A War He Couldn’t Win
12 “Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” (2 Chronicles 20:12 NIV)
Jehoshaphat’s Advantage
A vast army from three different nations was coming to destroy the southern kingdom of Judah. Messengers rushed to the palace with the awful news.
Fortunately, King Jehoshaphat had a great advantage over many modern-day believers. He knew it was hopeless.
Did the king
- Stockpile food and water?
- Strengthen Judah’s defenses?
- Sharpen the swords, spears and arrows?
- Send out spies to watch the enemy army advance?
No.
He didn’t try to fix an impossible situation. Or create his own battle plan and then expect God to bless it.
Instead King Jehoshaphat proclaimed a nation-wide fast. His people gathered in front of the temple in Jerusalem to seek the Lord’s help. The king prayed to the Lord. Then everyone waited for God to answer.
Meanwhile, every hour the enemy army marched nearer.
God’s Answer
As everyone stood waiting quietly in the Lord’s presence, God’s Spirit came upon a Levite named Jahaziel, a descendant of Asaph.
He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.
16 Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel.
“17 You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.’”
(2 Chronicles 20:15:17 NIV)
A Final Insight
Jahaziel, who shared God’s answer, wasn’t a prophet. Instead, he was a Levite. He worked with his brothers in the temple. There’s no sign he ever prophesied again. Yet King Jehoshaphat and the people obeyed Jahaziel’s words and everything he proclaimed came true,
The Lord saved Jehoshaphat’s people supernaturally.
How? Discover the answer in 2 Chronicles 20:1-30 NIV.
There is one more detail in this story which makes me smile; I only noticed it this week
After consulting with the people, King Jehoshaphat assigned temple singers to lead the army. They went first, singing praises to God. The soldiers followed.
Who were the temple singers? The descendants of Asaph—Jahaziel’s extended family.
I wonder if Jahaziel was invited to sing a solo during the journey.
My Spiritual Point
Standing in faith during a crisis? Our brain tells us it’s a stupid thing to do—and it would be, if the Lord isn’t leading us.
Walking by faith is always powerful;. but it can feel pretty scary.
Resources:
David assigns Asaph and his descendants to serve as singers in God’s temple (1 Chronicles 16:7-10).
