Topical Encyclopedia
Jehoshaphat, the fourth king of the Kingdom of Judah, is renowned for his devout faith and reliance on God during times of national crisis. One of the most significant instances of answered prayer in his reign is his plea for divine intervention against a formidable coalition of enemies, often associated with the Canaanites, though the specific adversaries in this account are the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites.
The narrative of Jehoshaphat's prayer and subsequent victory is found in
2 Chronicles 20. When Jehoshaphat learned of the impending invasion, he 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 past deliverances. He appealed to God's covenant with Abraham and the sanctuary built for His name, saying, "If disaster comes upon us—whether sword or judgment, plague or famine—we will stand before this temple and before You (for Your name is in this temple). We will cry out to You in our distress, and You will hear us and save us" (
2 Chronicles 20:9).
Jehoshaphat's prayer was marked by humility and dependence on God, as he confessed, "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" (
2 Chronicles 20:12). This expression of trust and helplessness before God is a profound example of faith in divine providence.
In response to Jehoshaphat's prayer, the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel, a Levite, who delivered God's 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). God instructed them to march against the enemy, but they would not need to fight. Instead, they were to stand firm and witness the deliverance the LORD would bring.
The following day, Jehoshaphat appointed singers to praise the LORD as they went out at the head of the army, declaring, "Give thanks to the LORD, for His loving devotion endures forever" (
2 Chronicles 20:21). As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the enemy forces, causing them to turn on each other and leading to their complete defeat.
Jehoshaphat's answered prayer is a testament to the power of faith and worship in the face of overwhelming odds. The victory was not achieved through military might but through reliance on God's promise and the acknowledgment of His sovereignty. This account serves as a powerful reminder of the efficacy of prayer and the faithfulness of God to those who seek Him earnestly.
Nave's Topical Index
2 Chronicles 18:31And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, It is the king of Israel. Therefore they compassed about him to fight: but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him; and God moved them to depart from him.
Nave's Topical Index2 Chronicles 20:6-27
And said, O LORD God of our fathers, are not you God in heaven? and rule not you over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in your hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand you?
Nave's Topical Index
Library
The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... wheels of his chariot?'"Her wise ladies answered her,"yea ... and that of the ephod after
the victory (viii.24 ... Ekron and Gath kept watch over the eastern side of ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm
Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... Bloodless victory! ... Jehoshaphat and Hezekiah did both sometimes bring trouble (2
Chronicles 19:2; 20:35 ... and it shall be answered by them that shall have skill to ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm
Light for them that Sit in Darkness;
... OBJECTIONS TO THE CONTRARY ANSWERED. ... were mine, I would venture them all.' His prayer
is that ... therefore hath he also by himself gotten the victory over these. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/light for them that sit.htm
An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... and his church shall be; and how he at last shall, all over the earth ... the word, and
by receiving of it according to the limits thereof,] and prayer" (1 Timothy 4 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm
Resources
Questions about Prayer (All) | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the purpose of prayer? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a prayer circle? | GotQuestions.orgPrayer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus