Then Jehoshaphat bowed facedown, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down before the LORD to worship Him. Then Jehoshaphat bowed facedownThe act of bowing facedown is a profound expression of humility and submission. In Hebrew, the word for "bowed" is "kara," which conveys the idea of bending the knee or prostrating oneself. This physical act symbolizes a heart posture of reverence and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. Jehoshaphat, as king, demonstrates leadership not through pride or self-reliance but through humble submission to God. This act sets a powerful example for the people, showing that true leadership is rooted in recognizing one's dependence on the divine. and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem
The inclusion of "all the people of Judah and Jerusalem" highlights the unity and collective faith of the nation. Historically, Judah and Jerusalem were the heart of the Southern Kingdom, and their joint participation in worship signifies a communal acknowledgment of God's authority. This unity in worship is a testament to the power of shared faith and the importance of community in spiritual practices. It reflects the biblical principle that when God's people come together in unity, their collective worship becomes a powerful force. fell down before the LORD
The phrase "fell down" is translated from the Hebrew word "naphal," which means to fall or to be cast down. This action is not merely physical but also spiritual, indicating a surrender to God's will. Falling down before the LORD is an act of worship that signifies total submission and recognition of God's majesty and power. It is a reminder that in times of crisis or uncertainty, the appropriate response is to humble oneself before God, trusting in His wisdom and strength. to worship Him
Worship, in this context, is derived from the Hebrew word "shachah," meaning to bow down or prostrate oneself. Worship is not just an act of singing or praying but a lifestyle of reverence and adoration towards God. This verse emphasizes that worship is the ultimate response to God's presence and intervention. It is an acknowledgment of His holiness and a declaration of His worthiness. Worship is central to the believer's life, serving as a reminder of God's faithfulness and a source of strength and encouragement in times of need. Persons / Places / Events 1. JehoshaphatThe king of Judah, known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to lead his people in worship and obedience to the LORD. 2. Judah and JerusalemThe southern kingdom of Israel and its capital city, representing the people who were under Jehoshaphat's leadership. 3. The LORDThe covenant God of Israel, Yahweh, who is the object of worship and the source of deliverance for His people. 4. WorshipThe act of bowing down and showing reverence to God, demonstrating humility and submission to His will. 5. The EventThis verse occurs in the context of a national crisis where Judah is threatened by a vast army, and Jehoshaphat leads the people in seeking God's help through prayer and worship. Teaching Points The Power of Humility in WorshipJehoshaphat's act of bowing down demonstrates the importance of humility in worship. True worship involves recognizing our dependence on God and submitting to His authority. Corporate Worship as a Response to CrisisThe collective act of worship by Judah and Jerusalem shows the power of coming together as a community to seek God in times of trouble. It emphasizes the importance of unity in the body of Christ. Faith in God's PromisesJehoshaphat's leadership in worship was based on faith in God's promise of deliverance. Believers today are called to trust in God's promises and respond with worship, even before seeing the outcome. Worship as a WeaponThe context of this verse shows that worship is not just a response to God's goodness but also a strategic act of spiritual warfare. Worship shifts our focus from the problem to the Problem Solver. The Role of Leadership in WorshipJehoshaphat's example highlights the responsibility of leaders to guide others in worship and reliance on God. Leaders in the church are called to model and encourage a lifestyle of worship. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jehoshaphat's response to the threat against Judah challenge our personal response to crises in our lives? 2. In what ways can we incorporate the humility demonstrated by Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah into our daily worship practices? 3. How can corporate worship strengthen our faith and unity as a church community, especially during difficult times? 4. What are some promises of God that we can hold onto and worship Him for, even before we see them fulfilled? 5. How can church leaders today follow Jehoshaphat's example in leading their congregations in worship and dependence on God? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 95:6This verse calls believers to worship and bow down before the LORD, our Maker, echoing the posture of humility and reverence seen in 2 Chronicles 20:18. Philippians 2:10-11These verses speak of every knee bowing and every tongue confessing that Jesus Christ is Lord, connecting the act of worship in 2 Chronicles to the ultimate worship of Christ. Exodus 34:8Moses' response to God's revelation is to bow down and worship, similar to Jehoshaphat's response to God's promise of deliverance. Hebrews 12:28-29Encourages believers to worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, reflecting the attitude of the people of Judah and Jerusalem. James 4:10Calls believers to humble themselves before the Lord, promising that He will lift them up, paralleling the humility shown by Jehoshaphat and his people. People Ahaziah, Ammonites, Aram, Asa, Asaph, Azubah, Benaiah, Berachah, Dodavah, Eliezer, Geber, Hanani, Jahaziel, Jehoshaphat, Jehu, Jeiel, Kohathites, Korahites, Korhites, Levites, Maonites, Mattaniah, Meunim, Meunites, Moabites, Seir, Shilhi, Tamar, Tarshish, ZechariahPlaces Ammon, Edom, Egypt, Engedi, Ezion-geber, Hazazon-tamar, Jeruel, Jerusalem, Mareshah, Moab, Mount Seir, Seir, Tarshish, Tekoa, ZizTopics Bow, Bowed, Boweth, Face, Fallen, Falling, Fell, Ground, Inhabitants, Jehoshaphat, Jehosh'aphat, Jerusalem, Judah, Themselves, Worship, Worshiping, WorshippingDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Chronicles 20:18 5138 bowing
