2 Chronicles 20:1-30 is about King Jehoshaphat demonstrating trust in God’s deliverance when faced with overwhelming enemies, teaching us the importance of seeking God’s guidance and relying on His power in times of trouble.
21 And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the Lord and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, “Give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures forever.”
2 Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, “A great multitude is coming against you from Edom, from beyond the sea; and, behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar” (that is, Engedi).
3 Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.
4 And Judah assembled to seek help from the Lord; from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord.
5 And Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord, before the new court,
6 and said, “O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you.
7 Did you not, our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel, and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend?
8 and they have lived in it and have built for you in it a sanctuary for your name, saying,
9 ‘If disaster comes upon us, the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this house and before you—for your name is in this house—and cry out to you in our affliction, and you will hear and save.’
10 And now behold, the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir, whom you would not let Israel invade when they came from the land of Egypt, and whom they avoided and did not destroy—
11 behold, they reward us by coming to drive us out of your possession, which you have given us to inherit.
12 O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”
13 Meanwhile all Judah stood before the Lord, with their little ones, their wives, and their children.
14 And the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, in the midst of the assembly.
15 Thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s.
16 Tomorrow go down against them. Behold, they will come up by the ascent of Ziz. You will find them at the end of the valley, east of the wilderness of Jeruel.
17 You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.”
18 Then Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the Lord, worshiping the Lord.
19 And the Levites, of the Kohathites and the Korahites, stood up to praise the Lord, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice.
20 And they rose early in the morning and went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. And when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be established; believe his prophets, and you will succeed.”
21 And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the Lord and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, “Give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures forever.”
22 And when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed.
23 For the men of Ammon and Moab rose against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, devoting them to destruction, and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, they all helped to destroy one another.
24 When Judah came to the watchtower of the wilderness, they looked toward the horde, and behold, there were dead bodies lying on the ground; none had escaped.
25 When Jehoshaphat and his people came to take their spoil, they found among them, in great numbers, goods, clothing, and precious things, which they took for themselves until they could carry no more. They were three days in taking the spoil, it was so much.
26 On the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Beracah, for there they blessed the Lord. Therefore the name of that place has been called the Valley of Beracah to this day.
And they returned every man of Judah and Jerusalem, and Jehoshaphat at their head, returning to Jerusalem with joy, for the Lord had made them rejoice over their enemies.
28 They came to Jerusalem with harps and lyres and trumpets, to the house of the Lord.
29 And the fear of God came on all the kingdoms of the countries when they heard that the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel.
30 So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet, for his God gave him rest all around.
Setting the Scene for 2 Chronicles 20:1-30
In 2 Chronicles chapter 20, we find King Jehoshaphat of Judah facing a formidable alliance of enemy nations marching against him. The scene is set in the royal court of Jerusalem, where King Jehoshaphat is surrounded by his advisors and the people of Judah. The atmosphere is tense as news of the impending attack spreads throughout the kingdom, causing fear and uncertainty among the population.
King Jehoshaphat, known for his faithfulness to God, calls for a national day of fasting and prayer. The people gather in the courtyard of the temple, seeking divine intervention in the face of overwhelming odds. Jehoshaphat stands before the assembly, lifting his voice in prayer, acknowledging God’s sovereignty and power over their enemies.
As the people pray and worship, a prophetic word comes forth, assuring them that the battle belongs to the Lord. Encouraged by this message, King Jehoshaphat appoints singers to lead the army into battle, praising God for His faithfulness. In a remarkable turn of events, the enemy armies turn on each other, resulting in a great victory for Judah without them having to lift a sword. The scene in 2 Chronicles 20 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking God in times of trouble and trusting in His deliverance.
What is 2 Chronicles 20:1-30 about?
