And they rose early in the morning,.... Being confident of success, animated by what the prophet said to them: and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa; which, according to Jerom (u), was six miles from Bethlehem, and nine from Jerusalem, some say twelve, beyond which was nothing but a desert; it was part of the wilderness of Judah: and as they went forth; out of Jerusalem, through one of the gates of it: Jehoshaphat stood and said, believe in the Lord your God; in the promises he had made, particularly with respect to the victory over their present enemies; the Targum is,"in the Word of the Lord your God:" so shall you be established; have courage and firmness of mind, as well as be safe and secure: believe his prophets; sent by him, and that speak in his name, particularly Jahaziel, who had predicted victory to them: so shall ye prosper; things will succeed to your wishes, and beyond your expectations. (u) Prooem. in Amos, and Comment. in ch. i. 1.