25 So Jehoshaphat and his men went to carry off their plunder, and they found among them a great amount of equipment and clothing[d] and also articles of value—more than they could take away. 2 Chronicles 32:8 With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. There was so much plunder that it took three days to collect it. 31 So Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah. 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. 20 After this, the Moabites(A) and Ammonites with some of the Meunites[a](B) came to wage war against Jehoshaphat. ! 33 The high places,(AL) however, were not removed, and the people still had not set their hearts on the God of their ancestors. The Battle is Not Yours, But God's 2 Chronicles 20:1-29 Sometimes, if we are to succeed and win victory, the Lord has to be the One to fight the battle. ), Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular, Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine plural, Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct, To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry, Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites, Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel, Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular, Jehoshaphat -- 'the LORD has judged', the name of a number of Israelites, LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel, Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular, Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural, Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural, To prostrate, to break down, either, by violence, by confusion and fear, Preposition-m | Noun - common plural construct, A noise, tumult, crowd, disquietude, wealth, Preposition | second person masculine plural, gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative, Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, OT History: 2 Chronicles 20:15 And he said Listen you all Judah (2 Chron. Encouraged, the warriors marched out from Jerusalem while the priests chanted prayers and hymns to G‑d. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. He Encountered a Problem (2 Chronicles 20:1-2) Jehoshaphat encountered a big problem. You will find them at the end of the valley in the Desert of Jeruel. You will not have to fight. 17 You will not have to fight this battle. 17 You will not have to fight this battle. 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. The story, from 2 Chronicles 20, tells the outcome of this unusual military strategy. Robertson Smith. 2 Chronicles 32:7,8 Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him: …, Exodus 14:13,14 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever…, Deuteronomy 1:29,30 Then I said unto you, Dread not, neither be afraid of them…. All rights reserved worldwide. The battle is not yours. 35 Later, Jehoshaphat king of Judah made an alliance(AN) with Ahaziah king of Israel, whose ways were wicked. As long as we remember that He is the one who wins the battle, worship is easy. But He wants you and me to learn to rely completely on Him and His wisdom. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. The neighboring countries came together to attack them. 16 Tomorrow march down against them. 2 Chronicles 20:15 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. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah. Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 30 And the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God had given him rest(AJ) on every side. 19 Then some Levites from the Kohathites and Korahites stood up and praised the Lord, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice. These were statements in the future tense. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! ... ‘The battle is not yours, but God’s. But Jehoshaphat and his… Since God told them that Ahab was going to be killed He had Jehoshaphat wear his kingly robes and he went in disguise to the battle. And he said, Listen you, all Judah, and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you king Jehoshaphat, Thus said the LORD to you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.’” God sometimes … 24 When the men of Judah came to the place that overlooks the desert and looked toward the vast army, they saw only dead bodies lying on the ground; no one had escaped. The battle is not ours to fight because God wants to reveal his holiness, love, and power in our lives. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.’” Jehoshaphat exhorted Israel by fasting and bowing with his face to the ground, “‘Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld … (AO) 36 He agreed with him to construct a fleet of trading ships. The prophet prophesied complete victory, "for the battle is not yours, but G‑d's." 23 The Ammonites(AE) and Moabites rose up against the men from Mount Seir(AF) to destroy and annihilate them. 4 The people of Judah(G) came together to seek help from the Lord; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him. It is God’s. This is the way it … Stand still and see the salvation of God. For the battle is not yours, but God’s." Realize the battle is the Lord’s – (2 Chronicles 20:15) In verse 17, the Prophet Jahaziel said, “You will not have to fight this battle. New International Version (NIV), One Hebrew manuscript; most Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint and Vulgate, Some Hebrew manuscripts and Vulgate; most Hebrew manuscripts, 1Sa 7:6; Ezr 8:23; Ne 1:4; Est 