2 Chronicles 20:3

Authorized King James Version

And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּרָ֕א

H3372

feared

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

וַיִּתֵּ֧ן

H5414

and set

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

יְהֽוֹשָׁפָ֛ט

H3092

And Jehoshaphat

jehoshaphat, the name of six israelites; also of a valley near jerusalem

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

פָּנָ֖יו

H6440

himself

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

לִדְר֣וֹשׁ

H1875

to seek

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

לַֽיהוָ֑ה

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וַיִּקְרָא

H7121

and proclaimed

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

צ֖וֹם

H6685

a fast

#10

עַל

H5921

throughout

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#11

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#12

יְהוּדָֽה׃

H3063

all Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

Analysis

Within the broader context of 2 Chronicles, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 2 Chronicles.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Chronicles Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?