The divided kingdom · 2 Chronicles 20
Jehoshaphat: Praise Before the Battle
The people of Moab and Ammon, together with some Meunim, march against Jehoshaphat: a vast multitude is already at En-gedi. In his fear, the king seeks the LORD and proclaims a fast throughout Judah. Standing before the house of the LORD, he prays: “neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.” The Levite Jahaziel answers in God’s name: “the battle is not yours, but God’s.” The next day, Jehoshaphat sets singers in holy attire before the army: “Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever!” Just as the singing begins, the LORD sets ambushes, and the invaders destroy one another. Judah finds only corpses and spends three days carrying off the spoil. On the fourth day, the people bless the LORD in the valley of Berachah.
What happens
- A multitude marches against Judah; Jehoshaphat proclaims a fast 2 Chronicles 20:2–3
- “Neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee” 2 Chronicles 20:12
- Jahaziel: “the battle is not yours, but God’s” 2 Chronicles 20:14–15
- Singers march before the army: “Praise the LORD” 2 Chronicles 20:21
- The LORD sets an ambush: the enemies destroy one another 2 Chronicles 20:22–23
- Three days of spoil, then blessing in the valley of Berachah 2 Chronicles 20:25–26
Who is in this story
The lesson
When danger is bigger than we are, sincere prayer and trust in God come before deliverance. Jehoshaphat puts praise on the front line, and the LORD acts the moment they begin to celebrate him.
And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the Lord unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s.
Quick quiz on this story
What does Jehoshaphat do in his fear when he hears the enemies are coming?
In his fear, Jehoshaphat “set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.” All Judah gathered to ask help of the LORD. 2 Chronicles 20:3
What do the singers marching before the army say?
The singers, dressed in holy attire, go out before the army saying, “Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever!” 2 Chronicles 20:21
Who tells Judah that the battle belongs to God?
The Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, who said, “the battle is not yours, but God’s.” 2 Chronicles 20:14–15
There are many more questions like these in Bible Academy, each with its explanation and verse. Start your free trial.