In 2 Chronicles 20 we read where Judah is invaded. Jehoshaphat’s response is a pattern for all of us and one that our founding fathers used as well.  We will see through the selected verses from this chapter today, that the power they needed to overcome was derived from the giver of life and strength, YHVH.   

2 Chronicles 20:1-4 says, “​1  Now it came about after this that the sons of Moab and the sons of Ammon, together with some of the  Meunites, came to make war against Jehoshaphat. 2 Then some came and reported to Jehoshaphat, saying, “A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea, out of Aram and behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar (that is Engedi).” 3 Jehoshaphat was afraid and  turned his attention to seek YHVH, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. 4 So Judah gathered together to seek help from YHVH [His strength and power]; they even came from all the cities of Judah to seek YHVH.”

Verses 5-6 says, “5 Then Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of YHVH before the new court, 6 and he said, “O YHVH, the Elohim of our fathers, are You not Elohim in the heavens? And are You not ruler over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand so that no one can stand against You.” A pattern of being assembled together in His house seeking and worshipping the Father together.

Verse 9 says, “Should evil come upon us, the sword, or judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this house and before You (for Your name is in this house) and cry to You in our distress, and You will hear and deliver us.” Notice Jehoshaphat isn’t saying “I” will stand before this house and You, but “We” will stand…We were not designed to walk this alone.

Verses 10-12 says, “10 Now behold, the sons of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir, whom You did not let Israel invade when they came out of the land of Egypt (they turned aside from them and did not destroy them), 11 see how they are rewarding us by coming to drive us out from Your possession which You have given us as an inheritance. 12 O our Elohim, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” The same position our founding fathers found themselves in against Great Britain.  We, too, face situations that we are powerless to handle, but if we cry out to our Creator, He will hear us and fight for us. 

Verses 14-15 says, “14 Then in the midst of the assembly the Spirit of YHVH came upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, the Levite of the sons of Asaph; 15 and he said, “Listen, all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: thus says YHVH to you, ‘Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but Yah’s.” A great reminder not to be afraid or distressed because it is not our battle, but Yah’s.

Verse 18 says, “Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before YHVH, worshiping YHVH.”

Verses 20-22 says, “20 They rose early in the morning and went out to the wilderness of Tekoa; and when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, O Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, put your trust in YHVH your Elohim and you will be established. Put your trust in His prophets and succeed.” 21 When he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who sang to YHVH and those who praised Him in holy attire, as they went out before the army and said, “Give thanks to YHVH, for His lovingkindness is everlasting.” 22 When they began singing and praising, YHVH set ambushes against the sons of Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; so they were routed.” They worshipped, warred, then worshipped again after the victory. The power and strength lies in looking to and worshipping the One who has the power to defeat the enemy.

Verse 26-30 says, “26 Then on the fourth day they assembled in the valley of Beracah, for there they blessed YHVH. Therefore they have named that place “The Valley of Beracah” [Valley of Blessing] until today. 27  Every man of Judah and Jerusalem returned with Jehoshaphat at their head, returning to Jerusalem with joy, for YHVH had made them to rejoice over their enemies. 28 They came to Jerusalem with harps, lyres and trumpets to the house of YHVH. 29 And the dread of Elohim was on all the kingdoms of the lands when they heard that YHVH had fought against the enemies of Israel. 30 So the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his Elohim gave him rest on all sides.”

We have a wonderful pattern in these verses that when we beseech the Father for His Power in our lives, while not forgetting to worship Him, it is then revealed that the battle belongs to Him and not we ourselves.  REST will then be had in our lives because we know that He will give us the Power we need to have the victory in our lives.  However, we must then be careful that we don’t forget to praise Him for it afterwards.

Have a blessed and shalom filled day!!

Tammy

Courtesy of

River of Life Tabernacle
Tammy McLendon
Great peace have they who love Your law. Psalm 119:165a