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

2 CHRONICLES 20:3KJV
Know the Bible

2 Chronicles 20:3 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 20:3 mean?

2 Chronicles 20:3 describes how Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, became afraid when he heard about a coming threat, so he decided to earnestly seek God’s help and called for everyone in Judah to join him in fasting. This verse shows Jehoshaphat’s immediate response of turning to God in a moment of fear and uncertainty.

The setting is the kingdom of Judah during Jehoshaphat’s reign, as enemy armies were approaching. Instead of relying on military strength or political alliances, Jehoshaphat’s first action was to focus on seeking God’s guidance and to unite the people in a spiritual response—fasting and prayer. This verse sets the stage for the rest of the chapter, where the nation looks to God for deliverance.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 20:3

  • "Feared" (יָרֵא, yare’): This word often means to be afraid or to have a deep sense of awe. Here, it points to Jehoshaphat’s very real human fear in the face of danger, not just a respectful reverence.
  • "Set himself" (נָתַן, natan) + "himself" (פָּנִים, panim): The phrase literally means he “gave his face” to seek the LORD, which is a Hebrew way of saying he deliberately and wholeheartedly turned his attention toward God.
  • "Seek" (דָּרַשׁ, darash): This word means to search out, inquire, or pursue with intention. Jehoshaphat was not just casually asking for help; he was urgently and actively seeking God’s direction.
  • "Proclaimed a fast" (קָרָא, qara’ + צוֹם, tsom): To “proclaim a fast” means Jehoshaphat called on the whole community to join in a time of going without food as a sign of humility and dependence on God.

Why 2 Chronicles 20:3 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jehoshaphat’s first response to crisis was spiritual, not military or political, highlighting the importance of seeking God before taking action.
  • The detail about proclaiming a fast shows that Jehoshaphat involved the entire nation, not just acting alone, which emphasizes the communal aspect of seeking God in times of trouble.
  • Understanding the original Hebrew phrases helps readers see the depth of Jehoshaphat’s commitment—he didn’t just pray, he set his whole attention and effort toward seeking God’s help.

Where else these words appear

“fast” Hebrew H6685 · used in 22 verses

  • 2 Samuel 12:16 David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth.
  • Psalms 35:13 But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.
  • 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.

“throughout” Hebrew H5921 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
  • Genesis 31:50 If thou shalt afflict my daughters, or if thou shalt take other wives beside my daughters, no man is with us; see, God is witness betwixt me and thee.
  • 1 Kings 18:21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.

“Jehoshaphat” Hebrew H3092 · used in 75 verses

  • 2 Samuel 8:16 And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;
  • 2 Kings 3:1 Now Jehoram the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned twelve years.
  • 2 Chronicles 18:29 And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself, and will go to the battle; but put thou on thy robes. So the king of Israel disguised himself; and they went to the battle.