2 Chronicles 20:3-13 is about King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah facing a great army, turning to God in prayer for help, acknowledging His power and past faithfulness, seeking His guidance, and declaring their dependence on Him for victory in battle.
3 Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.
4 And Judah assembled to seek help from the Lord; from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord.
5 And Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord, before the new court,
6 and said, “O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you.
7 Did you not, our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel, and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend?
8 and they have lived in it and have built for you in it a sanctuary for your name, saying,
9 ‘If disaster comes upon us, the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this house and before you—for your name is in this house—and cry out to you in our affliction, and you will hear and save.’
10 And now behold, the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir, whom you would not let Israel invade when they came from the land of Egypt, and whom they avoided and did not destroy—
11 behold, they reward us by coming to drive us out of your possession, which you have given us to inherit.
12 O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”
13 Meanwhile all Judah stood before the Lord, with their little ones, their wives, and their children.
Setting the Scene for 2 Chronicles 20:3-13
In 2 Chronicles chapter 20, we find King Jehoshaphat of Judah facing a formidable enemy alliance comprised of the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites. The scene is set in Jerusalem, the capital city of Judah, within the walls of the royal palace. King Jehoshaphat is deeply troubled and fearful as news of the advancing armies reaches him.
Gathering his people together, Jehoshaphat calls for a time of fasting and prayer. The courtyard of the palace is filled with a diverse group of individuals – priests, Levites, and ordinary citizens, all responding to the king’s call for seeking the Lord’s help. The atmosphere is tense yet hopeful, as the people unite in seeking divine intervention in the face of overwhelming odds.
As the people gather in the courtyard, King Jehoshaphat stands before them, his voice echoing through the open space as he lifts up a heartfelt prayer to God, acknowledging His sovereignty and power. The scene is one of unity and faith, as the king and his people come together in a moment of crisis, seeking guidance and deliverance from the Lord.
What is 2 Chronicles 20:3-13 about?
King Jehoshaphat demonstrates great faith and humility by turning to God in a time of crisis in this verse. He sets an example for his people by seeking God’s help through prayer and fasting, showing that their trust should be in God rather than in their own strength or wisdom. Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah demonstrate a deep faith that God is their ultimate protector and sustainer by acknowledging their dependence on Him.
Have you ever faced a challenging situation where you felt powerless and unsure of what to do? Like King Jehoshaphat, we too can turn to God in times of need, seeking His guidance and strength through prayer and fasting. This verse reminds us that God is always ready to hear our prayers and provide for our needs when we humble ourselves before Him. Let us trust that God will come to our aid in times of trouble, guiding us through the challenges we face with His wisdom and grace, following the example of King Jehoshaphat.
Understanding what 2 Chronicles 20:3-13 really means
During the reign of King Jehoshaphat of Judah, a formidable army threatened the kingdom, prompting the king to seek the Lord’s guidance. Jehoshaphat’s immediate response to fear was to turn to God, setting an example of seeking divine help in times of trouble. He proclaimed a fast throughout Judah, a symbol of humility and repentance, signifying the people’s collective dependence on God for deliverance. The unity displayed as “All Judah stood before the Lord, with their little ones, their wives, and their children” underscores the importance of communal faith, involving every member regardless of age or status.
The key phrases in this passage hold profound meanings that resonate with believers today. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” from Psalm 46:1 reinforces the idea of seeking God in times of uncertainty. Matthew 18:20 emphasizes the power of communal prayer, while Philippians 4:6-7 encourages believers to present their worries to God through prayer and thanksgiving, mirroring Jehoshaphat’s actions. These biblical passages highlight the timeless relevance of seeking God’s guidance and finding solace in communal faith.
In contemporary times, individuals facing crises can draw inspiration from Jehoshaphat’s example by turning to God for strength and guidance. The practice of communal prayer and fasting not only strengthens faith but also fosters unity and purpose within communities. This passage serves as a reminder of the importance of trusting in God’s plan, even in the face of daunting circumstances, offering hope and reassurance to those in need.
To illustrate the enduring power of communal faith, envision a small community grappling with a natural disaster like a hurricane. Coming together for a prayer vigil, they experience a sense of peace and unity, knowing they are not alone in their fear. This collective act of faith mirrors the actions of Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah, demonstrating the timeless efficacy of seeking God in times of trouble.
In conclusion, the narrative of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20:3-13 underscores the significance of seeking God in moments of fear and uncertainty. Through prayer, fasting, and communal faith, believers can find strength, guidance, and peace, reaffirming their trust in God’s presence and power amidst life’s challenges.
How can we seek God in times of crisis?
We can seek God in times of crisis by turning to Him with a humble heart, acknowledging our dependence on His help and guidance. We can also seek God through prayer and fasting, just as Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah did when faced with a great army. We demonstrate our trust in His power to deliver us from our troubles by coming before God with sincerity and humility.
Additionally, seeking God in times of crisis involves remembering His faithfulness and past acts of deliverance. Reflecting on God’s faithfulness in the past can strengthen our faith in Him in the present crisis. We can also bring to mind the ways God has shown His faithfulness in our own lives, which can provide comfort and assurance as we face the challenges before us. We must have faith that God will hear our prayers and respond according to His will when seeking Him in times of crisis. Jehoshaphat’s prayer was characterized by his acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty and power, demonstrating his trust in God’s ability to deliver them. We can find peace and strength in God’s presence by approaching Him with faith and trust, knowing that He is able to provide for our needs and guide us through the storm.
Application
In times of great challenges, like King Jehoshaphat facing a formidable army, he sought divine guidance through prayer and fasting. Let’s follow his example and turn to the Lord when we are in need, acknowledging our limitations and seeking His wisdom. Will you join in, seeking guidance and strength from above when faced with difficult situations?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.