2 Chronicles 19-20: Jehoshaphat, part 2

LINK: 2 Chronicles 19-20

by Katrina

BACKGROUND
Chapter 19 begins with Jehoshaphat being chastised by God for participating with Ahab in the battle against Ramoth-Gilead. "Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD, and so bring wrath on yourself from the Lord?"

Jehoshaphat continued his efforts to spread God's law to all the people of Judah. He went out among the people and talked with them about the Lord and the law. By doing so, he brought many people in the land back to a right relationship with the Lord. He also appointed judges throughout the land and instructed them to judge very carefully and righteously before God.

Chapter 20 tells of another battle. This time the Moabites, Ammonites and some Meunites were joining forces in a plan to attack Judah. When Jehoshaphat received word of the impending enemy attack, he understood the danger his country was in. He turned to God and led the people to do likewise. God sent a message to the king and the people, "Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God's." The Lord gave them instructions and assured them that he would take care of this battle for Judah. They never even had to fight, but God orchestrated the victory for them. They praised the Lord, and the surrounding nations feared the Lord and did not attack again while Jehoshaphat was king.

The chapter closes by briefly mentioning an alliance that Jehoshaphat made with Ahaziah king of Israel. God did not approve of this alliance and destroyed the work that the alliance accomplished.

REFLECTION
When Jehoshaphat received word of the enemy invasion about to come, he immediately "turned his attention to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah." He publicly sought the help of God to deliver his nation from these enemies. I love God's answer to Jehoshaphat's prayer: "Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God's . . . " Then God gave them instructions to go out as for battle, but they would not fight at all. He assured them, "Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out to face them, for the Lord is with you." The Levites then led in praise to the Lord - loud praise. They praised the Lord as if he had already accomplished what he just promised.

The next morning, they carried out the instructions of the Lord with Jehoshaphat reminding them, "Listen to me, O Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, put your trust in the Lord your God, and you will be established. Put your trust in His prophets and succeed." Then Jehoshaphat told the "worship leaders" to "give thanks to the Lord, for His lovingkindness is everlasting." While the people praised God, the Lord set ambushes against their enemies and destroyed them completely. All the people of Judah had to do was take three days to gather the spoils! Then they blessed the Lord and returned to Jerusalem with joy.

APPLICATION
Wow! What an example of the faith of God's people and the faithfulness of God! As believers, we do not fight in physical battles such as this. Paul tell us in Ephesians 6:12, "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." Our enemies are formidable to us. But we are not left to fight the battle on our own. God equips us with his armor so we can stand firm against Satan's attacks. We need to be like Jehoshaphat and quickly turn our attention to seek the Lord. Maybe we need to fast at times, and we always need to pray. As we worship God, he works on our behalf. So, when the enemy attacks in your life, put on the armor God gives you (Eph 6:10-18), put your trust in the Lord, sing praise to him, and obey him. For the true battle is a spiritual one, and the battle is won when God is glorified.

PRAYER
Lord, help us to remember that our battles are the little battles in the larger war for your glory. The ultimate purpose of everything is to glorify your name. We recognize that by ourselves we are powerless against the enemy Satan. But you equip us to fight the battles we encounter in this life. You fight for us. You win the victories. And we share in the "spoils." Teach us to fight these spiritual battles in such a way that brings you glory. We praise you for your lovingkindness toward us, for your protection over us, and that the battle is yours, not ours to fight! We trust in you that all will be done for your glory, amen.