The proclamation of a fast (v. 3) brings the whole of Judah together to express their dependence upon the Lord. This seeking has one aim in view: ‘help’ (v. 4). And they need it. Jehoshaphat’s prayer (vv. 5–12) is a wonderful example of marshalling all the reasons why Judah might expect help. ‘Lord, you can do it, you should do it, so won’t you please do it?’ There are three basic grounds for his prayer that the king presents before the Lord: what the Lord has done, what Judah is doing, and what