“Listen, all Judah and the inhabitants of
Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not fear or be
dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but
God’s.”’ (v.15)
Here in
chapter 20 we see the Arameans and their allies marching on Judah to make war
against king Jehoshaphat for his alliance with king Ahab (v.1). So great was
the reported coming multitude that king Jehoshaphat was afraid and turn his
attention to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah (v.3)
Then Johoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of
the LORD, in the new court, and called on the name of the LORD his God for help
(vv.5-12).
While all
Judah was assembled there, the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel the son of
Zechariah, and he spoke the prophetic words of our text, “Do not fear or be
dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s”
(v.15). “You need not fight in
this battle; station
yourselves, stand and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and
Jerusalem.’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out to face them, for the
Lord is with you” (v.17).
The
scriptures go on to tell us that the next morning all of Judah went out to meet
this great multitude in the wilderness of Tekoa. They were given instructions
by Jehoshaphat to put their trust in the LORD and in His prophets and they
would succeed (v.20). Judah then went forth singing and praising the LORD as
they went (v.21). When they began to do so, the Lord set ambushes
against the sons of Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and
they were all defeated (v.22).
This same
word of encouragement God gave Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah as the
battle loomed for them, is the same for us - “The battle is not yours, but
God’s.” If you are facing something that seems
overwhelming right now, give it to the Lord. Praise Him for His care, and watch
Him work in you time of need.
The Truth
I will
lift up my eyes to the hills— From whence comes my help? My help comes
from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2)
