The Lord Caused Confusion Among The Enemy
May 20, 2020
Commentary
The Spirit of the Lord came on the Levite Jahaziel, after Jehoshaphat’s moving prayer, and he speaks to the congregation (v. 14). He tells them twice to not be afraid and that the battle was not their’s but God’s (vv. 15-17). Then Jehoshaphat and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down in worship to the Lord (v. 18). The Levites stood to give loud praise to God (v. 19).
The next day they rose early to go to the Desert of Tekoa. In this seemingly impossible situation Jehoshaphat stood and told them to “Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established: believe his prophets so shall ye prosper” (v.20). Then he appointed singers who inspired the people with their words of encouragement to trust the Lord (v. 21).
Then, at the time of encounter with the enemy the Lord caused confusion among the enemy troops so they destroyed each other (vv. 22-23). When Judah came they saw all the enemy dead (v. 24). The slaughter was so great that the men of Judah couldn’t carry away all the spoil and they were three days gathering it up (v. 25). With thanksgiving to God they offered praise for His love (vv. 26-28). That is why this place is still called Praise Valley. This shows how even a valley in our life can become a place of blessing if we learn how to praise the Lord. True praise changes people, and God can work in and through people who praise Him. So great was God’s hand on His people that all other nations fearedHim. Jehoshaphat enjoyed peace (vv. 29-30).
Application
What do I do when I am faced with battles and trials? Do I seek the Lord and let Him fight my battles for me? I should never be fearful of problems but learn from Jehoshaphat how to take them to the Lord and let Him handle them for me?
2 Chronicles 20:14– 30 (NET)
14 Then in the midst of the assembly, the Lord’s Spirit came upon Jachaziel son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite and descendant of Asaph. 15 He said: “Pay attention, all you people of Judah, residents of Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Don’t be afraid and don’t panic because of this huge army! For the battle is not yours, but God’s. 16 Tomorrow march down against them as they come up the Ascent of Ziz. You will find them at the end of the ravine in front of the wilderness of Jeruel. 17 You will not fight in this battle. Take your positions, stand, and watch the Lord deliver you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Don’t be afraid and don’t panic! Tomorrow march out toward them; the Lord is with you!’”
18 Jehoshaphat bowed down with his face toward the ground, and all the people of Judah and the residents of Jerusalem fell down before the Lord and worshiped him. 19 Then some Levites, from the Kohathites and Korahites, got up and loudly praised the Lord God of Israel.
20 Early the next morning they marched out to the wilderness of Tekoa. When they were ready to march, Jehoshaphat stood up and said: “Listen to me, you people of Judah and residents of Jerusalem! Trust in the Lord your God and you will be safe! Trust in the message of his prophets and you will win.” 21 He met with the people and appointed musicians to play before the Lord and praise his majestic splendor. As they marched ahead of the warriors they said: “Give thanks to the Lord, for his loyal love endures.”
22 When they began to shout and praise, the Lord suddenly attacked the Ammonites, Moabites, and men from Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. 23 The Ammonites and Moabites attacked the men from Mount Seir and annihilated them. When they had finished off the men of Seir, they attacked and destroyed one another. 24 When the men of Judah arrived at the observation post overlooking the wilderness and looked at the huge army, they saw dead bodies on the ground; there were no survivors. 25 Jehoshaphat and his men went to gather the plunder; they found a huge amount of supplies, clothing, and valuable items. They carried away everything they could. There was so much plunder, it took them three days to haul it off.
26 On the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Berachah, where they praised the Lord. So that place is called the Valley of Berachah to this very day. 27 Then all the men of Judah and Jerusalem returned joyfully to Jerusalem with Jehoshaphat leading them; the Lord had given them reason to rejoice over their enemies. 28 They entered Jerusalem to the sound of stringed instruments and trumpets and proceeded to the temple of the Lord. 29 All the kingdoms of the surrounding lands were afraid of God when they heard how the Lord had fought against Israel’s enemies. 30 Jehoshaphat’s kingdom enjoyed peace; his God made him secure on every side.