Tuesday, October 29 – 2 Chronicles 20, 21 – Additional reading, Prophets and Kings Chapter 15, “Jehoshaphat”

1. How did Jehoshaphat respond when faced with a vast army coming against Judah, and what can we learn from his response? 2 Chronicles 20:3-4

2. What role did worship play in Judah’s victory over the Moabites and Ammonites, and how can we apply this principle in our battles? 2 Chronicles 20:21-22

3. How did the reign of Jehoram, Jehoshaphat’s son, contrast with his father’s, and what were the consequences of his decisions for Judah? 2 Chronicles 21:6-7, 12-14

Commentary and Reflection:

In 2 Chronicles 20, Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, is faced with a terrifying situation: a coalition of Moabites, Ammonites, and others are preparing to invade Judah. Rather than relying on military might or seeking political alliances, Jehoshaphat demonstrates remarkable spiritual leadership by turning immediately to God. It is written that “Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah” (2 Chronicles 20:3). His response to fear was to seek divine guidance. Here is an excellent example of spiritual leadership that nations, businesses, churches, and families should emulate.

In preparing for battle, the King gathers the people at God’s house to pray. His prayer in verses 6-12 is a model of humility and dependence on God. He acknowledges God’s power and sovereignty, recalls past divine interventions, and admits Judah’s helplessness without God’s intervention: “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You” (v. 12). This attitude of seeking God in times of crisis can serve as a lesson today, reminding us that our first recourse in times of trial should be prayer and reliance on God.

“Now all Judah, with their little ones, their wives, and their children, stood before the Lord.” (2 Chronicles 20:13). Can you imagine the scene? This is God’s people seeking him with all their hearts.

God’s answer through Jahaziel, the prophet, assures Judah of divine intervention. The message is clear: “Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s” (v. 15). When we trust God, He takes ownership of our battles. Judah was instructed to stand firm in faith and see the Lord’s salvation.

“And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem bowed before the Lord, worshiping the Lord.” (2 Chronicles 20:18)

 Remarkably, they were told to do something counterintuitive: they would not need to fight in the battle.

A key theme in 2 Chronicles 20 is the role of worship as part of spiritual warfare. When Jehoshaphat and Judah prepared for battle, they did something unconventional: they appointed singers to lead the army, praising God in the beauty of holiness (v. 21). As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against their enemies, causing confusion among the invading forces (v. 22). By the time Judah arrived at the battlefield, the enemies had already destroyed each other!

This incredible victory highlights the power of worship in spiritual battles. Worship shifts our focus from fear and uncertainty to faith in God’s power and promises. It honors God and brings His presence and power into our situations. In our lives, worship can be a key weapon in facing struggles, reminding us that God is in control and fights on our behalf.

In contrast to Jehoshaphat’s faithfulness, the following chapter (2 Chronicles 21) presents a sobering account of Jehoram, his son, who chose a path of disobedience and wickedness. Jehoram’s reign marks a dramatic departure from the godly example of his father. Instead of following in Jehoshaphat’s footsteps, Jehoram led Judah into idolatry and even murdered his brothers to secure his throne (2 Chronicles 21:4-6).

The prophet Elijah sent him a letter, rebuking him for his wickedness and prophesying disastrous consequences, including a painful disease and the loss of his family and kingdom (vv. 12-14). This chapter warns about the long-term effects of sin, not only on the individual but also on those under their influence.

2 Chronicles 20 and 21 provide a striking contrast between the outcomes of faith and disobedience. Jehoshaphat’s story teaches us that seeking God, trusting in His promises, and worshiping in the face of adversity lead to divine intervention and victory. On the other hand, Jehoram’s life illustrates the destructive consequences of forsaking God’s ways.

The story of Jehoshaphat encourages us to rely on God, even when the odds seem stacked against us, and reminds us that, ultimately, “the battle is not yours, but God’s.”

May the Lord fight your battles today.