God Set an Ambush
We have discussed this story many times about the battle which Jehoshaphat and Israel fought against the armies who came up against them. There are many nuggets to be taken from this story so that it is difficult to exhaust the revelations from it. To summarise for anyone who may not be familiar; a few armies of Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir teamed up against Israel when Jehoshaphat was King. The armies jointly made such a big troupe that Israel were physically outnumbered. Jehoshaphat’s prayer strategy was to remind God that the lands that they lived on were their own possession which God promised to Abraham.
God had used Joshua and Caleb to lead the people in driving out the inhabitants. The armies that had now teamed up against Israel were the people who Isreal spared and decided to allow to live alongside them. Jehoshaphat reminded God of the promise to his people after they built his sanctuary. “‘If disaster comes upon us, the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this house and before you—for your name is in this house—and cry out to you in our affliction, and you will hear and save’” (2 Chronicles 20:9). Jehoshaphat understood spiritual laws and covenants and he stood on the covenant promises of God.
Jehoshaphat then prayed for God’s vengeance and judgement. “O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (2 Chronicles 20:12). Vengeance belongs to God and recompense and his people can cry out to God to execute judgement and vengeance. While Jehoshaphat prayed, the people also stood in prayer before God. God’s response was the battle strategy, “stand firm and hold your position and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf” (2 Chronicles 20:17).
God did not want his people wasting any of their energy on this army. Their position was one of rest, trust and confidence. They could rest in the eternal confidence of God which had given them their land of promise and rest. “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty” (Zachariah 4:6). Jehoshaphat went a bit further and added music and singing as a way to celebrate what God had already done. God set the ambush and the armies devoured each other so that his people were saved.
“I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: So shall I be saved from mine enemies” (Psalm 18:3).
A.P.-Y.
Published by Anneta Pinto-Young
I am a trained Social Worker who currently provides professional leadership on a programme to support Social Work students and Newly Qualified Social Workers entering the Social Work Profession.
Born and raised in Jamaica in a Christian family where my father is an ordained Pastor and Deacon who has served for over 50 years in the ministry. My father is also a trained musician and our family can be described as a musical family. I grew up in a small farming community in St. Peter’s, St. Andrew and my parents also have a small farm.
I credit my gift of writing to my father who I watched and listened to over the years as he wrote sermons, poems and other recitals in his capacity in ministry. English has always been an easy subject for me and over the years I have developed an increased interest in writing.
I am a Trainer, I sing and have a passion for worship, the spoken word and the free flow of the prophetic anointing. I am married to my best friend Andrew Christopher Young who is an advanced Musician and whose music you can find on YouTube and Facebook. I am a trained Coach and Mentor and I love experimenting with food so I love cooking. I enjoy trying cultural dishes from across the world and I view food as an entry into cultures and languages.
View all posts by Anneta Pinto-Young
Published
October 12, 2021October 13, 2021
