King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 20:3 Mean?

“And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. himself: Heb. his face”

Context

It came to pass after this also, that the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon, and with them other beside the Ammonites, came against Jehoshaphat to battle.

Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying, There cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea on this side Syria; and, behold, they be in Hazazontamar, which is Engedi.

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

And Judah gathered themselves together, to ask help of the LORD: even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD.

And Jehoshaphat stood in the congregation of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD, before the new court,

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(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.)

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 20:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.