2 Chronicles 20-9.7.22
Scripture
2 Chronicles 20: 3-4, 12, 14-15, 17, 21, 29-30, 35-37
3 Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. 4 The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him….12 Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”……14Then the Spirit of the Lord came on Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite and descendant of Asaph, as he stood in the assembly. 15 He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s…… 17 You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.’”
21 After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying:
“Give thanks to the Lord,
for his love endures forever.”
29 The fear of God came on all the surrounding kingdoms when they heard how the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel. 30 And the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side….35 Later, Jehoshaphat king of Judah made an alliance with Ahaziah king of Israel, whose ways were wicked. 36 He agreed with him to construct a fleet of trading ships. After these were built at Ezion Geber, 37 Eliezer son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, “Because you have made an alliance with Ahaziah, the Lord will destroy what you have made.” The ships were wrecked and were not able to set sail to trade.
Observation-What does it say?
In short, this is an account of Jehosaphat’s reign and two contrasts. The first was about the success he experienced as he chose to seek the Lord first. Towards the end of the chapter though, because he made an alliance with a king whose ways were wicked (Ahaziah-king of Israel), what they built together was destroyed.
Understanding-What does it mean?
I love how God’s Word doesn’t sugar coat anything. I mean, it not only describes the success of His servants, but also the consequences of unwise partnerships too.
There are two situations here. The first one, which a bulk of this chapter talks about, is Jehosaphat’s success when he decided to inquire of the Lord first. He proclaimed a fast for all of Judah to seek the Lord about what to do with the vast army that had just waged war on them. As a result of them seeking the Lord, God was with them, they defeated their enemies and the kingdom of Jehosaphat was at peace and rest.
Then, we read later in verse 35 how Jehosaphat’s unwise choice of making an alliance with an evil king led the Lord to destroy all their hard work. The fleet of trading ships they had built were wrecked and they were not able to set sail.
Life Application
Be wise with our partnerships.
Let’s learn from the beginning of Jehosaphat’s reign and not the end of it. In the beginning of this chapter, Jehosaphat partnered with the Lord. At the end, he partnered with an evil king. Both had different outcomes. Which one do you choose? (It’s a rhetorical question)
Dear Lord, You are in control of everything. Please help us to keep our eyes focused on You when making decisions and lead us towards what ultimately pleases You alone. Amen.
-Michelle Gaddi