True Identity Ministries Blog

Jehoshaphat was one of the good kings over God's people...for the most part. He was as the Bible put it, "single-minded in following God." Although he made a few bad decisions, Jehoshaphat had done well to be obedient to God and had removed the sex-and-religion shrines in the southern kingdom of Judah.

When we come to 2 Chronicles chapter 20, Jehoshaphat is well into his reign and finds himself in an impossible situation. He has been told that the Moabites and Ammonites have come up against him and were currently at Hazazon-tamar (also known as Engedi), which is about 35 miles from Jerusalem. Immediately he turned to God and called the kingdom to a fast. I like how Jehoshaphat is very honest and real with God in his prayer (v.6-12); I am a proponent of being bold in your prayers.

While Judah was gathered, a Word from the Lord came,
"Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the LORD to you,'Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s. Tomorrow go down against them. Behold, they will come up by the ascent of Ziz. You will find them at the end of the valley, east of the wilderness of Jeruel. You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.' Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the LORD will be with you." (v. 15-17)

Wow, what a comforting Word from God to a king and people undoubtedly afraid. Put yourself in Jehoshaphat's shoes: not one, but multiple armies have joined together and are marching towards your city. They are 35 miles away and you aren't prepared. And this is after he lost the last battle he was in (chapter 18). Of course the most important thing, and really only thing you could do at a moment like this is pray.

My favorite part is, "Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s. Tomorrow go down against them." God knew that they were scared out of their wits at this huge army, and he points it out to them! But He tags on this beautiful assurance that this battle is His. He reassures them that He is in control.

The next day Jehoshaphat and the army wake up early for the battle. Before they head out to meet their enemy, Jehoshaphat speaks to his men.
"And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the LORD and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say,
'Give thanks to the LORD,
for his steadfast love endures forever'." (v.21-22)

I believe the most important lesson in this chapter comes from these two verses. Before Judah set out for the battle, Jehoshaphat appointed people to march before his army and praise God. Maybe he learned from his prior failure, but nevertheless he knew that praise had to be the first and most important act on his part.

Whatever you are facing, however big it may seem to you, decide to put worship in front of your problem. "March out boldly" (v.17 MSG) without fear and give thanks. For as surely as you do the Lord will fight your battle.

The next verse highlights the power of praise. In verse 23 it says,
"And when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the men..."

Wow. Maybe you should go back, read it again, and allow those words to settle for a moment.

When we put praise at the front of the battle, placing worship to God first, God steps in and starts working. No matter what the circumstances may be, it is vital to place praise first...between you and the battle. Judah was up against not just one, but multiple armies. God had already promised victory, therefore Judah could have just marched out. But they took it a step further...they went beyond that to carry a heart of worship. As soon as the worship began, God began working on their behalf.

As Judah came to the top of the hill, they saw their enemies dead on the ground. The enemy armies had turned on each other and not one lived. Can you imagine marching to the top of that hill and seeing such a scene? What a victory...and they didn't even have to draw a sword. The people of Judah gathered the spoil, which took three days to collect. Three days to collect all that spoil. So not only was the victory won without a fight, but Judah collected many riches.

Once they had finished collecting the spoil, the people of Judah gathered in the valley to count their blessings, hence being named the Valley of Beracah (Blessing).

When a battle comes your way, hit the ground and pray. When you have, get up and march boldly towards that battle praising God. He has the victory waiting on the other side of that hill, you just have to go out with the confidence that God is with you and give Him glory.

I want to encourage you (and myself) to place God at the forefront of your battle. To go forth praising the Most High God. When the praise is released, God starts working on our behalf. We may not be able to see Him working as Judah did not, but when we come to the top of the hill and look, we will see a victory. What an encouragement to those facing a battle.