April 24, 2017
2 Chronicles 20-Part 2
LET IT GLOW
King Jehoshaphat ordered Judah to fast and he was crying out to God in prayer while standing in the courtyard of the Temple. Why were they so desperate? Their enemies, the Moabites and Ammonites (descendants of Lot) , and Edomites (Syria), although distant relatives, were on their way to attack Judah. (God prohibited Israel from destroying them, even though those nations would not allow Israel to pass through their land on the way to the Promised Land, back in Deuteronomy 2.) The king was inquiring of God what they should do.
The Lord sent an answer through Jahaziel, who was a descendent of Asaph in David's time:
- Do not be afraid! Don't be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God's. (verse 15)
- Tomorrow march out against them.
- You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel.
- But you will not even need to fight.
- Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord's victory.
- He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem.
- Do not be afraid or discouraged.
- Go out against them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you!
Do we organize everything in our family around God? Or are our schedules made around our children's activities? Which gets priority when there is a conflict in Bible study at church or ball games?
Are we on the Lord's side when the enemy comes against us? Will we stand and watch Him fight for His children? Will we do what is right or yield to the wrong?
He will never leave us. God will be our strength when we ask. Our God is the Lion of Judah. He will fight for us, all we need to do is praise Him.
LET IT GROW
The king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the LORD and praising Him for His holy splendor, singing:
Praise the LORD; for His mercy endureth for ever. (verse 21)
What happened?
At that moment, when they began to sing to praise the Lord, He set ambushments (liers in wait) against Judah's enemies; then they turned on each other, fighting and destroying themselves.
Liberty Bible Commentary explains:
Whether the Lord employed supernatural agents or surprised the enemy by an unexpected attack by the inhabitants of the area, is not clear. What is clear is that the Lord inflicted the enemy nations with panic and turned them on each other, and every one helped to destroy another. (Similar to Gideon's circumstance in Judges 7) When Judah arrived on the scene, they were too late for the battle, but right on time to take away the spoil of them.Not a single one of the enemy escaped. Judah was too late for the battle, for God had already taken care of things before they arrived. What a wonderful and powerful God we serve! Who wouldn't rather be too late to fight, but on time to gather the goodies.
Judah got the plunder-equipment, clothing, other valuables-more than they could carry. There was so much that it took them 3 days just to collect it all. On the fourth day, Judah met in the Valley of Berchah (Blessing), which got its name that day because the people praised and thanked the LORD there.
Can you imagine the excitement when the king and the army of Judah returned to Jerusalem playing instruments and overjoyed for the victory the LORD had given them over their enemies. They marched to the Temple.
On top of all of that, the fear of God came upon all the surrounding kingdoms that heard how God had fought against the enemies of Israel. There was peace for Jehoshaphat's kingdom for God gave him rest on every side.
LET IT GO
Stand for God's Word and ways.
Trust Him to fight my battles.
Wait upon the Lord God.
Praise Him for the victories.
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