THEOSISTheodoret of Cyrus
When Jehoshaphat was confronted by numerous foes, he did not rely on the size of his army or on weapons for his safety. Rather, it is noted that ‘he presented his case to seek the Lord and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.’
2 Chronicles 20:3Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers
And Josaphat being seized with fear betook himself wholly to pray to the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Juda.
וַיִּרָ֕א וַיִּתֵּ֧ן יְהוֹשָׁפָ֛ט אֶת־פָּנָ֖יו לִדְר֣וֹשׁ לַיהוָ֑ה וַיִּקְרָא־צ֖וֹם עַל־כָּל־יְהוּדָֽה׃
The Church Fathers on this verse
2 Church Fathers comment on this verse
John of Tobolsk
Firstly, it’s essential to recognize that faith transcends hope, elevating it to a higher plane. Hope is not merely any hope; rather, it is a robust, complete assurance that remains unyielding in the face of doubt. Seneca highlighted this difference when he remarked: ‘Of thee I have hope, but not trust’. Our reliance on God should encompass all human endeavors. One who places their trust entirely in God—with discernment in both significant and trivial matters—truly believes at every moment of life that God will not forsake His cherished servant in due time.
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Consider the examples of King David, who instituted a military training program and instructed the Israelites in archery as outlined in Scripture. Prior to this initiative, Jonathan demonstrated remarkable skill in this art and received accolades from David himself: ‘Without the blood of the wounded, without the tuk of the strong, the bow of Jonathan did not go back’ (2 Samuel 1:22). Hitting targets protected by helmet or armor is no simple task, yet Jonathan’s arrows consistently penetrated even the toughest defenses. Trust in God mirrors Jonathan’s bow; it reaches the heart of God and enters into His presence, returning with His mercy for those who trust Him.
Throughout the history of Israel and Judah, a total of thirty-nine kings reigned; however, how many truly pierced the heart of God through their faith in Him? Only a select few—perhaps three or four: David, Hezekiah, Josiah, and Jehoshaphat, assuming he had abolished the idolatrous offerings on the high places. The hearts of these kings were indeed aligned with God and brimming with unwavering trust. When a vast coalition of Moabites and Ammonites came to wage war against Jehoshaphat, he, lacking the strength to confront his enemies, confidently turned to God in prayer. Genuine trust is always met with abundant mercy from on high.
Cross references
Passages read together with this verse.
- Dan 9:3And I set my face to the Lord, my God, to pray and make supplication with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes.
- 2 Chr 19:3But good works are found in thee, because thou hast taken away the groves out of the land of Juda, and hast prepared thy heart to seek the Lord the God of thy fathers.
- 1 Sam 7:6And they gathered together to Masphath, and they drew water, and poured it out before the Lord, and they fasted on that day, and they said there: We have sinned against the Lord. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Masphath.
- Joel 2:12Now, therefore, saith the Lord. Be converted to me with all your heart, in fasting, and in weeping, and mourning.
- Joel 2:18The Lord hath been zealous for his land, and hath spared his people.
- Joel 1:14Sanctify ye a fast, call an assembly, gather together the ancients, all the inhabitants of the land into the house of your God: and cry ye to the Lord:
- Jer 36:9And it came to pass in the fifth year of Joakim the son of Josias king of Juda, in the ninth month, that they proclaimed a fast before the Lord to all the people in Jerusalem, and to all the people that were come together out of the cities of Juda to Jerusalem.
- Matt 10:28And fear ye not them that kill the body, and are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him that can destroy both soul and body in hell.