2 Chronicles 20:20 – “Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, ‘Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.'”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, we find the people of Judah getting ready to go out and face a massive army that threatens their land. King Jehoshaphat, after seeking God and receiving a promise of deliverance through a prophet, encourages his people as they prepare for battle. He reminds them to put their trust in God and His word. Jehoshaphat’s speech highlights two important points: having faith in God and believing in His prophets.
Jehoshaphat is reminding the people that their success will not come from military strength or strategy, but from trusting in the Lord. God had already promised to fight for them, and now it was up to the people to trust that He would keep His word. Believing in the message delivered by God’s prophet was just as essential as having faith in God Himself, since it was through the prophet that God had spoken.
Historical Context
Judah was facing a dire situation. A coalition of armies from Moab, Ammon, and other nations had come together to attack them. King Jehoshaphat knew that Judah didn’t have the military strength to defeat these enemies on their own, so he called the people to pray and seek God’s guidance. God responded by speaking through a prophet, Jahaziel, who told the people that the battle wasn’t theirs but God’s. They were instructed to go out to the battlefield but were reassured that God would bring the victory.
This verse captures the moment when the people of Judah are about to set out for the battlefield, following God’s instructions. Even though they were told that God would fight for them, they still had to show up in faith. Jehoshaphat’s words encourage them to trust in God’s promise as they face what appears to be an overwhelming situation.
Theological Implications
This verse emphasizes the importance of faith, especially in moments of uncertainty and fear. Jehoshaphat’s call to “have faith in the Lord your God” reflects the core biblical teaching that faith is essential in our relationship with God. It is by trusting in God’s promises that His people find security and hope, even when the odds seem impossible.
The second part of the verse, “have faith in his prophets and you will be successful,” reinforces the idea that God speaks to His people through His appointed messengers. In this case, God had spoken through the prophet Jahaziel, and the people were called to trust that message. This highlights the importance of believing in the word of God as it comes through those He has chosen to communicate His will.
This verse also points to the idea that God’s plans often require us to step out in faith, even when the path ahead is uncertain. The people of Judah still had to march toward the enemy, but they did so trusting that God would deliver on His promise.
Literary Analysis
This verse uses the structure of a motivational speech from a leader to his people before a significant event. Jehoshaphat begins with a call to listen, a command that grabs attention and prepares the people to focus on what’s most important. His words are a mixture of reassurance and challenge: faith in God is presented as the key to being upheld, and faith in the prophets is connected to success.
The repetition of the word “faith” emphasizes its importance. Jehoshaphat is not telling the people to trust in their own abilities but to place their full confidence in God. The structure of the verse creates a sense of anticipation—something important is about to happen, but the outcome depends on the people’s faith.
Biblical Cross-References
- Isaiah 7:9 – “If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.” Like Jehoshaphat’s words, this verse emphasizes the critical role that faith plays in standing firm.
- Hebrews 11:6 – “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Faith is essential in our relationship with God, as demonstrated throughout the Bible.
- 2 Chronicles 20:15 – “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” This earlier verse sets the stage for 2 Chronicles 20:20, where faith in God’s promise is necessary for the people to face the battle ahead.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder that faith is essential when facing life’s challenges. Like the people of Judah, we often find ourselves in situations that seem overwhelming, where our strength and abilities fall short. In those moments, we are called to place our trust in God and His promises, knowing that He is in control and will work out His plan for our good.
The call to “have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld” encourages us to lean on God’s strength, not our own. No matter what battles we face—whether they are physical, emotional, or spiritual—God is able to uphold us when we trust in Him. Additionally, this verse teaches us the importance of trusting in the word of God as revealed in the Bible and through His faithful messengers.
This verse also challenges us to step forward in faith, even when we don’t see how things will work out. Judah had to march toward the enemy, trusting that God would do what He had promised. In the same way, we are called to move forward in life, trusting that God will guide us and bring us through difficult circumstances.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse shows God’s love through His desire to reassure and guide His people. Instead of leaving Judah to face the enemy alone, God gave them a clear promise of victory. His love is seen in the way He speaks to them through the prophet, offering both comfort and direction. Jehoshaphat’s words remind the people that their success doesn’t depend on their abilities but on their faith in a loving, powerful God who has promised to be with them.
God’s love is also evident in the way He invites His people to trust Him. Faith isn’t just about believing in an abstract idea; it’s about trusting in the personal God who knows and cares for us. In this story, God’s love is expressed through His presence and His promise to deliver His people.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ in the way it emphasizes faith as the key to being upheld and finding success. In the New Testament, Jesus consistently calls people to believe in Him, promising eternal life and salvation to those who place their faith in Him.
- John 14:1 – “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” Jesus echoes the same call to faith that Jehoshaphat gave, urging His followers to trust in Him fully.
- John 11:25-26 – “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” Just as Judah’s success depended on their faith in God, our eternal hope and security come from believing in Jesus and the victory He has won for us.
Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises, and through faith in Him, we are upheld and saved, not just from physical battles but from the power of sin and death.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What challenges are you currently facing that require you to step out in faith and trust God’s promises?
- How does Jehoshaphat’s call to “have faith in the Lord” encourage you in your own walk with God?
- What does it mean to trust in God’s word and His messengers in your life today?
- How does Jesus’ call to believe in Him for salvation and life connect with the faith that Jehoshaphat encouraged in this verse?
- How can you practically apply the principle of trusting in God’s strength rather than your own when facing difficult situations?
This verse reminds us that faith is essential for overcoming life’s battles. As we trust in God’s promises and step forward in obedience, we can have confidence that He will uphold us and lead us to victory. Through Jesus Christ, we have the ultimate example of God’s love and power at work in our lives, giving us every reason to trust Him fully.