Jehoshaphat's Prayer
2 Chronicles 20:1-4,
King Jehoshaphat learns of an imminent attack which is about to occur involving three nations who had joined together as one with the sole purpose to defeat Judah in battle, vs 1. We are told in vs. 10 & 11, that these were Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir whom God had not allowed Israel to engage in battle when they came from the land of Egypt. In response to the report he received, we are told that Jehoshaphat was afraid, and prayed to the Lord, vs. 3 &4. We are told:
“After this the Moabites and Ammonites, and with them some of the Meunites, came against Jehoshaphat for battle. Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, “A great multitude is coming against you from Edom, from beyond the sea; and, behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar” (that is, Engedi). 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.”
King Jehoshaphat learns of an imminent attack which is about to occur involving three nations who had joined together as one with the sole purpose to defeat Judah in battle, vs 1. We are told in vs. 10 & 11, that these were Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir whom God had not allowed Israel to engage in battle when they came from the land of Egypt. In response to the report he received, we are told that Jehoshaphat was afraid, and prayed to the Lord, vs. 3 &4. We are told:
"He set his face to seek the LORD."
This is a Hebrew phrase to “set his face” that suggests he was resolved, determined, earnest … to seek the Lord. His first and foremost action was to call upon the name of the Lord. Matthew Henry suggests, in summary, “That in any circumstance, either small or great, our first action must be to call upon the name of the Lord.” James 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God…” Proverbs 2:6, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding…”
He "Proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah"
Jehoshaphat immediately sends messengers out to all the land informing everyone of what is transpiring and proclaiming a fast throughout all of Judah. Commentators suggest this fast was an expression to God of their sincerity, humility and penitence for sins, and that this fast was to help Jehoshaphat and the people to focus and be fervent in their prayers to God.
"Judah Assembled"
"And Judah assembled, from all the cities, to seek help from the LORD". Not only did the proclamation to fast go out to all of Judah, but many joined Jehoshaphat in Jerusalem and in the temple to unite their voices in prayer. In verses 5-12 we have recorded for us Jehoshaphat’s prayer. In summary he prays acknowledging God as sovereign over all, giving glory to the LORD, vs 5 & 6. He prays remembering God’s faithfulness to His promises, vs 7. He prays remembering Solomon’s prayer at the Temple dedication, that should trouble (in any form) come against the people, “… 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,” vs 8 & 9. He presents his plea to the Lord, vs 10 – 12.
Brethren, the reason we assemble for prayer is to bring our urgent petitions, our thanksgiving and praise to the Lord our God; who alone is able to bring resolution to our petitions and who alone is worthy of all praise! We assemble together to lift our voices in unity, that we might see the hand of God at work in our midst and in the midst of His church universal! At the end of verse 12 we are told that Jehoshaphat says, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” We cannot know the Lord’s mind, but we can, resolutely and earnestly, bring our petitions to the Lord and trust that He will hear and answer our prayers. As we begin our time of prayer, I encourage you, approach this time of prayer with a humble heart, trusting in the Lord for He promises to hear and answer prayer!
Brethren, the reason we assemble for prayer is to bring our urgent petitions, our thanksgiving and praise to the Lord our God; who alone is able to bring resolution to our petitions and who alone is worthy of all praise! We assemble together to lift our voices in unity, that we might see the hand of God at work in our midst and in the midst of His church universal! At the end of verse 12 we are told that Jehoshaphat says, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” We cannot know the Lord’s mind, but we can, resolutely and earnestly, bring our petitions to the Lord and trust that He will hear and answer our prayers. As we begin our time of prayer, I encourage you, approach this time of prayer with a humble heart, trusting in the Lord for He promises to hear and answer prayer!
Posted in Pastor Devotional