Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. New Living Translation Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and begged the LORD for guidance. He also ordered everyone in Judah to begin fasting. English Standard Version Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. Berean Standard Bible Jehoshaphat was alarmed and set his face to seek the LORD. And he proclaimed a fast throughout Judah. Berean Literal Bible And Jehoshaphat feared and set himself to seek YHWH, and he proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. King James Bible And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. New King James Version And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. New American Standard Bible Jehoshaphat was afraid and turned his attention to seek the LORD; and he proclaimed a period of fasting throughout Judah. NASB 1995 Jehoshaphat was afraid and turned his attention to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. NASB 1977 And Jehoshaphat was afraid and turned his attention to seek the LORD; and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. Legacy Standard Bible And Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek Yahweh, and called for a fast throughout all Judah. Amplified Bible Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set himself [determinedly, as his vital need] to seek the LORD; and he proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. Berean Annotated Bible Jehoshaphat (YHWH has judged) was alarmed and set his face to seek the LORD {YHWH}. And he proclaimed a fast throughout Judah (praised). Christian Standard Bible Jehoshaphat was afraid, and he resolved to seek the LORD. Then he proclaimed a fast for all Judah, Holman Christian Standard Bible Jehoshaphat was afraid, and he resolved to seek the LORD. Then he proclaimed a fast for all Judah, American Standard Version And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek unto Jehovah; and he proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. Contemporary English Version 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. English Revised Version And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek unto the LORD; and he proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. GOD'S WORD® Translation Frightened, Jehoshaphat decided to ask for the LORD's help. He announced a fast throughout Judah. Good News Translation Jehoshaphat was frightened and prayed to the LORD for guidance. Then he gave orders for a fast to be observed throughout the country. International Standard Version In mounting fear, Jehoshaphat devoted himself to seek the LORD. He proclaimed a period of fasting throughout all of the territory of Judah, NET Bible Jehoshaphat was afraid, so he decided to seek the LORD's advice. He decreed that all Judah should observe a fast. New Heart English Bible Jehoshaphat was alarmed, and set himself to seek to the LORD. He proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. Webster's Bible Translation And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleJehoshaphat was alarmed and set his face to seek the LORD. And he proclaimed a fast throughout Judah. World English Bible Jehoshaphat was alarmed, and set himself to seek to Yahweh. He proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Jehoshaphat fears, and sets his face to seek for YHWH, and proclaims a fast over all Judah; Berean Literal Bible And Jehoshaphat feared and set himself to seek YHWH, and he proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. Young's Literal Translation And Jehoshaphat feareth, and setteth his face to seek to Jehovah, and proclaimeth a fast over all Judah; Smith's Literal Translation And Jehoshaphat will fear, and he will give his face to seek to Jehovah, and he will call a fast for all Judah. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Josaphat being seized with fear betook himself wholly to pray to the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Juda. Catholic Public Domain Version Then Jehoshaphat, being terrified with fear, gave himself entirely to petitioning the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all of Judah. New American Bible Frightened, Jehoshaphat resolved to consult the LORD. He proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. New Revised Standard Version Jehoshaphat was afraid; he set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd 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. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated 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!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek unto the LORD; and he proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Josaphat was alarmed, and set his face to seek the Lord earnestly, and he proclaimed a fast in all Juda. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jehoshaphat Invaded by Moab…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.