Topical Bible: Ambush by Jehoshaphat

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Biblical Context:
The account of Jehoshaphat's ambush is found in the Old Testament, specifically in 2 Chronicles 20. Jehoshaphat, the fourth king of Judah, is noted for his efforts to follow the ways of the Lord, seeking to bring his people back to the worship of Yahweh. His reign is marked by a significant military encounter where divine intervention played a crucial role.

Historical Background:
Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah during a time when the kingdom faced threats from surrounding nations. The Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites formed a coalition to wage war against Judah. This formidable alliance posed a significant threat to the relatively smaller kingdom of Judah.

The Ambush:
Upon hearing of the impending invasion, Jehoshaphat was alarmed but turned to seek the Lord. He proclaimed a fast throughout Judah, and the people gathered to seek help from the Lord. Jehoshaphat stood before the assembly in the house of the Lord and prayed, acknowledging God's sovereignty and pleading for divine intervention.

In response to their prayers, the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel, a Levite, who delivered a prophetic message of assurance: "Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's" (2 Chronicles 20:15). Jahaziel instructed them to march against the enemy but assured them that they would not need to fight the battle themselves.

Following this divine instruction, Jehoshaphat and his people set out to meet the enemy. He appointed singers to lead the army, praising the Lord for His splendor and holiness. As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who had come against Judah, and they were defeated.

Divine Intervention:
The ambush was not a conventional military tactic executed by human hands but rather a supernatural act orchestrated by God. The enemy forces turned on each other, leading to their self-destruction. The Bible records, "The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, devoting them to destruction. And when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another" (2 Chronicles 20:23).

Aftermath:
When the men of Judah came to the place overlooking the desert, they saw only dead bodies lying on the ground; no one had escaped. Jehoshaphat and his people spent three days collecting the plunder, which was so abundant that it took them that long to gather it all. On the fourth day, they assembled in the Valley of Beracah, where they praised the Lord, and the place was named the Valley of Beracah, meaning "blessing."

Theological Significance:
The ambush by Jehoshaphat underscores the power of faith and reliance on God in times of crisis. It highlights the importance of seeking divine guidance and the efficacy of prayer and worship. The narrative demonstrates that God is capable of delivering His people in miraculous ways, turning potential defeat into victory without the need for conventional warfare.

Lessons for Believers:
Jehoshaphat's account encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and to seek His guidance in times of trouble. It serves as a reminder that God fights for His people and that worship and obedience can lead to divine intervention and blessing. The account also illustrates the futility of relying solely on human strength and the importance of acknowledging God's role in the battles of life.

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2 Chronicles 20:22
And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushes against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.
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