Jehoshaphat was not jumpy. Jehoshaphat was steady. This king of Judah heavily relied on God. The chronicler records, “The LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David. He did not seek the Baals, but sought the God of his father and walked in his commandments, and not according to the practices of Israel. (2Ch 17:3-4).”
Later we read of enemies forming an alliance to go up against Judah and Jehoshaphat in battle. When word comes to the king, “Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. And Judah assembled to seek help from the LORD; from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD. (2Ch 20:3-4).”
God sends Jehoshaphat a seven-fold answer. These seven points were vital to Judah’s success and I find them to be just as applicable today. “And he said, “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the LORD to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s. Tomorrow go down against them. Behold, they will come up by the ascent of Ziz. You will find them at the end of the valley, east of the wilderness of Jeruel. You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the LORD will be with you.” (2Ch 20:15-17)” (underlined for emphasis – BSMc).
Did you see the seven things – I underlined them to make it easier. Here they are in a list:
- Do not be afraid.
- Do not be dismayed (don’t worry).
- The battle belongs to the Lord.
- Stand firm.
- Hold your position.
- See the salvation of the Lord.
- The Lord is with you.
In the words of one of my mentors and instructors, Wendell Winkler, “Boys, that’ll preach!”
– Scott
Driving Thought 