Jehoshaphat’s Prayer and Victory over Moab and Ammon
Threat from Moab and Ammon
2 Chronicles 20 begins with a significant threat to Judah: a large coalition of Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites advances against Jehoshaphat to wage war (2 Chronicles 20:1-2). This sudden and severe threat creates a dire situation for Jehoshaphat and his kingdom.
Jehoshaphat’s Appeal to God
In response to the looming crisis, Jehoshaphat proclaims a fast throughout Judah, and the people gather in Jerusalem to seek help from the Lord (2 Chronicles 20:3-4). Jehoshaphat leads the assembly in prayer in the courtyard of the temple, acknowledging God’s sovereignty, recalling His past deliverances, and admitting their powerlessness against such a vast army (2 Chronicles 20:5-12). His prayer is a profound act of humility and dependence on God.
God’s Response through Jahaziel
As the people of Judah stand before the Lord with their families, the Spirit of the Lord comes upon Jahaziel, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, who prophesies that the battle is not theirs but God’s (2 Chronicles 20:14-17). Jahaziel instructs them not to be afraid or discouraged but to face the vast army, for the Lord will be with them.
Jehoshaphat’s Faith and the People’s Worship
Marching Out in Faith
Encouraged by Jahaziel’s prophecy, Jehoshaphat and all Judah and Jerusalem rise early the next day to go out to the Wilderness of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stands and calls them to believe in the Lord and His prophets and be upheld (2 Chronicles 20:20).
Praise and Victory
Jehoshaphat appoints men to sing to the Lord and to praise Him for the splendor of His holiness as they go out at the head of the army, saying: “Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever” (2 Chronicles 20:21). As they begin to sing and praise, the Lord sets ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who are invading Judah, and they are defeated (2 Chronicles 20:22).
Aftermath and Jehoshaphat’s Continued Reign
Collecting the Spoils
The armies of Moab and Ammon turn on each other, and by the time the men of Judah arrive at the lookout in the desert, they see only dead bodies (2 Chronicles 20:23-24). Jehoshaphat and his people then spend three days collecting the plunder, which is abundant.
Triumphant Return to Jerusalem
The people return joyfully to Jerusalem, for the Lord has made them rejoice over their enemies. They go to the temple of the Lord with harps, lyres, and trumpets, celebrating the victory granted by God (2 Chronicles 20:27-28).
Theological Significance
Connection to Jesus Christ
Jehoshaphat’s story of deliverance through faith and God’s intervention prefigures the ultimate victory provided by Jesus Christ over sin and death. Christ’s victory, achieved not through armed conflict but through His sacrificial death and resurrection, provides a spiritual deliverance for all who believe in Him.
Divine Love and Relationship
This chapter illustrates God’s profound love for His people, shown in His direct intervention in response to their faith and humility. It emphasizes that when God’s people turn to Him in their need, He responds with power and compassion, securing their deliverance and welfare.
Contemporary Relevance
Why 2 Chronicles 20 Still Matters Today
Importance of Faith in Crisis
Jehoshaphat’s response to an overwhelming threat serves as a powerful example of turning to God in times of crisis. It encourages believers today to seek God earnestly in prayer and fasting in the face of their own challenges, trusting in His deliverance.
Power of Praise and Worship
The story highlights the power of praise and worship in spiritual warfare. The act of praising God in the face of adversity is a dynamic expression of faith that can lead to spiritual victories and breakthroughs in believers’ lives.
Community and Collective Faith
Finally, the communal aspect of Jehoshaphat’s prayer and victory underscores the strength of gathering as a community in faith to face challenges together. It serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and corporate worship in the life of the church.
2 Chronicles 20 not only recounts a miraculous deliverance for Judah but also offers timeless insights into the dynamics of faith, prayer, and praise, and their role in overcoming the challenges faced by God’s people.