John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 3. And Jehoshaphat feared , etc.] 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 17:14-19), but chiefly because the Lord had told him that wrath was upon him from him, ( 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 throughout all Judah ; a day of humiliation and mourning for sin before the Lord; when they were ordered to abstain from bodily food and labour, that they might be fit and more at leisure for spiritual exercises.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-13 - In all dangers, public or personal, our first business should be to seek help from God. Hence the advantage of days for national fastin and prayer. From the first to the last of our seeking the Lord, we mus approach him with humiliation for our sins, trusting only in his merc and power. Jehoshaphat acknowledges the sovereign dominion of the Divine Providence. Lord, exert it on our behalf. Whom should we see to, whom should we trust to for relief, but the God we have chosen an served. Those that use what they have for God, may comfortably hope he will secure it to them. Every true believer is a son of Abraham, friend of God; with such the everlasting covenant is established, to such every promise belongs. We are assured of God's love, by his dwelling in human nature in the person of the Saviour. Jehoshapha mentions the temple, as a token of God's favourable presence. He plead the injustice of his enemies. We may well appeal to God against thos that render us evil for good. Though he had a great army, he said, We have no might without thee; we rely upon thee.
Original Hebrew וירא3372 ויתן5414 יהושׁפט3092 את853 פניו6440 לדרושׁ1875 ליהוה3068 ויקרא7121 צום6685 על5921 כל3605 יהודה׃3063
