דברי הימים ב, פרק כ׳, פסוק י״ב

Facing a massive and overwhelming threat, a state of complete helplessness brings about a sharp realization of total dependence on God. In this moment of crisis, the people turn to God with a desperate plea, asking Him to hold their enemies accountable in judgment and bring punishment upon them [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

This appeal stems from a twofold inability of the people to save themselves. First, they lack the physical strength and bravery needed to wage war against such a vast invading force. Second, they are entirely without a strategy; they have no plan or direction regarding how to escape the danger [מלבי״ם, מצודת דוד].

Stripped of both military might and human planning, they are left with only one response. The primary approach among commentators is that the people focus their eyes and their hopes exclusively on God, trusting that He alone can step in and rescue them from their enemies.