2 Chronicles 19-20 Summary
Home after the disastrous campaign with Ahab (2 Chron. 18), Jehoshaphat accepts the rebuke of the prophet Jehu (19:1–3). He remains committed to the Lord and appoints judges to administer the Old Testament’s law code throughout Judah (vv. 4–11). When Jehoshaphat is attacked by a coalition of hostile nations, he calls his people together to pray and seek help from the Lord (20:1–4). The king himself leads the assembly in prayer (vv. 5–13), and God answers through another prophet, Jahaziel (v. 14). The prophet promises a victory to be won by the Lord alone, without a battle (vv. 15–17). Jehoshaphat worships, and the next morning Judah’s army sets out, its progress marked by hymns of praise (vv. 18–22). As the Jews approach, the invading allies have a falling out. First the Ammonites and Moabites turn on the contingent from Mt. Seir, and when they are wiped out, begin fighting each other (v. 23). When the men of Judah arrive they collect the spoil and return joyfully home (vv. 24–30).
Despite Jehoshaphat’s efforts, and despite evidence of God’s love and power, his reformation fails. The people as a whole have “still not set their hearts on the God of their fathers” (vv. 31–33). Jehoshaphat allies himself with Israel again, this time for a joint–trading venture, and is rebuked by yet another prophet (vv. 34–36). The venture fails when God brings a storm that sinks the ships (v. 37). Jehoshaphat dies a godly man (21:1–3). His decision to marry into the family of Ahab is about to bring calamity. Richards, L. O. (1991; Published in electronic form by Logos Research Systems, 1996). The Bible readers companion (electronic ed.) (293). Wheaton: Victor Books.
I continue to be fixed in heart and mind on "crying out to our LORD." In chapter 20 we witness Jehoshaphat cry out to God in prayer, he proclaims a fast for all Judah and gathers the people to seek the Lord. Jehoshaphat reminds the LORD of HIS promise to HIS people and he acknowledges that they don't know what to do...he confesses desperation on the LORD.
2 Ch 20:15-19 And he said, “Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the Lord to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 16 Tomorrow go down against them. They will surely come up by the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the brook before the Wilderness of Jeruel. 17 You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you.”
18 And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem bowed before the Lord, worshiping the Lord. 19 Then the Levites of the children of the Kohathites and of the children of the Korahites stood up to praise the Lord God of Israel with voices loud and high.
God comforts and encourages HIS people. HE tells them that this battle is not their battle, but it belongs to HIM! This is cool...HE tells them as a matter of fact you will not even have to fight in this battle...do not fear for I (God) am with you.
What is the trigger that sets God into action? They believed God, they obeyed God, and they worshipped God!
2 Ch 20:22 Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated.
The fruit of believing, obeying and worshipping was so much plunder that it took them 3 days to carry it all off.
Father in heaven,
Let me be a child of YOURS that believes in YOUR promises, walks in obedience to YOUR Holy and precious Word and worships you in a manner that is worthy of who you are...please work this for YOUR glory and my joy in YOU!
love,
m