"O God, do not remain quiet; do not be silent and, O God, do not be still. For behold, Your enemies make an uproar, and those who hate You have exalted themselves. They make shrewd plans against Your people, and conspire together against Your treasured ones. They have said, “Come, and let us wipe them out as a nation, that the name of Israel be remembered no more.” (vv.1-4)
Most Bible scholars agree that this psalm deals with the story of 2 Chronicles 20, when a great multitude came to do battle against king Jehoshaphat. Where, upon being informed of a confederation of nations coming against him from beyond the sea; from Syria; Jehoshaphat sought the Lord, declared a fast throughout all of Judah, praised the Lord for His previous protection, and prayerfully asked for help.
Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon the prophet Jahaziel, the son of Zechariah who said to Jehoshaphat, “Thus says the LORD, Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. You will not need to fight in this battle. Go out, position yourselves and see the salvation of the LORD" (2 Chronicles. 20:15-17).
How often do we rush out in our own strength to meet a problem head on before seeking the LORD, and then make matters worst? The best remedy against any form of opposition is to follow Jehoshaphat’s example: In everything give thanks, rejoice in the LORD, give praise to Him, prayerfully seek His guidance, step out in faith, then stand still and see the salvation of our God.
The Truth: “Oh, love the LORD, all you His saints! For the LORD preserves the faithful, and fully repays the proud person. Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the LORD.” (Psalm 31:23-24)
