2 Chronicles 20 — Worship as Warfare
The crisis: Three nations mass in the wilderness of Tekoa, a ridge still traceable east of Bethlehem. Jehoshaphat calls a fast; Judah gathers at the Temple and prays covenant history back to God—“Abraham your friend” (Hebrew: loved one; cf. James 2:23). Then the honest line: “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (New International Version).
The word and the song: Through Jahaziel the Spirit answers: “The battle is not yours, but God’s,” echoing Exodus 14:13–14 (“stand firm…see salvation,” yeshu‘ah—hinting toward Yeshua). The choir leads with the Temple refrain, “Give thanks…his hesed endures,” a liturgical weapon (cf. 2 Chronicles 5–7; Psalm 136). God sets ambushes; the valley is renamed Berakah—Blessing.
The lesson: After yesterday’s judges at the gates, today’s choir at the front—justice and doxology belong together. Holy war is fought by trust, fasting, remembered promises, and sung theology (Ephesians 6:13).
Cross-refs: Exodus 14:13–14; Psalm 136; James 2:23; Ephesians 6:10–18.
Hymn: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.
Prayer: Captain of our salvation, teach us to stand, sing, and see. Turn our valleys into blessing as we set our eyes on you. Amen.
Narrated version of this devotional on 2 Chronicles Chapter 20