2 Chronicles 20:14-17 is about King Jehoshaphat encouraging the people of Judah to have faith in God and trust Him to fight their battles, emphasizing that the victory belongs to the Lord not by their might or power, but by His Spirit, highlighting the importance of seeking God’s guidance and relying on Him in times of trouble.
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.”
Setting the Scene for 2 Chronicles 20:14-17
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 has gathered the people, including men, women, and children, to seek the Lord’s help in this dire situation. The atmosphere is tense, with fear and uncertainty palpable among the crowd as they await the king’s next move.
As the people stand before the Lord in the court, Jehoshaphat, filled with faith, begins to pray aloud, acknowledging God’s sovereignty and power over all nations. He recalls God’s promises to protect His people and deliver them from their enemies. Suddenly, in the midst of their prayers, a prophetic word comes forth from Jahaziel, a Levite from the line of Asaph, who assures them that the battle is not theirs but God’s. He encourages them not to be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will be with them.
The surroundings are grand and solemn, with the royal court adorned with rich tapestries and golden ornaments. The people are dressed in their finest garments, their faces reflecting a mix of anxiety and hope. As the words of the prophet sink in, a sense of peace and assurance begins to settle over the assembly. King Jehoshaphat, emboldened by the prophetic word, leads the people in worship and praise, confident that God will indeed deliver them from their enemies.
What is 2 Chronicles 20:14-17 about?
This verse conveys a powerful message about leaning on our faith in God during challenging times. It reminds us to trust in God’s ability to deliver us from difficulties, no matter how insurmountable they may seem. When we put our faith in God and praise Him despite our circumstances, we open ourselves up to receiving His help and experiencing victory. Consider how you can apply this verse to your own life. Have you ever faced a daunting situation where you felt overwhelmed? Did you turn to God and trust in His power to bring you through in those moments? Reflect on how praising God, even in the midst of adversity, can shift your perspective and ultimately lead to triumph. You invite God to work in your life and bring about His deliverance by holding onto your faith and choosing to lift Him up in praise. Trust in God’s promises and remember that victory is achieved through faith and praise.
Understanding what 2 Chronicles 20:14-17 really means
In the historical context of King Jehoshaphat’s reign in Judah, the nation finds itself in a dire situation, surrounded by powerful enemies that evoke fear and uncertainty among the people. In response to this imminent threat, Jehoshaphat initiates a national fast, seeking divine guidance from the Lord. It is in this moment of collective prayer and seeking God’s intervention that the Spirit of the Lord comes upon Jahaziel, signifying a direct message from God through a chosen messenger. This divine intervention highlights the theme of God’s active involvement in the affairs of His people, offering guidance and reassurance in times of crisis.
The key phrases within the passage carry profound meanings that resonate beyond the historical narrative. The exhortation to “not be afraid or discouraged” echoes a recurring biblical theme that emphasizes trust in God’s sovereignty over succumbing to fear. Similarly, the declaration that “the battle is not yours, but God’s” underscores the importance of relying on divine power rather than human strength in facing challenges. The call to “stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you” encourages faith and patience, urging believers to trust in God’s ultimate salvation and provision.
Drawing parallels to other biblical passages such as Exodus 14:13-14 and Psalm 46:10 reinforces the message of trusting in God’s sovereignty and power. The relevance of these teachings to contemporary believers is evident in the encouragement to maintain faith over fear, especially in a world marked by uncertainties and adversities. This passage serves as a timeless reminder that believers are not alone in their struggles and that God is actively working on their behalf, offering deliverance and peace amidst turmoil.
An illustrative anecdote further elucidates the practical application of this passage in real-life scenarios. Consider a struggling small business owner on the verge of bankruptcy, overwhelmed by economic challenges beyond their control. Encountering the message of 2 Chronicles 20:14-17, they are reminded to trust in God’s plan and to stand firm in faith. Through prayer and patience, they witness unexpected opportunities unfold, leading to the restoration of their business and a deepened faith in God’s provision.
In conclusion, the passage from 2 Chronicles 20:14-17 serves as a poignant reminder of God’s sovereignty, faithfulness, and active involvement in the lives of believers. It calls individuals to trust in God’s power and timing, especially when faced with daunting obstacles. By standing firm in faith, seeking divine guidance, and embracing God’s deliverance, believers can experience profound peace and assurance in the midst of life’s challenges.
How can we trust God in times of crisis?
We can trust God in times of crisis by remembering His past faithfulness and the ways He has come through for us in the past. We can also take comfort in knowing that God has the power to deliver us from any situation, just as the people in the verse were reminded to not be afraid or discouraged because of the vast enemy army before them.
Additionally, trusting God in times of crisis involves seeking Him earnestly through prayer and seeking His guidance. We demonstrate our faith and reliance on His wisdom and sovereignty by turning to Him and acknowledging our dependence on Him.
Lastly, we can trust God by believing in His promises and having faith that He is in control of every situation. Even when things seem impossible or overwhelming, we can find strength in knowing that God is with us and will fight for us. We can experience His peace that surpasses all understanding by surrendering our fears and anxieties to Him.
Application
Just like Jehoshaphat and his people faced their fears head-on, we too have the power within us to conquer our obstacles. We should stand tall in our faith, knowing that divine strength is always by our side. Let’s swap our doubts for trust, our fears for courage, and our worries for prayers. Will you join me in embracing this faith-filled journey, confident in God’s unwavering support and victorious power?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.