This verse reminds us of the power of prayer and praise in our relationship with God. When faced with enemies or challenges in our lives, whether they be physical, emotional, or spiritual, we can turn to God in prayer and praise for deliverance. We invite His intervention and guidance into our lives by acknowledging God’s sovereignty, faithfulness, and strength through our prayers and praises. It is a declaration of our trust in God’s ability to protect, provide, and lead us through any trouble we may face. This verse encourages us to rely on God completely by emphasizing the importance of trust in Him for victory. It prompts us to reflect on our own dependence on God versus our own abilities, reminding us that true victory comes not from our own strength but from God’s mighty hand. Through prayer and praise, we not only combat our enemies but also strengthen our relationship with God, deepening our faith and reliance on Him in all circumstances. So, let us approach our challenges with a heart full of trust, knowing that God is our ultimate source of deliverance and victory.
Understanding what 2 Chronicles 20:1-30 really means
In 2 Chronicles 20:1-30, we delve into a pivotal moment in the history of Judah, where King Jehoshaphat confronts a massive coalition of enemy forces. The main theme that emerges from this passage is the profound significance of trusting in God during times of overwhelming adversity. As we unpack the key phrases within these verses, we encounter powerful messages that resonate with our own struggles and challenges. When Jehoshaphat hears that “a great multitude is coming against you,” it symbolizes the immense obstacles we often encounter in life, reminding us of the magnitude of our own battles.
Initially, Jehoshaphat’s fear is palpable, but his decision to “set his face to seek the Lord” showcases a crucial shift towards reliance on God for guidance and strength. The declaration that “the battle is not yours, but God’s” serves as a poignant reminder that true victory stems from God’s power, not human efforts. Furthermore, the directive to “stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf” underscores the importance of unwavering faith in God’s deliverance.
Drawing parallels with other biblical passages such as Psalm 46:10, Exodus 14:14, and Ephesians 6:13, we find a consistent message of standing firm and trusting in God’s sovereignty. These verses reinforce the idea that in the face of adversity, our ultimate strength lies in surrendering to God’s will and relying on His protection. Today, as we navigate our own challenges—whether they be health crises, financial struggles, or personal conflicts—the lesson of trusting in God’s providence remains as relevant as ever.
Jehoshaphat’s call for a national fast and prayer underscores the significance of communal support and collective faith in overcoming obstacles. Just as he sought unity and divine intervention, we too can find solace and strength in coming together with our community in times of need. Consider a small business owner on the brink of bankruptcy, paralyzed by fear until they turn to prayer and their faith community for guidance. Through collective support and unwavering faith, they discover the resilience to persevere, mirroring Jehoshaphat’s experience and highlighting the transformative power of faith and community.
In conclusion, the narrative of Jehoshaphat serves as a poignant reminder that regardless of the challenges we face, God stands by our side, ready to fight our battles if we place our trust in Him. As we reflect on this passage, let us be encouraged to earnestly seek God in times of trouble, stand firm in our faith, and witness His miraculous deliverance in our lives. Let Jehoshaphat’s story inspire us to embrace unwavering trust in God’s providence, knowing that He is our ultimate source of strength and victory.
How can we trust in God during adversity?
We can trust in God in times of adversity by acknowledging His sovereignty and power over all things. When we recognize that God is in control and that He is greater than any challenge or trial we may face, we can find peace and strength in knowing that He is with us every step of the way. We can find comfort in God’s promise to never leave us nor forsake us by putting our faith in Him and surrendering our circumstances to Him. Trusting in God during adversity also involves seeking Him in prayer and seeking His guidance. Through prayer and seeking God’s will, we can draw closer to Him and find the strength and wisdom we need to navigate through difficult times. We can rest in the assurance that God is working all things together for our good as we humble ourselves before Him and trust in His plan for our lives, even in the midst of adversity. Trusting in God also means having faith that He will deliver us and provide for our needs according to His perfect timing and purposes.
Application
Think of your life as a busy office or a bustling home. When King Jehoshaphat faced overwhelming challenges, he didn’t go it alone—he sought God’s help. Just as he relied on God in his crisis, you too can turn to God in prayer, fasting, and praise when you face your personal battles. Trust in God’s power to step into your situation. Will you commit to seeking His guidance and presence, just like Jehoshaphat did?
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.