joshua 1:9</a></span><br />Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/46-1.htm">Psalm 46:1-2</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. / Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-7.htm">Matthew 7:7-8</a></span><br />Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/26-3.htm">Isaiah 26:3</a></span><br />You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast of mind, because he trusts in You.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a></span><br />Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/91-15.htm">Psalm 91:15</a></span><br />When he calls out to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-28.htm">Romans 8:28</a></span><br />And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/4-16.htm">Hebrews 4:16</a></span><br />Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/27-1.htm">Psalm 27:1</a></span><br />Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread?</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.</p><p class="hdg">feared</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/32-7.htm">Genesis 32:7-11,24-28</a></b></br> Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed: and he divided the people that <i>was</i> with him, and the flocks, and herds, and the camels, into two bands; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/56-3.htm">Psalm 56:3,4</a></b></br> What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/37-3.htm">Isaiah 37:3-6</a></b></br> And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day <i>is</i> a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and <i>there is</i> not strength to bring forth… </p><p class="hdg">himself [heb] his face </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/11-16.htm">2 Chronicles 11:16</a></b></br> And after them out of all the tribes of Israel such as set their hearts to seek the LORD God of Israel came to Jerusalem, to sacrifice unto the LORD God of their fathers.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/19-3.htm">2 Chronicles 19:3</a></b></br> 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.</p><p class="hdg">proclaimed</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/20-26.htm">Judges 20:26</a></b></br> Then all the children of Israel, and all the people, went up, and came unto the house of God, and wept, and sat there before the LORD, and fasted that day until even, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/7-6.htm">1 Samuel 7:6</a></b></br> And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured <i>it</i> 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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezra/8-21.htm">Ezra 8:21-23</a></b></br> Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_chronicles/28-20.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/joshua/10-2.htm">Alarmed</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/10-13.htm">Attention</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/18-6.htm">Directions</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/18-23.htm">Face</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-6.htm">Fast</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/19-9.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/16-25.htm">Feared</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/13-12.htm">Feareth</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/18-26.htm">Food</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/18-7.htm">Inquire</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/20-2.htm">Jehoshaphat</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/20-2.htm">Jehosh'aphat</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/19-11.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/19-9.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/18-22.htm">Proclaimed</a> <a href="/exodus/24-7.htm">Proclaimeth</a> <a href="/ruth/1-18.htm">Resolved</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/19-3.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/19-5.htm">Throughout</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/19-4.htm">Turned</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_chronicles/20-15.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/job/40-23.htm">Alarmed</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/25-20.htm">Attention</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/31-21.htm">Directions</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/20-12.htm">Face</a> <a href="/ezra/5-8.htm">Fast</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/20-15.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/nehemiah/1-5.htm">Feared</a> <a href="/job/1-8.htm">Feareth</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/32-11.htm">Food</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/20-4.htm">Inquire</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/20-5.htm">Jehoshaphat</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/20-5.htm">Jehosh'aphat</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/20-4.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/23-6.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/23-11.htm">Proclaimed</a> <a href="/psalms/89-26.htm">Proclaimeth</a> <a href="/psalms/17-3.htm">Resolved</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/20-4.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/23-2.htm">Throughout</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/20-10.htm">Turned</a><div class="vheading2">2 Chronicles 20</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_chronicles/20-1.htm">Jehoshaphat, invaded by Moab, proclaims a fast</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_chronicles/20-5.htm">His prayer</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_chronicles/20-14.htm">The prophecy of Jahaziel</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_chronicles/20-20.htm">Jehoshaphat exhorts the people, and sets singers to praise the Lord</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_chronicles/20-22.htm">The great overthrow of his enemies</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_chronicles/20-26.htm">The people, having blessed God at Berachah, return in triumph</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_chronicles/20-31.htm">Jehoshaphat's reign</a></span><br><span class="reftext">35. