October 25, 2023: Worshippers Lead The Army

"... he appointed those who were to sing to the Lord and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, "Give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures forever." (2 Chronicles 20:21, ESV)

King Jehoshaphat was facing a vast army he could not win against in battle. Naturally, he and his people feared what would become of them. Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon the prophet, Jahaziel, and he began to prophesy. "Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God's. (2 Chronicles 20:15 ESV).

Jehoshaphat "bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem bowed before the Lord, worshiping the Lord." (2 Chronicles 20:18 NKJV). Notice that the king and all his people worshipped the Lord! Jehoshaphat put the singers and musicians before the army the next day and sent them out to battle. They praised God and remembered that the battle was not theirs but the Lord's. As they came over the rise, they found that the enemy had killed themselves. It took three days for Jehoshaphat to take away the plunder.

This is another picture of the power of praise as the people of God learn how to trust Him and enforce the victory of God through their praise and worship. When God inhabits the praises of His people, what can the enemy do against them? It is time for a victory dance and a shout to the Lord! "His mercies endure forever!”