DBG - May 21 - II Chronicles 18-20

In this chapter Jehoshaphat allies himself with Ahab.

vs. 1-11 – This parallels I Kings 22:1-12.  Jehoshaphat makes a terrible mistake in allying himself with Ahab. The two royal houses intermarry the sins of Ahab will be planted in Judah and bear a bitter harvest.

vs. 12-27 – This parallels I Kings 22:13-18.  The prophet Micaiah faithfully prophecies against Ahab and is imprisoned.

vs. 28-34 – This parallels I Kings 22:29-40. A wonderful detail is added in vs. 31. Jehoshaphat cried to God when pressed by the Syrian chariots. God heard that cry and caused the Syrians to turn aside. While these actions are recorded in I Kings, the Divine Providence behind them is not highlighted.

In this chapter we see the government of Jehoshaphat.

vs. 1-3 – The prophet Jehu rebukes Jehoshaphat for allying with Ahab.

vs. 4-11 – Jehoshaphat appoints judges and Levites to see to civil matters.  Note that he commends them serve not just the people but also God.

In this chapter Judah is attacked and delivered.

vs. 1-2 – The combined forces of the nations of Moab, Ammon, and Edom (Mt. Seir is mentioned in vs. 10) began to make an incursion around the southwest corner of the Dead Sea

vs. 3-13 – With the enemy some 25 miles away, the king fears but does not panic. He proclaims a fast and special prayer. The king offers a public prayer in the Temple, calling on God’s faithfulness, power, and promises to intervene. He closes, “neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.”

 vs. 14-19 – God responds through a Levite named Jahaziel (“whom God watches over”).  God reveals the place where the enemy will be and commands the army to march there but not engage.

vs. 20-29 – As they marched to meet the enemy, singers were appointed to go before them singing God’s praises. The enemy armies turn on one another and defeat one another. The army of Judah spends three days gather the spoils before gathering on the fourth day to celebrate at the valley of Becachah (“blessing”).

vs. 30-34 – This parallels II Kings 22:41-45. The two stains on Jehoshaphat’s record are his alliance with the house of Ahab and that he did not completely eradicate idolatry from the land. Though much progress was made on that front, the people’s hearts were not fully turned to God.

vs. 35-37 - II Kings 22:44-49. Jehoshaphat made an alliance with Ahaziah to build boats to trade with Tarshish. God rebukes this action through the prophet Eliezer (“God his help”) and the ships were destroyed before trade could begin.

There is a difference between just praying for rain and in also taking an umbrella with you.  When facing an approaching army, Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah were promised victory and began to celebrate it before any sword was drawn.  How many of us have such faith to celebrate the outcome of a battle before it begins?

Our hymn today is by Francis Scott Key, who is far better known for writing “The Star-Spangled Banner” rather than the hymns he wrote. “Before the Lord We Bow” reflects Jehoshaphat’s acts of worship in Chapter 20 as the enemy was approaching.

Before the Lord we bow,
The God who reigns above,
And rules the world below,
Boundless in power and love;
Our thanks we bring
In joy and praise,
Our hearts we raise
To heaven's high King.

The nation Thou hast blest
May well Thy love declare,
From foes and fears at rest,
Protected by Thy care.
For this fair land,
For this bright day,
Our thanks we pay--
Gifts of Thy hand.

May every mountain height,
Each vale and forest green,
Shine in Thy word's pure light,
And its rich fruits be seen!
May every tongue
Be tuned to praise,
And join to raise
A grateful song.

Earth! hear thy maker's voice,
The great Redeemer own,
Believe, obey, rejoice,
And worship Him alone;
Cast down thy pride,
Thy sin deplore,
And bow before
The Crucified.

And when in power He comes,
O may our native land,
From all its rending tombs,
Send forth a glorious band;
A countless throng
Ever to sing
To heaven's high King
Salvation's song.