1. After this, the armies of the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites declared war on Jehoshaphat.
2. Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army from Edom is marching against you from beyond the Dead Sea. They are already at Hazazon-tamar.” (This was another name for En-gedi.)
3. Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and begged the lord for guidance. He also ordered everyone in Judah to begin fasting.
4. So people from all the towns of Judah came to Jerusalem to seek the lord’s help.
5. Jehoshaphat stood before the community of Judah and Jerusalem in front of the new courtyard at the Temple of the lord.
6. He prayed, “O lord, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you!
7. O our God, did you not drive out those who lived in this land when your people Israel arrived? And did you not give this land forever to the descendants of your friend Abraham?
8. Your people settled here and built this Temple to honor your name.