2 Chronicles 20 Devotional

Singing Before the Rescue

“Our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast army that comes against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.””2 Chronicles 20:12 (BSB)

As a vast army marches toward Judah, Jehoshaphat is alarmed. He resolves to seek the LORD and calls a fast (20:3-4). The king prays. He reminds God that he rules over every nation, that he gave this land to Abraham's descendants, and that Israel had counted on him to hear their cries at this temple (20:6-9). He ends by confessing that they have no power against this army and no idea what to do, but they are looking to God (20:12).

The answer comes through the Levite Jahaziel. They are not to fear, because this fight is God's rather than theirs. They need only go out, hold their ground, and watch the LORD deliver them (20:15-17). So the next morning singers march out ahead of the army, praising the LORD for his lasting love, and as they sing, the enemy armies turn on each other and are destroyed (20:21-23). When you do not know what to do, telling God so is not weakness. It is the prayer this chapter shows him answering.

To think about: What situation leaves you not knowing what to do, and what would it look like to tell God so and keep your eyes on him?