2 Chronicles 20:3

A GOOD KING AT HIS BEST

‘Jehoshaphat … set himself to seek the Lord.’

2 Chronicles 20:3

I. In this lesson we have a scene in which Jehoshaphat is observed at his best, occupying the throne of Judah as every human king should have occupied it—that is, as the vicegerent of God, Who was at all times the Almighty, invisible King of Israel. The king, in the midst of the vast assembly, standing in the house of the Lord, publicly implored God’s protection and help.

II. Such a prayer as Jehoshaphat made (vv. 6–12) is well worthy of meditation.—Notice how he recognised the sovereignty, omnipotence, faithfulness, and presence of God, and how he confessed the people’s need, their helplessness, their ignorance, and their faith: ‘We have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon Thee.’

III. Such praying always brings results.—Instantly God answered; and Jahaziel, upon whom the Spirit of the Lord had fallen, addressed the king and the assembled multitude in these words: ‘Thus saith the Lord unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s.’ They were told that on the morrow they were to go down against their enemies, although they would not be called upon to do any fighting. They were simply to be there to see the salvation of the Lord, and to rejoice in it. At this the people fell on their faces to worship, and the Levites stood up to sing praises to God. Early the next morning the army started out, headed by a band of singers, who sang as they went as though the battle had already been won.

IV. They were walking by faith, and not by sight.—God had said victory should be theirs, and they were reckoning it an accomplished fact. What an example for us is this picture! Satan’s hosts combine against us, but if our heart and life are right with God, so that we can pray the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous man, and then count the thing as accomplished, and praise God by faith that the victory is ours, it shall be ours without conflict or loss, and we shall be greatly enriched thereby.