4:16; Isa 58:6; Jer 36:9; Da 9:3; Joel 1:14; 2:15; Jnh 3:5, 7, 2Ch 25:8; Job 25:2; 41:10; 42:2; Isa 14:27; Jer 32:27; 49:19, NIV, Story of Jesus: Experience the Life of Jesus as One Seamless Story, NIV, Chronological Study Bible: Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV, Biblical Theology Study Bible, Comfort Print: Follow God’s Redemptive Plan as It Unfolds throughout Scripture, NIV, Beautiful Word Bible Journal, Acts, Comfort Print, NIV, The Story: The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People. This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. In fact, in the previous chapter we read about how he made God angry by aligning himself with some wicked people. also Psalm 46:2; Psalm 46:7; Psalm 46:9. :31 And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, It is the king of Israel. When we are in a battle, all we have to do is begin to praise and worship the One who can win the battle. A great multitude of his enemy was readying themselves for battle against him and his people. Copyright © 2019 by Zondervan. The battle is not yours, but God’s, my friends. (R) For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. "It was on the battle-field that Jehovah's presence was most clearly realised."--Prof. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged(V) because of this vast army. “Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s …You will not need to fight in this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see(X) the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, goes into battle using singers in front of his soldiers! [f] After these were built at Ezion Geber, 37 Eliezer son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, “Because you have made an alliance with Ahaziah, the Lord will destroy what you have made.” The ships(AP) were wrecked and were not able to set sail to trade.[g]. (AA)” 21 After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his[c] holiness(AB) as they went out at the head of the army, saying: “Give thanks to the Lord,    for his love endures forever.”(AC), 22 As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes(AD) against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. 14 Then the Spirit(T) of the Lord came on Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah,(U) a Levite and descendant of Asaph, as he stood in the assembly. (K) 7 Our God, did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land(L) before your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? He was thirty-five years old when he became king of Judah, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-five years. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.’”. … You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. God will bring victory even in the midst of our worship. Listen, King Jehoshaphat! David's words to Goliath, "The battle is Jehovah's" (1Samuel 17:47); and the Divine title Jehovah Sabaoth, i.e., Jehovah, the leader of the hosts of Israel. “Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s… You will not need to fight in this battle. 5 Then Jehoshaphat stood up in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem at the temple of the Lord in the front of the new courtyard 6 and said: “Lord, the God of our ancestors,(H) are you not the God who is in heaven? Prayer and Praise First “Thus saith Jehovah unto you, Fear not ye, neither be dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chronicles 20:15 ASV). 28 They entered Jerusalem and went to the temple of the Lord with harps and lyres and trumpets. Here are 15 verses to when you need a reminder that the battle is not yours but God’s. However, the scriptures say the Lord still found good in Jehoshaphat because he had removed pagan shrines and proclaimed the Law of the Lord throughout Judah. ***FEAR NOT…THE BATTLE IS NOT YOURS, IT’S GODS*** 15 And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is … God spoke to Jehoshaphat that “the battle is not yours but God’s.” How do we put that in place in our battles? It is already in Hazezon Tamar(D)” (that is, En Gedi). These were God’s words of Promise! Justin Tucker, LHBC Worship Pastor. You have to remember, the battle is not yours, it is the Lord’s. I think if each one of us answered truthfully, we have at least one thing, situation, or struggle that we are battling with. You just have to take your position. This is why it is called the Valley of Berakah[e] to this day. We tend to trust what we can see more than what we can’t. (Comp. 15 He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. 1 Samuel 17:47 And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands. (E) 3 Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast(F) for all Judah. v. 15 – Do not fear or be dismayed… for the battle is not yours but God’s. The story of Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, provides us with helpful instruction on the subject of prayer and trusting God when we face severe trials. 20 Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr). He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! 29 The fear(AH) of God came on all the surrounding kingdoms when they heard how the Lord had fought(AI) against the enemies of Israel. The Lord tells them, “the battle is not yours but God’s ... take your position, stand still, and see the victory of the Lord on your behalf” (20:15, 17 New Revised Standard Version). He (God) wants us to overcome the battles we face, no question. Jehoshaphat was basically a good king who sought to follow the Lord and bring God’s people back to Him (19:4-11). (2 Chronicles 20:15, NIV) Great multitude--i.e., "great company" (2Chronicles 20:12), The battle is not your's, but God's.