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_chronicles/20-35.htm">His convoy of ships, according to the prophecy of Eliezer, unhappily perishes.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_chronicles/20.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_chronicles/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_chronicles/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Jehoshaphat was alarmed</b><br>Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, faced a significant threat from a coalition of enemies, including the Moabites, Ammonites, and some Meunites. This alarm reflects a natural human response to danger, highlighting the vulnerability even of a king. Historically, Judah was often caught between larger powers, making it susceptible to invasions. Jehoshaphat's alarm is a reminder of the constant threats faced by the kingdom of Judah during this period.<p><b>and set his face to seek the LORD.</b><br>In response to his fear, Jehoshaphat turned to God, demonstrating his faith and reliance on divine intervention. This phrase indicates a deliberate and determined action, showing Jehoshaphat's commitment to seeking God's guidance and help. The act of seeking the LORD is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, emphasizing the importance of turning to God in times of trouble. It reflects the covenant relationship between God and His people, where seeking God often leads to deliverance and blessing.<p><b>And he proclaimed a fast throughout Judah.</b><br>Fasting in the biblical context is a spiritual discipline used to humble oneself before God, often accompanying prayer and repentance. By proclaiming a fast, Jehoshaphat united the people of Judah in a collective act of humility and dependence on God. This communal fast underscores the seriousness of the situation and the need for divine intervention. Fasting is seen throughout Scripture as a way to seek God's favor, as in the cases of Esther (<a href="/esther/4-16.htm">Esther 4:16</a>) and Nineveh (<a href="/jonah/3-5.htm">Jonah 3:5</a>). It also foreshadows the New Testament practice of fasting as a means of spiritual focus and preparation.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jehoshaphat.htm">Jehoshaphat</a></b><br>The King of Judah during this time, known for his efforts to follow the ways of the Lord and strengthen the kingdom spiritually and militarily.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a></b><br>The southern kingdom of Israel, consisting of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, over which Jehoshaphat reigned.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_fast.htm">The Fast</a></b><br>A spiritual discipline called by Jehoshaphat for the people of Judah to seek divine intervention in the face of an impending threat from a coalition of enemy armies.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/r/responding_to_fear_with_faith.htm">Responding to Fear with Faith</a></b><br>Jehoshaphat's initial reaction to fear was to seek the Lord. In times of fear or uncertainty, believers are encouraged to turn to God in prayer and seek His guidance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_corporate_prayer_and_fasting.htm">The Power of Corporate Prayer and Fasting</a></b><br>By proclaiming a fast throughout Judah, Jehoshaphat united the people in a collective act of humility and dependence on God. This teaches the importance of community in spiritual disciplines.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/leadership_in_crisis.htm">Leadership in Crisis</a></b><br>Jehoshaphat's leadership is marked by his spiritual focus. Leaders today can learn from his example by prioritizing spiritual solutions in times of crisis.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_god's_face.htm">Seeking God’s Face</a></b><br>The phrase "set his face to seek the LORD" implies a deliberate and focused pursuit of God. This teaches the importance of intentionality in our spiritual lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_chronicles_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 20</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/allow_prayer_in_public_schools.htm">Should prayer be permitted in public schools?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_2_chronicles_20_symbolic_or_literal.htm">Could the dramatic defeat of multiple enemies be a later exaggeration or symbolic story rather than a literal event (2 Chronicles 20)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_group_prayer.htm">What does the Bible say about group prayer?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_favor_one_nation_here.htm">Why does this account depict God favoring one nation over others with a miraculous intervention while ignoring widespread conflicts elsewhere (2 Chronicles 20)? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_chronicles/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) <span class= "bld">And Jehoshaphat.</span>--<span class= "ital">And he was afraid</span> (scil., at the news). <span class= "ital">And Jehoshaphat set his face,</span> &c. Literally, <span class= "ital">put</span> his face--a phrase used in <a href="/daniel/9-3.htm" title="And I set my face to the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:">Daniel 9:3</a> (comp. <a href="/2_kings/12-18.htm" title="And Jehoash king of Judah took all the hallowed things that Jehoshaphat, and Jehoram, and Ahaziah, his fathers, kings of Judah, had dedicated, and his own hallowed things, and all the gold that was found in the treasures of the house of the LORD, and in the king's house, and sent it to Hazael king of Syria: and he went away from Jerusalem.">2Kings 12:18</a>), and implying <span class= "ital">resolved,</span> <span class= "ital">determined.