5767 attitudes, in prayer
8620 prayer, practicalities 2 Chronicles 20:15-24 5607 warfare, examples Library A Strange Battle
'We have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon Thee.'--2 CHRON xx. 12. A formidable combination of neighbouring nations, of which Moab and Ammon, the ancestral enemies of Judah, were the chief, was threatening Judah. Jehoshaphat, the king, was panic-stricken when he heard of the heavy war-cloud that was rolling on, ready to burst in thunder on his little kingdom. His first act was to muster the nation, not as a military levy …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureHolding Fast and Held Fast
'As they went forth Jehoshaphat stood and said, Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established.'--2 CHRON. xx. 20. Certainly no stronger army ever went forth to victory than these Jews, who poured out of Jerusalem that morning with no weapon in all their ranks, and having for their van, not their picked men, but singers who 'praised the beauty of holiness,' and chanted the old hymn, 'Give thanks unto the Lord, for His mercy endureth for ever.' That was all that men had to do in the battle, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Of the Public Fast.
A public fast is when, by the authority of the magistrate (Jonah iii. 7; 2 Chron. xx. 3; Ezra viii. 21), either the whole church within his dominion, or some special congregation, whom it concerneth, assemble themselves together, to perform the fore-mentioned duties of humiliation; either for the removing of some public calamity threatened or already inflicted upon them, as the sword, invasion, famine, pestilence, or other fearful sickness (1 Sam. vii. 5, 6; Joel ii. 15; 2 Chron. xx.; Jonah iii. …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety The Coast of the Asphaltites, the Essenes. En-Gedi.
"On the western shore" (of the Asphaltites) "dwell the Essenes; whom persons, guilty of any crimes, fly from on every side. A nation it is that lives alone, and of all other nations in the whole world, most to be admired; they are without any woman; all lust banished, &c. Below these, was the town Engadda, the next to Jerusalem for fruitfulness, and groves of palm-trees, now another burying-place. From thence stands Massada, a castle in a rock, and this castle not far from the Asphaltites." Solinus, …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica "Thou Shall Keep Him in Perfect Peace, Whose Mind is Stayed on Thee, Because He Trusteth in Thee. "
Isaiah xxvi. 3.--"Thou shall keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee." Christ hath left us his peace, as the great and comprehensive legacy, "My peace I leave you," John xiv. 27. And this was not peace in the world that he enjoyed; you know what his life was, a continual warfare; but a peace above the world, that passeth understanding. "In the world you shall have trouble, but in me you shall have peace," saith Christ,--a peace that shall make trouble …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning That the Employing Of, and Associating with the Malignant Party, According as is Contained in the Public Resolutions, is Sinful and Unlawful.
That The Employing Of, And Associating With The Malignant Party, According As Is Contained In The Public Resolutions, Is Sinful And Unlawful. If there be in the land a malignant party of power and policy, and the exceptions contained in the Act of Levy do comprehend but few of that party, then there need be no more difficulty to prove, that the present public resolutions and proceedings do import an association and conjunction with a malignant party, than to gather a conclusion from clear premises. …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Commerce
The remarkable change which we have noticed in the views of Jewish authorities, from contempt to almost affectation of manual labour, could certainly not have been arbitrary. But as we fail to discover here any religious motive, we can only account for it on the score of altered political and social circumstances. So long as the people were, at least nominally, independent, and in possession of their own land, constant engagement in a trade would probably mark an inferior social stage, and imply …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Concerning Peaceableness
Blessed are the peacemakers. Matthew 5:9 This is the seventh step of the golden ladder which leads to blessedness. The name of peace is sweet, and the work of peace is a blessed work. Blessed are the peacemakers'. Observe the connection. The Scripture links these two together, pureness of heart and peaceableness of spirit. The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable' (James 3:17). Follow peace and holiness' (Hebrews 12:14). And here Christ joins them together pure in heart, and peacemakers', …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Chronicles 20:18 NIV2 Chronicles 20:18 NLT2 Chronicles 20:18 ESV2 Chronicles 20:18 NASB2 Chronicles 20:18 KJV
2 Chronicles 20:18 Commentaries
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