… Cross References Jehoshaphat was alarmed 2 Chronicles 14:9-12 Then Zerah the Cushite came against them with an army of 1,000,000 men and 300 chariots, and they advanced as far as Mareshah. / So Asa marched out against him and lined up in battle formation in the Valley of Zephathah near Mareshah. / Then Asa cried out to the LORD his God: “O LORD, there is no one besides You to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on You, and in Your name we have come against this multitude. O LORD, You are our God. Do not let a mere mortal prevail against You.” … 2 Kings 19:14-19 So Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers, read it, and went up to the house of the LORD and spread it out before the LORD. / And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD: “O LORD, God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You made the heavens and the earth. / Incline Your ear, O LORD, and hear; open Your eyes, O LORD, and see. Listen to the words that Sennacherib has sent to defy the living God. … Psalm 56:3-4 When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. / In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? and set his face to seek the LORD. 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 Chronicles 15:12-15 Then they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and soul. / And whoever would not seek the LORD, the God of Israel, would be put to death, whether young or old, man or woman. / They took an oath to the LORD with a loud voice, with shouting, trumpets, and rams’ horns. … 2 Chronicles 34:3-7 In the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, Josiah began to seek the God of his father David, and in the twelfth year he began to cleanse Judah and Jerusalem of the high places, the Asherah poles, the carved idols, and the cast images. / Then in his presence the altars of the Baals were torn down, and he cut to pieces the incense altars that were above them. He shattered the Asherah poles, the carved idols, and the cast images, crushed them to dust, and scattered them over the graves of those who had sacrificed to them. / Then he burned the bones of the priests on their altars. So he cleansed Judah and Jerusalem. … And he proclaimed a fast throughout Judah. 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. Jonah 3:5-7 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. 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. Philippians 4:6-7 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. Isaiah 41:10 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. Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. Psalm 34:4 I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. 1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Joshua 1:9 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.” Psalm 46:1-2 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, Treasury of Scripture And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. feared Genesis 32:7-11,24-28 Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed: and he divided the people that was with him, and the flocks, and herds, and the camels, into two bands; … Psalm 56:3,4 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee… Isaiah 37:3-6 And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth… himself [heb] his face 2 Chronicles 11:16 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. 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. proclaimed Judges 20:26 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. 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. Ezra 8:21-23 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… Jump to Previous Afraid Alarmed Attention Directions Face Fast Fear Feared Feareth Food Inquire Jehoshaphat Jehosh'aphat Judah Orders Proclaimed Proclaimeth Resolved Seek Throughout TurnedJump to Next Afraid Alarmed Attention Directions Face Fast Fear Feared Feareth Food Inquire Jehoshaphat Jehosh'aphat Judah Orders Proclaimed Proclaimeth Resolved Seek Throughout Turned2 Chronicles 20 1. Jehoshaphat, invaded by Moab, proclaims a fast5. His prayer 14. The prophecy of Jahaziel 20. Jehoshaphat exhorts the people, and sets singers to praise the Lord 22. The great overthrow of his enemies 26. The people, having blessed God at Berachah, return in triumph 31. Jehoshaphat's reign 35. His convoy of ships, according to the prophecy of Eliezer, unhappily perishes. Jehoshaphat was alarmed 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. and set his face to seek the LORD. And he proclaimed a fast throughout Judah. Persons / Places / Events 1. JehoshaphatThe King of Judah during this time, known for his efforts to follow the ways of the Lord and strengthen the kingdom spiritually and militarily. 2. Judah The southern kingdom of Israel, consisting of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, over which Jehoshaphat reigned. 3. The Fast 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. Teaching Points Responding to Fear with FaithJehoshaphat'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. The Power of Corporate Prayer and Fasting 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. Leadership in Crisis Jehoshaphat's leadership is marked by his spiritual focus. Leaders today can learn from his example by prioritizing spiritual solutions in times of crisis. Seeking God’s Face 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. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 20:3?2. How does Jehoshaphat's response in 2 Chronicles 20:3 demonstrate reliance on God? 3. What can we learn from Jehoshaphat's decision to "seek the LORD"? 4. How does fasting enhance our spiritual focus, as seen in 2 Chronicles 20:3? 5. What other biblical examples show leaders seeking God during crises? 