Day 169, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): 2Chronicles 19:4-11; 2Kings 1:1; 2Chronicles 20:1-30; Psalms 46, 47, 48; Psalm 83, 91 (more…)
Where can We Find Deliverance?
To whom do people look for deliverance from their enemies? If they look for deliverance from creditors, they may ask relatives for help. If they need to be rescued from an intruder or hostile neighbor, they may call the police. If they need liberation from a foreign enemy, they will look to military and political leaders to save them. To whom do we trust when faced with our enemies?
Jehoshaphat leads his nation to have faith in God
Many nations in the days of the kings of Israel and Judah trusted in their carved and gold-fashioned gods and their military might. But, King Jehoshaphat had faith in God. He made a mistake, however, of leading his people to fight beside the nation and king of Israel—they were under God’s judgment for wickedness and idolatry (June 17 Bible study).We need to be careful of whom we engage in a joint venture.
In today’s Bible reading, we notice Jehoshaphat redeems himself. He saw what could happen if someone misleads him, so he doubles his efforts to seek the LORD. He teaches the law of God and appoints godly judges in every fortified city of Judah.
He told them,
Consider carefully what you do, because you are not judging for man but for the LORD, who is with you whenever you give a verdict. Now let the fear of the LORD be upon you. Judge carefully, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.
In Jerusalem also, Jehoshaphat appointed some of the Levites, priests and heads of Israelite families to administer the law of the LORD and to settle disputes. And they lived in Jerusalem.
He gave them these orders: “You must serve faithfully and whole-heartedly in the fear of the LORD. In every case that comes before you from your fellow countrymen who live in the cities—whether bloodshed or other concerns of the law, commands, decrees or ordinances—you are to warn them not to sin against the LORD; otherwise his wrath will come on you and your brothers. Do this, and you will not sin…. Act with courage, and may the LORD be with those who do well’” (2Chronicles 19:6-11, NIV).
Have we made errors in judgment? It is never too late to change our hearts and actions. We can also teach others to do things right. We can do this in our homes, churches, and society. If any of us have positions in criminal justice, we would please the LORD and help our community by teaching the principles of the law and urging citizens to stay out of trouble.
Responding to threats
When the kings of the Ammonites, Moabites, and Menuites from the region of Edom threatened attack, “The people of Judah came together to seek help from the LORD; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him” (2Chronicles 20:4, NIV). They learned well. When someone attacks us, where will we first seek help; from God or other sources?
Before the battle, Jehoshaphat and all Judah rely on the LORD to save them. Because they seek the LORD whole-heartedly in faith, God helps them—he sends a prophet to comfort and encourage them—The LORD will win this battle! The people bow to God in worship.
How does the LORD deliver them? Here is the strange battle plan:
Jehoshaphat counseled the people to keep faith in the LORD and their leaders. Then he appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army. They sang out: “Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever.”
Now that is faith! They firmly expected God to win the battle.
Real Faith
What about us? We face conflicts, too. Do we know the LORD? (more...) Do we trust him to deliver us?
Christians, we pray and say we believe in God. We read the Bible and are learning about him. Do we trust the LORD to help us? Even though God is unseen, can we go forth in confidence to face the battle, no matter how big it is or whom we are facing, knowing God is with us? It is thrilling to see what God will do when people express their faith in him by their words and deeds! God longs to win victories that seem impossible.
As they [the men of Judah] began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. The men of Ammon and Moab rose up against the men from Mount Seir to destroy and annihilate them. After they finished slaughtering the men from Seir, they helped to destroy one another (2 Chronicles 20:20-23, NIV).
The only things left after this battle were dead bodies and a lot of loot—it took three days to collect it all. The LORD delivered them from their enemies without the nation of Judah doing anything.
Jehoshaphat led his whole kingdom to trust in the LORD. We can do this with our “kingdom,” our realm of influence (family, church, and perhaps even our school or workplace). We must inspire others by our faith in God, and then find ways to teach them the Word of God, to revere the LORD, and seek him earnestly.
Discussion
How can we lead others to have faith in God?
Many people respond to threats by protecting themselves. What is a better way for Christians to respond to them?
What is real faith in God?
Focus Verse
Psalm 1:1-2 (NIV) Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.
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Looking Ahead: Those who don't learn and practice fearing God may Learn Respect in other ways. Find out how in this Next Lesson.
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