--Comp. (M) 8 They have lived in it and have built in it a sanctuary(N) for your Name, saying, 9 ‘If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine,(O) we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.’, 10 “But now here are men from Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir, whose territory you would not allow Israel to invade when they came from Egypt;(P) so they turned away from them and did not destroy them. 27 Then, led by Jehoshaphat, all the men of Judah and Jerusalem returned joyfully to Jerusalem, for the Lord had given them cause to rejoice over their enemies. For the battle(W) is not yours, but God’s. There is a great story in II Chronicles chapter 20 about King Jehoshaphat and the nation of Judah, when they were attacked by the nations of Ammon, Moab, and Edom. 12 Our God, will you not judge them? That doesn’t mean you literally stand still and do nothing. 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 … Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem.” He further emphasized “the battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chronicles 20:15). “‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. Have faith(Z) in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful. See the Battle or situation that you are in is not yours, it’s God’s, so turn it over to Him. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz. This is what the LORD says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. § If the battle is God’s, you don’t have to fight. 15 He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! When Jehoshaphat and his soldiers came to the battlefield, they saw it strewn with the corpses of their enemies. 22:3; 2Chronicles 20:17, infr. This is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid! For the battle is not yours, but God’s. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” 2 Chronicles 20:15 NIV The small little nation of Judah, with just two tribes out of the original twelve of Israel, was facing a crisis. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you. 2 Chronicles 20:15 ESV After they finished slaughtering the men from Seir, they helped to destroy one another.(AG). Second Chronicles chapter twenty is the story of a man named Jehoshaphat who encountered a problem and was able to praise his way to victory. v. 17 – Stand and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf (v. 17). You rule over all … He will gladly bear our pain and struggles if only we hand it over to Him and ask earnestly for His deliverance. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.(S)”. 18 Jehoshaphat bowed down(Y) with his face to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the Lord. Jehoshaphat’s call to Israel is the message to every Christian. Since Jehoshaphat had agreed to go to Ramothgilead with Ahab he complies. and said: "O LORD, God of our fathers, are you not the God who is in heaven? When King Jehoshaphat […] 34 The other events of Jehoshaphat’s reign, from beginning to end, are written in the annals of Jehu(AM) son of Hanani, which are recorded in the book of the kings of Israel. 26 On the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Berakah, where they praised the Lord. 11 See how they are repaying us by coming to drive us out of the possession(Q) you gave us as an inheritance. THE BATTLE IS NOT YOURS–IT’S THE LORD’S. Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. 17 You will not have to fight this battle. NIV Reverse Interlinear Bible: English to Hebrew and English to Greek. What battles are you fighting in life? Victory without the Battle Jehovah God gave victory to many kings of Judah when they went into battle. His mother’s name was Azubah daughter of Shilhi. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!’ You will not need to fight in this battle. ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the LORD, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the LORD is with you.” (2 Chronicles 20:15, 17). (I) You rule over all the kingdoms(J) of the nations. 16 Tomorrow march down against them. King Jehoshaphat did not always do everything right. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. 13 All the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones, stood there before the Lord. He went into battle with Ahab and almost lost his life. Take up your positions; stand firm and see 2 Some people came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army(C) is coming against you from Edom,[b] from the other side of the Dead Sea. As Jehoshaphat continued to pray and confidently expect the Lord to defend Him, this is how the Lord responded: “ Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. 32 He followed the ways of his father Asa and did not stray from them; he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. I would like to share this message with you in hopes that it will inspire you and encourage you, just in case you are attacked by sickness, disease, … Tomorrow march down against them. Be not afraid nor dismayed.--Isaiah 51:7; Deuteronomy 1:21; Chron. The prophet’s final words were, “Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you” (17). 16 Tomorrow march down against them. § If the battle is yours, you are in real trouble.