2 Chronicles 20:3

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Chronicles 20:1-13

We left Jehoshaphat, in the foregoing chapter, well employed in reforming his kingdom and providing for the due administration of justice and support of religion in it, and expected nothing but to hear of the peace and prosperity of his reign; but here we have him in distress, which distress, however, was followed by such a glorious deliverance as was an abundant recompence for his piety. If we meet with trouble in the way of duty, we may believe it is that God may have an opportunity of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Chronicles 20:3

And Jehoshaphat feared ,.... Exceedingly, as the Targum adds, not merely because of the number of his enemies, for he had forces enough to go forth against them, see 2 Chronicles 17:14 , but chiefly because the Lord had told him that wrath was upon him from him, 2 Chronicles 19:2 and he might fear that this was the time for the execution of it: and set himself to seek the Lord ; by prayer and supplication, with all seriousness, fervour, and constancy: and proclaimed a fast... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Chronicles 20:3

Jehoshaphat feared - He found that he could not possibly stand against such a numerous army, and therefore could not expect to be delivered except by the strong arm of God. To get this assistance, it was necessary to seek it; and to get such extraordinary help, they should seek it in an extraordinary way; hence he proclaimed a universal fast, and all the people came up to Jerusalem to seek the Lord. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Chronicles 20:1-4

An alarm of war-an invasion from the East. I. A STARTLING REPORT . The safety of Jehoshaphat's empire was threatened by a formidable foe. 1 . The composition of the enemy. ( 2 Chronicles 20:1 .) 2 . The number of their army. "A great multitude" (verse 2) had often before assailed Israel ( 2 Chronicles 14:11 ; 6:5 ; Joshua 11:4 ), and afterwards did assail Judah ( 2 Chronicles 32:7 ). When Solomon spoke of Israel as a people like the dust for multitude ( 2... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Chronicles 20:1-13

The source of safety in the hour of peril. Very suddenly does the scene change in these chronicles of the kingdom of Judah. From the peaceful and pleasant duty of completing the arrangements for securing justice throughout the land, Jehoshaphat was driven to consider the alarming intelligence that a powerful combination of enemies was threatening the independence of his kingdom. We learn from these facts— I. THAT WE MAY SUDDENLY FIND OURSELVES IN MOST SERIOUS PERIL ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Chronicles 20:1-37

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Chronicles 20:1-37

The last chapter in Jehoshaphat's career. The aspects in which the character of Jehoshaphat offers itself to our view, in the last seen of him, are now to be considered. Few men there are who bear themselves well in prosperity, especially if the prosperity be great; and many there are who fail to submit well to the discipline of adversity. Of this latter weakness of human nature it can scarcely be said that Jehoshaphat was an illustration. The punishment that had been foretold, that solemn... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Chronicles 20:3

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 ; 20:26 ; 1 Samuel 7:6 ; and for partial fasting, by semi-royal authority, that... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Chronicles 20:3

General fasts had been previously observed by the Israelites (e. g. Judges 20:26; 1 Samuel 7:6); but we do not hear of any fast having been “proclaimed” by authority before this. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Chronicles 20:3

2 Chronicles 20:3. Jehoshaphat feared Partly from human frailty, and partly from the remembrance of his own guilt, and the wrath of God denounced against him for it, 2 Chronicles 19:2. And set himself to seek the Lord The phrase denotes his settled resolution, seriousness, and earnestness in it, and the preparing and fixing of his heart for it. And proclaimed a fast Partly in token of his humiliation and penitence for his sins, and partly to render himself and his people more fervent in... read more

Group of Brands