You need not fight in this battle; station yourselves, stand and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 20:17 (NASB)
Jehoshaphat was shaken one morning when his intelligence sources came running in with horrifying news: “A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea, from Syria; and they are in Hazazon Tamar.” In reality this meant that the enemy coalition was about 15 miles south of Jerusalem, on the western shore of the Dead Sea. Jehoshaphat’s life and his entire kingdom were on the brink of extinction. So what did he do?
Let’s put ourselves in Jehoshaphat’s place. What would we do if we heard some threatening news that affected our future and maybe our lives? Verse three records the response of Jehoshaphat:
Jehoshaphat … turned his attention to seek the LORD. 2 Chronicles 20:3 (NASB)
Jehoshaphat said, “Let’s pray and seek the direction of God.” His prayer is recorded in verses 6-12. In the first four verses His focus is on God Himself; in the last three verses, he mentions the problem. This godly king did the right thing: he encouraged the people to trust God in the face of this overwhelming crisis. In prayer he declared:
For we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You. 2 Chronicles 20:12 (NASB)
It was then recorded that “the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel” the prophet, who said:
Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s. 2 Chronicles 20:15 (NASB)
He continued:
You need not fight in this battle; station yourselves, stand and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf…” 2 Chronicles 20:17 (NASB)
God confused the enemy and the very place of battle became a place of blessings – Berakah. Do you feel as if there is a multitude rising up against you? Perhaps you too are saying, “I do not know what to do.” If so, don’t be afraid. Instead, seek the Lord and ‘station’ yourself. Station yourself in prayer; stand and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf.