Battle Victorious

A favorite passage of mine is 2 Chronicles 20. Judah is in great peril, the nation fasts and prays and praises God, they enter battle with full assurance of faith and God performs a miraculous deliverance. What’s not to like? Here is my humble commentary, by verse:


Vs 1-2) King Jehoshaphat faces an encroaching attack by a vast army. The chapter begins, “after this” referring to the events of previous chapters. If you just look back at Chapter 19 alone you read that Jehoshaphat was doing good for God. Anytime someone is making a difference for the kingdom of God you can be sure an attack is eminent.


Vs 3) Some strong language is used here to give an impression of Jehoshaphat’s current state of mind. He was “alarmed”; therefore he “resolved to inquire of the Lord”. That kind of leadership is quite admirable and greatly needed today. This is the only acceptable response when one is disturbed and feels threatened. He chose wisely and then he involved his fellow countrymen to unite before God. Sharing his faith and encouraging them in theirs through action.


Vs 4) The people came together to seek help from the Omnipotent – the only answer and source of power.


Vs 6) Praise – not just any praise but a sacrifice of praise. To remember who God is in difficult times requires a deliberate act of faith.


Vs 9) They recognized the truth that God would hear them and was able to save them. No matter what befell them God had sovereignty over every iniquity.


Vs 12) “We do not know what to do but our eyes are upon you”. Where do you look when you don’t have the answers?


Vs 14) God came near. “The Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel” that he might prophecy God’s words of encouragement, direction, and promise.


Vs 15) He spoke to their greatest weakness – and mine – fear and discouragement. Often our worst enemy. He offered them a hope that renewed their countenance.

“The battle is not yours”

a motto for all mankind.

Vs 16) God already knew exactly what would happen the next day. The challenges they would face, the actions they should take and the outcome.

Vs 17) "You will not have to fight this battle". Imagine the relief upon hearing those words! They were to take their positions, this did require an act of obedience on their part, and they were to stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord would give them.

Ready – Watch – Wait – Receive.

All the things one would want to hear were repeated to them again. An assurance the Lord would be with them and not to fear. Words of great comfort to those that are His -- no matter the situation. The fear was reserved for the defeated foe.


Vs 18-19) I absolutely love their response – genuine worship and praise. Reverently bowed low, building to a crescendo of loud voices.

Vs 20-22) Faith. Faith to make a triumphant victory march before they even stepped onto the battlefield. They believed in God and His word. They sang as an act of worship and expression of faith. A statement that spoke volumes to the opposing army.

Vs 25-26) For three days they carried off plunder and named the place the Valley of Blessing (appropriate!). Do we realize the “plunder” from the spiritual battles God wins on our behalf? Those priceless lessons learned. To haul off the spoils of war is to gain from the experience He has allowed for our betterment. Increased faith, improved character, enhanced worship, knowledge, a new ministry.

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Vs 29) God was known and feared. Glory revealed. Mission accomplished.

Vs 30) The Lord gave them rest. Peace was their reward. "On every side". No reason to look over your shoulder or scout out the territory.

This historical event is the epitome of any spiritual allegory if ever there was one and at the very center is God’s delight in the worship of his people.

King Jehoshaphat was a zealous, pious God follower that cleansed the land of idols and led the nation in morality. The divided kingdom was fraught with wicked leadership but during this particular period a good king was at the helm. Undoubtedly, one of my respected favorites. He encouraged the people to return to the Lord (Chapter 19). God protected him in battle (Chapter 18:31-32 NLT) and granted him victory in others that were never even fought. He was blessed with great riches for Judah was never more prosperous after his reign. He was a man of flaws, however (which makes him real and relatable). He formed an alliance with Ahab (1 Kings 22;2 Chronicles 18) that brought about consequences of God’s disapproval. He did not completely remove all idolatry from the land. Later he entered into a shipping allegiance with Ahaziah that cost him the loss of his fleet (2 Chronicles 20:35-37;1 Kings 22:48-50). Although, may it be said of us as stated in 2 Chronicles 22:9 NASB; “[he] sought the Lord with all his heart”.

All Powerful God of Wonder; You are to be praised for the splendor of your holiness; we gives thanks for your love endures forever. You are to be taken at your word. Strengthen your people with faith. Provide us with godly, courageous leadership, seeking your presence in all things. In the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, Amen.