The Army Led By the Choir | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: The Army Led By the Choir | Previous Challenge Entry
By Dale Buchanan
06/08/22
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It was enough to wear out any red-blooded man. His success as a leader was well-noted. But instead of looking successful and prosperous, his color was pale, and his shoulders stooped. The events of the last two years had drained him. He needed sleep.

Recently he had fought in battle and almost lost his life. When he returned from the war, he continued his duties as king by planning and organizing the nation’s judicial system. After that, he went through the arduous process of selecting, appointing, and instructing judges throughout the country of Judah.

And now this news:

Moab and Ammon and the people of Mount Seir (Edom) had invaded Judah with a massive number of soldiers. They were already encamped at En-Gedi, an ideal spot for launching their offensive. In contrast to the nearby Dead Sea, desert, and mountain crags, En-Gedi had freshwater springs, waterfalls, lush flora, vegetables, and fresh meat.

Jehoshaphat had already built-up enormous military might with garrisons throughout the country. But he knew this war was too much for his army to handle.

The king feared for his nation and his own life. He could well imagine what these enemy forces could do to decimate and destroy his peaceful and prosperous nation. The enemy could very possibly kill him in the battle. Acknowledging his fear and weakness, he called out to God. He proclaimed a fast and asked all of Judah to come to Jerusalem to seek the Lord as one nation.

As they met together, Jehoshaphat prayed. He recognized God for who He is. Then he reminded God of His promises to their nation and that He had promised to help if they cried out to Him. He confessed their weakness and inability even to know what to do. But their eyes were on Him for help.

Then, out of the crowd stepped Jahaziel, a Levite, who began to speak as the Spirit of God came upon him. He said, “Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” “Ye shall not need to fight in this battle, set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the Lord with you.” (II Chronicles 20:15, 17)

The next day they went into the wilderness of Tekoa near En-Gedi. Jehoshaphat instructed them, “Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established.” (II Chronicles 20:20)

Then he revealed an unexpected and very unusual military strategy. He appointed singers to lead the army and praise the beauty of holiness, singing “Praise the Lord; for his mercy endureth for ever.” (II Chronicles 20:21)

When they sang, the Lord set ambushments against the enemy. The soldiers of Moab and Ammon turned against the warriors from Mount Seir. After making an end of their ally, Moab and Ammon had contention among themselves and destroyed each other.

The devastation was so complete that when Jehoshaphat and his army arrived at the scene, it took them three days to gather the spoil.

God did exactly what He said He would do for Judah!

We who claim to be born-again Christians believe in an omnipotent God. We say that we believe Matthew 19:26, “with God all things are possible.” And also, Isaiah 55:8-9, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

But when we hear Jehoshaphat’s war story, we might react with unbelief. Could this really have happened?

Is God able? Is there anything too hard for God?

As we confront today’s problems, are any of them too hard or too big for God? Did our problem catch God by surprise? Do I truly believe He can meet my need and help me solve my problem?

Or, with heartfelt sincerity, can we say, “the LORD is my defense; and my God is the rock of my refuge. (Ps. 94:22)

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)

Bible quotations are from the KJV Bible.

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