A Study On 2 Chronicles 20:20

A Study On 2 Chronicles 20:20

The scripture 2 Chronicles 20:20 has been often quoted and made to say something different from the original text, because most times its singled out and used out of context. Again, due to the strong english use in the kings James version of the bible, using just this translation makes Christians misinterpret the scriptures sometimes.

Let study 2 Chronicles 20: 1-20 using the Good News Translation
Some time later the armies of Moab and Ammon, together with their allies, the Meunites, invaded Judah. 2 Some messengers came and announced to King Jehoshaphat: “A large army from Edom has come from the other side of the Dead Sea to attack you. They have already captured Hazazon Tamar.” (This is another name for Engedi.) 3 Jehoshaphat was frightened and prayed to the Lord for guidance. Then he gave orders for a fast to be observed throughout the country. 4 From every city of Judah people hurried to Jerusalem to ask the Lord for guidance, 5 and they and the people of Jerusalem gathered in the new courtyard of the Temple. King Jehoshaphat went and stood before them 6 and prayed aloud, “O Lord God of our ancestors, you rule in heaven over all the nations of the world. You are powerful and mighty, and no one can oppose you. 7 You are our God. When your people Israel moved into this land, you drove out the people who were living here and gave the land to the descendants of Abraham, your friend, to be theirs forever. 8 They have lived here and have built a temple to honor you, knowing 9 that if any disaster struck them to punish them—a war, an epidemic, or a famine—then they could come and stand in front of this Temple where you are worshiped. They could pray to you in their trouble, and you would hear them and rescue them.
10 “Now the people of Ammon, Moab, and Edom have attacked us. When our ancestors came out of Egypt, you did not allow them to enter those lands, so our ancestors went around them and did not destroy them. 11 This is how they repay us—they come to drive us out of the land that you gave us. 12 You are our God! Punish them, for we are helpless in the face of this large army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but we look to you for help.”
13 All the men of Judah, with their wives and children, were standing there at the Temple. 14 The spirit of the Lord came upon a Levite who was present in the crowd. His name was Jahaziel son of Zechariah; he was a member of the clan of Asaph and was descended from Asaph through Mattaniah, Jeiel, and Benaiah. 15 Jahaziel said, “Your Majesty and all you people of Judah and Jerusalem, the Lord says that you must not be discouraged or be afraid to face this large army. The battle depends on God, not on you. 16 Attack them tomorrow as they come up the pass at Ziz. You will meet them at the end of the valley that leads to the wild country near Jeruel. 17 You will not have to fight this battle. Just take up your positions and wait; you will see the Lord give you victory. People of Judah and Jerusalem do not hesitate or be afraid. Go out to battle, and the Lord will be with you!”
18 Then King Jehoshaphat bowed low, with his face touching the ground, and all the people bowed with him and worshiped the Lord. 19 The members of the Levite clans of Kohath and Korah stood up and with a loud shout praised the Lord, the God of Israel.
20 Early the next morning the people went out to the wild country near Tekoa. As they were starting out, Jehoshaphat addressed them with these words: “People of Judah and Jerusalem! Put your trust in the Lord your God, and you will stand your ground. Believe what his prophets tell you, and you will succeed.

Note the following
1. Israel was under an invasion threat from Three Kingdoms bigger and stronger than them.
2. The king of Israel called for a national prayer meeting at the Temple to present this problem to God – who has promised to answer them when they stand at the Temple and call on Him in times of trouble.
3. Their purpose of gathering in this prayer meeting was to seek God’s guidance and help in the battle ahead of them.
4. In the course of their prayer, the Spirit of God came upon a young man of the tribe of Levi by the name – Jahaziel son of Zechariah and he brought the word of the Lord concerning the forthcoming battle and the assurance of victory.
5. Then in verse 20 – Early the next morning the people went out to the wild country near Tekoa. As they were starting out, Jehoshaphat addressed them with these words: “People of Judah and Jerusalem! Put your trust in the Lord your God, and you will stand your ground. Believe what his prophets tell you, and you will succeed.”

The king addressing the men of war the next day which is the day for the battle made two profound statements based on the outcome of their encounter with God during the prayer meeting at the Temple entrance;
A. Put your trust in the Lord your God
B. Believe what His prophets tell you
He said by so doing they will be successful in the battle before them.
Let’s look closely at the last statement – Believe what his prophets tell you, and you will succeed, which is the purpose of this piece. 

Verse’s 13-17 gives us light into verse 20. The Spirit of God came on Jahaziel son of Zechariah, and he brought the word of the Lord for that hour and the king speaking words of encouragement and faith to his people going to the war said – Believe what his prophets tell you, and you will succeed.”

This statement was not asking them to believe in the personality of the prophet but to believe in the message the prophet brought from the Lord during the prayer meeting at the Temple the previous day, that assured them of victory in the battle they were going into. It will be important to emphasize that the people of Israel were already in a position of weakness and fear considering the strength of the kings that have come against them. The king of Israel made this statement in verse 20 as a way of strengthening and building the faith of the people as they go into battle. 

As Christian’s, this should also be a faith building statement for us. My faith arose as I read this scripture last night, it made me remember the words God has spoken to me and my family at different times. My faith was strengthened, it led me into a wonderful time of fellowship with the Lord.
Our faith should not be in the personality of the prophet/pastor, but our faith should always be in the words of God (both the written and inspired word). He can choose to bring that word to you through anybody – for Israel on their day of need it was a young man from the tribe of Levi standing in the mist of the congregation during the prayer meeting.
For you my dear, it can be any child of God – as God pleases to do.

Keep believing in God’s word it will bring you safety and success even in the worst of times.
Shalom

#PastorIhu