The Ammonites, descendants of Lot through his younger daughter (Genesis 19:38), were a perennial adversary of the Israelites. Their territory was located east of the Jordan River, in what is now modern-day Jordan. Throughout biblical history, the Ammonites frequently clashed with the Israelites, often due to territorial disputes and religious differences.

One of the most notable accounts of the Ammonites' defeat is recorded in the book of 2 Chronicles, during the reign of King Jehoshaphat of Judah. This miraculous event underscores the power of faith and divine intervention in the face of overwhelming odds.

Jehoshaphat's Reign and the Threat of the Ammonites

Jehoshaphat, the son of Asa, was a king who "walked in the ways of his father David" and sought to follow the commandments of the Lord (2 Chronicles 17:3-4). His reign was marked by religious reforms and efforts to strengthen the spiritual life of Judah. However, his kingdom faced a significant threat when a coalition of Moabites, Ammonites, and some Meunites came to wage war against Judah (2 Chronicles 20:1).

Jehoshaphat's Response and Divine Assurance

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 (2 Chronicles 20:3-4). Jehoshaphat stood before the assembly and prayed, acknowledging God's sovereignty and pleading for divine intervention (2 Chronicles 20:5-12).

In response to Jehoshaphat's prayer, 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 the people to march against the enemy but assured them that they would not need to fight, as the Lord would deliver them (2 Chronicles 20:16-17).

The Miraculous Defeat

In obedience to the prophetic word, Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah went out to meet the enemy. Jehoshaphat appointed singers to praise the Lord, and as they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the Ammonites, Moabites, and the inhabitants of Mount Seir, causing them to turn on each other (2 Chronicles 20:21-23). By the time the men of Judah arrived at the lookout point in the wilderness, they saw only dead bodies lying on the ground; not one of the enemy had escaped (2 Chronicles 20:24).

Aftermath and Significance

The victory was so complete that it took three days for Jehoshaphat and his people to collect the plunder (2 Chronicles 20:25). On the fourth day, they assembled in the Valley of Beracah, where they praised the Lord for the victory (2 Chronicles 20:26). The fear of God came upon all the surrounding kingdoms when they heard how the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel, and the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace (2 Chronicles 20:29-30).

This miraculous defeat of the Ammonites serves as a powerful testament to the faithfulness of God and His ability to deliver His people when they rely on Him. It highlights the importance of seeking divine guidance and trusting in God's promises, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.2 Chronicles 20:5-24
And Jehoshaphat stood in the congregation of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD, before the new court,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Joshua's Conquest.
... the northeast, and on the east and southeast, the Ammonites, Moabites and ... The failure
or sin of one man may defeat a whole ... (14) The miraculous element running ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter viii joshuas conquest.htm

Palestine under Pagan Kings.
... Of this miraculous defeat a gifted but irreligious and unhappy poet has sung ... David
wore a crown of gold set with jewels, he took from the king of the Ammonites. ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/palestine under pagan kings.htm

The Kingdom Op Judah.
... Afterwards, when the Edomites, Ammonites, and Moabites came up ... the King of Edom,
another miraculous deliverance was ... his troops suffered a great defeat from the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vii the kingdom op.htm

The Historical Books.
... in the Bible, including the mission, miraculous works, resurrection ... the people of
Jabesh-gilead from the Ammonites. ... of the risen Samuel, of the defeat of the ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xx the historical books.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... has gone on ever since with alternations of success and defeat; each in ... attacks of
beasts of prey: Cyrus, acquainted with this miraculous circumstance, went in ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

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