2 CHRONICLES 20

GOD’S VICTORY OVER THE AMMONITES + MOABITES

The Moabites and Ammonites, two neighboring enemy kingdoms, wage war on Judah. When Jehoshaphat hears that they are approaching, he asks God for help in prayer. Jehoshaphat instates a nationwide fast throughout the Southern Kingdom. The people of Judah remember God’s previous victories and trust in Him to save them.

God’s spirit comes upon a man named Jahaziel, a Levite priest. Jahaziel knows that the nation of Judah is helpless without God’s strength, but trusts that God will provide them with a victory. He encourages the people standing before God to not be dismayed, for the battle is not theirs to win, it is God’s! Instead of entering the battle with weapons and vengeance, they enter with song and praise, singing “Give thanks to God, his steadfast love endures forever!”

Despite this unlikely battle strategy, God sends an ambush against the men attacking Judah, turning them against each other and killing them all. The people of Judah plunder the dead Ammonites and Moabites, spending three days taking all of their loot. The Kingdom of Judah comes together and blesses God, praising Him for their victory. When the surrounding nations hear of God’s miraculous victory, they fearfully withdraw from battle with Judah and leave the nation at peace.

All of the surrounding nations hear of God’s miraculous victory and leave Judah alone out of fear. Although Jehoshaphat follows in his father Asa’s righteous footsteps, he attempts to partner with Ahaziah, the wicked king of Israel. Similar to his alliance with Ahab, Jehoshaphat does not make deals with righteous people. Because of this, the prophet Eliezer tells Jehoshaphat that God would not establish his plans with wicked people and is shipwrecked on his way to trade in Tarshish with Ahaziah.