2 Chronicles 20:1-37
Q.1. How did Jehoshaphat and Judah respond to the vast army threatening their territory? What petitions and arguments did Jehoshaphat express in his prayer? – (2 Chr.20:1-13)
The invading army from the south came as a surprise. The response from Jehoshaphat and the nation was significant – 3 Jehoshaphat was afraid and turned his attention to seek the Lord and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. 4 So Judah gathered together to seek help from the Lord; they even came from all the cities of Judah to seek the Lord (2 Chr.20:3-4). The king’s fear turned into prayer. The people gathered, from the greatest to the infants. Jehoshaphat was a man of prayer. He acknowledged God’s sovereign power over Heaven and earth. He recalled the promises of God to Israel. He reminded God that it was He Who had promised to answer the prayers of those who truly sought His face. He pointed to the way that God had previously protected the people who were now attacking Israel. However, what made his prayer irresistible was this – O our God, 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.” (2 Chr.20:12). This is the simple child-like petition that touches the heart of God. The Lord responded by acting strongly in favour of His people.
Q.2. How did God respond to the cries of His people? What did God promise the nation? What do you think of Jehoshaphat’s, and the Levites responses? – (2 Chr.20:13-19)
To encourage the people, God first sent a prophet from the descendants of Levi of the family of Asaph, whom David had set apart to write songs, and to prophecy after the ark was laid to rest at Jerusalem (1 Chr.25:1-2). He reminded them of God’s adequacy – … thus says the Lord to you, `Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s … You need not fight in this battle; station yourselves, stand and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah, and Jerusalem.’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out to face them, for the Lord is with you.” (NASB) (2 Chr.20:15 & 17 c.f. Ex.14:13). He also gave a clear battle plan that would not fail. After Jahaziel’s prophecy, Jehoshaphat and the people bowed in reverence. The Levites – stood up to praise the Lord God of Israel with a very loud voice (2 Chr.20:18-19). There was great excitement in the camp.
Q.3. How did the king inspire Judah? How did the army overcome their enemies? What protection brought security and peace? – (2 Chr.20:20-30)
Jahaziel, the priest, encouraged the king, who in turn recognized the role of their priests – … “Listen to me, O Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, put your trust in the Lord your God and you will be established. Put your trust in His prophets and succeed.” (2 Chr.20:20). The army did go out, but with their Levitical choir and orchestra at its head, complete in their priestly robes. The opposing army had never seen anything like it – When they began singing and praising, the Lord set ambushes against the sons of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; so they were routed (2 Chr.20:22). The enemy was completely defeated – 29 And the dread of God was on all the kingdoms of the lands when they heard that the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel. 30 So the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God gave him rest on all sides (2 Chr.20:29-30).
Q.4. How did Jehoshaphat conclude his reign? What was disappointing about his alliance with Ahaziah, king of Israel? – (2 Chr.20:31-37)
The reign of Jehoshaphat was generally good in God’s sight. However, he still tolerated the opposition places of worship. Saddest of all was another alliance with the apostate northern kingdom of Israel (2 Chr.18:1). Jehoshaphat entered into a building project, so that they might send ships to the far reaches of the globe. This alliance was brought to nought, after a prophecy from Eliezer the prophet – … “Because you have allied yourself with Ahaziah, the Lord has destroyed your works.” So the ships were broken and could not go to Tarshish (2 Chr.20:37).