Friday, June 3, 2011

II Chronicles 20 - Jehoshaphat Defeats Moab & Ammon (NIV)

Summary:

<- = son of

Jehoshaphat Defeats Moab and Ammon
Verses 1-30

The Moabites, Ammonites, and some Meunites made war against Jehoshaphat (whom I have nicknamed "Jeh").  Jeh was informed of a vast army coming from Edom, across the Dead Sea.  They were at Hazazon Tamar (En Gedi).  Jeh was alarmed and inquired of God, declaring a fast for Judah.  All the people came together to seek help from the Lord.

Jeh stood at the temple, in front of the new courtyard, and prayed before the people:
1) He proclaimed who God is - the ruler of nations.  Power is in His hands; power over everyone.  He drove out the inhabitants before Israel and gave it to the descendants of Abraham, His friend.  The people lived in the land and built a sanctuary for His Name.  If calamity came upon them, by the sword of judgment, by plague, or by famine, they would stand in the temple and cry out to Him.  He would hear them and save them.
2) He told God their problem - men from Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir were attacking them.  God had not allowed Israel to invade their land and now they were attacking Israel and the inheritance God had given them.
3) He told God their request - for God to judge their enemies, because they did not have the power to face them.
4) Jeh didn't know what to do, but he and his people had their eyes on God.

"All the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones, stood there before the Lord."  (Verse 13)

The Spirit came upon Jahaziel <- Zechariah <- Benaiah <- Jeiel <- Mattaniah; a Levite and descendant of Asaph.  He stood in the assembly and spoke to the king, Judah, and Jerusalem with a message from God: " 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army.  For the battle is not yours, but God's.' "  (Verse 15b)  Tomorrow, they were to march out against them.  Their enemies would climb up by the Pass of Ziz into the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel.  The people of Judah would not have to fight; they were to take their positions and watch the as the Lord delivered them.  God would be with them.

The king and the people bowed down and worshiped God.  Some Levites from the Kohathites and Korahites stood up and praised God in a loud voice.  In the morning, they set out.  Jeh told the people to have faith and they would succeed.  He consulted the men and appointed some to sing and praise God's splendor and holiness.  These men went ahead of the army, saying, " 'Give thanks to the Lord, for His love endures forever.' "  (Verse 21b)

As they began to sing and praise, God sent ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir.  Ammon and Moab attacked and destroyed Mount Seir.  Then, they turned and destroyed each other.  When the people of Judah overlooked the desert, they only saw corpses - no one had escaped.

There was so much plunder, it took three days for them to gather the equipment, clothing, and articles of value.  On day four, they assembled in the Valley of Beracah and praised the Lord.  (Beracah means praise.)  Then, they returned to Jerusalem with joy from the Lord.  They went into the temple with harps, lutes, and trumpets.

The fear of God came upon all kingdoms when they heard of this.  Jeh's kingdom was at peace because God had given him rest on every side.

The End of Jehoshaphat's Reign
Verses 31-37

Jeh was 35 years old when he became king.  He reigned for 25 years.  His mother was Azubah daughter of Shilhi.  Jeh walked in the ways of his father Asa, doing right in the eyes of God.  However, the high places were not removed and the people still hadn't set their hearts on God. 

The others events of his reign are written in the annals of Jehu son of Hanani, in the book of the kings of Israel.  Later, Jeh made an alliance with Ahaziah king of Israel, who was wicked.  They constructed a fleet of trading ships at Ezion Geber.  Eliezer son of Dodavahu (I vote this the coolest name in the chapter) of Mareshah prophesied againt Jeh.  Because of this alliance, God would destroy what they'd made.  The ships were wrecked and unable to sail and trade.

Lori's Thoughts:

When trouble comes, we should pray like Jehoshaphat prayed.  Proclaim who God is to you and what He's done for you in the past.  This will boost your faith and give you hope for the future.  Tell Him that you are His.  God knows this, but the devil tries to convince us that we are unworthy of His help.  We are unworthy, but He has helped us and will helps us, because He loves us.  Identify your problem and ask God to give you the victory.

I love how even the little children came to pray.  "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."  (Proverbs 22:6)

God responded immediately, in this case.  The very first thing He told them was not to fear.  Then He said, I've got this one.  He told them exactly what would happen to their enemies.  I can understand how they rejoiced before God delivered them, knowing His promise.

Listen up, people!  Why do I have joy and hope?  Because God has told us what will happen in the final battle.  He tells us to stand firm until the end.  He wants us to watch as He fights for us!  The devil and all evil is going down!  So, we can rejoice now knowing this!!!  Have faith that He will see us through as He did for the people of Judah.

The people of Judah did as God had instructed, marching out and praising God.  Can you imagine how doing this will throw your enemy off if you're not phased by them?

As God said, their enemies were destroyed before they reached them.  The rejoicing continued for days and the people had peace for a long time.  No one would mess with God's nation when they heard what happened.  Our God is greater!

Now, God knew Jeh would make the same mistake again by making  an alliance with another king of Israel.  But, He still protected Jeh, knowing his heart was in the right place and that He always sought God.

God is just in His punishments and rewards.  Always.

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