</span><p><span class= "bld">To seek the Lord.</span>--The Hebrew construction is that of <a href="/2_chronicles/15-13.htm" title="That whoever would not seek the LORD God of Israel should be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman.">2Chronicles 15:13</a> (<span class= "ital">le</span> is here a sign of the accusative).<p><span class= "bld">Proclaimed a fast.</span>--An act of national self-humiliation, implying an admission of guilt, and intended to evoke the Divine pity and succour. (Comp. <a href="/judges/20-26.htm" title="Then all the children of Israel, and all the people, went up, and came to the house of God, and wept, and sat there before the LORD, and fasted that day until even, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.">Judges 20:26</a>; <a href="/context/joel/2-12.htm" title="Therefore also now, said the LORD, turn you even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:">Joel 2:12-17</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/7-6.htm" title="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.">1Samuel 7:6</a>; <a href="/ezra/8-21.htm" title="Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.">Ezra 8:21</a>.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_chronicles/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Proclaimed a fast</span>. This is the first recorded occasion of a general fast by royal proclamation, and of individual fasting it is remarkable that there is no record before the time and the act of Moses (as <span class="accented">e.g.</span> <a href="/exodus/34-28.htm">Exodus 34:28</a>); after which, for individual fasting, come occasions like those of David (<a href="/2_samuel/12-16.htm">2 Samuel 12:16</a>) and Elijah (<a href="/1_kings/19-8.htm">1 Kings 19:8</a>); for general fasting, occasions like those of <a href="/joshua/7-6.htm">Joshua 7:6</a>; <a href="/judges/20-26.htm">Judges 20:26</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/7-6.htm">1 Samuel 7:6</a>; and for partial fasting, by semi-royal authority, that "proclaimed" by Jezebel (<a href="/1_kings/21-9.htm">1 Kings 21:9, 12</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_chronicles/20-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Jehoshaphat</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוֹשָׁפָ֛ט</span> <span class="translit">(yə·hō·wō·šā·p̄āṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3092.htm">Strong's 3092: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jehoshaphat -- 'the LORD has judged', the name of a number of Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was alarmed</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּרָ֕א</span> <span class="translit">(way·yi·rā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3372.htm">Strong's 3372: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and set</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּתֵּ֧ן</span> <span class="translit">(way·yit·tên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his face</span><br /><span class="heb">פָּנָ֖יו</span> <span class="translit">(pā·nāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to seek</span><br /><span class="heb">לִדְר֣וֹשׁ</span> <span class="translit">(liḏ·rō·wōš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1875.htm">Strong's 1875: </a> </span><span class="str2">To tread, frequent, to follow, to seek, ask, to worship</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD.</span><br /><span class="heb">לַיהוָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">And he proclaimed</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּקְרָא־</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiq·rā-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7121.htm">Strong's 7121: </a> </span><span class="str2">To call, proclaim, read</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a fast</span><br /><span class="heb">צ֖וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(ṣō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6685.htm">Strong's 6685: </a> </span><span class="str2">Fasting, a fast</span><br /><br /><span class="word">throughout</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Judah.</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוּדָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(yə·hū·ḏāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3063.htm">Strong's 3063: </a> </span><span class="str2">Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_chronicles/20-3.htm">2 Chronicles 20:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_chronicles/20-3.htm">2 Chronicles 20:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_chronicles/20-3.htm">2 Chronicles 20:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_chronicles/20-3.htm">2 Chronicles 20:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_chronicles/20-3.htm">2 Chronicles 20:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_chronicles/20-3.htm">2 Chronicles 20:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_chronicles/20-3.htm">2 Chronicles 20:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_chronicles/20-3.htm">2 Chronicles 20:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_chronicles/20-3.htm">2 Chronicles 20:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_chronicles/20-3.htm">2 Chronicles 20:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_chronicles/20-3.htm">OT History: 2 Chronicles 20:3 Jehoshaphat feared and set himself to seek (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_chronicles/20-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Chronicles 20:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Chronicles 20:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_chronicles/20-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Chronicles 20:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Chronicles 20:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>