Jehoshaphat's Trust: A Divine Victory

2 Chronicles 20 exemplifies that our battles belong to the Lord and the victory is His. No matter how overwhelming the circumstances may seem, when we turn to God in faith, worship, and obedience, He works miraculously in our favor. It's a call to trust in God's sovereignty and His love for His people.

Verses 1-4: Threat and Prayer

Jehoshaphat learns of a vast army of Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites marching against him. Alarmed, he resolves to inquire of the Lord and proclaims a fast throughout all Judah, leading the nation in seeking help from God.

Verses 5-12: Jehoshaphat's Plea to God

Jehoshaphat prays in the temple, recounting God's past deeds and expressing his faith in God's ability to save them from their enemies. He concludes by affirming their dependence on God for deliverance.

Verses 13-17: The Prophecy of Jahaziel

Jahaziel, a Levite, prophesies by the Spirit of the Lord, assuring the people that the battle is not theirs but God’s. He tells them to march against their enemies, but not to fear, as God will be with them.

Verses 18-23: Victory through Praise

Jehoshaphat and the people bow in worship, with the Levites leading in praise. As they begin to sing and praise, God sets ambushes against the enemy armies, leading to their self-destruction.

Verses 24-30: The Aftermath

Jehoshaphat and his people find their enemies dead and collect abundant plunder. They return to Jerusalem with joy, praising God for the victory. The fear of God falls on surrounding kingdoms, and Jehoshaphat’s reign is peaceful.

Verses 31-37: Jehoshaphat's Later Reign

The chapter concludes with a brief zzz of Jehoshaphat's reign, including his alliance with King Jehoram of Israel, which is deemed unwise by the author.

2 Chronicles 20 showcases a pivotal moment in the reign of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah. Faced with a vast enemy force, Jehoshaphat turns to the Lord in prayer and fasting, leading his people in seeking divine guidance. This chapter is a profound testament to the power of faith, prayer, and obedience to God’s command.

Reliance on God
Faith amid Crisis
Collective Worship and Prayer
Divine Intervention
Peace through ObedienceJehoshaphat's Prayer
Prophecy of Jahaziel
Victory through Praise
Plunder from Defeated Enemies
Jehoshaphat's Later ReignJehoshaphat
Jahaziel
King Jehoram
Levites
Armies of Moabites, Ammonites, and MeunitesJerusalem
Tekoa
Valley of Beracah

1. How did Jehoshaphat react to the news of the advancing enemy army? How should we respond in situations of fear and uncertainty?

2. Discuss the significance of Jehoshaphat's prayer in verses 5-12. What can we learn from his prayer in our personal prayer life?

3. How does this chapter portray the power of collective worship and prayer?

4. Reflect on the prophecy of Jahaziel in verses 13-17. What does it teach us about God's involvement in our battles?

5. Why did God give Jehoshaphat and Judah victory when they did not physically fight the battle?

6. Discuss the role of praise in this chapter. How can praise impact our personal struggles?

7. How does the concept of "The battle belongs to the Lord" apply to contemporary life?

8. What can we learn from Jehoshaphat's approach to the crisis he faced? How can we apply this in our current struggles?

9. Reflect on the consequences of Jehoshaphat's alliance with King Jehoram. What does this teach us about the discernment of alliances and partnerships in our lives?

10. How does Jehoshaphat's reliance on God influence his leadership style? What leadership lessons can we draw from this chapter?

11. What does the chapter's outcome teach about the benefits of obedience to God?

12. How does the fear of God lead to peace, as seen in verses 29-30?

13. How can we practically express our faith and trust in God during difficult times?

14. Why is it important to remember past victories when facing present challenges?

15. In what ways can we apply the principle of divine intervention in our lives?

16. How can we cultivate an attitude of gratitude, similar to Jehoshaphat and his people after the victory?

17. How do the actions of the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites in this chapter reflect the consequences of pride and aggression?

18. What does Jehoshaphat's decision to inquire of the Lord before acting teach us about decision making?

19. How does this chapter encourage us to handle fear and anxiety?

20. How might Jehoshaphat's experiences in this chapter inform our understanding of God's character and His love for His people?