2Ch 20:1-2 | KingComments | STEP | In this chapter we have an event in which we see the place and power of prayer in the battle for LORD. Here we learn how the kingdom of God functions in the world. It shows us the picture of a praying and fighting church. It is a highlight in this book. A powerful enemy comes to make war against Jehoshaphat ( ). They are Moabites, Ammonites and Meunites. Moabites and Ammonites are family of the Israelites. They descend from Lot, the nephew of Abraham ( ). In his prayer, Jehoshaphat calls the Meunites “the sons of … Mount Seir” ( ; cf. ), which means that they are Edomites, or descendants of Esau. These peoples have always revealed themselves as enemies of God’s people. They represent people who have a certain relationship with God’s people, but hate God’s people and God’s truth. We must be wary of this enemy. Jehoshaphat gets the message that the enemies are coming and he is told where they are at that moment ( ). He is not suddenly attacked by the enemy, but is a warned man. Although Jehoshaphat has a good and brave army, he does not place his trust in it. He realizes what is said in Psalm 33 ( ). The fear of the enemy drives him and all the people to God in fasting and prayer ( ). Fasting is voluntary renunciation of food – more generally, renunciation of things that are lawful – in order to pray more intensively. Fasting is making oneself small before God, it is humbling oneself. All Judah is called together to seek help from the LORD ( ). From all the cities of Judah they come to Jerusalem to seek the LORD, to ask Him what they should do. Normally the people come to Jerusalem three times a year on the occasion of the three great feasts ( ). But now they come to have fellowship in prayer, not because it is prescribed, but because they feel the need. Jehoshaphat is the true spiritual leader of his people. Spiritual leadership is expressed in it that one does not want to be great, but wants to be small together with the people. Need brings the people together and on their knees ( ).

‏ 2 Chronicles 20:1-2

Introduction

In this chapter we have an event in which we see the place and power of prayer in the battle for LORD. Here we learn how the kingdom of God functions in the world. It shows us the picture of a praying and fighting church. It is a highlight in this book.

Jehoshaphat in Distress

A powerful enemy comes to make war against Jehoshaphat (2Chr 20:1). They are Moabites, Ammonites and Meunites. Moabites and Ammonites are family of the Israelites. They descend from Lot, the nephew of Abraham (Gen 19:30-38 ; Gen 12:5). In his prayer, Jehoshaphat calls the Meunites “the sons of … Mount Seir” (2Chr 20:10; cf. 2Chr 20:22-23), which means that they are Edomites, or descendants of Esau. These peoples have always revealed themselves as enemies of God’s people. They represent people who have a certain relationship with God’s people, but hate God’s people and God’s truth. We must be wary of this enemy.

Jehoshaphat gets the message that the enemies are coming and he is told where they are at that moment (2Chr 20:2). He is not suddenly attacked by the enemy, but is a warned man. Although Jehoshaphat has a good and brave army, he does not place his trust in it. He realizes what is said in Psalm 33 (Psa 33:16 ; 20).

The fear of the enemy drives him and all the people to God in fasting and prayer (2Chr 20:3). Fasting is voluntary renunciation of food – more generally, renunciation of things that are lawful – in order to pray more intensively. Fasting is making oneself small before God, it is humbling oneself.

All Judah is called together to seek help from the LORD (2Chr 20:4). From all the cities of Judah they come to Jerusalem to seek the LORD, to ask Him what they should do. Normally the people come to Jerusalem three times a year on the occasion of the three great feasts (Deu 16:16). But now they come to have fellowship in prayer, not because it is prescribed, but because they feel the need.

Jehoshaphat is the true spiritual leader of his people. Spiritual leadership is expressed in it that one does not want to be great, but wants to be small together with the people. Need brings the people together and on their knees (Acts 4:23-24).