2.6 KiB
+++ title = "2 Chronicles 20:1–23" date = "2025-02-18" +++
Read the passage.
When the Moabites and Ammonites rose up against Judah, Jehoshaphat again turned to the Lord for aid, as his father Asa had done during his reign. These groups were often at war with Israel and Judah, but instead of just making border raids, they were on a path of conquest. When messengers bring the news to Jehoshaphat, he immediately realizes that only the Lord will be able to deliver them. He doesn't rely on the strength of his armies or the cleverness of his generals, but calls all of Judah to fast and diligently seek the Lord's help.
In his prayer before the people, Jehoshapaht recounts how the Lord had promised to deliver His people from sword, famine, and disaster if they turned to Him in faith. This draws directly from Solomon's prayer of the temple when it was dedicated. Additionally, he reminds his listeners how the Lord drove out the peoples of the land before the Israelites, but spared the Edomites and Moabites on their way into the land of Caanan because of their close relation to the patriarchs. (Edom came from Esau, Jacob's twin brother, and Moab came from Lot, Abraham's nephew.)
The Lord gives an answer through the Levite Jahaziel, and His Spirit moves him to say that the people will not need to fight in this battle, but the Lord will do it for them. Judah is still to muster and go forth, but to witness what the Lord will do, not to exert force against their foes. He gives them a time and place to be so that they will see the salvation that is delivered unto them.
On hearing the word of the Lord, the king and all his people fall down in worship before the Lord and the Levites lead them to sing praises to Yahweh for His goodness to them. The next day, they follow the Lord's instructions and go out to meet the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir (that is, the mountain of Edom). Though we aren't told if this was part of the directions the Lord gave them, Jehoshaphat encourages the men to sing praises to the Lord again. When they do, the Lord fights for His people, causing the invading armies to betray each other, so that they wiped each other out. This betrayal was clearly from the Lord because once the men of Mount Seir were killed, the Moabites and Ammonites just kept on fighting until they were all dead too. It's possible that some escaped the melee, but it wasn't enough to make an assault on Judah as they had originally planned.
Your outstretched arm is mighty to save. There is none who can withstand Your might.