English: Jerusalem and the Valley of Jehoshaphat from the Hill of Evil Counsel (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In Chapter 20, the Moabites and Ammonites mobilized to go up against Jehoshaphat’s kingdom. Some menm came to warn him about the throngs of warriors coming from Edom. They told him that they were in Hazazon-tamar, otherwise known as Engedi. Jehoshaphat became afraid, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. The people came from all over to “seek the Lord” in this matte.

Jehoshaphat came to the temple, and as king, he led them in prayer. The prayer in verses 5-12 is similar to part of Solomon’s prayer when he dedicated the temple.  In the assembly, the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel, the son of Zechariah, and he began to speak saying”

Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s…

…Tomorrow go down against them. Behold, they will come up by the ascent of Ziz… You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, hand the Lord will be with you.

The familiar words “do not be afraid, and do not be dismayed,” are the same words God said through Moses in Deuteronomy 31:6-8. It is good to remind ourselves that although God never promised bad things will not happen to us, we can take comfort in prayer, do all that we can in every situation, and leave the rest to God.

(This year’s reading plan for Luke, Acts, and 1 and 2 Chronicles averages just 15 verses per day – 5 days per week!)
Schedule for this week

/Bob’s boy

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some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

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All of my comments in this blog are solely my responsibility. When reading any commentary, you should always refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word.