2 Chronicles 20
-This chapter illuminates the power of God to come through
against impossible odds when we turn to Him in trust and obedience to His
prophetic Word. The sons of Moab, Ammon, along with some of the Meunites came
to make war from the north and east on Judah in immense numbers. As this was
realized the people turned to seek the LORD together under the direction of
Jehoshaphat, who was understandably afraid (2 Chronicles 20:1-3a). He thus
proclaimed a fast and sought prophetic counsel after calling upon the LORD with
remembrance of His promises and historical deliverances (2 Chronicles
20:3b-14). Jahaziel had the Spirit of the LORD come upon him to declare the
following, “Listen, all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and King
Jehoshaphat: thus says the LORD to you, ‘Do not fear or be dismayed because of
this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s (2 Chronicles
20:15).’” God told them to go down against them and they would find them at the
end of the valley in front of the wilderness of Jeruel. They were told they
would not have to fight this battle, but simply station themselves and stand
and see the salvation of the LORD on their behalf for the LORD was with them (2
Chronicles 20:16-17). The king bowed his head and face to the ground and the
people followed suit, and then the Levites worshipped the LORD by standing and
giving praise to Him with a very loud voice (2 Chronicles 20:18-19).
-The next day, early in the morning, they went out to the
wilderness of Tekoa, and Jehoshaphat told them to “put your trust in the LORD
your God and you will be established. Put your trust in His prophets and
succeed (2 Chronicles 20:20). Then singers and people of praise were appointed
in holy attire to go out before the army giving thanks to the LORD for His
everlasting lovingkindness (2 Chronicles 20:21). When they began singing and
praising, the LORD set an ambush where the enemies of Judah ransacked each
other (2 Chronicles 20:22-23). When Judah came to the vantage point of them in
the wilderness, all they saw were dead corpses lying on the ground, and no had
escaped. The spoil was there for the taking without any resistance. They took
three full days gathering the spoils of goods, garments, and valuable things
for themselves because there was so much (2 Chronicles 20:24-25)!
-There was a triumphant return to Jerusalem after a time of
praising the LORD on the fourth day in a place named the Valley of Beracah
(Blessing). The dread of the LORD went out upon all the other kingdoms of the
land as they heard the reports of what had happened. Therefore, the kingdom was
at peace as God gave Jehoshaphat rest on all sides (2 Chronicles 20:26-30).
Jehoshaphat’s remaining legacy is listed as the chapter ends. He was a good
king who did not depart from the ways of his father Asa. But, the high places
were not removed, and he allied himself with the evil Northern Kingdom and
Ahaziah, which was wicked in the sight of God. This lead to some foiled attempts
in naval power (2 Chronicles 20:31-37).
-*Application* Our best defense and offense is found in an abiding
relationship with the LORD who fights for us. Put your trust in Him and fear not
nor be dismayed. Station yourself, in other words, posture yourself, with faith
and dependence on God, your higher authority. Stand and see the salvation of the
LORD on your behalf as you turn your reliance over to Christ Jesus, the author and
finisher on your faith (Hebrews 12:2). Also, listen to the prophetic Word of God
and trust in It. This will allow you to succeed! God fights our battles!
Verses to Memorize: 2
Chronicles 20:15, 20
No comments:
Post a Comment