2 Chronicles 20:3 – “Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, we see King Jehoshaphat’s immediate reaction to the alarming news of an incoming attack by a vast army. The word “alarmed” indicates that Jehoshaphat felt genuine fear and concern, which is a natural human reaction to danger. But despite his fear, Jehoshaphat did something significant—he “resolved to inquire of the Lord.” This decision reflects his deep faith in God. Rather than panic or rely on his military strategies, Jehoshaphat turned to God for guidance. Additionally, he called for a fast across the entire nation of Judah, encouraging everyone to seek God earnestly in this time of crisis.
Fasting, in the Bible, is often associated with humbling oneself before God, expressing repentance, and seeking divine intervention. By proclaiming a fast, Jehoshaphat was not just responding personally to the danger; he was leading his people to collectively turn their hearts to God. This response is a model for how to react to overwhelming circumstances: with humility, prayer, and faith in God’s deliverance.
Historical Context
Jehoshaphat’s reign over Judah was marked by significant religious reforms. He sought to bring his people back to worshiping the one true God and removed many of the pagan altars that had led Judah astray. In this context, Judah had enjoyed a period of relative peace, but the looming threat of invasion from a coalition of enemy nations—Moab, Ammon, and Edom—presented a serious challenge.
Historically, fasting in the ancient Near East was a way of showing deep dependence on God, especially in times of national crisis. By calling for a fast, Jehoshaphat united his people in seeking divine intervention, acknowledging that their survival was ultimately in God’s hands. This action was not just a religious ritual, but a genuine act of faith, showing that Jehoshaphat recognized the limits of human power in the face of overwhelming odds.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse emphasizes the importance of turning to God in times of fear and uncertainty. Jehoshaphat’s decision to inquire of the Lord illustrates a key biblical truth: God is our refuge and strength in times of trouble. While fear is a natural human reaction, faith compels us to seek God’s wisdom and help.
Jehoshaphat’s leadership in calling for a fast shows that faith is not a private matter—it involves the community of believers. In moments of crisis, the people of God are called to unite in prayer and dependence on Him. This underscores the idea that prayer and fasting are powerful tools for seeking God’s intervention and guidance.
Literary Analysis
This verse serves as a turning point in the narrative of 2 Chronicles 20. The initial alarm at the advancing army creates tension, but Jehoshaphat’s response shifts the focus from the external threat to God’s power and authority. The contrast between being “alarmed” and “resolving to inquire of the Lord” highlights the tension between fear and faith, a theme that runs throughout Scripture.
The phrase “proclaimed a fast” reflects a literary pattern in the Bible where leaders call the people to collective action in times of distress. This literary device emphasizes the importance of community in seeking God, showing that leadership in times of crisis involves guiding others toward reliance on God rather than human strength.
Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 34:4 – “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” Jehoshaphat’s decision to seek God reflects the psalmist’s experience of God’s deliverance in times of fear.
- Joel 2:12 – “‘Even now,’ declares the Lord, ‘return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.'” This verse connects fasting with a heartfelt return to God, similar to what Jehoshaphat called for in Judah.
- Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Like Jehoshaphat, Christians are encouraged to bring their fears and needs before God in prayer.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, 2 Chronicles 20:3 provides a powerful example of how to respond to fear and uncertainty. In life, we often face situations that seem overwhelming or beyond our control—whether they are personal struggles, health crises, or even societal challenges. Jehoshaphat’s response teaches us to resist the temptation to panic or rely solely on our own resources. Instead, we are called to turn to God in prayer, seeking His guidance and trusting in His power.
This verse also reminds Christians of the value of spiritual disciplines like fasting. While fasting may not be a common practice for many, it is a biblical way of drawing closer to God and showing dependence on Him. In times of crisis, setting aside time for focused prayer and even fasting can help believers seek God more earnestly.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse shows that God, in His love, is always available to His people when they seek Him. Even when Jehoshaphat was alarmed by the looming threat, he knew he could turn to God for help. This reflects the truth that God does not leave us to face our fears and challenges alone. His love is constant, and He is ready to guide, protect, and deliver us when we come to Him in prayer.
God’s willingness to hear His people, even in their most fearful moments, demonstrates His compassionate and caring nature. His love is not distant or passive; it is active and involved in the lives of those who seek Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jehoshaphat’s resolve to seek God and lead his people in fasting points to the greater spiritual leadership of Jesus Christ. Like Jehoshaphat, Jesus teaches us to trust in God and seek Him in times of need. In the New Testament, Jesus Himself fasted and prayed in the wilderness before beginning His public ministry (Matthew 4:1-11). His life is an example of total dependence on the Father, and He calls His followers to do the same.
Moreover, through Jesus, we have the ultimate example of God’s deliverance. Just as God would later deliver Judah from their enemies in 2 Chronicles 20, Jesus delivered humanity from sin and death through His sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection.
- Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Like Jehoshaphat, Jesus calls us to seek God first in every situation.
- John 14:1 – “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” Jesus reassures us that we can trust Him, just as Jehoshaphat trusted God in the face of overwhelming circumstances.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- When faced with fear or uncertainty, what is your first reaction? How can Jehoshaphat’s decision to seek the Lord guide your own responses to difficult situations?
- How can you incorporate prayer and possibly fasting into your spiritual life when seeking God’s direction and help?
- In what ways have you experienced God’s love and faithfulness in times of crisis?
- How does Jehoshaphat’s leadership inspire you to turn to God in challenging times, both personally and within your community?
- How does Jesus’ example of prayer and trust in God encourage you to seek the Father in your own life struggles?
This verse challenges believers to trust in God even when fear arises, and it encourages us to rely on God’s love and guidance through prayer, just as Jehoshaphat did centuries ago.