2 Chronicles 20:18

Then Jehoshaphat bowed facedown, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down before the LORD to worship Him.

Study Bible

Then Jehoshaphat bowed facedown
Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, demonstrates humility and reverence by bowing facedown. This act of prostration is a physical expression of submission and worship, common in ancient Near Eastern cultures. It signifies acknowledging God's sovereignty and seeking His guidance. Jehoshaphat's leadership in worship sets an example for the people, emphasizing the importance of seeking God in times of crisis. This act can be compared to other biblical figures like Moses and Joshua, who also bowed in reverence before God.

and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down before the LORD
The collective action of the people of Judah and Jerusalem falling down signifies unity in worship and dependence on God. This communal act of worship highlights the importance of corporate prayer and seeking God as a community. It reflects the biblical principle that God's people are called to worship Him together, as seen in other scriptures such as Nehemiah 8:6, where the people respond to God's Word with worship. The mention of both Judah and Jerusalem underscores the inclusion of the entire nation in this act of devotion.

to worship Him
Worship here is directed solely to the LORD, emphasizing monotheism and the rejection of idolatry, which was a recurring issue in Israel's history. Worship in the Old Testament often involved sacrifices, singing, and prayer, but here it is characterized by a posture of humility and reverence. This moment of worship is a response to God's promise of deliverance, as earlier in the chapter, God assures Jehoshaphat of victory over the invading armies. This act of worship is a demonstration of faith and trust in God's power and faithfulness, echoing the worship of God seen throughout the Psalms and the prophetic books.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jehoshaphat
The 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 Jerusalem
The southern kingdom of Israel and its capital city, representing the people who were under Jehoshaphat's leadership.

3. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel, Yahweh, who is the object of worship and the source of deliverance for His people.

4. Worship
The act of bowing down and showing reverence to God, demonstrating humility and submission to His will.

5. The Event
This 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 Worship
Jehoshaphat'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 Crisis
The 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 Promises
Jehoshaphat'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 Weapon
The 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 Worship
Jehoshaphat'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 95:6
This 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 2:10-11
These 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 34:8
Moses' response to God's revelation is to bow down and worship, similar to Jehoshaphat's response to God's promise of deliverance.

Hebrews 12:28-29
Encourages believers to worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, reflecting the attitude of the people of Judah and Jerusalem.

James 4:10
Calls believers to humble themselves before the Lord, promising that He will lift them up, paralleling the humility shown by Jehoshaphat and his people.