6. How can we apply Jehoshaphat's approach to challenges in our own lives? 7. Why did Jehoshaphat fear and seek the LORD in 2 Chronicles 20:3? 8. How does Jehoshaphat's response in 2 Chronicles 20:3 demonstrate faith in God? 9. What historical context led to Jehoshaphat's fear in 2 Chronicles 20:3? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 20? 11. Should prayer be permitted in public schools? 12. Could the dramatic defeat of multiple enemies be a later exaggeration or symbolic story rather than a literal event (2 Chronicles 20)? 13. What does the Bible say about group prayer? 14. Why does this account depict God favoring one nation over others with a miraculous intervention while ignoring widespread conflicts elsewhere (2 Chronicles 20)? What Does 2 Chronicles 20:3 Mean Jehoshaphat was alarmed“Jehoshaphat was alarmed…” (2 Chronicles 20:3a) • The sudden news that “a great multitude” was coming against him (20:1–2) shook the king; the text shows no attempt to hide his very real fear. • Scripture never rebukes him for this reaction; instead, it records it honestly, reminding us that even faithful leaders experience moments of alarm (see Psalm 55:4–5; 2 Corinthians 1:8–9). • What matters is where that initial fear takes him. Unlike his earlier lapse with Ahab (2 Chronicles 18), this crisis drives him toward the Lord, not away. Set his face to seek the LORD “…and set his face to seek the LORD.” (20:3b) • “Set his face” speaks of deliberate focus. Jehoshaphat turns from military strategy to spiritual priority. Compare Daniel 9:3, where the same resolve marks another leader in exile. • Seeking the Lord is more than a quick prayer; it implies reliance, inquiry, and surrender (2 Chronicles 19:3; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 34:4). • His resolve recalls God’s promise in 2 Chronicles 15:2, “If you seek Him, He will be found by you.” Jehoshaphat acts on that very promise, confident in the Lord’s faithfulness. He proclaimed a fast throughout Judah “…And he proclaimed a fast throughout Judah.” (20:3c) • The king calls the entire nation to unified humility. Fasting in Scripture often accompanies urgent prayer, confession, and dependence (Joel 2:15–17; Ezra 8:21–23). • Corporate fasting signals that the crisis affects everyone and that everyone must participate in seeking God’s intervention (Jonah 3:5–9). • By involving all Judah, Jehoshaphat demonstrates shepherd-like leadership: he points the people not to their weapons but to their covenant God. • The result is immediate: “all Judah gathered to seek help from the LORD” (20:4). This collective turning sets the stage for the miraculous victory that follows (20:22–24). summary 2 Chronicles 20:3 shows a king who meets fear with faith-filled action. Alarmed by overwhelming odds, Jehoshaphat deliberately pivots to seek the Lord and invites the entire nation to join him through fasting. His example underscores how God’s people should respond to crisis—honestly acknowledging fear, fixing their hearts on the Lord, and uniting in humble dependence—confident that the God who hears will act. (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. 2Kings 12:18), and implying resolved, determined.To seek the Lord.--The Hebrew construction is that of 2Chronicles 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; Joel 2:12-17; 1Samuel 7:6; Ezra 8:21.) . . . Verse 3. - Proclaimed a fast. 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 e.g. Exodus 34:28); after which, for individual fasting, come occasions like those of David (2 Samuel 12:16) and Elijah (1 Kings 19:8); for general fasting, occasions like those of Joshua 7:6; Judges 20:26; 1 Samuel 7:6; and for partial fasting, by semi-royal authority, that "proclaimed" by Jezebel (1 Kings 21:9, 12).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Jehoshaphatיְהוֹשָׁפָ֛ט (yə·hō·wō·šā·p̄āṭ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3092: Jehoshaphat -- 'the LORD has judged', the name of a number of Israelites was alarmed וַיִּרָ֕א (way·yi·rā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3372: To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten and set וַיִּתֵּ֧ן (way·yit·tên) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5414: To give, put, set his face פָּנָ֖יו (pā·nāw) Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 6440: The face to seek לִדְר֣וֹשׁ (liḏ·rō·wōš) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 1875: To tread, frequent, to follow, to seek, ask, to worship the LORD. לַיהוָ֑ה (Yah·weh) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel And he proclaimed וַיִּקְרָא־ (way·yiq·rā-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read a fast צ֖וֹם (ṣō·wm) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6685: Fasting, a fast throughout עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against Judah. יְהוּדָֽה׃ (yə·hū·ḏāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites Links 2 Chronicles 20:3 NIV2 Chronicles 20:3 NLT 2 Chronicles 20:3 ESV 2 Chronicles 20:3 NASB 2 Chronicles 20:3 KJV 2 Chronicles 20:3 BibleApps.com 2 Chronicles 20:3 Biblia Paralela 2 Chronicles 20:3 Chinese Bible 2 Chronicles 20:3 French Bible 2 Chronicles 20:3 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Chronicles 20:3 Jehoshaphat feared and set himself to seek (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr) |
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