Ambushing Satan With Song [Part TWO]

Please read Ambushing Satan With Song Part ONE from the February archives before reading the following devotional.

2 Chronicles 20:1-17

Recalling the Past and Pleading for Help

We closed the last devotional saying that when our hearts melt with fear, we must ascribe all power and glory to God, so that a strength and hope and confidence comes into your prayer. We now continue with the winning story of Jehoshaphat when he came under attack.

Jehoshaphat recalls an example of this sovereign power of God from the history of Israel. Verse 7: "Did you not, O our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel, and give it for ever to the descendants of Abraham your friend?" Often in our prayers we should exult in what God has done in the past. It strengthens our confidence in his power and love.

Then in verses 8–9 he recalls how the people had built God a sanctuary and had dedicated it to his name and vowed always to seek help from him there. Then in verses 10–11 he describes the plight they are in with Moab and Ammon and Mount Seir coming against them. And finally in verse 12 he pleads for help and admits his helplessness. "O our God, will you not execute judgment upon them? For we are powerless against this great multitude that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you."

"Fear Not, the Battle Is Mine"

In response to this prayer God sends his Spirit upon a prophet named Jahaziel and tells all the people of Judah that God will protect them. Verse 15: "Hearken, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, 'Fear not, and be not dismayed at this great multitude; for the battle is not yours but God's' . . . You will not need to fight in this battle; take your position, stand still, and see the victory of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Fear not, and be not dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you."

Jehoshaphat had cried to the Lord: "O God, we are powerless! Help us." And God responded, "Fear not, the battle is mine!"

Worship and Song

Jehoshaphat's response to this word of promise is to fall on his face to the ground and worship. Verse 18: "Then Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the Lord, worshiping the Lord."

Then something different happens. While everyone is bowed down low on their faces before the Lord, a group of people stand up. And together they begin to praise the Lord. Verse 19: "And the Levites, of the Kohathites and the Korahites, stood up to praise the Lord, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice." Was this a spontaneous eruption of song from a few free spirits? Who were these people?

Turn with me back to 1 Chronicles 6:31. Here the writer is listing the families of the tribe of Levi. In verse 31 he says, "These are the men whom David put in charge of the service of song in the house of the Lord, after the ark rested there. They ministered with song before the tabernacle of the tent of meeting, until Solomon had built the house of the Lord in Jerusalem; and they performed their service in due order. These are the men who served and their sons. Of the sons of the Kohathites . . . " And then the descendants of Kohath the son of Levi are given.

In other words this group who stood up to praise the Lord in 2 Chronicles 20:19 are not merely a group of charismatic free spirits. They are the Choir of Israel. They are the group who ever since the time of David had been appointed to do the ministry of song in Israel. So they stood up while everybody else was bowed before God and they led the people and helped the people praise the Lord for his promised victory.

Singers in the Frontlines of Battle

After this great time of worship in response to God's word, the people make ready to meet the enemy. They rise early the next morning and head out into the wilderness. And as they go, Jehoshaphat commands them to trust God's promise. Verse 20: "Hear me, Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be established; believe his prophets, and you will succeed."

Then Jehoshaphat appoints his frontline troops. But the frontline troops are not charioteers or swordsmen. They are singers. Jehoshaphat aims to conquer with a choir. God had said that the battle was his to fight. So what better way for Israel to meet the enemy than with songs of victory in the front ranks.

Verse 21: "And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the Lord and praise him in holy array, as they went before the army, and say, 'Give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures for ever.'" How does thid apply to us? When God tells us that the battle is his and that the victory is sure, the way we should meet the enemy is with songs of thanks.

And I believe that the writer of this book wants to make it clear that, even though the victory belongs to God, the human means through which God gives victory is through the ministry of worship. For it says in verse 22, "And when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed." First Moab and Ammon turn against Mt. Seir. Then they turn against each other. When it's all over the defeat is so great it takes three days for Jehoshaphat and his people to carry away the spoil.

Are you in a place of threat today? Are there pressures and pains, stresses and struggles that are beyond your strength? Will you believe that the battle belongs to the Lord? Now will you rise up with a song in your soul and praise on your lips? Remember such worship wears out the enemy in order to bring you the victory.