Jehoshaphat

In my last post I wrote about God showing up when we worship. Compare that with Psalm 22:3 (NLT): Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.

I suggest you read all of 2 Chronicles 20, as I won’t quote it all here, but here is a synopsis:

• Three kingdoms – Moabites, Ammonites and Meunites – came out against Jehoshaphat and Israel.
• Jehoshaphat and Israel fasted and called on the Lord. His prayer ended “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.” (verse 6, NIV)
• Via a prophet, the Lord responded that they were not to be afraid, not to be discouraged, and face the enemy, God would be with them.
• Jehoshaphat sent singers out before the Lord, who were singing “Give thanks to the LORD, for his love (NKJV mercy) endures forever”.

Here’s the result:

2 Chronicles 20:22-23 (NIV) As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. The men of Ammon and Moab rose up against the men from Mount Seir to destroy and annihilate them. After they finished slaughtering the men from Seir, they helped to destroy one another.

Israel only saw dead bodies on the battlefield. They went out to take the spoil, and there was so much there – from swords to jewelry – that it took three days to haul it all away.

The lesson: worship, don’t worry. Seek God in humility, but do not fear your enemies. God can make something good out of what appears to be bad.

Doug