So the people of Judah gathered to seek the LORD, and indeed, they came from all the cities of Judah to seek Him. So the people of JudahThe phrase "the people of Judah" refers to the inhabitants of the southern kingdom of Israel, known as Judah. Historically, Judah was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, named after one of Jacob's sons. The tribe of Judah held a significant position, as it was from this lineage that King David and ultimately Jesus Christ descended. The gathering of the people signifies a collective unity and a shared identity rooted in their covenant relationship with God. This unity is crucial, especially in times of crisis, as it reflects a communal acknowledgment of their dependence on God. gathered
The Hebrew root for "gathered" is "קָבַץ" (qavats), which means to assemble or collect. This gathering was not merely a physical assembly but a spiritual convergence with a purpose. In the context of ancient Israel, such gatherings were often called for religious festivals, national emergencies, or significant communal decisions. The act of gathering underscores the importance of community in seeking divine intervention and guidance, emphasizing that faith is not just an individual journey but a collective experience. to seek the LORD
The phrase "to seek the LORD" is central to the verse, highlighting the purpose of the gathering. The Hebrew word for "seek" is "דָּרַשׁ" (darash), which implies a diligent search or inquiry. This seeking is not passive but an active pursuit of God's presence, will, and intervention. In the biblical context, seeking the LORD often involved prayer, fasting, and repentance, demonstrating a heartfelt desire for divine guidance and favor. It reflects a recognition of God's sovereignty and a humble submission to His authority. and indeed, they came
The word "indeed" emphasizes the certainty and earnestness of the people's actions. It suggests that their coming was not out of obligation but a genuine response to the call to seek God. The phrase "they came" indicates movement and action, signifying a deliberate choice to turn towards God. This movement towards God is a recurring theme in Scripture, symbolizing repentance, faith, and the pursuit of righteousness. from every city in Judah
This phrase underscores the widespread nature of the gathering, indicating that the call to seek the LORD resonated throughout the entire kingdom. The mention of "every city" highlights the inclusivity of the call, suggesting that no one was exempt from the need to seek God. It reflects a national acknowledgment of dependence on God, transcending local or individual concerns. Historically, this unity would have been significant, as it demonstrated a collective turning to God in times of national distress. to seek Him
The repetition of the phrase "to seek" reinforces the central theme of the verse. The focus is on seeking "Him," emphasizing a personal relationship with God. This seeking is not just for His intervention but for His presence and guidance. It reflects a deep spiritual longing and a recognition that true security and peace come from God alone. In the broader biblical narrative, seeking God is often associated with blessings, protection, and divine favor, encouraging believers to continually pursue a closer relationship with Him. Persons / Places / Events 1. JehoshaphatThe king of Judah during this time, known for his efforts to follow God and lead his people in righteousness. He called for a fast and prayer when faced with a vast enemy army. 2. JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, consisting of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. It was the focal point of this gathering to seek the Lord. 3. The People of JudahThe inhabitants of the kingdom who responded to Jehoshaphat's call to seek the Lord in unity and humility. 4. The GatheringA significant event where the people of Judah came together from all cities to seek God's guidance and deliverance in the face of impending danger. 5. The ThreatThe imminent invasion by a coalition of enemy forces, which prompted Jehoshaphat and the people to turn to God for help. Teaching Points The Power of Unity in PrayerWhen faced with challenges, coming together as a community to seek God can lead to powerful outcomes. Unity in prayer reflects a collective dependence on God. Seeking God in Times of CrisisIn moments of fear and uncertainty, turning to God should be our first response. This passage encourages believers to prioritize seeking God’s guidance and intervention. The Importance of Leadership in Spiritual MattersJehoshaphat’s leadership in calling the people to seek the Lord highlights the role of leaders in guiding others towards spiritual solutions. God’s Faithfulness to His PeopleThe gathering of Judah demonstrates trust in God’s faithfulness. Believers can be assured that God hears and responds to the cries of His people. The Role of Community in Spiritual GrowthEngaging with a community of believers can strengthen individual faith and provide support during difficult times. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the response of the people of Judah to Jehoshaphat’s call to seek the Lord challenge or inspire your own approach to prayer in times of crisis? 2. In what ways can you foster a sense of unity and collective prayer within your own community or church? 3. Reflect on a time when you faced a difficult situation. How did seeking God’s guidance impact the outcome? 4. How can leaders today encourage their communities to seek God, especially during challenging times? 5. What other biblical examples can you find where people gathered to seek God, and what were the outcomes of those gatherings? How do these examples encourage you in your faith journey? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Chronicles 7:14This verse emphasizes the power of collective prayer and repentance, promising that God will hear from heaven and heal the land when His people humble themselves and seek His face. Psalm 34:4This psalm reflects the theme of seeking the Lord and finding deliverance from fears, similar to the deliverance sought by the people of Judah. Matthew 18:20Jesus speaks about the power of gathering in His name, promising His presence, which parallels the gathering of Judah to seek the Lord. 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 Assembled, Cities, Gathered, Indeed, Inquire, Judah, Prayer, Seek, Themselves, Town, WorshipDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Chronicles 20:1-4 8160 seeking God 2 Chronicles 20:1-17 8648 enquiring of God 2 Chronicles 20:2-4 8431 fasting, reasons 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 20:4 NIV2 Chronicles 20:4 NLT2 Chronicles 20:4 ESV2 Chronicles 20:4 NASB2 Chronicles 20:4 KJV
2 Chronicles 20:4 Commentaries
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